Comments: 1-15, 16
1. Air conditioner compressor replaced.
2. Power steering pump failed, which lead to the failure of the alternator by way of a fluid leak.
1. This car has never let me down. Even when the alternator failed, I was still able to start and get to the dealer.
2. Superb comfort even with 124,000 miles. I've had it six years and intend to keep it until final failure.
I own a '91 Lexus LS400 and I have to say that I truly believe that with all things considered, this is the absolute BEST car in the world.
I own a 1990 model with 147,000 on the clock and it's the best car I have had. My work mates laugh at my "shiny Toyota", but I just sit back happy in the knowledge that I have a faster, quieter, smoother, better made and more reliable car than any of theirs.
The best part of the car is the engine. I have enjoyed surprising many GTi owners at the traffic light Grand Prix. The auto box is also very good - much better than the BMW that I previously owned.
I own a 1990 loaded LS400 and I must say that it is the best car available on the market even if the car is 12 yrs old. I even love it more when the air shocks go down to the " low " level and hugs the road when cruising the mountain highways of Maryland. The power, quietness and the handling of the vehicle is just amazing and with a little occasional fog on the road, one would think he was in an airplane except without the noise of the engines.
I own a 1991 Lexus LS400 and it has been nothing but a DREAM CAR! Always reliable, smooth and heaven to drive. I have only had two problems with the car since I have owned it the past 5 years. One was the A/C Compressor (which seems common by the previous comments) and the battery went dead (can't complain about that). I will only buy a LEXUS from now on. I am hooked!!
The '91 LS400 that I own is truly a great all around car. My teenage daughters love driving it as much as I do. It has 100k miles on it right now. I have had the same power steering replacement problem, which seems common. My concern going forward is that the executive leveling system is beginning to fail because the shocks are worn. The dealer says the shocks are $700 each. Has anyone dealt with this by disconnecting the air compressor system and simply putting on regular shocks? I would give up the leveling system option to avoid a $3000 replacement shock upgrade.
I own a 1991 LS400. At 116,000 miles I had to replace all 4 shocks and the four spring bushings upon the advise of the Lexus dealer in Westminster, CA. at a cost of US $1560.00. A wheel alignment after a set of new tires cost $400.00 due to replacement of bushings on the struts. Soon after that a small trace of oil in the pan under the engine was diagnosed by the same dealer to be steering fluid leak and the pump seal was repaired at a cost of $570.00. Now the car is leaking steering fluid at the rate of 1/2 quart in 24 hours. The dealership says that the high pressure hose, switching valve and the steering rack& pinion has to be changed and the estimate for repairs for these parts and labor is $3200.00. Am I missing something here or am I being taken for a ride by the wise repair consultant Rob at the Westminster dealership. Can anyone recommend a reliable repair shop that could resolve the leaking problem. I am not just about to go anywhere near that dealership again- Muyman2002.
I have a 92 LS 400. I took the car in for a pw steering leak check and it looks as if I need a new pressure hose.
The steering had been working fine I just had to top up the fluid a little bit every 3-4 weeks. Then the other day I think I topped it up to much because as soon as I put the fluid in the steering was extremely stiff. So I drained a bit of fluid until it was at the proper level. The steering is a little less stiff now, but not what it should be, anyone have any ideas? what did I break?
Email: dave@gumballrally.net.
I own a 1993 Lexus LS400. We have had more problems with it than our 1990 Buick LeSabre. I'm tired of having to pay all the extra money for the parts and labor. There is only one dealer in the whole state. We are getting rid of our LS400.
The aluminum rims on the wheels corrode so they leak air. The brakes are a fortune to replace because of the expensive switches on each wheel that tell whether the brake linings are thin. The radiator overflow bottle has a brass sleeve where you put the coolant level switch. This sleeve would expand more than the surrounding steel top and so it leaked radiator fluid. It cost over 200 dollars to replace the radiator overflow bottle. The power steering started to leak and that caused the alternator to go out. The water pump gasket leaks. The dash board lights come on only when the weather is warm.
Lets look at reality. The car isn't as good as people might think it is.
I love my 1991 LS400. My wife calls it a old car because of its age and gave me the option to go purchase a New LS 400. I explained that my LS 400 was my dream car in 1991 and its still my dream car in 2003. I love this car and I wish I could drive it into heaven.
I must say, I own a 91' Lexus and it is truly a dream! The best bang for the buck is what put this car in the hall of fame. I have 302,000 miles on it and she is still kicking. Don't ever let you ls400's go-since they were hand built- they can go for over 17 years! (bet you didn't know that) There are similar problems which isn't hard to fix, but over all, it is the ultimate driving luxury machine and I will buy another if she decides to leave me which I doubt!
Hi I bought a Lexus ls 400 1990 from a dealer in fredericksburg virginia, the car was fine the whole year, now come the first year anniversary of the car the shocks gave up on me. it has air shock suspension and I can't find a replacement shock for it. I love the air suspension so I don't want to go down to regular suspension since I think that sucks. if anyone can help me find a front left air suspension shock I would really appreciate it. please email.
Charmed1424@hotmail.com. thank you.
P.S. I love my car.
I own a 1991 Lexus LS 400, it currently has 161,000 miles and it has been the greatest car I have ever driven. In California, there is a lot of traffic at all times and I find myself very relaxed and never tired of driving my car. I have never had to do any major work to my Lexus and it still drives like a brand new car. I keep up the maintance and service with a trust worthy mechanic. Keep the oil changed at 3,000 miles and it sleeps in my garage. This car will be hard to replace someday, but for now it is not an option. This is the best car in the world for me, I guess its true you get what you pay for.
I have owned a LS400 for six years now and have had just about all the problems that I have read above. The car has done 220000 k now, and as much as I like the car all good things must come to an end. The car was bought in 1999 with 150000 k on the clock since then I have spent about 5 to 6 thousand fixing problems (except the temperature LED).Buy price $17000 + $6000= $23000 over six years is $73 per week to own one of these machines. I guess I just don't feel that rich anymore. I'm going to change brands, so happy motoring all you LS400 owners out there. One more thing why did my seat belt retractors pack it in and not any one else?
Early LS400's had a few major design flaws that were never addressed publicly.
1. The power steering pump should have been involved in a NATIONAL RECALL for leaks which would soak the alternator underneath causing failure.
2. The A/C system leaked freon which could cause compressor failure.
3. Overflow bottles that leaked antifreeze because of brass/plastic design incompatibly.
4. Radio reliability.
How to correct these problems:
1. The power steering pump has two very small external 'O' rings that harden with age. These two small 'O' rings can be replaced by your local mechanic with little effort after removing the unit. The pump itself will perform fine for many years after this is done. Replacing the pump is not necessary.
2. The A/C evaporator underneath the dash can leak freon. This can be the expansion valve connected to it's side or the evaporator itself developing a leak within the case. Rarely will there be an exception to this rule. Replace both the evaporator and expansion valve.
3. Purchase a later model overflow unit. The design was corrected later by Lexus.
4. No solution to constant radio light bulbs blowing or the tape system going bad. Replace the unit, but be ready for the same thing in the future.
I live in South Carolina and I bought a 1991 Lexus LS400.
As for as owning another car, forget it. For the bang in what I paid for this Lexus, I would not even think about buying any new car, so Ford and GM can bug off. If I buy another new car you can bet it will be a Lexus.
I had several small problems with it like a serpentine belt and battery, and I am having to replace the shock struts on it now at the parts store; they laugh at me when I go to get parts for it.
The only little problem I am having with it is probably the frame bushing; other than that it a dream car to drive.