1997 Lexus lx450 450 VX Limited
JT6HJ88J3V0166894
Vehicle history report for the 1997 Lexus lx450 450 VX Limited (VIN JT6HJ88J3V0166894). Brown, sport utility vehicle [suv]/multipurpose vehicle [mpv], 4.5L 6-cyl 212 hp, gasoline. Title: Clean. 197,000 mi reported. Registered in Nc. No NHTSA recall campaigns on record for this model year. Unlock ful
![Stock photo of a 1997 Lexus lx450 450 VX Limited, Brown, Sport Utility Vehicle [SUV]/Multipurpose Vehicle [MPV] — not the actual vehicle with VIN JT6HJ88J3V0166894](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/0/07/Lexus_LX450_--_07-15-2010.jpg)
Should you buy it? Looks clean — a solid candidate
Weighed from safety recalls, known problems and market price.
- Lower mileage than typical for the year.
Full vehicle history report
Everything below is in the paid report for VIN JT6HJ88J3V0166894, compiled live from NMVTIS and licensed providers the moment you unlock it. Not every vehicle has every record type — the report shows what is on file, and says so when nothing is. No recall campaigns are on record for this model year.
📜 Title & ownership
- Title statusClean, salvage, rebuilt, junk, flood or lemon — from the national title database (NMVTIS)🔒
- Title brand historyEvery brand ever applied, by state, with what each one means🔒
- Title & registration recordsHow many times it has been titled, where, and the years-per-owner pace🔒
- Decode consistency checkThe provider's decode cross-checked against ours — a mismatch is a cloned-VIN warning sign🔒
🛞 Odometer
- Odometer timelineEvery reported reading with its date and state, drawn as a timeline🔒
- Rollback checkFlags any reading that goes backwards🔒
- Miles per yearThis car's pace against the US average🔒
💥 Damage, loss & theft
- Total-loss recordsInsurance total-loss declarations, with the reporting insurer type and date🔒
- Salvage & junk-yard recordsSalvage, junk and auction dispositions, including export flags🔒
- Theft screenActive and recovered theft records🔒
- Accident indicatorsDamage events reflected in title data (NMVTIS does not carry police crash reports)🔒
- Flood-exposure checkTitle activity in a disaster area soon after a major flood or hurricane🔒
💰 Liens & value
- Liens, impounds & exportOpen liens with the lender, tow/impound and export records🔒
- Market value for this exact carRetail adjusted for its mileage and state, trade-in, loan value, auction low/avg/high and retail by condition🔒
- DepreciationDrop from original MSRP, yearly rate and a one-year projection🔒
- Sticker vs dealer invoiceWhat it cost new, and what the dealer paid🔒
🧰 Factory warranty & equipment
- Remaining warrantyBasic, powertrain and rust coverage left, estimated from the first title date and odometer🔒
- Standard equipment & coloursWhat this trim came with from the factory, and the colours it was offered in🔒
🚨 Recalls on this VIN
- Per-VIN recall statusWhether each campaign has been repaired on THIS car, remedy availability, do-not-drive and stop-sale flags, dealer labour time🔒
At a glance
Vehicle identity & specifications
🧾 Window sticker / build sheet → All 1997 Lexus lx450 data →
📋 All factory specifications on file2 more fields from the manufacturer's VIN record (NHTSA vPIC)
🏭 Manufacturing & other
Values are as reported by the manufacturer for this VIN pattern; blank or "not applicable" fields are omitted.
MPG & running costs
U.S. EPA fuel-economy estimates for the 1997 Lexus lx450 with this engine.
Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov. Actual mileage varies with trim and driving conditions.
Estimated 5-year cost to own
A rough guide to what running a 1997 Lexus lx450 costs over five years and 75,000 miles.
How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. There aren't enough comparable listings to estimate depreciation for this model, so it is left out. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.
Dimensions & weight
Manufacturer-reported figures for the 1997 Lexus lx450. Source: Transport Canada vehicle specifications via NHTSA.
Investigations & service bulletins
Manufacturer service bulletins 27
Technical notes the manufacturer sent to dealers about known issues and fixes. Useful to mention to a mechanic — they are not recalls and repairs may not be covered. Showing the 10 most recent of 27.
Lexus Safety Recall and Service Campaign - Technician Certification Requirements 4.13.2022
Bulletin Safety Recall 22 · Equipment · Apr 2022POL: This consolidated Tire Warranty Guide contains the complete warranty terms for all brands of ground and spare tires currently in use by Lexus. This information must be kept near the point of vehicle sale and be available to any customer that requests it.…
Bulletin Lexus PRO19-02 - · Tires, Wheels, Equipment · Jan 2022Safety Recall and Service Campaign - Technician Certification Requirements
Bulletin Lexus Safety Re · Equipment · May 2020TSB: OBSOLETE NOTICE April 06, 2020: This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see L-SB-0008-20. Replacement Certification Labels and VIN Plates
Bulletin L-SB-0179-17 Obs · Equipment · Apr 2020TSB: SUPERSESSION NOTICE The information contained in this bulletin supersedes Service Bulletin Nos. L-SB-0048-08, PG007-07, PG016-01, PG015-01, PG004-97, PG003-97, PG003-93, PG002-90, L-SB-0048-08, PG007-07, PG016-01, PG015-01, PG004-97, PG003-97, PG003 93, a…
Bulletin L-SB-0008-20 · Equipment · Apr 2020TSB: Replacement Certification Labels. OBSOLETE NOTICE November 28, 2017: This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see L-SB-0179-17.
Bulletin L-SB-0048-08 Obs · Equipment · Dec 2017LSB: When servicing interior electrical switches and components, please note the precautions in this bulletin to avoid damaging electrical components and switches. Many lubricants, cleaners, and automotive chemicals contain silicone or other compounds that may…
Bulletin L-SB-0066-11 Rev · Electrical System, Equipment · Apr 2015LSB: When servicing interior electrical switches and components, please note the precautions in this bulletin to avoid damaging electrical components and switches. Many lubricants, cleaners, and automotive chemicals contain silicone or other compounds that may…
Bulletin L-SB-0066-11 Rev · Equipment, Electrical System · Apr 2015Auto matic Transmission Replacement kPrecautions
Bulletin LSB008214 · Power Train · Oct 2014TSB: The purpose of this service bulletin is to provide information regarding the installation of the correct torque converter bolts during automatic transmission/transaxle assembly replacement. Incorrect torque converter bolts or missing washers can cause dam…
Bulletin L-SB-0007-11 Rev · Power Train · Oct 2014Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, listed for the LX450. Model-year data, not specific to one car.
Safety recall campaigns None on record
NHTSA lists no safety-recall campaigns for the 1997 Lexus lx450.
These are NHTSA recall campaigns for this model year, last checked 4 Nov 2026. They don't show whether this particular car has had the repair done — check this VIN on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer. Recall repairs are done at no charge.
We'll email you the moment a new safety recall is issued — no spam, unsubscribe any time.
Common problems & what to inspect
Based on all 7 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 1997 Lexus lx450, here are the most-reported problem areas — and what to check before you buy.
🔍 Test cruise control and throttle response, and watch for any hesitation or unintended acceleration.
🔍 Listen for clunks over bumps, check the car sits level, and look for uneven tire wear and worn shocks or struts.
🔍 Check tread depth, the DOT age date, and that all four tires match with even wear. Look for bulges or cracks.
🔍 Brakes should feel firm and quiet — no grinding, pulsing or pulling. Check for an ABS light and uneven pad/rotor wear.
🔍 Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.
Pre-purchase checklist
- Match the VIN on the dash, door jamb and title — they must be identical.
- Cold-start the engine; listen for knocks and check for blue or white exhaust smoke.
- Test-drive through all gears at low and highway speed — no slipping, shudder or pulling.
- Confirm every warning light clears at startup (none should stay on).
- Check fluids — oil, coolant, transmission — for level, color and leaks.
- Look underneath for rust, fresh undercoating or signs of collision repair.
- Always get an independent pre-purchase inspection from a trusted mechanic.
Owner complaints 7
Complaints filed with NHTSA by owners of the 1997 Lexus lx450.
TIRES
WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY THE READ ON ONE OF THE VEHICLE'S TIRES SEPARATED YET THE TIRE REMAINED INFLATED. THE TREAD SEPARATION CAUSED SOME DAMAGE TO THE BODY OF THE VEHICLE. THE TIRE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND INSPECTED THE TIRES. THEY CONCLUDED THAT THE DIDN'T NOTICE ANYTHING UNUSUAL ABOUT THE TIRES. *NM
NHTSA ODI #10119945SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
THE ROTORS ON THE DISC BRAKES HAVE WARPED THREE TIMES IN APP. 8000 MILES. THE MANUFACTURER CONCEDES THAT THE BRAKES ARE INADEQUATE FOR THE WEIGHT OF THE VEHICLE, WHEN IT IS OWNED BY PEOPLE IN HILLY AREAS. THE MANUFACTURER ALSO STATES THAT THE PROBLEM OF BRAKES OVERHEATING IS PERVASIVE, BUT SAYS IT IS NOT A DESIGN FLAW. I HAVE ASKED THE MANUFACTURER TO EIT…
NHTSA ODI #755661VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
ON ANY GIVEN OCCASION AND ANY WEATHER AND ROAD CONDITIONS, VEHICLE ACCELERATES TO A HIGH SPEED WITHOUT DRIVER APPLICATION. DRIVER HAS TO SHIFT TO NEUTRAL IN ORDER TO STOP VEHICLE, WOULD NOT STOP OR SLOW WITH BRAKE APPLICATION. *AK *ML
NHTSA ODI #834751VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
VEHICLE EXPERIENCES SUDDEN AND TRAUMATIC DECELERATION WHEN THE VEHICLE UNEXPECTEDLY (AND REPEATEDLY) RELEASED FROM CRUISE CONTROL.
NHTSA ODI #543812VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
ON TWO OCCASIONS VEHICLE EXPERIENCED SUDDEN ACCELERATION WHICH RESULTED IN LOSS OF CONTROL CAUSING VEHICLE TO COLLIDE INTO GARAGE. YH
NHTSA ODI #607407SUSPENSION
AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS AND UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS THE FRONT OF THE CAR BECOMES UNSTABLE. THE LEFT AND RIGHT SIDE ALTERNATELY RISE AND FALL. THE ONLY WAY TO STOP THIS ACTION IS TO REDUCE THE SPEED.
NHTSA ODI #535118SUSPENSION
AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE BECOMES UNSTABLE. LEFT AND RIGHT SIDE ALTERNATELY RISE AND FALL.
NHTSA ODI #534808Recently searched vehicles
2014 Nissan Murano CrossCabriolet
JN8AZ1FY3EW301092
2014 Lincoln MKT
2LMHJ5FK3EBL50167
2013 Ford E-Series Van
1FTNE1EW4DDA01256
2010 Chevrolet Malibu
1G1ZA5E02A4102834
2005 Chrysler Sebring
1C3EL46X45N560286
2002 Mazda 626
1YVGF22C325303614
2003 Ford Explorer
1FMZU63K23ZA59753
2014 Nissan NV Cargo
1N6AF0LY2EN101374