Model year guide

1997 Lexus lx450

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 1997 Lexus lx450 is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 1 on record.

1997 Lexus lx450 — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

1997 Lexus lx450 at a glance

Safety recallsNone
Owner complaints7
Combined13 mpg

Included: that car's specs and build sheet, model-year recall campaigns and a fair price.

1997 Lexus lx450 recalls 0

No NHTSA safety-recall campaigns are on record for the 1997 Lexus lx450.

Source: U.S. NHTSA, checked 4 Nov 2026. A campaign covers the model year; to see whether a particular car still needs the repair, check its VIN on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer.

1997 Lexus lx450 common problems

The most-reported problem areas across all 7 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Vehicle Speed Control
Test cruise control and throttle response, and watch for any hesitation or unintended acceleration.
Suspension
Listen for clunks over bumps, check the car sits level, and look for uneven tire wear and worn shocks or struts.
Tires
Check tread depth, the DOT age date, and that all four tires match with even wear. Look for bulges or cracks.
Service Brakes
Brakes should feel firm and quiet — no grinding, pulsing or pulling. Check for an ABS light and uneven pad/rotor wear.
Hydraulic
Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.

1997 Lexus lx450 MPG & running costs

Combined13 mpg
City12 mpg
Highway14 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$5,150
EPA size classSpecial Purpose Vehicles
TransmissionAutomatic 4-spd
5-yr fuel cost vs average new car$13,750 more

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 1997 Lexus lx450 costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$25,750
Fuel only$25,750
Per mile$0.34

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

Length
189.8 in
Width
76.0 in
Height
73.6 in
Wheelbase
112.6 in
Curb weight
4,971 lb
Front track
64.2 in
Rear track
63.0 in

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 2022

POL: 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 2022

Safety Recall and Service Campaign - Technician Certification Requirements

Bulletin Lexus Safety Re · Equipment · May 2020

TSB: 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 2020

TSB: 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 2020

TSB: 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 2017

LSB: 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 2015

LSB: 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 2015

Auto matic Transmission Replacement kPrecautions

Bulletin LSB008214 · Power Train · Oct 2014

TSB: 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 2014

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, listed for the LX450. Model-year data, not specific to one car.

1997 Lexus lx450 trims & engines on record

Trims
450 VX Limited
Engines
4.5L 6-cyl 212 hp

1997 Lexus lx450 vehicles on record

Other Lexus lx450 model years

1997 Lexus lx450 — frequently asked questions

Does the 1997 Lexus lx450 have any safety recalls?

NHTSA lists no safety-recall campaigns for the 1997 Lexus lx450. Whether an individual car still needs a recall repair depends on its VIN — check it on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer. Recall repairs are done at no charge.

What are the most common problems with the 1997 Lexus lx450?

Across all 7 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are vehicle speed control, suspension, tires.

What gas mileage does the 1997 Lexus lx450 get?

The 1997 Lexus lx450 has a U.S. EPA estimate of 13 mpg combined (12 city / 14 highway).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.