Model year guide

1997 Lexus sc400

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 1997 Lexus sc400 is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 1 on record.

1997 Lexus sc400 — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

1997 Lexus sc400 at a glance

Safety recalls1
Owner complaints1

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

1997 Lexus sc400 recalls 1

Electrical System:starter Assembly NHTSA Campaign #98V016000 · 27/01/1998

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. DUE TO IMPROPER ASSEMBLY OF THE TERMINAL FOR THE STARTER MOTOR MAGNETIC SWITCH, AN ELECTRICAL SHORT CIRCUIT CAN OCCUR IF ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE LIQUID, SUCH AS ROAD SPLASH WITH DEICING SALT, ENTERS THIS AREA.

Fix: DEALERS WILL REPAIR THE MAGNETIC SWITCH.

Source: U.S. NHTSA, checked 7 Oct 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 sc400 common problems

The most-reported problem areas across all 1 owner complaint filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Air Bags
Confirm the airbag light turns on then off at startup — if it stays lit there's a fault (costly, and a safety risk). Check for signs of prior deployment.

1997 Lexus sc400 trims & engines on record

Trims
400
Engines
4.0L 8-cyl 290 hp

1997 Lexus sc400 vehicles on record

Other Lexus sc400 model years

1997 Lexus sc400 — frequently asked questions

Does the 1997 Lexus sc400 have any safety recalls?

NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for the 1997 Lexus sc400. 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 free.

What are the most common problems with the 1997 Lexus sc400?

Across all 1 owner complaint filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are air bags.

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