Two weeks ago a red warning light appeared on the dash showing an air bag deficiency. The car was taken to lexus of wayzata for diagnostics and removal of the warning light. I later recalled the battery had drained due to a poor connection about the time the light came on. That was fixed but the light stayed on. Lexus wanted over $1600 to obtain a new air bag sensor module including labor costs, broken down into parts cost $1150 and labor $470. I furnished the used sensor on the internet for $95 and the light disappeared. Saved over $1000 by taking charge of repairs. There was no accident involving this car. My understanding is following research into the problem that certain software removal tools could have cleared the battery drainage event. I do not know if lexus attempted this repair. I have the original sensor in my possession and with the software tool application can probably ascertain if this was the precise problem.. Shouldn't the dealers be required to investigate potential repairs before replacement of sensors?
The worst 1997 Lexus SC400 problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
- Airbags1
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Airbags1
Recalls 1
Electrical system: starter assembly
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Risk
- A starter motor no-start condition or an underhood fire can result.
- Remedy
- Dealers will repair the magnetic switch.
Recall number 98V016000 · Recall details
Technical service bulletins for the 1997 Lexus SC400 33
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- Lexus Safety Recall and Service Campaign
- POL: This consolidated Tire Warranty Guide contains the complete warranty terms for all brands of ground...
- Safety Recall and Service Campaign
- Supersession notice
- Obsolete notice
- Replacement Certification Labels
- The Immobilizer and Smart Key Reset is a feature that allows the registration of new keys when all master...
- LSB: When servicing interior electrical switches and components, please note the precautions in this...
- The purpose of this bulletin is to provide precautions to follow when installing an automatic...
- The purpose of this service bulletin is to provide information regarding the installation of the correct...
What 1997 Lexus SC400 owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
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Questions about the 1997 Lexus SC400
Is the 1997 Lexus SC400 reliable?
Owners have filed 1 complaint about the 1997 Lexus SC400, close to a typical SC400 model year.
What is the most common problem with the 1997 Lexus SC400?
Airbags, with 1 complaint.
How many recalls does the 1997 Lexus SC400 have?
1 recall, covering electrical system.
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