9th Oct 2002, 02:30

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!!

24th Oct 2002, 13:22

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.

18th Oct 2003, 14:25

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.

10th Nov 2003, 22:48

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.

24th Jan 2004, 14:09

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!

17th Apr 2004, 14:42

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.

21st Oct 2005, 04:47

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?

8th Apr 2007, 21:41

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.

18th Aug 2007, 21:57

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.

3rd May 2008, 10:04

I have a 1991 Lexus LS 400 with 129,000 miles on it. While driving it today the back shocks on the automatic leveling system raised up into the highest position by its self. The car is bouncy all over the place. We tried to go over 80 mph to see if that would lower them back down. It didn't work. Does anyone have any suggestions as to what is wrong with the vehicle and how to fix it?

Email: peggycole2@yahoo.com.

22nd Oct 2010, 21:23

I got 1991 Lexus LS400 with 372000 miles on it. The car drives very well, but keep having problems with my alternator, due to the power steering leak. I did replaced all 4 shocks with manual ones, and the car drives great... I love the engine; still in good condition, maintained for every 4000 miles. I don't think it can get better than this... Good luck Lexus owners, you've got it going on...

situ014@hotmail.com