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1999 Lexus LS 400

The 1999 Lexus LS 400 is a 290-hp 4.0-liter V8 sedan with a wide ratio 5-speed electronically-controlled automatic transmission w/od, super-flow torque converter, ect-i intelligence and rear-wheel drive. It starts at $53,805 MSRP and is rated at 19 mpg combined.

It makes 290 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 300 lb-ft of torque at 4000 rpm. EPA fuel-economy estimates are 16 mpg city and 23 mpg highway (19 mpg combined).

The LS measures 196.7 inches long on a 112.2-inch wheelbase and has a curb weight of 3,892 lb.

Spec Value
Vehicle
Body TypeSedan
PowertrainGas
Price
MSRP$53,805 ($104,962 *)
Engine
Engine Type1UZ-FE 4.0L V8 naturally aspirated w/VVT-i; aluminum block and heads, DOHC 32-valve
Displacement4 L
Horsepower290 hp @ 6,000 rpm
Torque300 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
ValvetrainDOHC 32-valve (4 valves/cyl) w/VVT-i
Bore and Stroke87.5 x 82.5 mm (3.44 x 3.25 in.)
Compression Ratio10.5:1
Injection TypeElectronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Drivetrain
Drive TypeRWD
Differential TypeRear differential; FD ratio 3.266:1
Transmission
TransmissionWide ratio 5-speed electronically-controlled automatic transmission w/OD, super-flow torque converter, ECT-i intelligence
1st Gear3.357
2nd Gear2.18
3rd Gear1.424
4th Gear1
5th Gear0.753
Reverse3.431
Final Drive3.266
Fuel Economy
City16 MPG
Highway23 MPG
Combined19 MPG
Recommended FuelPremium
Suspension
Front SuspensionIndependent double-wishbone (high-mount upper arm); coil spring standard, air suspension optional
Rear SuspensionIndependent double-wishbone; coil spring standard, air suspension optional
Brakes
Front Brake DiscVentilated disc, 12.3 x 1.10 in., four-wheel ABS
Rear Brake DiscDisc, 12.1 x 0.63 in., four-wheel ABS
Tires & Wheels
Wheels Front16 x 7.0 in. aluminum alloy
Wheels Rear16 x 7.0 in. aluminum alloy
Tires FrontP225/60R16
Tires RearP225/60R16
Dimensions & Weight
Length196.7 in
Width72 in
Height56.5 in
Wheelbase112.2 in
Front Track62 in
Rear Track62 in
Ground Clearance5.5 in
Cargo Volume13.9 ft³
Curb Weight3,892 lbs
Interior
Headroom Front38.9 in
Headroom Rear36.9 in
Legroom Front43.7 in
Legroom Rear36.9 in
Shoulder Room Front57.9 in
Shoulder Room Rear57.1 in
Hip Room Front57.1 in
Hip Room Rear56.7 in
* Amount adjusted for inflation to 2026 dollars

Safety & Recalls

NCAP safety ratings

Not crash-tested by NHTSA for this model year.

Recalls

1 recall on file with NHTSA for the 1999 Lexus LS. Not every recall applies to every trim or VIN — check yours at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Apr 7, 2009 · EXTERIOR LIGHTING

SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.

Consequence: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy: SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.

NHTSA campaign 09E012000

3 owner complaints to NHTSA for the 1999 Lexus LS

Owner Complaints

3 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 1999 Lexus LS (2 mention a crash, 1 an injury). See all on nhtsa.gov

Most-cited areas
Vehicle Speed Control3
A complaint can cite more than one area.
Most recent complaints
Jun 13, 2020 · Vehicle Speed Control
“WHILE SLOWLY MAKING A TURN WITH MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE MY CAR SURGED FORWARD. I TRIED TO CONTROL THE CAR BY PUSHING MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE AS HARD AS I COULD WITHOUT SUCCESS. I WAS ABLE TO STOP THE CAR…”
May 4, 2011 · Vehicle Speed Control Crash 1 injury
“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 LEXUS LS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE BRAKES WERE DEPRESSED THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED AND CRASHED INTO THE PROCEEDING VEHICLE. THE DRIVER WAS INURED. THE…”
Apr 21, 2006 · Vehicle Speed Control Crash
“I WAS DRIVING AND THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME STOPPED. I TOOK MY RIGHT FOOT OFF THE ACCELERATOR AND PLACED IN ON THE BREAK. WHEN I APPLIED PRESSURE TO THE BREAK, THE CAR CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE AND HIT…”

Complaints are unverified reports submitted to NHTSA by owners. They cover the whole model year, not a specific trim, and a count alone doesn't show how common a problem is.

Source: US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (nhtsa.gov), matched as 1999 LEXUS LS. US-market vehicles only; data cached for up to 7 days.

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