The 1997 Lexus LS is a midsize car that came with a 4.0L 8-cyl engine. At 29 years old, many are reaching the point where repairs cost more than the car is worth. Running or not, we'll make you an offer and tow it away for free.
| Body style | Midsize Cars |
|---|---|
| Engines | 4.0L 8-cyl |
| Transmissions | Automatic 4-spd |
| Drive | Rear-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel | Premium Gasoline |
| Fuel economy | 17 city / 23 highway / 19 combined MPG |
| EPA annual fuel cost | $4,350 a year (EPA estimate at current fuel prices, 15,000 miles) |
| Tailpipe CO₂ | 468 grams per mile |
| Versions tested by EPA | 1 configuration |
| Age | 29 years |
Specs, fuel cost and emissions from the EPA's fueleconomy.gov data. Your car's exact equipment may differ.
NHTSA lists 1 safety recall covering the 1997 Lexus LS. Open recalls don't stop you from selling or junking the car, but check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which apply to yours.
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.
Owners have filed 14 complaints about the 1997 Lexus LS with NHTSA. 2 reports involved a crash and 2 reports involved a fire. Owners reported 3 injuries.
Complaints are reports from owners and aren't verified by NHTSA. One complaint can list several components. Mileage is the median odometer reading owners reported for that component.
Manufacturers have filed 36 technical service bulletins and communications with NHTSA covering the 1997 Lexus LS. These are repair instructions for known issues, not recalls.
Lexus Safety Recall and Service Campaign - Technician Certification Requirements 4.13.2022
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
Safety Recall and Service Campaign - Technician Certification Requirements
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
Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications (technical service bulletins).
NHTSA opened 1 defect investigation covering the 1997 Lexus LS.
Unintended engine speed increase/sa
On may 13, 2003 the national highway traffic safety administration (NHTSA) received an april 25, 2003 letter from mr. Peter boddaert petitioning the agency to conduct a petition analysis of certain 1997 through 2000 model year Lexus 300 and 400 series vehicles for problems of vehicle speed control linkages which result
It depends on its condition, whether major parts like the engine, transmission and catalytic converter are still there, and current scrap and parts prices where you live. Its parts make up much of its value. Enter your ZIP code above for a free offer on your specific car.
Yes. We buy 1997 LSs that don't start, were in an accident, failed inspection or have a blown engine or transmission. Towing is always free.
Yes. Open recalls don't prevent a junk sale. NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 1997 Lexus LS; you can check whether any are still open on yours with the VIN lookup at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Usually the title and a photo ID. Rules differ by state, including what to do with your plates and whether to file a notice of sale. Check our state-by-state car title guides for the official forms.
Data retrieved October 2026.
Get a free offer in minutes. Towing is always free and you get paid at pickup.