Recalls: Lexus SC 430
Overview
Manufacturers, or importers, issue recalls for defects or faults which have the potential to cause injury. Generally, manufacturers will inform the original buyers if their vehicle is subject to a recall and of the steps required to remedy the defect or fault. Please note that the recalls below (if any) are for Australian-delivered vehicles only. Furthermore, the number of recalls should not be taken as an indication of a model’s reliability or its safety more generally.
Recalls: Lexus Z40 SC 430
2000-07 Lexus Z40 SC 430: Takata airbag recall
In April 2013 and June 2015, recalls were issued for Lexus SC 430 vehicles. In these vehicles, the front passenger airbag inflator may have been assembled with propellant wafers that were susceptible to moisture intrusion over time. In the event of a crash, the inflator may rupture and cause abnormal deployment of the front passenger airbag, increasing the risk of injury to the occupant (PRA 2013/13545 and PRA 2015/14795). The VINs of the recalled Lexus SC 430 vehicles were as follows –
- Manufactured from 27 December 2000 to May 14 2003:
- JTH FN**** 00001070 to JTH FN**** 00046579 (PRA 2013/13545);
- Manufactured from June 2003 to July 2007:
- JTD FN48Y # 00047415 to JTD FN48Y # 090009817.
2001-03 Lexus Z40 SC 430: Takata airbag recall
In November 2018, recall campaign LGG09 was issued for Lexus SC 430 vehicles that were manufactured from 7 August 2001 to 7 March 2003. Over time, propellant wafers inside the front passenger airbag could absorb moisture. In the event of airbag deployment, this could create excessive internal pressure such that the airbag inflator housing may rupture, projecting metal fragments through the airbag and into the cabin. These metal fragments posed a serious risk of injury and fatality. The recalled Lexus SC 430 vehicles had VINs in the range JTH FN48Y # 00012860 to JTH FN48Y # 00043780 (PRA 2018/17147).
2001-10 Lexus Z40 SC 430: Takata airbag recall
In October 2019, recall campaign LGG09 was issued for Lexus Z40 SC 430 vehicles that were manufactured from August 2001 to June 2010. These vehicles had previously been recalled for ‘like-for-like’ replacement of a Takata airbag and this recall was to replace that defective airbag. For the VINs of the recalled vehicles, please see PRA 2019/17787.
Search online for recalls by VIN
To see if a Lexus vehicle has been recalled, you can conduct a search on the Lexus Australia website using its VIN.
Problems and faults: Lexus SC 430
Overview
This section identifies potential problems, causes and fixes based on the experiences of owners and repairers, online sources and technical service bulletins. This information is provided solely for reference purposes and AustralianCar.Reviews recommends that only properly qualified persons carry out repairs or modifications. Furthermore, the number of items below should not be taken as an indicator of a model’s reliability or the frequency with which they may occur.
To report a problem or fault to the AustralianCar.Reviews team, please use the Contact Us form. Note that AustralianCar.Reviews does not offer advice on automotive problems or disputes; such enquiries will not receive a reply. For vehicles purchased from dealers after 1 January 2011, please see our Australian Consumer Law fact sheet.
Lexus SC 430: accessory drive belt noise
In March 2004, Lexus issued Service Bulletin EG003-04 for 2002-04 model year Lexus Z40 SC 430 vehicles. In these vehicles, the Accessory Drive Belt (V-Rib Belt) may make a ‘squealing’ or ‘chirping’ noise when the engine is first started. An updated V-Rib Belt was developed to fix this condition and could be fitted to affected vehicles.
Lexus SC 430: engine vibration
In November 2004, Lexus issued Technical Service Information Bulletin EG013-04 for 2002 to 2004 model year Lexus SC 430 with VINs preceding JTH FN4#Y#40 056830. In these vehicles, a rough idle or engine vibration may be experienced when the vehicle was stationary. According to the service bulletin, this condition may be caused by cracked or torn rubber on the front engine mount insulators. If so, the insulators were to be replaced.
Lexus SC 430: front stabiliser bar noise
In June 2002, Lexus issued Technical Service Information Bulletin SU003-02 for 2002 model year Lexus Z40 SC 430 vehicles with VINs preceding JTH FN48Y # 20020870. In these vehicles, the front stabiliser bar may make unusual noises when driving over bumps and/or cornering. To fix, the bolt tightening torque of the mounting hardware was to be checked and adjusted if below specifications. For further information, please refer to the service bulletin.
Lexus SC 430: noise from rear suspension member
In January 2002, Lexus issued Technical Service Information Bulletin SU001-02 for 2002 model year Lexus SC 430 vehicles with VINs after JTH FN48Y # 20022000. In these vehicles, noise may be heard from the rear suspension member. The internal shape of the rubber cushion was subsequently changed to eliminate this noise.
Lexus SC 430: won’t shift out of park
In December 2002, Lexus issued Technical Service Information Bulletin EL011-02 for 2002 model year Lexus Z40 SC 430 vehicles with VINs preceding JTHFN48Y*20025650. Intermittently, these vehicles may not shift out park after depressing the brake pedal. To fix, a component in the shift lock assembly, the Shift Lever Anti-Rattle Cushion, was revised and could be replaced in affected models.
Lexus SC 430: windscreen rattle
In May 2010, Lexus issued Lexus Service Bulletin L-SB-0090-08 Rev 1 for Lexus Z40 SC 430 vehicles. In these vehicles, a creaking, ticking or rattling noise may be heard at the top or bottom of the windscreen. According to the service bulletin, this may be attributable to:
- The two windscreen stoppers that are bottom to the top of the windscreen; or,
- The windshield retainers which are bonded to the lower edge of the windscreen.
Problems and faults: Lexus SC 430
- The steering wheel audio controls may malfunction – especially if the battery has been disconnected – requiring the controls to be reprogrammed.
- If the boot is opened while the convertible roof is opening or closing, the roof must be manually opened or closed before the trunk can be shut.
