Lexus Lexus Recall R/1998/017: Possibility Of Underbonnet Fire, Who Is Affected And What To Do
- Urgent
- How serious
- 11 Jun 1998
- Launched
- 2,220
- vehicles in the UK
- R/1998/017
- DVSA reference
Lexus recalled Lexus vehicles built between 1 April 1995 and 30 June 1997. As a result of improper assembly of the starter motor magnetic switch an electrical short circuit may occur if electrically conductive liquid enters this area. The recall notice describes the fix as: affected vehicles are being recalled for replacement of the starter motor magnetic switch. You won't usually pay for it.1
What’s Wrong
As a result of improper assembly of the starter motor magnetic switch an electrical short circuit may occur if electrically conductive liquid enters this area. This could result in burning of the wiring insulation and in extreme cases an underbonnet fire.
DVSA's Original Wording
Concern: POSSIBILITY OF UNDERBONNET FIRE Defect: As a result of improper assembly of the starter motor magnetic switch an electrical short circuit may occur if electrically conductive liquid enters this area. This could result in burning of the wiring insulation and in extreme cases an underbonnet fire. Remedy: Affected vehicles are being recalled for replacement of the starter motor magnetic switch.
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
The Risk
If the fault occurs, the recall notice says it could result in burning of the wiring insulation and in extreme cases an underbonnet fire.
The Fix
The recall notice describes the fix as: affected vehicles are being recalled for replacement of the starter motor magnetic switch.
Are You Affected?
Lexus built between 1 April 1995 and 30 June 1997 may be included. Lexus estimates 2,220 vehicles in the UK. Enter your registration to check, then confirm by VIN with Lexus, because not every car in the date range may be included.
Which Car Is It?
Choose the make and model so we can match recalls to your car.
What To Do Now
- Check your car by registration above, then by VIN with Lexus.
- Book with any franchised Lexus dealer, quoting the DVSA reference R/1998/017. See how to get a Lexus recall fixed.
- Follow the letter's instructions until the repair is done. See can you drive a car with a recall?.
Related Recalls
| Launched | Vehicle and fault | Severity | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| LexusFront seat belt locking system may not release when activated | Urgent | R/2006/065 | |
| LexusPossible separation of lower suspension ball joint | Urgent | R/1999/043 | |
| LexusPossible failure of suspension ball joint | Book soon | R/1995/022 | |
| RX300Affected vehicles are fitted with a high-pressure fuel pump which over time could develop a crack which could lead to a fuel leak and a risk of a vehicle fire | Urgent | R/2023/299 | |
| Lexus NX450H+DC-DC converter may have been damaged during production | Urgent | R/2023/209 |
This is one of 42 Lexus recalls in DVSA’s data. The Lexus recall launched before it was R/1995/022 on 26 Jun 1995, for possible failure of suspension ball joint. The one launched after it was R/1999/043 on 19 Jul 1999, for possible separation of lower suspension ball joint. You can also see every Lexus recall, all recalls launched in 1998 and fire risk recalls across every make.
Source: DVSA recall R/1998/017, launched 11 June 1998. Data updated 15 October 2026. How we grade urgency.
Sources
- The Code does not itself say repairs are free. GOV.UK guidance says "You will not usually have to pay for any repairs or parts under a safety recall." gov.uk Checked 15 Oct 2026.