Lexus GS Problems by Year
NHTSA has 157 owner complaints and 7 safety recalls on file for the Lexus GS, across 24 model years (1995–2020). The 2006 model year has the most complaints (44). The most reported problem area overall is engine.
Lexus GS years to avoid? What the complaint data shows
These model years drew at least twice as many complaints as a typical GS year: 2006, 2007, 2008, 2010, 2013. Look at what owners reported before buying one, and check the VIN for open recalls.
Model years with the most complaints
Model years with the fewest complaints
Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold or how long each year has been on the road, so newer and less popular years naturally have fewer complaints. Use them to spot problem patterns, not as a safety ranking.
Most common Lexus GS problems (all years)
| Problem area | Complaints | Model years | Crashes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 25 | 10 | 1 |
| Steering | 20 | 12 | 2 |
| Service Brakes | 14 | 8 | 2 |
| Visibility/wiper | 14 | 3 | 0 |
| Electrical System | 13 | 5 | 1 |
| Fuel/propulsion System | 13 | 7 | 1 |
| Air Bags | 12 | 6 | 7 |
| Exterior Lighting | 12 | 3 | 0 |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 9 | 8 | 3 |
| Power Train | 8 | 6 | 2 |
| Structure | 8 | 6 | 2 |
| Suspension | 8 | 6 | 1 |
| Visibility | 6 | 5 | 0 |
| Electronic Stability Control (esc) | 4 | 2 | 1 |
| Seat Belts | 4 | 3 | 2 |
| Fuel System, Gasoline | 3 | 3 | 0 |
| Wheels | 3 | 3 | 1 |
| Lane Departure | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| Seats | 2 | 1 | 0 |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 2 | 2 | 1 |
| Back Over Prevention | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Forward Collision Avoidance | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Hybrid Propulsion System | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Latches/locks/linkages | 1 | 1 | 0 |
All Lexus GS model years
| Model year | Complaints | Recalls | Crash rating | Top problem | Compared with other years |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 GS | 0 | 1 | — | — | |
| 2019 GS | 1 | 1 | — | Steering | |
| 2018 GS | 3 | 1 | — | Unknown or Other | |
| 2017 GS | 1 | 1 | — | Lane Departure | |
| 2016 GS | 5 | 1 | — | Unknown or Other | |
| 2015 GS | 3 | 0 | — | Steering | |
| 2014 GS | 3 | 0 | — | Steering | |
| 2013 GS | 19 | 0 | — | Steering | Far more complaints than other years |
| 2012 GS | 1 | 0 | — | Unknown or Other | |
| 2011 GS | 3 | 0 | — | Service Brakes | |
| 2010 GS | 10 | 0 | — | Unknown or Other | Far more complaints than other years |
| 2009 GS | 2 | 0 | — | Engine | |
| 2008 GS | 15 | 0 | — | Engine | Far more complaints than other years |
| 2007 GS | 25 | 2 | — | Engine | Far more complaints than other years |
| 2006 GS | 44 | 6 | — | Engine | Far more complaints than other years |
| 2005 GS | 1 | 0 | — | Engine | |
| 2004 GS | 2 | 0 | — | Electrical System | |
| 2003 GS | 4 | 0 | — | Engine | |
| 2002 GS | 1 | 0 | — | Engine | |
| 2001 GS | 3 | 0 | — | Air Bags | |
| 1999 GS | 4 | 0 | — | Structure | |
| 1998 GS | 4 | 0 | — | Service Brakes | |
| 1996 GS | 1 | 0 | — | Structure | |
| 1995 GS | 2 | 0 | — | Electrical System |
More from Lexus: all Lexus models · Lexus VIN decoder
Frequently asked questions
Which Lexus GS years should you stay away from?
By NHTSA complaints, 2006 (44), 2007 (25), 2008 (15), 2010 (10), 2013 (19) drew at least twice as many complaints as a typical GS year. Counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, and newer years have had less time to collect complaints.
What is the biggest problem with the Lexus GS?
Engine, with 25 complaints across 10 model years.
How many recalls does the Lexus GS have?
7 safety recalls across all model years. Each model year page lists its recalls and fixes.