Lexus GS300 Problems by Year
Lexus GS300 years to avoid? What the complaint data shows
These model years drew at least twice as many complaints as a typical GS300 year: 1998, 1999, 2000, 2006. Look at what owners reported before buying one, and check the VIN for open recalls.
Model years with the most complaints
- 2006 GS300: 124 complaints, 2 recalls
- 1998 GS300: 60 complaints, 1 recall
- 1999 GS300: 38 complaints, 0 recalls
Model years with the fewest complaints
- 2013 GS300: 1 complaint, 0 recalls
- 2014 GS300: 1 complaint, 0 recalls
- 1996 GS300: 2 complaints, 1 recall
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 GS300 problems (all years)
| Problem area | Complaints | Model years | Crashes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vehicle Speed Control | 79 | 10 | 14 |
| Exterior Lighting | 39 | 3 | 0 |
| Suspension | 33 | 7 | 2 |
| Electrical System | 32 | 8 | 3 |
| Engine | 25 | 6 | 1 |
| Power Train | 25 | 7 | 2 |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 23 | 7 | 7 |
| Steering | 18 | 4 | 1 |
| Tires | 18 | 7 | 1 |
| Service Brakes | 16 | 6 | 0 |
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 14 | 5 | 1 |
| Structure | 14 | 5 | 1 |
| Air Bags | 12 | 7 | 9 |
| Fuel/propulsion System | 11 | 3 | 0 |
| Electronic Stability Control (esc) | 6 | 2 | 0 |
| Latches/locks/linkages | 6 | 4 | 0 |
| Seat Belts | 6 | 5 | 0 |
| Wheels | 5 | 5 | 1 |
| Visibility | 4 | 2 | 0 |
| Visibility/wiper | 4 | 1 | 0 |
| Electronic Stability Control | 3 | 2 | 2 |
| Equipment | 3 | 3 | 0 |
| Fuel System, Gasoline | 3 | 3 | 0 |
| Interior Lighting | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Parking Brake | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Service Brakes, Air | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Service Brakes, Electric | 1 | 1 | 0 |
All Lexus GS300 model years
| Model year | Complaints | Recalls | Crash rating | Top problem | Compared with other years |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 GS300 | 0 | 2 | — | — | |
| 2018 GS300 | 0 | 1 | — | — | |
| 2014 GS300 | 1 | 0 | — | Fuel/propulsion System | |
| 2013 GS300 | 1 | 0 | — | Structure | |
| 2007 GS300 | 0 | 1 | — | — | |
| 2006 GS300 | 124 | 2 | — | Exterior Lighting | Far more complaints than other years |
| 2005 GS300 | 2 | 0 | — | Power Train | |
| 2004 GS300 | 6 | 0 | — | Vehicle Speed Control | |
| 2003 GS300 | 12 | 0 | — | Vehicle Speed Control | About as many complaints as other years |
| 2002 GS300 | 13 | 0 | — | Vehicle Speed Control | About as many complaints as other years |
| 2001 GS300 | 17 | 0 | — | Power Train | More complaints than other years |
| 2000 GS300 | 35 | 0 | — | Vehicle Speed Control | Far more complaints than other years |
| 1999 GS300 | 38 | 0 | — | Vehicle Speed Control | Far more complaints than other years |
| 1998 GS300 | 60 | 1 | — | Vehicle Speed Control | Far more complaints than other years |
| 1997 GS300 | 0 | 1 | — | — | |
| 1996 GS300 | 2 | 1 | — | Exterior Lighting | |
| 1995 GS300 | 9 | 1 | — | Suspension |
More from Lexus: all Lexus models · Lexus VIN decoder
Frequently asked questions
Which Lexus GS300 years should you stay away from?
By NHTSA complaints, 1998 (60), 1999 (38), 2000 (35), 2006 (124) drew at least twice as many complaints as a typical GS300 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 GS300?
Vehicle Speed Control, with 79 complaints across 10 model years.
How many recalls does the Lexus GS300 have?
6 safety recalls across all model years. Each model year page lists its recalls and fixes.