1999 Lexus Gs problems

General information about Lexus-Gs
Overview of popular issues
Analysis of common problems
Сomplaints list
Recalls list

The Lexus GS (Japanese: レクサス・GS, Rekusasu GS) is an executive car (E-segment in Europe) manufactured and marketed by Lexus across four generations — launched in 1991 as the Toyota Aristo in Japan and as the Lexus GS for markets outside the JDM beginning in February 1993. It continued with the Toyota Aristo name for the Japanese market until January 2005.

Lexus marketed the GS as a performance sedan competing in the mid-luxury class, between its compact executive IS and large/flagship LS. The GS shared its chassis with one of Toyota's longest-running nameplates, the Toyota Crown premium sedans until 2011.

The GS featured six-cylinder engines and rear-wheel drive, with a V8 engines offered forall generations, and all-wheel drive and hybrid versions debuted in 2005. Previously, all-wheel drive versions were already made available in the Japanese-market S140 series Aristo. The first two generations had a Japanese domestic market equivalent, the Toyota Aristo (aristo is Greek for "the best"), which was sold from 1991 until the Lexus marque's domestic debut in 2005. Though largely identical in exterior and interior design, the GS and the Aristo differed in their engine and transmission combinations as well as equipment packages. The GS name stands for Grand Sedan. However, some Lexus importers use the backronymic name, Grand Sport.

The first generation Lexus GS began sales in the United States, Europe and selected Asian markets in 1993. It was originally introduced with an inline-six engine and exterior bodywork designed by Italdesign Giugiaro. The second generation model premiered in 1997, using a new platform, in-house styling, and adding a V8 version for the first time outside Japan. The third generation GS, which premiered globally for the 2006 model year, was produced in V6, V8, and hybrid versions, the latter known as the GS 450h. The third generation models were the first GS sedans to be badged as such in the Japanese domestic market.

The fourth generation Lexus GS premiered in August 2011 at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance, where models introduced included the V6-powered GS 350, hybrid GS 450h, and performance-tuned F Sport variants. A lower-displacement V6 model, the GS 250, premiered at the Auto Guangzhou Exhibition in November 2011, targeted at Asian and European markets. In some markets such as North America and Asia, the GS shares the mid-size sedan category in the Lexus lineup with the front-wheel drive ES, serving as its rear-wheel-drive counterpart.

The GS was replaced in Europe by the Lexus ES from December 2018. The seventh generation ES is the first to be sold in Europe, replacing the GS in spite of being a front-wheel drive car. It went on sale from September 2018 in Russia, Turkey and other CIS markets and from December 2018 in Western and Central Europe. Production ended in August 2020.

Social links

Common 1999 Lexus Gs problems

The Lexus GS 300, produced from 1999, has been reported to have several common problems based on complaints from owners. One major issue is engine problems, particularly oil sludge resulting in engine failure. This problem is most prevalent in the 1998 model year, with an average cost to fix of $3,700 and an average mileage of 74,000 miles. The cause of this issue is not explicitly stated, but it is noted that the problem can lead to engine failure.

Another common problem with the Lexus GS 300 is transmission jerks when shifting, particularly in the 2006 model year. This problem is the most reported issue for this model year, but the average cost to fix is not provided. The root cause of this issue is not explicitly stated, but it is noted that the transmission jerks when shifting.

In addition to engine and transmission problems, the Lexus GS 300 has also been reported to have issues with the rearview mirror. Specifically, the rearview mirror has been reported to be a driving hazard in the 2006 model year. The cause of this issue is not explicitly stated, but it is noted that the rearview mirror can be a hazard while driving.

Furthermore, the Lexus GS 300 has been reported to have issues with the accelerator position sensor and O2 sensor. These sensors can fail and require replacement, with an average cost to fix of $500 including labor. The root cause of this issue is not explicitly stated, but it is noted that the sensors can fail and require replacement.

The Lexus GS 300 has also been reported to have issues with the ball joints, which can wear out much faster than other cars and cause the knuckle to separate from the control arm. This issue can be expensive to fix, as it requires removing the control arm and feeding it through a press to remove the old ball joint.

Finally, the Lexus GS 300 has been reported to have issues with the door lock actuators, which can get expensive to fix if electrical gremlins need to be chased down. The variable valve timing solenoids can also fail, causing the car to suddenly lose power.

In summary, the Lexus GS 300 has several common problems based on complaints from owners. These issues include engine problems, transmission jerks when shifting, rearview mirror hazards, accelerator position sensor and O2 sensor failures, ball joint wear, and door lock actuator and variable valve timing solenoid failures. These problems can be expensive to fix and may require replacement of key components.

How long do Lexus GS engines last?

Its a TMC product, it will outlast you given the proper care. You can easily get 300,000 miles. Keep the fluids changed regularly.

Why did Lexus stop making the GS model?

Lexus said the decline in sedan sales is to blame for the GS' death and underscored the car's been a very small mix of the brand's sedan sales overall.

Is Lexus GS300 reliable?

most reliable car engine you can have

The GS300 has the glorified 2JZ inline 6 cylinder engine. It will last you as long as you want if you are smart. Currently driving one with over 310,000 miles and commonly run into 2JZ owners with even more and still going strong.

What does the GS stand for in the Lexus GS?

Grand Sedan

Check your knowledge on these Popular Lexus Models…

What does GS stand for? GS= Grand Sedan. What does LS stand for? LS= Luxury Sedan.

1999 Lexus Gs car problems categorized by type of issue

After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Lexus Gs problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:

Structure problems
Vehicle speed control problems
Service brakes problems
Power train problems
Air bags problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 1999 Lexus Gs vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

1999 Lexus Gs complaints

The NHTSA has received 4 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1999 Lexus Gs.

2021-07-12

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2021-07-06
VIN: jt8bh68x8x0
Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKES
Summary: The contact owns a 1999 Lexus GS400. The contact stated while driving at 1 mph, the vehicle accelerated independently. The brakes failed to engage while depressed on the brake pedal almost causing a collision. The contact informed the independent mechanic of the failure, but the vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 67,000.

Add Complaint

2014-09-03

POWER TRAIN,AIR BAGS,STRUCTURE,ENGINE PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2014-07-14
Crash: 1
VIN: JT8BD68S9X0
Components: POWER TRAIN,AIR BAGS,STRUCTURE,ENGINE
Summary: IN THE PROCESS OF MAKING A U-TURN ON A PRIVATE NARROW STREET THE AUTOMOBILE RPM JUMPED FROM AN ALMOST IDLE CONDITION TO OVER 3000 RPM. EVERY EFFORT TO BRAKE THE CAR AND SHIFT TO NEUTRAL PROVED INEFFECTIVE WITHIN THE DISTANCE OF APPROXIMATELY 30 FEET. THE AUTOMOBILE JUMPED THE CURB AND STRUCK A LOW GARDEN WALL FORCING AN ENGINE STOP. THE AIRBAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. MY ESTIMATE OF THE SPEED WHEN STRIKING THE WALL WAS 30 TO 35 MPH. I HAVE PICTURES WHICH SHOW THE BRAKE STREAKS AS WELL AS TOTAL DAMAGE SCENE. IN ADDITION A NEXT DOOR NEIGHBOR HEARD THE ENTIRE SEQUENCE OF EVENTS AND CAN VERIFY THE EXTENT OF THE BRAKING EFFORT. TO DATE LEXUS HAS STATED THAT IT WAS NOT AN AUTOMOBILE DEFECT. I AM LOOKING INTO APPROPRIATE LEGAL ACTION. THE 1999 GS300 IS IDENTIFIED AS A CANDIDATE FOR UNCONTROLLED ACCELERATIONS IN THE RECENTLY COMPLETE TOYOTA UNCONTROLLED ACCELERATION CLASS ACTION SUITE BUT MY EVENT IS CLOSED OUT DUE TO THE DATE OF OCCURRENCE. *TR

Add Complaint

2014-03-08

STRUCTURE,WHEELS PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2014-03-08
VIN: JT8BH68X3X0
Components: STRUCTURE,WHEELS
Summary: I WAS DRIVING GOING HOME FROM THE STORE AND MY LOWER BALL JOINT FAILED AND DAMAGE MY WHEELS, FENDER AND DRIVER SIDE DOOR WON'T OPEN ALL THE WAY DUE TO THE DAMAGE ON THE FENDER. THANK GOD I WASN'T IN THE FREEWAY OR WITH MY KIDS WHEN THIS HAPPENED. *TR

Add Complaint

2013-12-30

SEAT BELTS PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2006-11-28
VIN: JT8BD68S3X0
Components: SEAT BELTS
Summary: I FOUND OUT THAT I COULDN'T EXTEND THE BACK SEAT BELTS (PASSENGER). *TR

Add Complaint

1999 Lexus Gs recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 1999 Lexus Gs.

2009-04-07

Manufacturer: SABERSPORT
Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Summary: SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
Consequence: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy: SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.

Additional sources

More sources of information about 1999 Lexus Gs problems:

Top 5 Problems Lexus GS300 Sedan 2nd Gen 1997-05 - YouTube

1999 Lexus GS300 Problems and Complaints - 4 Issues

https://repairpal.com/1999-lexus-gs300/problems

Top 1999 Lexus GS300 Problems · Check Engine LIght With Code P0135, P0141, P0155, or P0161. 59 people have reported this · Check Engine Light Due to EVAP System ...

Common Problems On Gs300, 1999 - Lexus Owners Club

https://www.lexusownersclub.co.uk/forum/topic/41613-common-problems-on-gs300-1999-i-am-thinking-of-buying-one/

May 2, 2007 ... ColinBarber ... Lower front ball joints are a common wear point. Economy around 23mpg town, 30 on motorway. LPG is an option, you need to have a ...

98-00 GS300 Common Issues? - ClubLexus - Lexus Forum ...

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/gs-2nd-gen-1998-2005/212633-98-00-gs300-common-issues.html

Apr 21, 2006 ... GS - 2nd Gen (1998-2005) - 98-00 GS300 Common Issues? - I'm looking a picking up a GS300 and I was hoping I could get some pointers at ...