2002 Lexus Gs problems

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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.

2002 Lexus Gs

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Common 2002 Lexus Gs problems

The Lexus GS 300, produced between 1998 and 2005, is known for its powerful 2JZ inline-six engine and luxurious features. However, like any vehicle, it has its share of common problems that owners have reported.

  • Transmission Jerks When Shifting: This problem affects the 2006 model year, with no reported average cost to fix and an average mileage of 132,000 miles. Drivers have reported transmission jerks or hesitation when shifting gears, which can be caused by various factors such as worn-out clutch plates, a faulty torque converter, or a malfunctioning transmission control module.
  • Ball Joint Wear: The Lexus GS300's ball joints, which connect the control arm to the steering knuckle, tend to wear out faster than in other cars. When a ball joint fails, the knuckle can separate from the control arm, potentially causing a dangerous situation. Replacing ball joints can be expensive due to the need for specialized equipment to remove the old ones.
  • Door Lock Actuator Failure: This issue can be expensive to fix if electrical gremlins are involved, but the parts themselves are not expensive. The door lock actuators are responsible for moving the door locks, and when they fail, it can be difficult to open or close the doors.
  • Variable Valve Timing Solenoid Failure: When a variable valve timing solenoid fails, the car can suddenly lose power. These solenoids control the engine's variable valve timing system, which adjusts valve timing for optimal performance and fuel efficiency. Replacing a failed solenoid is relatively inexpensive, as they are located on top of the engine and are easy to access.
  • Sensor Replacement: The Lexus GS300 may require occasional sensor replacement, such as oxygen sensors or the mass air flow (MAF) sensor. These sensors can fail prematurely, leading to issues with engine performance and fuel efficiency.
  • Starter Motor Issues: As the GS300 ages, starter motor issues can arise, which can be expensive and difficult to fix due to their attachment to the transmission.
  • Rattling Noises: Over time, parts such as the dashboard and sunroof can come loose, creating rattling noises. Moisture can also collect inside the headlights, potentially causing electrical issues and requiring replacement.

While these common problems can be concerning, many of them are relatively easy to fix or prevent with regular maintenance and the use of high-quality parts. The Lexus GS300 remains a popular choice for those seeking a reliable and luxurious vehicle with a powerful engine.

2002 Lexus Gs engine

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.

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.

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.

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.

2002 Lexus Gs complaints

The NHTSA has received 0 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2002 Lexus Gs.

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2002 Lexus Gs recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 2002 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.
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Additional sources

More sources of information about 2002 Lexus Gs problems:

2002 Lexus gs300 - ClubLexus - Lexus Forum Discussion
2002 Lexus gs300 - ClubLexus - Lexus Forum Discussion
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/gs-2nd-gen-1998-2005/976052-2002-lexus-gs300.html

Nov 9, 2021 ... Needed a wheel bearing, ball joint, front control arm bushing, battery, coolant leak, shaking going down the road, VSC light on, brake problems, ...

2002 Lexus GS300 Problems and Complaints - 4 Issues
2002 Lexus GS300 Problems and Complaints - 4 Issues
https://repairpal.com/2002-lexus-gs300/problems

Problem with your 2002 Lexus GS300? Our list of 4 known complaints reported by owners can help you fix your 2002 Lexus GS300.

GS430 - 2001 : Common problems? - ClubLexus - Lexus Forum ...
GS430 - 2001 : Common problems? - ClubLexus - Lexus Forum ...
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/gs-2nd-gen-1998-2005/515655-gs430-2001-common-problems.html

Jul 27, 2010 ... GS - 2nd Gen (1998-2005) - GS430 - 2001 : Common problems? - Found a GS430, 2001 with 117k miles for a very good price.

Lexus GS300 Problems and Complaints - 8 Issues
Lexus GS300 Problems and Complaints - 8 Issues
https://repairpal.com/problems/lexus/gs300

Top Lexus GS300 Problems · Check Engine LIght With Code P0135, P0141, P0155, or P0161 · Check Engine Light Due to EVAP System Fault · Clunking noise from front ...

Q&A: Common Problems with 2001 Lexus GS430 | Acceleration ...
Q&A: Common Problems with 2001 Lexus GS430 | Acceleration ...
https://www.justanswer.com/lexus/3v2em-2002-gs430-acceleration-hesitates-inclines-inconsistent.html

Aug 9, 2010 ... What causes acceleration hesitates, and seems to be worse on inclines? I recently got a 2002 GS430, and I love it. But, sometimes the ...

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