2003 Lexus Gs problems

General information about Lexus-Gs
Overview of popular issues
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 2003 Lexus Gs problems

The 2003 Lexus GS 300 is a luxury sedan known for its smooth ride, comfortable interior, and reliable performance. However, like any vehicle, it can experience certain problems over time. Here are some of the most common issues reported by owners of the 2003 Lexus GS 300, based on the search results:

Engine Problems: The most frequently reported problem category for the Lexus GS 300 is engine issues. While the 2003 model has fewer complaints than earlier models, it's still essential to keep an eye on the engine's performance. Some owners have reported issues with oil sludge, which can lead to engine failure, especially in the 1998 model year. The average cost to fix this issue is around $3,700, with an average mileage of 74,000 miles.

Transmission Jerks: Another common problem reported by owners is transmission jerks when shifting, particularly in the 2006 model year. This issue can be caused by various factors, such as worn-out or damaged transmission components, and the cost to fix it is not explicitly stated.

Rearview Mirror Issues: Some owners have reported that the rearview mirror can be a driving hazard, particularly in the 2006 model year. This issue is often caused by the mirror's design, which can obstruct the driver's view, especially when driving in reverse.

Maintenance and Upgrades: While not a problem per se, some owners have noted that the 2003 Lexus GS 300 lacks some modern features, such as a backup camera, GPS screen, and USB ports. These features are not standard in the 2003 model, and upgrading the vehicle to include them may require aftermarket solutions or purchasing a newer model.

Lower Ball Joints: The lower ball joints are a known weak point in the 2nd generation Lexus GS 300, including the 2003 model. These joints are crucial for the car's suspension and steering system, and they can wear out or fail over time, especially at higher mileages. A creaking sound from outside the car when shifting from park into drive or reverse, accompanied by the whole car rocking back and forth, can indicate shot caster arm bushings, which are part of the lower ball joints .
Braking System: Some model years of the Lexus GS 300, including the 2003 model, may have issues with the braking system. It's essential to inspect the braking system and avoid certain model years with known problems .
HVAC Servo Motor: The HVAC servo motor, responsible for controlling the vehicle's heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system, can fail over time. This issue can result in the HVAC system not working correctly or not changing modes as intended. If the servo motor is the issue, it may need to be replaced .

In summary, the 2003 Lexus GS 300 is a reliable and comfortable luxury sedan, but like any vehicle, it can experience certain problems over time. Common issues reported by owners include battery drainage, engine problems, transmission jerks, rearview mirror issues, and maintenance and upgrades. Additionally, the lower ball joints, braking system, and HVAC servo motor can also present challenges. Regular maintenance and inspections can help identify and address these issues, ensuring the vehicle's longevity and performance.

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.

2003 Lexus Gs complaints

The NHTSA has received 0 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2003 Lexus Gs.

You can leave your car complaint via the special form below.

2003 Lexus Gs recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 2003 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 2003 Lexus Gs problems:

2003 Lexus GS300 Problems and Complaints - 3 Issues

https://repairpal.com/2003-lexus-gs300/problems

Top 2003 Lexus GS300 Problems · Check Engine LIght With Code P0135, P0141, P0155, or P0161. 59 people have reported this. 18 · Check Engine Light Due to EVAP ...

2003 Lexus GS300? Anyone have experience? | Bob Is The Oil Guy

https://bobistheoilguy.com/forums/threads/2003-lexus-gs300-anyone-have-experience.243693/

Oct 21, 2015 ... Just like the SC300s, the GS300 can suffer from grounding issues. They sell engine/chassis grounding kits online. The lower ball joints wear ...

GS430 Common Problems - ClubLexus - Lexus Forum Discussion

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/gs-2nd-gen-1998-2005/592507-gs430-common-problems.html

Sep 16, 2011 ... Front end suspension has rubber bushings on upper and lower control arms, sway bar, steering, etc that wear and cause issues such as clunking ...

Q&A: 2003 Lexus GS300 No Electrical Power - Common Problems ...

https://www.justanswer.com/lexus/flyw1-2003-lexus-gs300-no-electrical-power.html

Dec 3, 2020 ... It has no electrical power at all to any component but a fully charged battery - 12.5 volts. The battery cables appear to in good shape, tightly ...