2003 Lexus Gs300 problems
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.
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Common 2003 Lexus Gs300 problems
The Lexus GS300, produced from 1998 to 2005, is known for its power and comfort, but it also has a few common problems that potential buyers should be aware of.
- Door Lock Actuators: Another common problem in the GS300 is faulty door lock actuators. This issue can be expensive to fix if it involves chasing down electrical gremlins, but the parts themselves are not too expensive.
- Variable Valve Timing Solenoids: The variable valve timing solenoids can fail, causing a sudden loss of power in the car. The part is relatively cheap and easy to locate, as it sits on top of the engine beneath the cover.
- Sensors: The GS300 often requires replacement of sensors, such as O2 sensors and the MAF sensor. These sensors are located in easily accessible areas, making replacement less complicated.
- Starter Motor: The starter motor in the GS300 can also cause issues, which can be expensive to fix due to its location, attached to the transmission.
- Rattling Sounds: As the GS300 ages, parts like the dashboard and sunroof can come loose, creating rattling sounds. Moisture can also collect inside the headlights, which may require replacement.
- Engine Failure: In the 1998 model year, a common problem was oil sludge resulting in engine failure. This issue had an average cost to fix of $3,700 and typically occurred at an average mileage of 74,000 miles.
- Transmission Jerks: The 2006 model year had the most overall complaints, with the most-reported problem being transmission jerks when shifting.
- Caster Arm Bushings: If you hear a creaking sound from outside the car when shifting from park into drive or reverse and the whole car rocks back and forth, your caster arm bushings are likely shot .
- Brake System: The GS300 uses a high-pressure nitrogen accumulator and a pump for braking. If anything goes wrong within these units, the whole unit needs to be replaced, which can be expensive. Models from 1998 to 2000 are known to have 40 brake posters that lead to premature failure .
- Engine and Transmission Mounts: As the GS300 ages, its engine and transmission mounts can wear out, causing a general vibration around the cabin. These mounts are crucial for holding the engine and transmission to the chassis. The transmission mount is located under the car and is relatively easy to replace, but the motor mounts are more difficult due to their location and the need to jack the motor up for replacement .
- Electronic Components: It's essential to check all electronic components within the car, such as window motors, side mirrors, the sunroof, climate controls, and door lock actuators, to ensure they are working properly .
These common problems do not necessarily make the Lexus GS300 a bad car, but potential buyers should be aware of these issues and consider them when making a purchasing decision.
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 does my 2003 Lexus GS300 stall well driving?
The most common reasons a Lexus GS300 engine stalling are the fuel system, the air intake system, or the ignition system.
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.
How much does it cost to maintain a GS 300?
The annual maintenance cost of a Lexus GS300 is $434.
2003 Lexus Gs300 car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Lexus Gs300 problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Vehicle speed control problems
- Power train problems
- Tires problems
- Service brakes problems
- Engine problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2003 Lexus Gs300 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
2003 Lexus Gs300 complaints
The NHTSA has received 16 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2003 Lexus Gs300.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-11-26
- VIN: JT8BD69S830
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: ACCELERATION PEDAL PROBLEM. CAR FAILS TO RESPOND TO ACCELERATION PEDAL SOMETIMES WHILE IN MOTION. CAR CAN STOP MOVING IN TRAFFIC OR DURING TURNS (ESPECIALLY LEFT TURNS). THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS AND LIFE THREATENING. ALTHOUGH PEDAL SENSOR WAS CHANGED GIVEN THE ERROR CODE, THE CAR STILL SHOW THE SAME ISSUE. LEXUS MUST TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR DANGEROUS DESIGN AS IT LACKS A FAIL SAFE MECHANISM TO THEIR DRIVE BY WIRE. FAILURE IN ACCELERATION IS AS DANGEROUS AS FAILURE IN BRAKING.
POWER TRAIN,SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-07-08
- VIN: JT8BD69S930
- Components: POWER TRAIN,SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 LEXUS GS300. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED, THE ENGINE MADE AN UNUSUAL REVVING NOISE. IN ADDITION, THREE UNKNOWN WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED AND DID NOT TURN OFF. ALSO, WHEN APPLYING PRESSURE TO THE BRAKE PEDAL, THE PEDAL STIFFENED, WHICH MADE IT DIFFICULT TO MAKE A COMPLETE STOP. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 214,000.
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2015-11-25
- VIN: JT8BD69S230
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 LEXUS GS300. WHILE THE HOOD WAS OPEN, IT SUDDENLY FELL DOWN ON ITS OWN. THE FAILURE OCCURRED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2014-12-01
- VIN: JT8BD69SX30
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: LETTER FROM SENATOR NELSON ON BEHALF OF CONSTITUENT RE 2003 GS300 LEXUS AIRBAG. *SMD THE CONSUMER WANTED TO KNOW IF THE AIR BAGS WERE SAFE. *JB
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2014-01-31
- VIN: JT8BD69S730
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: WHEN BACKING INTO A PARKING SPACE WITH MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE, THE RPMS SURGED CAUSING SPEED TO INCREASE SUDDENLY. I PLACE THE CAR IN NEUTRAL AND THE RPMS CONTINUED TO SURGE FOR ABOUT THREE SECONDS AND THEN RETURNED TO NORMAL. WHILE WAITING AT A TRAFFIC SIGNAL, WITH MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE, THE RPMS SUDDENLY SURGED AND I AGAIN PLACED THE CAR IN NEUTRAL. THE SURGE CONTINUED FOR ABOUT THREE SECONDS AGAIN. ON ONE OTHER OCCASION, WHEN SHIFTING FROM REVERSE TO DRIVE WHILE EXITING A PARKING SPACE, THE RPMS SURGED FOR ABOUT TWO SECONDS AND THEN RETURNED TO NORMAL. THE VEHICLE SEEMS TO ACCELERATE SUDDENLY ON ITS OWN WITHOUT DEPRESSING THE GAS PEDAL. *TR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2011-03-09
- Crash: 1
- Fire: 1
- VIN: JPHTF30G630
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 LEXUS GS300. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL AND THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED, CAUSING HIM TO CRASH INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION BUT THEY COULD NOT DIAGNOSE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT AS A MECHANIC TEST DROVE THE VEHICLE, THE ENGINE CAUGHT ON FIRE DUE TO A SHORT IN THE ELECTRICAL WIRES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 89,000.
WHEELS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2010-08-09
- Components: WHEELS
- Summary: I OWN A 2003 LEXUS GS AND ALL FOUR RIMS ARE CHROME AND HAVE BECOME A SAFETY HAZARD ACCORDING TO WHERE WE HAVE OUR SERVICE. I OWN ANOTHER LEXUS AUTO AND MY RIMS ARE IN GOOD SHAPE . I HAVE NEVER EXPERIENCE RIMS CHROME PLATE PEALING CAUSING NEWER TIRES TO LOSE AIR BEFORE. I WAS INTERESTED TO FIND OUT IF ANY OTHER OWNERS HAVE OR ARE EXPERIENCING THE SAME PROBLEM WITH THIS MODELS RIMS. THANKS *TR
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2010-02-15
- VIN: JT8BD69S830
- Components: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
- Summary: DOOR LOCK ACTUATOR FAILURE MAKING THE DOOR NOT LOCK AND/OR NOT OPEN. *TR
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2009-07-29
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: JT8BD69S930
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 LEXUS GS300. WHILE DRIVING HIS VEHICLE APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH INTO A PARKING SPACE WITH HIS FOOT ON THE BRAKE PEDAL IT SUDDENLY ACCELERATED, CRASHED INTO A PARKING SIGN AND A FIRE HYDRANT. THE VEHICLE CAME TO A STOP WHEN IT CRASHED INTO A TREE. HE SUSTAINED AN INJURY TO HIS RIGHT SHOULDER AND KNEE. THE BOYNTON BEACH SHERIFF REPORT 09802709 WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 28,000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 29,000. UPDATED 3/30/10 *CN UPDATED 05/10/10*JB
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2009-04-01
- VIN: JT8BD69S030
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRIC
- Summary: WHILE STOPPING THE VEHICLE SOMETIMES THE BRAKE DISTANCE IS EXTENDED AS THE CAR IS SLOW TO STOP. ON A REGULAR BASES THE VEHICLE BRAKE PEDAL STICKS TO THE FLOOR WHILE STOPPED AT A LIGHT, I THEN HAVE TO PULL THE PEDAL UP WITH MY LEFT FOOT TO BEGIN ACCELERATION. WHEN APPROACHING SLOWER TRAFFIC AS THE TRAFFIC RESUMES AT REGULAR SPEEDS THE BRAKE PEDAL STICKS AND CONTINUES STOPPING THE CAR. *TR
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2009-02-15
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: DOT PJ8N GRAND SPIRIT TOURING HR 225X55X16 TIRES [4] FAILED ON THE INSIDE WALL TWO INCHES FROM THE RIM. LUCKY TO BE ALIVE. PROBLEM FROM INJECTION MOLDING OF TIRE AT FACTORY. HAVE PICTURES TO SHOW IF NEEDED. NO RECALL YET! TWO THOUSAND MILES ON TIRES. BRAND NEW CONDITION. INSIDE WALLS CRUMBLED, AND LOST AIR PRESSER. NO WARRANTY IMPLIED. HAD TO BUY 4 NEW TIRES. VERY UPSET! *TR
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-08-25
- VIN: PLEASE PROV
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: WHEN THE CONSUMER ATTEMPTED TO ACCELERATED, THE VEHICLE WOULD HESITATE. PLEASE PROVIDE ADDITIONAL DETAILS. *JB
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-08-09
- VIN: JT8BD69S630
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: PASSENGER SIDE BACK TIRE BLEW UP ON PA81 AT SPEED OF 60 MPH.*AK
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-08-09
- VIN: JT8BD69S630
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE TIRE BLEW OUT. NO IMPACT REPORTED. *AK THE TIRE BLEWOUT ON THE HIGHWAY. *TC *JB
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-02-17
- VIN: JT8BD69S430
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: UNEXPECTED ACCELERATION. ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS, PRIMARILY WHILE STOPPED AT A TRAFFIC SIGNAL, MY VEHICLE WOULD LUNGE FORWARD. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER AND WAS TOLD THEY HAD NO RECORD OF A PROBLEM OF THIS NATURE FOR THIS VEHICLE. THEY COULD NOT FIND ANYTHING WRONG. I SAW A ARTICLE ON THE INTERNET THAT THE NHTSA WAS INVESTIGATING SIMILAR PROBLEMS WITH OTHER TOYOTA PRODUCTS. *AK
STEERING,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-08-08
- Components: STEERING,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING 45MPH CAR CUT OFF, CAUSING LOSS OF POWER STEERING.*AK
Negative 2003 Lexus Gs300 car reviews
Positive 2003 Lexus Gs300 car reviews
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This car is really enjoyable! It exudes quality and craftsmanship, and everyone who has ridden in it loves it. I wish I had bought a Lexus sooner!
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You have an excellent vehicle with a superb ride and comfort. The build quality is better than any other vehicle you have owned. Your dealership experience is actually worthy of the vehicle. Your only minor complaint is the amount of power available. You feel that it could use 25 more HP and 25+ft/lbs of torque.
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Now that we have close to 5,000 miles on our GS300, we have taken a trip or two and we enjoy driving it more each day. The Mark Levinson sound system is tremendous, as is the Nav system. The car averages between 28-29 MPG on the road at 70-75 MPH. Our dealership experience was great, unlike BMW dealers who seem to think they rank a step or two above the consumer!
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The GS 300 sport edition is such a blast to drive! Plus, the cabin is really spacious - I can even fit all three car seats in the back row. And have you seen those titanium accents and the unique graphite gray color? They're some of the car's coolest features!
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This is the best car I've ever bought. It rides smoothly and you can barely feel the car shift gears. I also like the body style, it's perfect if you want to put bigger rims on it.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2003 Lexus Gs300 problems:
2003 Lexus GS300 Problems and Complaints - 3 Issues
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
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 ...
common issues on gs300? new to lexus - ClubLexus - Lexus Forum ...
Aug 8, 2009 ... dash rattle and sun roof rattle have been my main issues. I also had a very weird wind noise issue from the drivers side mirror. all of these ...
Q&A: 2003 Lexus GS300 No Electrical Power - Common Problems ...
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 ...
Any Truth To These GS300 MK3 Common Problems - Lexus GS 300 ...
Jul 4, 2017 ... The hot exhaust re-circulation gasses contain a lot of carbon sooty particles and it's these I believe that cause the issues. If there's not a ...
Other years of Lexus Gs300
Are you having problems with your 2003 Lexus Gs300?
Isidro Frami 2025-01-01
Although I have experienced several major issues with my Toyota/Lexus car, I am confident in my decision to choose this brand. Despite the throttle body, ignition switch, water pump, timing belt, alternator, catalytic converter, radiator, and suspension all needing repairs, I believe that Toyota/Lexus produces high-quality vehicles. While I may have been better off with a Honda or another brand, I am confident that my car will continue to serve me well with proper maintenance.
Maximo Connelly 2024-09-27
I've been experiencing some issues with my car lately. Unfortunately, it has spent more time at the dealership than with me. I'm feeling quite frustrated as the dealership has not been able to provide me with a satisfactory solution. I'm hoping to find a resolution soon.
Wilson Gleason 2024-09-06
It's not exactly a sporty car, but...
Erich Kshlerin 2024-08-13
I recently purchased this car as a change of pace from my previous Mercedes. Some of my friends had recommended the Lexus, but unfortunately, my experience has not been great. I have had some issues with the electronics, such as the stereo system cutting in and out, the CD player skipping, and the sunroof leaking. Additionally, the airbag light is always on, and my dealer has been unable to fix it. While the ride is not as smooth as I had hoped, it may be more suitable for those who prefer a softer ride. Overall, my experience has been less than ideal, but I am hopeful that these issues can be resolved soon.
Braulio Reichert 2024-06-28
This is my second (and last) GS 300. Although my first one was incredible, I have unfortunately experienced some issues with my new one. Since day one, it has had some squeaks, creaks and groans from the dash that the dealership has been unable to fix. I was hoping to trade it in for a new one (it is only 5 months old), but was disappointed to hear that the dealership would only give me $33k, which means an $8k depreciation in just 5 months. I am surprised to experience these detail problems with a 'luxury' car maker like Lexus. However, I have learned my lesson and will consider other options in the future. Perhaps a BMW is the way to go.