2004 Lexus Gs300 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.

2004 Lexus Gs300

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Common 2004 Lexus Gs300 problems

Based on the complaints from owners of the 2004 Lexus GS300, several common problems have been reported. Here is a list of these issues along with a detailed description of each problem:

  1. Electrical Problems:
    • Complaints: Electrical issues have been reported by owners, impacting various components of the car.
    • Description: Electrical problems in the 2004 Lexus GS300 can manifest in various ways, affecting systems like the lights, sensors, and other electronic components. These issues can lead to malfunctions, warning lights on the dashboard, and overall electrical system instability.
  2. Engine Problems:
    • Complaints: Owners have reported engine-related issues with the 2004 Lexus GS300.
    • Description: Engine problems in this model year can range from misfires in specific cylinders to issues with sensors like the oxygen (O2) sensors. These problems can result in poor engine performance, rough idling, reduced fuel efficiency, and in some cases, engine stalling.
  3. Body / Paint Problems:
    • Complaints: Some owners have raised concerns regarding body and paint-related issues.
    • Description: Body and paint problems may include issues such as paint peeling, rust formation, or body panel misalignment. These aesthetic issues can detract from the overall appearance of the vehicle and may require professional attention to restore the car's exterior.
  4. Fuel System Problems:
    • Complaints: Fuel system issues have been reported by owners of the 2004 Lexus GS300.
    • Description: Problems with the fuel system can lead to issues like poor fuel economy, difficulty starting the car, or even engine performance issues. Common fuel system problems may involve components like the fuel pump, fuel injectors, or fuel lines, impacting the overall operation of the vehicle.
  5. Miscellaneous Problems:
    • Complaints: Owners have reported various miscellaneous problems with the 2004 Lexus GS300.
    • Description: Miscellaneous issues can encompass a wide range of concerns not categorized under specific systems. These problems may include issues with interior components, suspension, or other parts of the vehicle that do not fall under common categories but still affect the overall driving experience.
  6. Brakes Problems:
    • Complaints: Some owners have experienced brake-related issues with the 2004 Lexus GS300.
    • Description: Brake problems can range from brake pad wear to issues with the brake system's hydraulic components. These problems can affect the car's stopping power, brake responsiveness, and overall safety while driving.
  7. Seat Belts / Air Bags Problems:
    • Complaints: Concerns have been raised by owners regarding seat belts and airbags in the 2004 Lexus GS300.
    • Description: Problems with seat belts and airbags can compromise the safety features of the vehicle. Issues may include faulty seat belt retractors, airbag warning lights, or non-deployment of airbags during a collision, posing risks to the occupants' safety in the event of an accident.

These common problems reported by owners of the 2004 Lexus GS300 highlight various issues that can affect the car's performance, safety, and overall driving experience. Owners experiencing any of these problems are advised to consult with a qualified mechanic or dealership for proper diagnosis and repairs.

2004 Lexus Gs300 engine

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.

Does a 2004 Lexus GS300 have a 2JZ?

Lexus only offered the GS with the 3.0-liter 2JZ-GE straight-six, producing 169 kW (227 hp) and 285 N⋅m (210 lb⋅ft) of torque.

What year Lexus GS is most reliable?

The 2013 Lexus GS is certainly one of the most reliable and often considered the best year Lexus GS when it comes to interior comfort for those long Johns Creek drives. The most significant changes were the 2016 model having a revamped design and being equipped with a new engine option.

What is the fuel consumption of a 2004 Lexus GS300?

Compare Side-by-Side

2004 Lexus GS 300/GS 430
EPA Fuel Economy18 MPG 16 22 combined city/highway city highway
5.6 gal/100mi
356 miles Total Range
MPG estimates for 2016 and older vehicles may have been revised Learn moreView Original EPA MPG

2004 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
  • Service brakes problems
  • Seat belts problems
  • Fuel/propulsion system problems
  • Unknown or other problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 2004 Lexus Gs300 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

2004 Lexus Gs300 complaints

The NHTSA has received 7 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2004 Lexus Gs300.

2015-10-16

SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2015-10-08
  • VIN: JT8BD69S340
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES
  • Summary: I WAS DRIVING MY VEHICLE HOME WHEN THE BRAKE LIGHT AND THE VCS ON AND OFF LIGHT CAME ON AND AN ALARM TYPE NOISE STARTED,AS I PULLED INTO MY PARKING SPACE I FOUND I HAD NO BRAKES AT ALL, INCLUDING MY EMERGENCY BRAKE. I HAD TO LET MY CAR HIT THE PARKING CURB TO STOP IT, AND THROW MY CAR INTO PARK. HAD THIS HAPPENED SECONDS BEFORE COMING DOWN THE MAIN ROAD, I COULD HAVE BEEN KILLED, OR KILLED SOMEONE ELSE. I HAD THE CAR TOWED TO MY MECHANIC WHO CONFIRMED I HAD FULL BRAKE FLUID, BUT THE ACTUATOR FAILED. I HAVE TO REPLACE THE ENTIRE ABS SYSTEM. I RESEARCHED ON FOUND A RECALL FOR THIS EVENT, JUST NOT FOR MY MODEL. I CONTACTED LEXUS AND WAS TOLD I COULD TAKE IT TO THE DEALER (AND PAY THOUSANDS MORE THAN I AM ALREADY WITH MY MECHANIC) AND THEY WOULD SUBMIT THE BILL TO LEXUS TO SEE IF THEY "WANTED" TO "CONSIDER" A REIMBURSEMENT. NOT THAT THEY WANTED TO SEE THE CAR, NO CONCERN FOR THE SAFETY OF THE DRIVING PUBLIC AT ALL. I FOUND SEVERAL OTHER LEXUS DRIVERS POSTING SIMILAR INCIDENTS FOR OTHER MODELS ALSO NOT INVOLVED IN LEXUS' BRAKE ACTUATOR RECALL. THIS IS A VERY SERIOUS HAZARD TO THE PUBLIC AND LEXUS NEEDS TO ACT ON IT!!!
2015-06-03

SEAT BELTS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2015-06-02
  • VIN: JT8BD69S240
  • Components: SEAT BELTS
  • Summary: PASSENGER SEAT BELT IS LOCKED AND CANNOT BE USED. I READ ON REPAIR PAL THAT THIS WAS A RECALL ON 4-21-2006, HOWEVER IT IS NOT COMING UP AS A RECALL. I NEED IT FIXED AND WAS HOPING TO HAVE IT DONE AS A RECALL SO I AM NOT FINANCIALLY RESPONSIBLE. LIMITED INCOME AND I HAVE A CHILD THAT NEEDS TO OCCUPY THAT SEAT. ADVISE PLEASE.
2014-10-19

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2014-05-06
  • VIN: JT8BD69S440
  • Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
  • Summary: ENGINE CHECK, VSC AND VSC OUT LIGHTS REMAIN ON AFTER AUTO IS STARTED. REPLACED FUEL FILL CAP..NO HELP. VERY CONCERNED ABOUT FUEL OR FUME LEAKAGE AND LIFE THREATENING FIRES OR EXPLOSIONS. *TR
2010-04-06

UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2008-03-23
  • Crash: 1
  • VIN: JT8BD695140
  • Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
  • Summary: 2004 LEXUS GS300 *GR THE CONSUMER STATED HER GRANDDAUGHTER WAS DRIVING THE VEHICLE. THE CONSUMER WONDERED HOW SUCH AN EXPENSIVE VEHICLE COULD BE TOTALED WHILE DRIVING AT A LOW SPEED. THE CONSUMER WONDERED IF SUDDEN ACCELERATION PLAYED A PART IN THE ACCIDENT.
2010-03-02

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2010-03-01
  • VIN: JT8BD69S340
  • Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
  • Summary: 2004 LEXUS GS 300 HAS REPEATED PROBLEMS WITH ACCELERATOR WHEN PULLING OUT FROM A STOP OR ATTEMPTING TO INCREASE SPEED. AFTER PUSHING ON PEDAL THE CAR BEGINS TO MOVE THEN STOPS ACCELERATING. THEN SURGES AS PEDAL CONTINUES TO BE PRESSED DOWN. I HAVE REPORTED THE PROBLEM SEVERAL TIMES TO DEALERSHIP ONLY TO BE TOLD THAT TOYOTA IS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM BUT THERE IS NO RESOLUTION AFTER 5 YEARS. SEVERAL TIMES I HAVE ATTEMPTED TO PULL OUT FROM A STOP SIGN AS ONE NORMALLY WOULD THEN FORCED TO PUSH THE ACCELERATOR TO THE FLOOR IN AN ATTEMPT TO GET THE VEHICLE MOVING TO AVOID AN ACCIDENT. THIS IS A REPEATING EVENT AND I AM FORCED TO PULL THE EFI FUSE EVERY 5000 MILES WHICH SEEMS TO REDUCE THE EFFECT TEMPORARILY. LEXUS IS/HAS BEEN AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM SINCE THERE WAS 6K MILES ON THE VEHICLE WHICH NOW HAS 60K MILES AND IS OUT OF WARRANTY. I AM OVERLY CAUTIOUS AND FEARFUL WHEN DRIVING THE VEHICLE. IF I NEED TO ACCELERATE TO MERGE INTO TRAFFIC OR JUST NORMAL DRIVING, THE VEHICLE WILL NOT RESPOND BY ACCELERATING. AND I'M ALSO CONCERNED IF THIS IS AN EARLY SYMPTOM THAT TOYOTA IS HAVING WITH RUNAWAY VEHICLE ACCELERATION. THE LEXUS DEALERSHIP ATTRIBUTED THE PROBLEM TO THE ECM AND DRIVE BY WIRE MECHANISM TOYOTA HAS EMPLOYED IN THIS VEHICLE. *TR
2010-02-21

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2009-02-10
  • Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
  • Summary: I HAD MY GAS PEDAL STICK TWICE ON MY LEXUS GS 300 YEAR 2004. THE FIRST TIME I DIDN'T KNOW WHAT WAS GOING ON. I WAS IN MY DRIVEWAY WHEN IT HAPPEN AND I PUT MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE AND SHIFTED INTO NUETRAL. THE SECOND TIME IT HAPPENED I NOTICED THE FACTORY FLOOR MAT WAS JAMMED INTO THE GAS PEDAL. BOTH TIMES I WAS ABLE TO APPLY THE BRAKES TO HOLD THE VEHICLE IN PLACE AND SHIFT TO NEUTRAL. REPORTED THIS TO THE DEALER BUT THEY CLAIMED THEY HAD NO REPORTS OF GAS PEDAL STICKING FOR THE GS 300. *TR
2009-02-24

STRUCTURE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2009-02-24
  • Components: STRUCTURE
  • Summary: HELLO I WAS ON THE 10 FREEWAY WEST AND THERE WAS A TRUCK THAT HAD PARTS FLYING OFF AND MY CAR WAS DAMAGED. I TOOK THE LICENSE PLATE # DOWN . THE TRUCKING CO WAS AREOLLA TRUCKING COMPANY. I WANT JUSTICE SERVED BUT I CAN'T FIND THE TRUCKING CO ON THE INTERNET AND I CAN'T LOOK UP THE LICENSE PLATE # FOR FREE. PLEASE HELP ME. *TR

Positive 2004 Lexus Gs300 car reviews

  1. Collin Hagenes 2024-11-27

    I don't personally own this car, but a friend of mine does. The first time I got in, I was struck by how smooth it was and how quiet the engine runs compared to other makes. Overall, I think this car is one of the best on the road. I'm saving up to get one myself and I can't wait! There's really no question about it, I'm getting this car. By the way, it's a beautiful, lovely, and sexy car that I just can't stop loving!

  2. Loyal Klein 2024-11-14

    I have owned several cars in the past, including a Lexus SC 300, 3 Mercedes E300s, 2 Audis, a Nissan Maxima, and a Nissan 300ZX, but I must say that my current car is one of the best I have ever owned. The dealer has been exceptional in terms of service and reliability, and the annual maintenance fees are reasonable. The seats and leather interior have held up well, and the A/C functions excellently. The VVTI engine performs exceptionally, and the interior is very quiet. I have driven this car for 36000 miles so far, including freeway driving at speeds of over 100 miles per hour, and I have been very comfortable with its handling. I cannot express enough how satisfied I am with the Lexus brand. I am currently saving up to buy an SC400 Convertible and I am very excited about it!

  3. Orin Mann 2024-11-11

    My experience with this vehicle has been very enjoyable. The Style Power and Sport all contribute to the performance of this sedan. I also have to mention that the trunk has been improved, providing more space, and the leather is of a higher quality. Additionally, the VSC is wonderful in the winter time. The pricing is also very reasonable, as it is not as high as BMW's 5 series or Mercedes Benz's E Class.

  4. Furman Kirlin 2024-10-22

    Smooth drive. It's great to drive this car. It's one of the best models and I really like the style, both inside and out.

  5. Murray Witting 2024-08-20

    After creating this car, I'm sure the Lexus engineers have probably amazed themselves. There are so many things that make this car such an intriguing automobile. Besides the exhilarating power and beautiful looks, it just seems to amaze me every day. I've owned it for about a year and it's still a joy to look at every day.

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Additional sources

More sources of information about 2004 Lexus Gs300 problems:

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 ...

2005 GS 300 any major problems?? - ClubLexus - Lexus Forum ...
2005 GS 300 any major problems?? - ClubLexus - Lexus Forum ...
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/performance/134680-2005-gs-300-any-major-problems.html

Sep 23, 2004 ... I guess the squeaks and rattles is common on all cars. Does anyone know if there was any changes to the GS300 from 2004 to 2005? Mark.

2003 Lexus GS300? Anyone have experience? | Bob Is The Oil Guy
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 ... there are some common issues with the GS300 that you need to be aware of. ... common problem list. The hood latch inside ... We had a 2004 GS400 on ...

common issues on gs300? new to lexus - ClubLexus - Lexus Forum ...
common issues on gs300? new to lexus - ClubLexus - Lexus Forum ...
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/gs-3rd-gen-2006-2011/445493-common-issues-on-gs300-new-to-lexus.html

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 ...
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 ... I have a 2003 Lexus GS300. It has no electrical power at all to any component but a fully charged battery - 12.5 volts.

Other years of Lexus Gs300

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Gs300 2005
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Gs300 2006
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Gs300 2013
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Gs300 2014
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Gs300 1993
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Gs300 1994
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