2003 Lexus Gs430 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.

2003 Lexus Gs430

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Common 2003 Lexus Gs430 problems

Common problems with the Lexus GS430 2003 based on complaints from owners include suspension issues, steering problems, and brake issues. Owners have reported issues with tie rod ends, brakes, rotors, power steering pump, and rack. Suspension problems can lead to a bumpy ride and poor handling, while steering issues may result in difficulty controlling the vehicle. Brake problems can affect stopping power and overall safety. Addressing these issues promptly is crucial to ensure the car's performance and safety on the road.

2003 Lexus Gs430 engine

Does Lexus GS430 have air suspension?

The Ksport Airtech Basic Lexus GS430 Air Suspension System features high quality air bags, proven to handle the stress and abuse of both daily driving and track use.

What engine does the GS430 have?

Powertrain specs

Engine typeV8
Displacement4.3 l (262 ci)
Power304 ps (300 bhp / 224 kw)
Torque441 Nm (325 lb-ft)
Power / liter71 ps (70 hp)

What is the fuel consumption of Lexus GS430?

The Lexus GS 430 is available in a number of variants and body types that are powered by PULP fuel type(s). It has an estimated fuel consumption starting from 11.4L/100km for Sedan /PULP for the latest year the model was manufactured.

What is the top speed of the GS430?

it's was 153 mph @ 5500rpm... on the way back home fm AZ to CA....

2003 Lexus Gs430 car problems categorized by type of issue

After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Lexus Gs430 problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:

  • Electronic stability control (esc) problems
  • Vehicle speed control problems
  • Service brakes problems
  • Electric problems
  • Seat belts problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 2003 Lexus Gs430 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

2003 Lexus Gs430 complaints

The NHTSA has received 5 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2003 Lexus Gs430.

2015-12-05

ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC) PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2015-06-02
  • VIN: J8BL69S3001
  • Components: ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
  • Summary: WHILE THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE SAFETY REACALL BULLETIN REGARDING UN-INTENDED ACCELERATION, MY VEHICLE NO EXHIBITS THE ISSUE THAT, WHILE IN MOTION, THE BRAKE AND ACCELERATOR PEDALS CAN BE PUSHED SIMULTANEOUSLY, POSSIBLY CAUSING A VEHICLE ACCIDENT. I FEEL MY VIN SHOULD HAVE BEEN PART OF THE SAFETY RECALL LIST.
2010-03-18

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2010-03-18
  • Crash: 1
  • VIN: JT8BL69S030
  • Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
  • Summary: TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 LEXUS GS430. WHILE DRIVING 2 MPH ATTEMPTING TO APPLY THE BRAKES, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED WITHOUT WARNING CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO CRASH INTO A CEMENT POLE. THE FRONT FENDER AND HOOD OF THE VEHICLE WERE DAMAGED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT DUE TO THE IMPACT HER NECK AND BODY LUNGED FORWARD DURING THE CRASH; HOWEVER, SHE WAS NOT BRUISED. THE POLICE WAS NOTIFIED; HOWEVER, THE CONTACT DID NOT INDICATE WHETHER A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A BODY SHOP TO BE INSPECTED BY THE INSURANCE COMPANY. THE MANUFACTURER WILL BE NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 54,000.
2010-03-04

SERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRIC PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2009-12-03
  • VIN: JT8BL69S030
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRIC
  • Summary: TOTAL BRAKES FAILURE TWICE. DEALER WAS NOT ABLE TO IDENTIFY PROBLEM THE FIRST TIME AND THE BRAKES WERE WORKING AGAIN AFTER A FEW SHUTOFFS/RESTARTS OF THE ENGINE. THE SECOND TIME, DEALER CLAIMED THAT IT HAS LOCATED AN "OPEN CIRCUIT IN PUMP MOTOR" - MANY PARTS WERE REPLACED AT $2,550.53. *TR
2004-01-07

SEAT BELTS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • VIN: JTHBN36F340
  • Components: SEAT BELTS
  • Summary: REAR CENTER AND THE REAR DRIVER'S SEAT BELT WERE INSTALLED INCORRECTLY BY THE MANUFACTURER. THE ONLY WAY THE SEAT BELTS WILL FASTEN IS IF THEY ARE CRISSCROSSED, AND THEN DEPENDING ON WHO FASTENS THE BELT FIRST, WILL DETERMINE WHICH OCCUPANT WILL BE TRAPPED IN SEAT BELT. *AK
2003-11-03

SUSPENSION PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2003-11-03
  • VIN: JT8BL69S030
  • Components: SUSPENSION
  • Summary: I OWN A 2003 LEXUS GS 430 VEHICLE. DURING THE TIME THAT I HAVE OWNED THIS VEHICLE, I CONTINUE TO EXPERIENCE VIBRATION AND BRAKE AND WHEEL WEAR ON THE FRONT END ASSEMBLY. THE DEALERSHIP HAS ALIGNED THE FRONT END AND CHANGED TIRES, BUT THE PROBLEM IS REPEATING. I BELIEVE THAT THE VEHICLE IS IMPROPERLY DESIGNED EITHER TO ACCEPT 17 IN. TIRES OR TO HANDLE A 4.3 LITER ENGINE. THE DEALERSHIP INSISTS THAT ALL YOU HAVE TO DO IS ROTATE TIRES EVERY 5,000 MILES AND THERE IS NO PROBLEM, BUT THIS IS NOT THE CASE. AS A RESULT OF THE RUN-OUT AND OUT OF BALANCE CONDITION IN THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE, THE BRAKING IS UNREPEATABLE, AND, I BELIEVE, CAUSES A SEVER SAFETY CONCERN. THE PROBLEM HAPPENS WITHIN 3,000 TO 4,000 MILES OF AN ALIGNMENT. I BELIEVE THAT THIS PROBLEM IS ENDEMIC TO LEXUS GS 430'S WITH 17 INCH TIRES AND BELIEVE THAT THE DEALERSHIP IS NOT INTERESTED IN CONFRONTING A DESIGN PROBLEM. I AM ASKING THAT THIS BE INVESTIGATED. I ALSO INTEND TO CONTACT TOYOTA DIRECTLY. *LA

Negative 2003 Lexus Gs430 car reviews

  1. Jonathon Hintz 2024-06-07

    Picked up my 2003 GS in December of 2002. Still have a host of issues with it from suspension rattles, ultra light steering, and road noise being picked up from the sunroof drain tube (have to keep sunroof shade closed at all times). Car feels loose - almost as if the dies that make it are getting worn. Time for Lexus to update the GS.

  2. Lula Dach 2024-03-03

    If you're considering purchasing a GS430, it's important to keep in mind that it may not be suitable for winter driving. This car may struggle to run even in just 2 inches of snow, and the traction control may not be as effective as you'd like. While other cars like the GS 400, Mercedes, and BMW have been able to drive up my driveway just 6 days after a snowfall, my GS 430 has repeatedly gotten stuck. Unfortunately, my dealership experience was also quite disappointing, which is surprising given my 25 years of driving. It's important to be aware of these potential issues before making a purchase. Thank you for considering this information.

Positive 2003 Lexus Gs430 car reviews

  1. Jensen Kshlerin 2025-01-09

    I've been searching for a Lexus for quite some time, and when I stumbled upon this one, I knew it was the perfect fit for me. The sleek design immediately caught my eye, and after taking it for a test drive, I couldn't bear to leave without it. I highly recommend this car to anyone seeking a combination of luxury and performance in one package.

  2. Lonzo Mohr 2024-11-22

    I love my wife's Lexus. It has been trouble-free for us. This is the car for anyone.

  3. Bradly Wintheiser 2024-11-09

    I wanted to share my experience with this car in case it helps anyone who is considering buying one. I have to say, it's the best car I've ever owned! Despite having 63,000 miles on it, it still drives like it's brand new. The car feels incredibly solid, runs smoothly, and has a ton of power. I highly recommend it to anyone who is thinking about purchasing one - you won't be disappointed!

  4. Bernhard Welch 2024-11-04

    I really enjoyed my previous car, a 99 GS400, but the 2002 GS430 is a significant improvement. The steering, braking, torque, GPS, and Mark Levinson radio have all been upgraded, making for a much better driving experience. I decided to switch out the 17

  5. Dominic Bernhard 2024-11-03

    No problems. 2 time Lexus owner. We really like the car and service. The Mark Levinson stereo is fantastic! It's the best and most fun car I have ever owned. I test drove the BMW M5, 540, and 740. The M5 was great, but too pricey. The 540 was too noisy and didn't quite have enough power. The 740 was a nice car, but I could run faster. Lexus hit the mark by balancing speed, safety, and luxury at a reasonable price.

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Additional sources

More sources of information about 2003 Lexus Gs430 problems:

GS430 Common Problems - ClubLexus - Lexus Forum Discussion
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: 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? - Answered by a verified Lexus Mechanic.

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.

01-05 Lexus GS430's, thoughts on them? : r/cars
01-05 Lexus GS430's, thoughts on them? : r/cars
https://www.reddit.com/r/cars/comments/4m9dlt/0105_lexus_gs430s_thoughts_on_them/

Jun 2, 2016 ... As for issues, they are notorious for having bad caster arm bushings. I replaced mine with some peices from Figs engineering and never had a ...

GS430 common problems to expect - ClubLexus - ClubLexus
GS430 common problems to expect - ClubLexus - ClubLexus
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/gs-2nd-gen-1998-2005/447542-gs430-common-problems-to-expect-just-replaced-power-steering-pump.html

Aug 18, 2009 ... Common problems on these cars is that they got ball joints failure, wheels shaking vibrations problems, and such. If you search more you can see ...

Other years of Lexus Gs430

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2003 Lexus Gs430 photo