MotorDeets

Lexus GS300 problems, recalls & best years

The deets on every GS300 from 1993 to 2019: 333 owner complaints and 12 recalls across 19 model years.

The model years with the most owner complaints are 2006 (124), 1998 (60), 1999 (38). Best fuel economy: 26 mpg combined (2019).

Lexus GS300
Photo: Navigator84 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons. Representative photo of this generation; trim may differ.

Problem areas across all years

Speed control / throttle81
Exterior lights39
Suspension35
Electrical33
Engine26
Transmission & drivetrain25
Brakes (hydraulic)24
Steering20

Year by year

YearRecallsComplaintsBest mpg
19931718
19941618
19951918
19961218
19971018
199816019
199903820
200003519
200101718
200201319
200301219
20040619
20050219
2006212422
200710–
201301–
201401–
20181026
20192026

Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.

Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the Lexus GS300.

eManualOnline Download (PDF), keep forever

Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.

Most $25–$78, one-time
Check Lexus GS300 manual
Mitchell 1 DIY Online access, factory-level data

Pro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.

From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yr
Check Lexus GS300 manual
ALLDATAdiy Online access, factory OEM info

OEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.

From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yr
Check Lexus GS300 manual
Haynes Print book or AllAccess online

Step-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.

Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/mo
Check Lexus GS300 manual

Heads up: we may earn a commission if you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you. Prices checked 2026-10 and can change. We never host or link to pirated manuals. Disclosure

FAQ

What is the worst year for the Lexus GS300?

The model years with the most owner complaints are 2006 (124), 1998 (60), 1999 (38).

How many recalls has the Lexus GS300 had?

Across 1993–2019, NHTSA lists 12 vehicle recall campaigns by model year (a campaign that covers several years counts once per year).