1996 Lexus GS300: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 1996 Lexus GS300: 1 recall, 2 owner complaints and up to 18 mpg combined.

Recalls
1 vehicle recall from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Suspension Vehicle recall #99V125000 · 1999 · 2,737 vehicles
What's wrong: Due to inadequate lubrication of the inside of the lower ball joints, excessive wear can occur causing damage to the lower ball joints. Separation of the lower ball joints from the steering knuckle arms could occur.
Why it matters: This condition could lead to a loss of control of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the lower ball joints.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 0 mention a fire, 3 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Exterior lights (1): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Speed control / throttle (1): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
The 1996 Lexus GS300 has 2 owner complaints, ranking #12 of 19 GS300 model years for complaints (well below the 18 average). Neighboring years: 1995 (9 complaints, 1 recalls), 1997 (0 complaints, 1 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.0 L 6-cyl | Automatic 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 16 | 22 | 18 | Premium |
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 1996 Lexus GS300.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yrStep-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.
Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/moHeads 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
Does the 1996 Lexus GS300 have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 1 vehicle recall for the 1996 Lexus GS300. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 1996 Lexus GS300 problems?
Owners have filed 2 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are exterior lights (1), speed control / throttle (1).
What gas mileage does the 1996 Lexus GS300 get?
EPA ratings run up to 18 mpg combined (3.0 L, Automatic 5-spd), across 1 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 1996 Lexus GS300 repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.