FaultScore

Lexus GS engine problems

26 of the 210 complaints filed about the Lexus GS are about the engine — 12% of everything owners reported. The worst model year for it is 2006.

26

Complaints

12%

Share of all complaints

1

Crashes

0

Fires

Engine & Cooling complaints by model year

1999 GS 1 3.8%

Median failure at 80,000 miles

2002 GS 1 3.8%

Median failure at 223,000 miles

2003 GS 1 3.8%
2005 GS 1 3.8%

Median failure at 107,000 miles

2006 GS 9 34.6%

Median failure at 100,200 miles

2007 GS 5 19.2%

Median failure at 153,400 miles

2008 GS 4 15.4%

Median failure at 146,000 miles

2009 GS 1 3.8%

Median failure at 80,000 miles

2010 GS 2 7.7%

Median failure at 149,000 miles

2013 GS 1 3.8%

What owners said

2013 Lexus GS Somerset, CA

ENGINE

I started my car in the morning and when I started the engine it was an instant extreme rough idle with the engine light and traction control light blinking on my dashboard and the engine cuts out on its own. I have my car at a Toyota dealership since it’s closer than the Lexus dealership and they have ran an extensive testing diagnostic on my car resulting in a valve stuck open and a valve spring fell out. I have kept up the regular maintenance on my car, like every 5,000 miles fully synthetic oil changes, premium gas, regularly checking for recalls, always checking my fluids, correct tires and tire pressure, and I have in no way misused my car since it’s the only car I have to drive. I found that Lexus had a recall on the GS 350 for the 2007 to 2011 years for the problem I’m currently dealing with. In 2012 Lexus did not make a GS 350 but 2013 they were offered again and I feel like they didn’t resolve the engine problem before putting out the new production, at least for the 2013 year. Now as my car sits I have to pay $9,200 to fix the problem and I don’t have that type of money. I would have to sell my house to pay for my car to get fixed. Luckily the car didn’t stop running while I had my family in the car. I don’t feel that I did anything wrong to make the internal engine have a valve issue. This car should still be running at 148,100 miles.

NHTSA complaint #11662948 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2003 Lexus GS Induanapolis, IN

ENGINE

car stalls when trying to accelerate like its going to turn off...The Wheel alighnment is not correct.Doors will not lock Bad lighting i cant see because front lights are doll

NHTSA complaint #11631543 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2010 Lexus GS at 200,000 miles Duluth, GA

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CATALYTIC CONVERTOR

The contact owns a 2010 Lexus GS350. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who stated that the catalytic converter had failed and needed to be replaced due to a fuel leak. The contact was advised to contact the dealer for assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 200,000.

NHTSA complaint #11544330 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2007 Lexus GS Brentwood, CA

ENGINE

My vehicle has been making noises on start-up and in time it makes the same knocking noise while idling. I brought my car to my mechanic and he says it’s my VVTI system failing and should be remedied under campaign 13V395000. The problem is holding Lexus accountable since it’s not an open recall under my VIN. I’ve contacted Lexus directly and confirmed this service was not completed. My VIN is listed on your site as being a potential for this issue. Please help, thanks.

NHTSA complaint #11526849 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2008 Lexus GS San Jose, CA

ENGINE

I am writing to file a complaint against Lexus Corporation regarding a significant safety issue with my vehicle. Despite NHTSA’s recall notice for defective engine valve springs installed in certain 2008 GS350 vehicles with a specified range of VIN numbers that includes my vehicle’s, Lexus still persevered my car is not applicable for the recall and refused to cover the necessary repair costs after identifying the root cause of my car’s engine failure to be a broken valve spring out of a total of 24, as was initially diagnosed by a local auto repair shop. Their negligence of timely contacting impacted vehicle’s owner and outright refusal to cover this critical recall repair cost is truly outrageous as my own life and public safety have been in danger during these years. My vehicle experienced a near-catastrophic sudden engine failure with violent shaking and stalling at around 7:30am on April 27 while traveling on Highway 101. Fortunately, I managed to exit the highway safely during the heavy traffic and pulled into a nearby parking lot. It was towed to a local auto repair shop for initial diagnosis and a few days later transported to the Stevens Creek Lexus repair facility as instructed by them. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued a recall (document link: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2010/RCMN-10V309-1264.pdf) encompassing the range of vehicles affected by the defective valve springs, which includes my vehicle. However, despite being within the recall range, Lexus Corporate still refused to cover the repair costs. I respectfully request your intervention in conducting a thorough investigation into this matter. It is crucial that Lexus Corporate be held accountable for their actions, and appropriate measures be taken to rectify this safety issue without delay. The safety of consumers must always be a top priority, and I trust that NHTSA will take decisive action to protect the public from further harm.

NHTSA complaint #11523504 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2006 Lexus GS Seattlw, WA

ENGINE

Car is consuming excessive amounts of oil. A quart every 200 miles or so. Also even after doing an oil change the car is not leaking the oil but burning it. Please enforce The National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act (originally enacted in 1966 and now recodified as 49 U.S.C. Chapter 301). Contacted lexus but the car is out of warranty. The car is burning too much oil leading to more pollutants.

NHTSA complaint #11443937 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2006 Lexus GS Atlanta, GA

ENGINE

Car wouldn’t start. Had it diagnosed and found out my fuel pressure sensor had melted and was leaking fuel had it replaced bug still smell gas in and around car. Car was under recalm for same issue years back and was serviced at the dealership. So I don’t see how im liable for repairs if it was a problem when the car came off the assembly line

NHTSA complaint #11443431 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2007 Lexus GS at 160,000 miles Peoria, IL

ENGINE

OIL CONSUMPTION, I HAVE TO ADD 2 QUARTS EVERY 1300 MILES

NHTSA complaint #11394917 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2005 Lexus GS at 107,000 miles Oceanside, CA

ENGINE

BOUGHT A CAR FOR 4,000 PRIVATE PARTY. GUY CLAIMED THE CAR HAD 107,000 ON THE ODOMETER AND THAT HIM AND HIS UNCLE WORKED ON THE CAR AND IT HAD NO PROBLEMS. DROVE THE CAR HOME ENGINE STARTED SMOKING IN MOTION AND CAR HAS MAJOR LEAKS. DID A CARFAX REPORT AND THE CAR HAS 195,000+ MILES. SELLER ALSO CLAIMED HE HAD THE CAR FOR MULTIPLE YEARS AND IN REALITY HAD IT FOR 4 DAYS. UPON PURCHASE HE DID A TITLE RELEASE FORM AND A DUPLICATE TITLE FORM AND SAID HE WOULD SEND THE TITLE IN THE MAIL AS SOON AS HE GOT IT.

NHTSA complaint #11362327 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2007 Lexus GS at 200,000 miles Tuscaloosa, AL

ENGINE

BECAUSE OF THE DESIGN, THE RINGS STICK CAUSING OIL CONSUMPTION AND ENGINE WEAR. IT SMOKES WHEN DRIVEN. THIS AFFECTS THESE VEHICLES APPROXIMATELY YEARS 06 - 11. THEY REVAMPED THE ENGINE AFTER 11 TO FIX THE PROBLEM. THEY SHOULD REPAIR OUR ENGINES

NHTSA complaint #11352107 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2007 Lexus GS at 146,800 miles SAN Diego, CA

ENGINE

LOW OIL LIGHT CAME ON 1000 MILES AFTER OIL CHANGE AT LEXUS DEALERSHIP. CAR WAS LOW 2.5 QUARTS OF OIL. BLUE GREY SMOKE WAS COMING OUT OF THE CAR DURING ACCELERATION AND CAR SMELLED LIKE POISON INSIDE VERY UNSAFE. CAR HAS BEEN DEALER MAINTAINED FOR EVERYTHING. CAR WAS CERTIFIED PRE OWNED AS WELL. AT 100,000 MILES OIL CONSUMPTION TEST WAS DONE AND WAS IN FACT PROVED TO BE BURNING OIL. CAR IS BURNING WAY TOO MUCH OIL. I'VE HAD 4 OTHER VEHICLES NONE HAVE BURNED OIL. THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE AND I MIGHT HAVE TO BUY A NEW ENGINE SOON. PLEASE HELP ME OUT. THANK YOU.

NHTSA complaint #11325889 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2006 Lexus GS at 100,000 miles Baltimore, MD

ENGINE

VSC/CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON

NHTSA complaint #11318906 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2008 Lexus GS Fairfield, CA

ENGINE

THIS CAR BURNS AN INSANE AMOUNT OF OIL AND TURNS BLACK IN COLOR. I HAVE NO OIL LEAK BUT HAVE TO PUT ABOUT A QUART IN WEEKLY.

NHTSA complaint #11308344 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2006 Lexus GS at 108,325 miles Walnut, CA

ENGINE

MY LEXUS 2006 GS300 HAS MISFIRE PROBLEM AT 108355 MILES, WITH ERROR CODES PS300, 301, AND 302. SPOKE WITH DEALERSHIP (LONGO LEXUS), AND THEY TOLD ME THE CUSTOMER SATISFACTORY PROGRAM (CSP) IS ALREADY EXPIRED TO FREE REPAIR BY LEXUS IN 2016. IF LEXUS HAS DEFECTIVE VALVE SPRING THAT CAUSED THE CARBON BUILD UP, THEN THEY SHOULD SEND US THE SAFETY RECALL LETTER, AND I HAVE NEVER RECEIVED ANY. THAT'S VERY IRRESPONSIBLE IN THEIR PART.

NHTSA complaint #11056994 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2006 Lexus GS Hanover Park, IL

ENGINE

I TOOK MY CAR INTO THE DEALER TWICE FOR THE OIL CONSUMPTION ISSUES DURING THE PERIOD THEY OFFERED IT. I WAS TURNED AWAY BOTH TIMES AND ONLY AFTER THE "REPAIR PERIOD" ENDED WAS I INFORMED THAT THERE WAS ONE TO BEGIN WITH. I'VE READ ABOUT MULTIPLE PEOPLE HAVING THE RECALL PERFORMED WHO HAD THE SAME PROBLEM AS ME. MY CARE NOW NEEDS TWO TO THREE QUARTS OF OIL PER MONTH AND I WAS SCREWED OUT OF MY REPAIR. NOW WE HAVE THE AIRBAG LIGHT. I'VE READ QUITE A FEW THINGS ONLINE ABOUT TEMPORARILY REPAIRING THIS AIRBAG HARNESS MYSELF BUT THATS NOT A SOLUTION TO THE ACTUAL PROBLEM. MY CHILDREN ARE IN THIS VEHICLE DAILY AND NOT HAVING A FULLY FUNCTIONAL AIRBAG SYSTEM IS NOT AT ALL SAFE.

NHTSA complaint #11033970 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2008 Lexus GS at 160,000 miles Maryville, TN

ENGINE

SMELL OF GAS IN THE MAIN CABIN ALL OF THE SUDDEN WHEN DRIVING ON A CITY STREET. UPON EXITING CAR, SMELL OF GAS COMING FROM ENGINE COMPARTMENT.

NHTSA complaint #11021158 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2006 Lexus GS at 141,234 miles Portland, OR

ENGINE

VEHICLE IDLING ROUGH WHEN COMING TO A STOP. CONSUMING OIL AT HIGH RATE. CAR HAS ACTUALLY STOPPED RUNNING WHILE DRIVING. I HAVE BEEN ATTEMPTING TO HAVE THIS ISSUE RESOLVED WITH THE DEALER AND LEXUS SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED.

NHTSA complaint #11016101 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2009 Lexus GS at 80,000 miles Chicago, IL

ENGINE

THE ENGINE HAS BEEN BURN OIL RAPIDLY. I WENT FOR AN OIL CHANGE AND THE TECH INFORMED ME THAT THE ENGINE IS DOWN TO 2 QUARTZ OF ENGINE OIL. I HAVE KEPT THE CAR ON SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE. ONE OF THE CUSTOMER AS THE DEALER SHIP THAT I HAD A CONVERSATION STATED THAT HE HAD A SIMILAR PROBLEM WHERE LEXUS CAN'T FIGURE OUT THE PROBLEM UNTIL THE ENGINE EXPLODED. I WENT ONLINE TO CHECK AND IT SEEMS LEXUS GS MODEL FROM 2006-2011 HAVE SIMILAR PROBLEMS. LEXUS REFUSED TO ACKNOWLEDGED THE PROBLEM BECAUSE OF THE COST FOR THE FIX. IT IS IRRESPONSIBLE FOR LEXUS NOT TO RECALL THE CAR BECAUSE THE COST.

NHTSA complaint #10904667 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2006 Lexus GS Suffolk, VA

ENGINE

TAKATA RECALL...MY 2006 LEXUS GS300 HAS 131,467 MILES & IS EXCESSIVELY CONSUMING OIL. I WAS TOLD BY LEXUS THAT THEY WANT TO DO A DIAGNOSTIC TESTS FOR $2300 TO TAKE THE ENGINE APART. THIS PROBLEM STARTED LAST YEAR AND IS WORSE NOW. THE LOW ENGINE OIL LIGHT COMES ON AFTER ONLY APPROXIMATELY 2,000 MILES. I HAD THE OIL TOPPED OFF & WENT BACK IN 1,000 MILES & THERE WAS HARDLY ANY OIL ON THE DIPSTICK. ON THE LEXUS FORUM, THIS SEEMS TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THE 2006 GS300 AND LEXUS NEEDS TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR ISSUES HAPPENING WITH THEIR VEHICLES. IF THE ENGINE WERE TO FAIL WHILE DRIVING THIS COULD BE DETRIMENTAL. THERE WAS SUPPOSEDLY A LETTER ABOUT OLD CONSUMPTION SENT OUT, BUT THEY NEVER CONTACTED ME WITH A LETTER OR AT THE DEALERSHIP.

NHTSA complaint #10872226 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2010 Lexus GS at 98,000 miles Delanco, NJ

ENGINE

WHEN THE BRAKES ARE APPLIED WHILE IN DRIVE THE RPMS RANDOMLY INCREASE FROM 500 TO 1000 AND THE CAR INCHES UP UNLESS I APPLY MORE PRESSURE ON THE BRAKES. THIS IS USUALLY NOTICEABLE WHILE I AM IN THE DRIVE-THRU AT FAST FOOD RESTAURANTS WHILE WAITING IN LINE. WHILE WAITING FOR 5 OR SO MINUTES IT USUALLY OCCURS 2-3 TIMES. I RARELY NOTICE IT HAPPEN AT TRAFFIC LIGHTS AS THEY USUALLY DON'T LAST THAT LONG. IT HAPPENS AT LEAST A FEW TIMES A WEEK.

NHTSA complaint #10836773 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.