Owners have filed 91 complaints
about the 1998 Lexus GS300 with NHTSA between 1998 and 2019.
The largest single group is the acceleration & cruise control.
Across this model's run it ranks 2 of 8 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 87
Against the median year of the Lexus GS300. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 96
18.7% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 0
0% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a
system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and
knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
25,000 – 49,999 miles
413.3%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
26.7%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
26.7%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
1033.3%
150,000+ miles
1240.0%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Nov 1998peak 10Jul 2019
Recalls on the 1998 Lexus GS300
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
United States — NHTSA
98V080000
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL:AUTOMATIC (ASC)
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. DUE TO A MANUFACTURING DEFECT OF THE YAW RATE SENSOR FOR THE VEHICLE STABILITY CONTROL (VSC), THE VSC CAN OPERATE IMPROPERLY IF THE SENSOR IS AFFECTED BY CERTAIN ELECTROMAGNETIC WAVES, SUCH AS FROM A CELLULAR PHONE.
Risk: SHOULD THIS OCCUR, THE BRAKE MAY OPERATE UNEXPECTEDLY, AFFECTING STEERING AND SPEED CONTROL, INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 111,000 milesDublin, OHCrash
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 LEXUS GS300. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE ATTEMPTING TO APPLY THE BRAKES, THE VEHICLE DID NOT SLOW DOWN AND CRASHED INTO A WALL. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHO STATED THAT THE MASTER CYLINDER FAILED. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER WHO OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 111,000.
NHTSA complaint #10398166 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 193,000 milesEL Segundo, CACrash
SUSPENSION:FRONT
WAS ON THE FREEWAY DRIVING ABOUT 60 MILES PER HOUR, HIT A POT HOLE, CAR DROPPED APPARENTLY THE BALL JOINT BROKE ON THE RIGHT SIDE. BUT THIS HAPPENED ON THE LEFT SIDE A FEW MONTHS AGO IN DECEMBER. THAT TIME I WAS NOT ON THE FREEWAY. AFTER RESEARCHING ON LINE I SAW THAT PREVIOUS MODELS HAD BEEN RECALLED FOR THIS PROBLEM BUT NOT THE 1998. AFTER THE INCIDENT IN DECEMBER AND THE DAMAGE WAS CORRECTED, I TOOK MY CAR TO MY MECHANIC AND HE CHECKED IT OUT MADE SOME ADJUSTMENTS, THEN IT HAPPENS AGAIN. I'M AFRAID SOMEONE COULD GET KILLED, LUCKILY I DIDN'T, ESPECIALLY THE SECOND TIME WHEN I WAS ON THE FREEWAY. WHY WOULD THIS HAPPEN, I ALWAYS THOUGHT A LEXUS WAS A VERY DEPENDABLE CAR.
NHTSA complaint #10323263 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 37,000 milesStuart, FLFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 LEXUS GS300. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE ATTEMPTED TO SHUT THE VEHICLE OFF, BUT IT WOULD NOT RESPOND. THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO RUN EVEN AFTER THE KEY WAS REMOVED FROM THE IGNITION. THE VEHICLE THEN CAUGHT FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE AND FILED A REPORT. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER, BUT THEY HAVE NOT DETERMINED WHAT WILL BE DONE ABOUT THE FAILURE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 37,000. THE CONSUMER STATED THE DEALER INSTALLED A NEW BATTERY AND BELT ON APRIL 16, 2006, THE DEALER STATED THAT THEY THINK IT WAS THE CONSUMER'S STARTER. UPDATED 09/28/07
NHTSA complaint #10202535 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 37,000 milesStuart, FLFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:STARTER ASSEMBLY
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 LEXUS GS300. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE ATTEMPTED TO SHUT THE VEHICLE OFF, BUT IT WOULD NOT RESPOND. THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO RUN EVEN AFTER THE KEY WAS REMOVED FROM THE IGNITION. THE VEHICLE THEN CAUGHT FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE AND FILED A REPORT. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER, BUT THEY HAVE NOT DETERMINED WHAT WILL BE DONE ABOUT THE FAILURE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 37,000. THE CONSUMER STATED THE DEALER INSTALLED A NEW BATTERY AND BELT ON APRIL 16, 2006, THE DEALER STATED THAT THEY THINK IT WAS THE CONSUMER'S STARTER. UPDATED 09/28/07
NHTSA complaint #10202535 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 107,000 milesVirginia Beach, VACrash2 injured
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL:AUTOMATIC (ASC)
TL* - THE CONTACT CALLED STATING THAT SHE HAD A CRASH ON 07/09/06 IN HER 1998 LEXUS GS300. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE LOST CONTROL OF HE VEHICLE WHILE DRIVING AT ABOUT 55 MPH. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TRYING TO MOVE INTO THE RIGHT LANE THE VEHICLE STARTING GOING BACK AND FORTH ACROSS THE ROAD AND THE POWER STEERING FAILED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THIS WAS ON A CLEAR NIGHT AND, THAT WHEN SHE APPLIED THE BRAKES THE VEHICLE WAS MORE DIFFICULT TO STEER. THE VEHICLE ALSO SEEMED TO ACCELERATE. THERE WAS A POLICE REPORT MADE THAT STATES SHE LOST CONTROL OF VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED BY ARISTOCRAT TOWING TO ARISTOCRAT AUTO SHOP. THE PASSENGER SEAT AIR BAG DIDN'T DEPLOY AND THE PASSENGER DIDN'T HAVE ON A SEAT BELT. THE CONTACT DID HAVE SEAT BELT ON BUT, DRIVER SIDE AIRBAG DIDN'T DEPLOY. THERE WAS A RECALL WITH CAMPAIGN # 98V080000, AND SHE CONTACTED LEXUS THAT HER VEHICLE WAS NOT PART OF THIS RECALL.
NHTSA complaint #10177077 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
VA. Beach, VACrash2 injured
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
I WAS RECENTLY IN A CAR ACCIDENT ON JULY 9, 2006 AT 3:30 AM. THE CAR WENT OUT OF CONTROL. ALL FOUR TIRES WERE FLAT, MY ABS SYSTEM DIDN'T WORK AND MY AIRBAGS DIDN'T DEPLOY. MYSELF AND ANOTHER PASSENGER WAS HURT VERY BADLY.
NHTSA complaint #10162526 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 235,000 milesRahliegh, NC
TIRES
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 LEXUS GS300 EQUIPPED WITH DEXTERO TOURING DTR1 TIRES, SIZE: 21560R16 95H (NA). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SHAKE WHILE DRIVING. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THE TWO FRONT TIRE SIDEWALLS WERE CRACKED FROM THE INSIDE. THE CONTACT PURCHASED THE TIRES AT WALMART. THE CONTACT REPLACED THE TIRES AT HIS OWN EXPENSE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE TIRE AND VEHICLE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 235,000. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN.
NHTSA complaint #11231031 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Richmond, VA
ENGINE
PURCHASED A 98 GS300 SIX MONTHS AGO AND MY VSC, ABS, BRAKE LIGHT AND CHECK ENGINE WARNING GAUGES CAME UP AND WILL NOT GO AWAY. DID SOME RESEARCH AND FOUND OUT THE BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER, THROTTLE POSITION SENSOR AND THROTTLE POSITION ACTUATOR WERE THE PROBLEMS. WITH THESE FEW ITEMS GONE BAD MY CAR PRODUCES LITTLE TO NO POWER DURING ACCELERATION. THE CAR BARELY GETS UP TO 45 MPH WITH ACCELERATION PEDAL ALL THE WAY DOWN TO THE FLOOR. WITH THE VSC GONE BAD THERE IS AN ALARM THAT STRETCHES TO UNCOMFORTABLE HEARING LEVELS THAT' HURTS LIKE THE DEVIL. MY CAR WILL LITERALLY STOP IN THE MIDDLE OF CRUISING AND WON'T PICK UP ANY SPEED UNLESS I HAVE MY FOOT PEDAL ALL THE WAY DOWN TO THE FLOOR, WHICH ALSO OFTEN TIMES CAUSES IT TO TURN OFF ON HIGHWAYS, ALL TYPES OF STREETS AND OTHER AREAS. ALSO WITH THESE ITEMS GONE BAD MY CAR SHIFTS SO HARD TO THE POINT WHERE IT JUMPS WHENEVER I SHIFT INTO ANY POSITION. ALL IN ALL THE VEHICLE, I FEEL , IS TOO DANGEROUS TO DRIVE AT THIS TIME
NHTSA complaint #11034007 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Richmond, VA
SERVICE BRAKES
PURCHASED A 98 GS300 SIX MONTHS AGO AND MY VSC, ABS, BRAKE LIGHT AND CHECK ENGINE WARNING GAUGES CAME UP AND WILL NOT GO AWAY. DID SOME RESEARCH AND FOUND OUT THE BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER, THROTTLE POSITION SENSOR AND THROTTLE POSITION ACTUATOR WERE THE PROBLEMS. WITH THESE FEW ITEMS GONE BAD MY CAR PRODUCES LITTLE TO NO POWER DURING ACCELERATION. THE CAR BARELY GETS UP TO 45 MPH WITH ACCELERATION PEDAL ALL THE WAY DOWN TO THE FLOOR. WITH THE VSC GONE BAD THERE IS AN ALARM THAT STRETCHES TO UNCOMFORTABLE HEARING LEVELS THAT' HURTS LIKE THE DEVIL. MY CAR WILL LITERALLY STOP IN THE MIDDLE OF CRUISING AND WON'T PICK UP ANY SPEED UNLESS I HAVE MY FOOT PEDAL ALL THE WAY DOWN TO THE FLOOR, WHICH ALSO OFTEN TIMES CAUSES IT TO TURN OFF ON HIGHWAYS, ALL TYPES OF STREETS AND OTHER AREAS. ALSO WITH THESE ITEMS GONE BAD MY CAR SHIFTS SO HARD TO THE POINT WHERE IT JUMPS WHENEVER I SHIFT INTO ANY POSITION. ALL IN ALL THE VEHICLE, I FEEL , IS TOO DANGEROUS TO DRIVE AT THIS TIME
NHTSA complaint #11034007 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Richmond, VA
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
PURCHASED A 98 GS300 SIX MONTHS AGO AND MY VSC, ABS, BRAKE LIGHT AND CHECK ENGINE WARNING GAUGES CAME UP AND WILL NOT GO AWAY. DID SOME RESEARCH AND FOUND OUT THE BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER, THROTTLE POSITION SENSOR AND THROTTLE POSITION ACTUATOR WERE THE PROBLEMS. WITH THESE FEW ITEMS GONE BAD MY CAR PRODUCES LITTLE TO NO POWER DURING ACCELERATION. THE CAR BARELY GETS UP TO 45 MPH WITH ACCELERATION PEDAL ALL THE WAY DOWN TO THE FLOOR. WITH THE VSC GONE BAD THERE IS AN ALARM THAT STRETCHES TO UNCOMFORTABLE HEARING LEVELS THAT' HURTS LIKE THE DEVIL. MY CAR WILL LITERALLY STOP IN THE MIDDLE OF CRUISING AND WON'T PICK UP ANY SPEED UNLESS I HAVE MY FOOT PEDAL ALL THE WAY DOWN TO THE FLOOR, WHICH ALSO OFTEN TIMES CAUSES IT TO TURN OFF ON HIGHWAYS, ALL TYPES OF STREETS AND OTHER AREAS. ALSO WITH THESE ITEMS GONE BAD MY CAR SHIFTS SO HARD TO THE POINT WHERE IT JUMPS WHENEVER I SHIFT INTO ANY POSITION. ALL IN ALL THE VEHICLE, I FEEL , IS TOO DANGEROUS TO DRIVE AT THIS TIME
NHTSA complaint #11034007 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 270,038 milesBrookville, PA
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
I WAS GOING TO GO TO WORK, AN WHEN I STARTED TO PUSH ON THE THOTTHLE/ GAS PEDAL . NOTHING ENGAGED AN THEN ALL OF SUDDEN IT WORKED LIKE IT WAS BACK TO RUNNING NORMAL FOR LIKE 10 SECONDS THEN LOST ALMOST ALL THE POWER AN YOU CAN PUSH THE PADEL TO THE FLOOR ALMOST BEFOR IT WILL EVEN ENGAGE. IT'S MY EVERYDAY DRIVING CAR IT NOT SAFE TO BE DRIVING, WHEN IT'S MALFUNCTIONING IN THE ECU, VSC , CRUISE CONTROL QUIT BECAUSE OF WHAT HAPPENED. THERE A RECALL ON THE VSC FOR THE LEXUS GS 300 FOR HAVING MALFUNCTION PROBLEMS. BUT IT ONLY LET'S THE YOU USE ONLY THE LAST 25 PERCENT OF THE GAS PADEL, IT DON'T DO ANYTHING IN TILL ALMOST TO THE FLOOR. THIS HAPPENED IN BROOKVILLE PENNSYLVANIA, WHEN I WAS TURING LEFT ON TO ROUTE 36 SOUTH. I ALSO HAD TO REPLACE MY THOTTLE BODY BECAUSE WHEN THIS ALL HAPPENED, MY THOTTLE IT WAS STUCK IN WIDE OPEN THOTTLE. IT WAS VERY DANGEROUS IT COULD HAVE EASILY PUT OTHERS CITIZENS AN MY LIFE IN DANGER, WITCH COULD CAUSE SERIOUS INJURIES, OR IN A WORSE CASE DEATH. I'M FILLING OUT THIS FOAM IN REGARDS OF A RECALL, TO FIX OR REPLACE THE ECU, VSC , CRUSE CONTROL .
NHTSA complaint #11024942 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 270,038 milesBrookville, PA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I WAS GOING TO GO TO WORK, AN WHEN I STARTED TO PUSH ON THE THOTTHLE/ GAS PEDAL . NOTHING ENGAGED AN THEN ALL OF SUDDEN IT WORKED LIKE IT WAS BACK TO RUNNING NORMAL FOR LIKE 10 SECONDS THEN LOST ALMOST ALL THE POWER AN YOU CAN PUSH THE PADEL TO THE FLOOR ALMOST BEFOR IT WILL EVEN ENGAGE. IT'S MY EVERYDAY DRIVING CAR IT NOT SAFE TO BE DRIVING, WHEN IT'S MALFUNCTIONING IN THE ECU, VSC , CRUISE CONTROL QUIT BECAUSE OF WHAT HAPPENED. THERE A RECALL ON THE VSC FOR THE LEXUS GS 300 FOR HAVING MALFUNCTION PROBLEMS. BUT IT ONLY LET'S THE YOU USE ONLY THE LAST 25 PERCENT OF THE GAS PADEL, IT DON'T DO ANYTHING IN TILL ALMOST TO THE FLOOR. THIS HAPPENED IN BROOKVILLE PENNSYLVANIA, WHEN I WAS TURING LEFT ON TO ROUTE 36 SOUTH. I ALSO HAD TO REPLACE MY THOTTLE BODY BECAUSE WHEN THIS ALL HAPPENED, MY THOTTLE IT WAS STUCK IN WIDE OPEN THOTTLE. IT WAS VERY DANGEROUS IT COULD HAVE EASILY PUT OTHERS CITIZENS AN MY LIFE IN DANGER, WITCH COULD CAUSE SERIOUS INJURIES, OR IN A WORSE CASE DEATH. I'M FILLING OUT THIS FOAM IN REGARDS OF A RECALL, TO FIX OR REPLACE THE ECU, VSC , CRUSE CONTROL .
NHTSA complaint #11024942 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 270,038 milesBrookville, PA
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
I WAS GOING TO GO TO WORK, AN WHEN I STARTED TO PUSH ON THE THOTTHLE/ GAS PEDAL . NOTHING ENGAGED AN THEN ALL OF SUDDEN IT WORKED LIKE IT WAS BACK TO RUNNING NORMAL FOR LIKE 10 SECONDS THEN LOST ALMOST ALL THE POWER AN YOU CAN PUSH THE PADEL TO THE FLOOR ALMOST BEFOR IT WILL EVEN ENGAGE. IT'S MY EVERYDAY DRIVING CAR IT NOT SAFE TO BE DRIVING, WHEN IT'S MALFUNCTIONING IN THE ECU, VSC , CRUISE CONTROL QUIT BECAUSE OF WHAT HAPPENED. THERE A RECALL ON THE VSC FOR THE LEXUS GS 300 FOR HAVING MALFUNCTION PROBLEMS. BUT IT ONLY LET'S THE YOU USE ONLY THE LAST 25 PERCENT OF THE GAS PADEL, IT DON'T DO ANYTHING IN TILL ALMOST TO THE FLOOR. THIS HAPPENED IN BROOKVILLE PENNSYLVANIA, WHEN I WAS TURING LEFT ON TO ROUTE 36 SOUTH. I ALSO HAD TO REPLACE MY THOTTLE BODY BECAUSE WHEN THIS ALL HAPPENED, MY THOTTLE IT WAS STUCK IN WIDE OPEN THOTTLE. IT WAS VERY DANGEROUS IT COULD HAVE EASILY PUT OTHERS CITIZENS AN MY LIFE IN DANGER, WITCH COULD CAUSE SERIOUS INJURIES, OR IN A WORSE CASE DEATH. I'M FILLING OUT THIS FOAM IN REGARDS OF A RECALL, TO FIX OR REPLACE THE ECU, VSC , CRUSE CONTROL .
NHTSA complaint #11024942 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Long Beach, CA
SERVICE BRAKES
I PURCHASED A VEHICLE OFF THE STREETS AND HAD NO CLUE ON HOW THE SYSTEM WORKS WHEN PURCHASING A SALVAGED VEHICLE THAT HAD BEEN IN A AUCTION AFTER A WRECKLESS ACCIDENT. HAD A MASTER CYLINDER MALFUNCTION THAT GOT FIXED BY NOT A LEXUS PROFESSIONAL MECHANIC DUE TO BUDGET REASONS. RECEIVED A CHECK FOR AROUND $20.00 FOR THE RECALL ON THE GAS PEDAL GETTING STUCK AROUND 3 YRS. AGO. NO LONGER HAVE POSSEION OF MY LICENSE # PLATE OR VEHICLE. I THINK VIN # WAS A SCAM.
NHTSA complaint #10970369 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 112,000 milesTucson, AZ
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 LEXUS GS300. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE VEHICLE INADVERTENTLY ACCELERATED WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS RELEASED. THE VEHICLE FINALLY STOPPED AFTER SEVERAL MINUTES OF DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL. THE ISSUE RECURRED SEVERAL TIMES IN ONE DAY. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 112,000.
NHTSA complaint #10918851 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 97,400 milesSAN Deigo, CA
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 LEXUS GS300. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO PARK IN A RESIDENTIAL DRIVEWAY, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO JERK AND ACCELERATED INDEPENDENTLY. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS SAFE TO DRIVE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 97,400.
NHTSA complaint #10629152 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 240,000 milesHabre BE Garce, MD
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 GS300. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE RPMS RAPIDLY INCREASED AND THE VEHICLE ERRONEOUSLY ACCELERATED. THE VEHICLE WAS MOVED TO THE SHOULDER TO BE SHUT DOWN THEN RESTARTED BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE FAILURE WAS CAUSED BY A FAULTY THROTTLE BODY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 240,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #10491786 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 112,000 milesTemple Terrace, FL
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 LEXUS GS300. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE CONTACT NOTICED THE CHECK ENGINE AND THE VSC WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT ACCELERATE WHILE DEPRESSING THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL AND THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTICS. THE MECHANIC STATED THE THROTTLE POSITION SENSOR WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED. AFTER THE REPAIR THE FAILURE CONTINUED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE MECHANIC. THE MECHANIC REPLACED THE FRONT AND REAR THROTTLE POSITION SENSOR. THE FAILURE CONTINUED AFTER THE REPAIR. THERE WAS A RECALL UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 98V080000 (SUSPENSION:AUTOMATIC STABILITY CONTROL (ASC)). THE CONTACT WAS UNAWARE IF THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED UNDER THE RECALL BY THE PREVIOUS OWNER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 112,000. ...UPDATED 08-15-12 *BF UPDATED 08/21/12
NHTSA complaint #10466657 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 112,000 milesTemple Terrace, FL
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL:AUTOMATIC (ASC)
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 LEXUS GS300. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE CONTACT NOTICED THE CHECK ENGINE AND THE VSC WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT ACCELERATE WHILE DEPRESSING THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL AND THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTICS. THE MECHANIC STATED THE THROTTLE POSITION SENSOR WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED. AFTER THE REPAIR THE FAILURE CONTINUED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE MECHANIC. THE MECHANIC REPLACED THE FRONT AND REAR THROTTLE POSITION SENSOR. THE FAILURE CONTINUED AFTER THE REPAIR. THERE WAS A RECALL UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 98V080000 (SUSPENSION:AUTOMATIC STABILITY CONTROL (ASC)). THE CONTACT WAS UNAWARE IF THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED UNDER THE RECALL BY THE PREVIOUS OWNER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 112,000. ...UPDATED 08-15-12 *BF UPDATED 08/21/12
NHTSA complaint #10466657 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 160,000 milesLoredo, TX
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 LEXUS GS300. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH AND TRYING TO ACCELERATE THE SPEED FAILED TO INCREASE. THE FAILURE MADE IT DIFFICULT FOR THE CONTACT TO EXIT THE HIGHWAY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INSPECTED BY A DEALER NOR HAD IT BEEN REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 160,000.
NHTSA complaint #10447932 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 190,000 milesPassadina, CA
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 LEXUS GS300. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN DRIVING BETWEEN 30-40 MPH, THE VEHICLE WOULD BEGIN TO LOOSE POWER AND STALL SPORADICALLY WITH THE ILLUMINATION OF THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE, BUT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 190,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 192,380. UPDATED 02/09/12*LJ THE DEALER FOUND THE THROTTLE POSITION SENSOR WAS OUT OF SPECIFICATION AND THERE WAS AN OPEN CIRCUIT. UPDATED 02/27/12
NHTSA complaint #10442688 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 190,000 milesPassadina, CA
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 LEXUS GS300. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN DRIVING BETWEEN 30-40 MPH, THE VEHICLE WOULD BEGIN TO LOOSE POWER AND STALL SPORADICALLY WITH THE ILLUMINATION OF THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE, BUT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 190,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 192,380. UPDATED 02/09/12*LJ THE DEALER FOUND THE THROTTLE POSITION SENSOR WAS OUT OF SPECIFICATION AND THERE WAS AN OPEN CIRCUIT. UPDATED 02/27/12
NHTSA complaint #10442688 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 135,000 milesSAN Diego, CA
SUSPENSION
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 LEXUS GS300. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE MAKING A LEFT TURN THE PASSENGER SIDE TIRE SEPARATED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A LOCAL MECHANIC, BUT THE FAILURE WAS NOT REMEDIED. THE DEALER NOR MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 135,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #10413829 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 111,000 milesDublin, OHCrash
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 LEXUS GS300. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE ATTEMPTING TO APPLY THE BRAKES, THE VEHICLE DID NOT SLOW DOWN AND CRASHED INTO A WALL. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHO STATED THAT THE MASTER CYLINDER FAILED. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER WHO OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 111,000.
NHTSA complaint #10398166 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 186,000 milesGreenville, SC
STEERING
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 LEXUS GS 300. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 15 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME STUCK AND IT WAS DIFFICULT TO CONTROL THE VEHICLE. THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE TIRE SEPARATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR REPAIR. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 186,000.
NHTSA complaint #10371021 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 167,000 milesLenoir, NC
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 LEXUS GS300. THE CONTACT WAS TRAVELING 45 MPH, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY BEGAN TO SLOW DOWN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHTS ILLUMINATED WHEN THE FAILURE OCCURRED. THE CONTACT HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO HIS RESIDENCE. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 167,000.
NHTSA complaint #10370463 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 84,000 milesBethesda, MD
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
REFERRING TO A 1998 LEXUS GS300, REAR WHEEL DRIVE CAR WITH 84,000 MILES. ON SATURDAY, JUNE 19, 2010, I WAS COMING TO A STOP AT AN INTERSECTION WITH A 2 WAY STOP SIGN, WITH MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE. MY CAR AFTER SLOWING DOWN A BIT, SUDDENLY ACCELERATED, ALMOST RESULTING IN AN ACCIDENT AS I 'CRUISED' ACROSS THE INTERSECTION INSTEAD OF STOPPING. I CALLED LEXUS AND THEY ADVISED THAT I BRING THE CAR IN. I DROVE THERE ABOUT 15 MILES, AND ON THE WAY THERE I STOPPED ABOUT 100 FEET BEHIND ANOTHER CAR WHICH WAS STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT. I WAS AT A TOTAL STOP, MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE, AND THE CAR SUDDENLY LUNGED FORWARD. THERE WAS NO ACCIDENT BECAUSE I WAS SO FAR BEHIND THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME. I DROVE TO LEXUS. THEY EXAMINED THE CAR AND TOLD ME THEY FOUND NOTHING WRONG, INCLUDING WITH THE COMPUTER. THEY THEN TOOK ME FOR A DRIVE, PERHAPS 20 OR 30 MINUTES, STOPPING AND STARTING, AND THE PROBLEM COULD NOT BE DUPLICATED. I WAS TOO AFRAID TO DRIVE THE CAR AWAY AS THIS SUDDEN ACCELERATION HAPPENED TWICE THAT MORNING, SO I BOUGHT A NEW CAR ON THE SPOT. I WAS OF THE UNDERSTANDING THAT THE PROBLEM OF SUDDEN ACCELERATION DID NOT INVOLVE THE GS SERIES. LEXUS DID ALLOW MY GS300 AS A TRADE-IN. BOTH TIMES WHEN THE CAR ACCELERATED, I HAD NO DISTRACTIONS AND AM CERTAIN THAT THIS DESCRIPTION IS ABSOLUTELY ACCURATE. ALSO, I HAD ONLY THE ORIGINAL MATS IN THE CAR AND THEY WERE SET PROPERLY WITH THE HOOKS THROUGH THEM AS THEY SHOULD BE.
NHTSA complaint #10341283 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 193,000 milesEL Segundo, CACrash
SUSPENSION:FRONT
WAS ON THE FREEWAY DRIVING ABOUT 60 MILES PER HOUR, HIT A POT HOLE, CAR DROPPED APPARENTLY THE BALL JOINT BROKE ON THE RIGHT SIDE. BUT THIS HAPPENED ON THE LEFT SIDE A FEW MONTHS AGO IN DECEMBER. THAT TIME I WAS NOT ON THE FREEWAY. AFTER RESEARCHING ON LINE I SAW THAT PREVIOUS MODELS HAD BEEN RECALLED FOR THIS PROBLEM BUT NOT THE 1998. AFTER THE INCIDENT IN DECEMBER AND THE DAMAGE WAS CORRECTED, I TOOK MY CAR TO MY MECHANIC AND HE CHECKED IT OUT MADE SOME ADJUSTMENTS, THEN IT HAPPENS AGAIN. I'M AFRAID SOMEONE COULD GET KILLED, LUCKILY I DIDN'T, ESPECIALLY THE SECOND TIME WHEN I WAS ON THE FREEWAY. WHY WOULD THIS HAPPEN, I ALWAYS THOUGHT A LEXUS WAS A VERY DEPENDABLE CAR.
NHTSA complaint #10323263 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 66,800 milesBasking Ridge, NJ
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
WHEN AT A STOP SIGN OR RED LIGHT, WITH MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE PEDAL, THE CAR ACCELERATES. I PRESS ON THE BRAKE PEDAL AND, USUALLY, THE ACCELERATION SLOWS DOWN. THIS HAPPENED 3 TIMES IN 2 DAYS AND THE THIRD TIME THE ACCELERATION DID NOT STOP, THE CAR REALLY ACCELERATED, I PRESSED ON THE BRAKE PEDAL AS HARD AS I COULD AND THE REAR TIRES WERE SMOKING SO I TURNED OFF THE KEY. THE DEALER HAD THE CAR FOR A WEEK AND COULD FIND NO PROBLEM. BEFORE I GOT THE CAR BACK INTO MY GARAGE, IT HAPPENED AGAIN BUT NOT TOO BADLY.
NHTSA complaint #10320103 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Chico, CA
SUSPENSION:FRONT
98 LEXUS GS300LOWER BALL JOINT DISLOCATED ITSELF WHILE DRIVING AT 20MPH ON CITY STREETS. LUCKILY IT WASN'T ON THE HIGHWAY. CALLED A TOWING COMPANY, AND THEY REFUSED TO TOW THE LEXUS GS300 SINCE IT COULD CAUSE MORE DAMAGE. DURING THE WHOLE ORDEAL, THE LOWER BALL JOINT PUNCTURE THE ORIGINAL LEXUS 16INCH WHEEL. A HOLE IS VISIBLE AND THE DISLOCATED BALL JOINT SITS ON THE WHEEL CLOSE THE EDGE.
NHTSA complaint #10262402 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 170,000 milesChico, CA
SUSPENSION
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 LEXUS GS300. WHILE DRIVING LESS THAN 20 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD POPPING SOUND. THE VEHICLE PULLED TO THE RIGHT WITH TREMENDOUS FORCE. THE DRIVER WAS ABLE TO MANEUVER THE VEHICLE OFF THE ROAD AND ATTEMPTED TO HAVE THE VEHICLE TOWED TO THE DEALER; HOWEVER, THE TOW COMPANY WAS UNCOMFORTABLE WITH TOWING IN FEAR THAT THEY WOULD CAUSE MORE DAMAGE. IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE LOWER BALL JOINTS WERE HANGING FROM THE VEHICLE AND PUNCTURED THE RIM. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE LESS THAN 170,000.
NHTSA complaint #10262443 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.