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FaultScore report

1999 Lexus GS400 problems

Owners have filed 29 complaints about the 1999 Lexus GS400 with NHTSA between 2000 and 2017. The largest single group is the acceleration & cruise control.

Read the complaints What breaks Worst years for the Lexus GS400 All 1999 cars
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Not graded

Too few complaints, or too short a model run, to compare fairly.

How this is worked out

The numbers

29

Complaints

11

Crashes reported

0

Fires reported

4

Injuries reported

86,616 mi

Median mileage at failure

Half of reported failures happened before this

31%

Failed under 36,000 miles

Inside a typical bumper-to-bumper warranty

How 1999 compares with every other Lexus GS400

Click any bar to open that year's report.

Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade: A B C D F ungraded

What breaks on a 1999 Lexus GS400

Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.

Acceleration & Cruise Control 6 20.7%

3 crashes, 0 fires · median 57,188 mi

Suspension 5 17.2%

Median failure at 88,000 miles

Brakes 5 17.2%

1 crashes, 0 fires · median 188,022 mi

Electrical System 4 13.8%

1 crashes, 0 fires · median 135,000 mi

Lights 2 6.9%

1 crashes, 0 fires · median 170,000 mi

Engine & Cooling 2 6.9%

1 crashes, 0 fires

Other & Unspecified 1 3.4%

1 crashes, 0 fires · median 45 mi

Seat Belts 1 3.4%

1 crashes, 0 fires · median 45 mi

Fuel & Propulsion 1 3.4%

1 crashes, 0 fires

Airbags 1 3.4%

1 crashes, 0 fires · median 45 mi

Transmission & Drivetrain 1 3.4%

When it fails

Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all complaints include one.

Under 1,000 miles 3 18.8%
10,000 – 24,999 miles 1 6.3%
25,000 – 49,999 miles 2 12.5%
50,000 – 74,999 miles 2 12.5%
100,000 – 149,999 miles 5 31.3%
150,000+ miles 3 18.8%

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.

Jul 2000 peak 5 Jun 2017

NHTSA investigations into the 1999 Lexus GS400

An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.

DP03003 Opened 17 Jul 2003 Closed 23 Sep 2003 VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:LINKAGES

UNINTENDED ENGINE SPEED INCREASE/SA

ON MAY 13, 2003 THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION (NHTSA) RECEIVED AN APRIL 25, 2003 LETTER FROM MR. PETER BODDAERT PETITIONING THE AGENCY TO CONDUCT A PETITION ANALYSIS OF CERTAIN 1997 THROUGH 2000 MODEL YEAR LEXUS 300 AND 400 SERIES VEHICLES FOR PROBLEMS OF VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL LINKAGES WHICH RESULTS IN SUDDEN, UNEXPECTED EXCESSIVE (VEHICLE) ACCELERATION EVEN THOUGH THERE IS NO PRESSURE [SIC]APPLIED TO THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL.IN SUPPORT OF HIS PETITION, MR. BODDAERT CITES A NUMBER OF ODI REPORTS CONCERNING VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL LINKAGES IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES.INCLUDED AMONGS...

Complaints that involved harm

Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.

at 260,000 miles Norfolk, VA Crash

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

MAY 9, 2017. AT APPROXIMATELY 5:50 PM, I GOT IN MY CAR WHICH WAS PARKED IN A SMALL OUTDOOR PARKING LOT. I STARTED IT AND PUT IT IN REVERSE AND THE CAR TOOK OFF. EVEN THOUGH I APPLIED THE BRAKES THE CAR DID NOT STOP OR SLOW DOWN. IT SLAMMED INTO A PARKED 2016 MERCEDES WITH SUCH FORCE THAT THE MERCEDES WAS LEFT ALMOST PERPENDICULAR WITH ITS SPACE. POLICE WERE CALLED AND CAME TO SCENE BUT BECAUSE THE PARKING LOT IS ON PRIVATE PROPERTY, NO REPORT WAS FILED. THE OWNER OF THE OTHER VEHICLE AND I EXCHANGED INFORMATION.

NHTSA complaint #10991761 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 260,000 miles Norfolk, VA Crash

SERVICE BRAKES

MAY 9, 2017. AT APPROXIMATELY 5:50 PM, I GOT IN MY CAR WHICH WAS PARKED IN A SMALL OUTDOOR PARKING LOT. I STARTED IT AND PUT IT IN REVERSE AND THE CAR TOOK OFF. EVEN THOUGH I APPLIED THE BRAKES THE CAR DID NOT STOP OR SLOW DOWN. IT SLAMMED INTO A PARKED 2016 MERCEDES WITH SUCH FORCE THAT THE MERCEDES WAS LEFT ALMOST PERPENDICULAR WITH ITS SPACE. POLICE WERE CALLED AND CAME TO SCENE BUT BECAUSE THE PARKING LOT IS ON PRIVATE PROPERTY, NO REPORT WAS FILED. THE OWNER OF THE OTHER VEHICLE AND I EXCHANGED INFORMATION.

NHTSA complaint #10991761 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SAN Diego, CA Crash

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

BATTERY DRAIN AND DAMAGING ALTERNATER . HEADLIGHTS FLICKERS AND GAS LEAK AND POWER STEERING PROBLEMS.

NHTSA complaint #10916373 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SAN Diego, CA Crash

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

BATTERY DRAIN AND DAMAGING ALTERNATER . HEADLIGHTS FLICKERS AND GAS LEAK AND POWER STEERING PROBLEMS.

NHTSA complaint #10916373 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SAN Diego, CA Crash

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

BATTERY DRAIN AND DAMAGING ALTERNATER . HEADLIGHTS FLICKERS AND GAS LEAK AND POWER STEERING PROBLEMS.

NHTSA complaint #10916373 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 45 miles Macon, GA Crash 1 injured

SEAT BELTS

WAS IN A SERIOUS CAR WRECK..HAVE SEVER MAKES ON BODY FROM SEATBELT...WHEN AIRBAG DEPLOY KNOCKED OUT WINDSHIELD..HAVE STITCHES IN ARM FROM GLASS.CAR IS TOTAL..HAD TO GET CUT OUT OF CAR.

NHTSA complaint #10726477 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

The most recent complaints

In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.

at 116,044 miles Brooklyn, NY

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 LEXUS GS400. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL, BUT THE VEHICLE DID NOT STOP AND SURGED FORWARD. THE CONTACT HAD TO PUMP THE BRAKE PEDAL APPROXIMATELY THREE TIMES UNTIL THE VEHICLE STOPPED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED FOR THE SAME FAILURE IN 2013 BY BAY RIDGE LEXUS (6502 5TH AVENUE BROOKLYN, NEW YORK 11220). THE VEHICLE WAS GOING TO BE TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 116,044.

NHTSA complaint #10995810 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 116,044 miles Brooklyn, NY

SERVICE BRAKES

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 LEXUS GS400. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL, BUT THE VEHICLE DID NOT STOP AND SURGED FORWARD. THE CONTACT HAD TO PUMP THE BRAKE PEDAL APPROXIMATELY THREE TIMES UNTIL THE VEHICLE STOPPED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED FOR THE SAME FAILURE IN 2013 BY BAY RIDGE LEXUS (6502 5TH AVENUE BROOKLYN, NEW YORK 11220). THE VEHICLE WAS GOING TO BE TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 116,044.

NHTSA complaint #10995810 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 260,000 miles Norfolk, VA Crash

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

MAY 9, 2017. AT APPROXIMATELY 5:50 PM, I GOT IN MY CAR WHICH WAS PARKED IN A SMALL OUTDOOR PARKING LOT. I STARTED IT AND PUT IT IN REVERSE AND THE CAR TOOK OFF. EVEN THOUGH I APPLIED THE BRAKES THE CAR DID NOT STOP OR SLOW DOWN. IT SLAMMED INTO A PARKED 2016 MERCEDES WITH SUCH FORCE THAT THE MERCEDES WAS LEFT ALMOST PERPENDICULAR WITH ITS SPACE. POLICE WERE CALLED AND CAME TO SCENE BUT BECAUSE THE PARKING LOT IS ON PRIVATE PROPERTY, NO REPORT WAS FILED. THE OWNER OF THE OTHER VEHICLE AND I EXCHANGED INFORMATION.

NHTSA complaint #10991761 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 260,000 miles Norfolk, VA Crash

SERVICE BRAKES

MAY 9, 2017. AT APPROXIMATELY 5:50 PM, I GOT IN MY CAR WHICH WAS PARKED IN A SMALL OUTDOOR PARKING LOT. I STARTED IT AND PUT IT IN REVERSE AND THE CAR TOOK OFF. EVEN THOUGH I APPLIED THE BRAKES THE CAR DID NOT STOP OR SLOW DOWN. IT SLAMMED INTO A PARKED 2016 MERCEDES WITH SUCH FORCE THAT THE MERCEDES WAS LEFT ALMOST PERPENDICULAR WITH ITS SPACE. POLICE WERE CALLED AND CAME TO SCENE BUT BECAUSE THE PARKING LOT IS ON PRIVATE PROPERTY, NO REPORT WAS FILED. THE OWNER OF THE OTHER VEHICLE AND I EXCHANGED INFORMATION.

NHTSA complaint #10991761 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SAN Diego, CA Crash

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

BATTERY DRAIN AND DAMAGING ALTERNATER . HEADLIGHTS FLICKERS AND GAS LEAK AND POWER STEERING PROBLEMS.

NHTSA complaint #10916373 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SAN Diego, CA Crash

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

BATTERY DRAIN AND DAMAGING ALTERNATER . HEADLIGHTS FLICKERS AND GAS LEAK AND POWER STEERING PROBLEMS.

NHTSA complaint #10916373 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SAN Diego, CA Crash

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

BATTERY DRAIN AND DAMAGING ALTERNATER . HEADLIGHTS FLICKERS AND GAS LEAK AND POWER STEERING PROBLEMS.

NHTSA complaint #10916373 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 170,000 miles Vancouver, WA

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

THE TRUNK MOUNTED BRAKE LIGHTS HAVE FADED FROM RED TO PINK. IT IS A PROBLEM WITH THESE CARS. THIS CAR HAS BEEN GARAGED WHEN IT IS NOT DRIVEN.

NHTSA complaint #10783414 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 45 miles Macon, GA Crash 1 injured

SEAT BELTS

WAS IN A SERIOUS CAR WRECK..HAVE SEVER MAKES ON BODY FROM SEATBELT...WHEN AIRBAG DEPLOY KNOCKED OUT WINDSHIELD..HAVE STITCHES IN ARM FROM GLASS.CAR IS TOTAL..HAD TO GET CUT OUT OF CAR.

NHTSA complaint #10726477 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 45 miles Macon, GA Crash 1 injured

AIR BAGS

WAS IN A SERIOUS CAR WRECK..HAVE SEVER MAKES ON BODY FROM SEATBELT...WHEN AIRBAG DEPLOY KNOCKED OUT WINDSHIELD..HAVE STITCHES IN ARM FROM GLASS.CAR IS TOTAL..HAD TO GET CUT OUT OF CAR.

NHTSA complaint #10726477 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 45 miles Macon, GA Crash 1 injured

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

WAS IN A SERIOUS CAR WRECK..HAVE SEVER MAKES ON BODY FROM SEATBELT...WHEN AIRBAG DEPLOY KNOCKED OUT WINDSHIELD..HAVE STITCHES IN ARM FROM GLASS.CAR IS TOTAL..HAD TO GET CUT OUT OF CAR.

NHTSA complaint #10726477 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Woodland Hills, CA Crash 1 injured

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 LEXUS GS400. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH THE VEHICLE STALLED CAUSING A VEHICLE TO CRASH INTO THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE DRIVER WAS INJURED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED TO AN UNKNOWN LOCATION. THE VEHICLE WAS NEVER EXAMINED FOR THE CAUSE OF FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE UNKNOWN. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.

NHTSA complaint #10341638 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 135,000 miles Harbor City, CA

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

VEHICLE ENGINE SUDDENLY TURNS OFF WHILE DRIVING. HAS OCCURRED WHILE DRIVING AT LOW SPEED IN HEAVY TRAFFIC, AS WELL AS MORE THAN ONCE WHEN ENTERING A FREEWAY ON FREEWAY ON-RAMP.

NHTSA complaint #10341063 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 21,000 miles Sarasota, FL

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 GS400. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE APPLYING THE BRAKE, THE VEHICLE WOULD ACCELERATE. THE FAILURE HAS OCCURRED INTERMITTENTLY FOR 10 YEARS. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FLOOR MAT RECALL SHOULD BE CONSIDERED REGARDING THE FAILURE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 80,000 AND THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 21,000.

NHTSA complaint #10294248 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 147,000 miles Lexington, KY

SUSPENSION

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 LEXUS GS400. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE LOWER BALL JOINT MADE A LOUD SQUEAKING NOISE AND THEN FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN AUTO BODY SHOP AND THE DIAGNOSTIC INDICATED THAT THE SENSOR WIRE HAD TO BE REWIRED AND THE FRONT LOWER BALL JOINT NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY BEING REPAIRED. THE CONTACT HAS RESEARCHED A COUPLE OF COMPLAINTS FOR THIS FAILURE ON THE INTERNET. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 147,000. UPDATED 04/24/09. *LJ UPDATED 04/27/09.

NHTSA complaint #10262023 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 147,000 miles Lexington, KY

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 LEXUS GS400. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE LOWER BALL JOINT MADE A LOUD SQUEAKING NOISE AND THEN FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN AUTO BODY SHOP AND THE DIAGNOSTIC INDICATED THAT THE SENSOR WIRE HAD TO BE REWIRED AND THE FRONT LOWER BALL JOINT NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY BEING REPAIRED. THE CONTACT HAS RESEARCHED A COUPLE OF COMPLAINTS FOR THIS FAILURE ON THE INTERNET. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 147,000. UPDATED 04/24/09. *LJ UPDATED 04/27/09.

NHTSA complaint #10262023 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 51,000 miles Morrow, GA

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:MODULE

WHILE DRIVING AT SEVERAL DIFFERENT SPEEDS VEHICLE WILL JUST CUT OFF, WHICH COULD BE QUITE DANGEROUS WHEN YOU ACCELERATING INTO TRAFFIC.

NHTSA complaint #10118133 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 40,000 miles Batavia, IL Crash

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

WHILE BACKING OUT AND SHIFTING INTO DRIVE VEHICLE SURGED FORWARD. AS A RESULT, VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A BUILDING. UPON IMPACT, DUAL AIRBAGS DEPLOYED UPON IMPACT. *AK

NHTSA complaint #10065365 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 29,000 miles Walnut, CA

SUSPENSION:FRONT:SPRINGS:COIL SPRINGS

FRONT SUSPENSION HAS CLUNK NOISE WHEN GOING OVER SPEED BUMP IN SLOW SPEED. DEALER NEVER ABLE TO RESOLVE THE PROBLEM AND SAME SYMPTON RECUR EVERY 6K MILES AFTER DEALER REPAIR THE SUSPENSION.

NHTSA complaint #10056861 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 57,188 miles Braintree, MA Crash

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED SUDDEN ACCELERATION.

NHTSA complaint #10017631 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Glen Ellyn, IL

SUSPENSION

VEHICLE EXPERIENCING PROBLEM WITH TRACTION CONTROL WHILE DRIVING ON SNOW COVERED ROADS, CAUSING VEHICLE TO FISHTAIL TO RIGHT. DEALER NOTIFIED. PLEASE FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE ANY FURTHER DETAILS ON THIS MATTER.

NHTSA complaint #876810 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Glen Ellyn, IL

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)

VEHICLE EXPERIENCING PROBLEM WITH TRACTION CONTROL WHILE DRIVING ON SNOW COVERED ROADS, CAUSING VEHICLE TO FISHTAIL TO RIGHT. DEALER NOTIFIED. PLEASE FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE ANY FURTHER DETAILS ON THIS MATTER.

NHTSA complaint #876810 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Cincinnati, OH

SUSPENSION:REAR

VEHICLE HAS A FAST SHUDDER OF THE STEERING WHEEL AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. IT ALSO HAS A VIBRATION IN THE SEATS AT 45 MPH. WE REPLACED THE TIRES THREE TIMES WITH DIFFERENT TYPES AND CANNOT ELIMINATE THE VIBRATION. IT MUST BE A SUSPENSION PART. THEY DID SWAP THE REAR AXLE AND DIFFERENTIAL WITH ANOTHER CAR ON THEIR LOT. A NEW DRIVESHAFT WAS ALSO INSTALLED.

NHTSA complaint #730773 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Cincinnati, OH

SUSPENSION:REAR

VEHICLE HAS A FAST SHUDDER OF THE STEERING WHEEL AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. IT ALSO HAS A VIBRATION IN THE SEATS AT 45 MPH. WE REPLACED THE TIRES THREE TIMES WITH DIFFERENT TYPES AND CANNOT ELIMINATE THE VIBRATION. IT MUST BE A SUSPENSION PART. THEY DID SWAP THE REAR AXLE AND DIFFERENTIAL WITH ANOTHER CAR ON THEIR LOT. A NEW DRIVESHAFT WAS ALSO INSTALLED.

NHTSA complaint #730773 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Holliston, MA

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:PEDALS AND LINKAGES

WHILE APPLYING THE BRAKE PEDAL TO STOP THE CAR JERKED FORWARD ON MANY OCCASIONS, THIS IS DUE TO A DESIGN FLAW, THE CONSUMERS FOOT ACCIDENTALLY ENGAGES THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL AT THE SAME TIME AS THE BRAKE PEDAL CAUSED BY THE FOOT OVERHANGING THE BRAKE PEDAL. *MJS

NHTSA complaint #724481 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.