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1998 Lexus GS300Problems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 60 owner complaints about the 1998 Lexus GS300, most often about the vehicle speed control. It is covered by 1 safety recall.

47
CarFlaw IndexSolid year1.1× the GS300 median · #2 of 7 years by complaints
Safety recalls1Free fix at dealersOwner complaints6010 with a crash, fire or injuryTypical failure mileage112kVehicle speed control, median miles

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through July 11, 2019. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 1998 Lexus GS300 has problems

60 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.

Box size = number of complaints naming that system. Darker = larger share. One complaint can name more than one system.
Complaints by system
SystemComplaintsCrash, fire or injury
Vehicle speed control250
Suspension101
Service brakes, hydraulic53
Tires51
Structure41
Electrical system41
Engine and engine cooling30
Exterior lighting30
Air bags22
11 other systems162

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.

1 recall

1998 Lexus GS300 recalls and how many were fixed

Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

–no report yet

Electronic stability control: automatic (asc)

Recall 98V-080 · Apr 17, 1998 · 14,855 vehicles

Risk. SHOULD THIS OCCUR, THE BRAKE MAY OPERATE UNEXPECTEDLY, AFFECTING STEERING AND SPEED CONTROL, INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Lexus.

Best & worst years

1998 vs. every other GS300 year

Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the GS300 median. How we score

'93'94'95'96'97'98'99'00'01'02'03'04'05'06'07'13'14'18'19
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
In owners' words

What GS300 owners report

Recent vehicle speed control complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

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…
Complaint 11024942 · Sep 22, 2017 · 270,038 miles
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…
Complaint 10918851 · Oct 25, 2016 · 112,000 miles
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…
Complaint 10629152 · Aug 28, 2014 · 97,400 miles

Own a 1998 GS300?

Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.