1998 Lexus GS
Only 4 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
Only 4 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1995 | 2 |
| 1996 | 1 |
| 1998 | 4 |
| 1999 | 4 |
| 2000 | 0 |
| 2001 | 3 |
| 2002 | 1 |
| 2003 | 4 |
| 2004 | 2 |
| 2005 | 1 |
| 2006 | 44 |
| 2007 | 25 |
| 2008 | 15 |
| 2009 | 2 |
| 2010 | 10 |
| 2011 | 3 |
| 2012 | 1 |
| 2013 | 18 |
| 2014 | 3 |
| 2015 | 3 |
| 2016 | 5 |
| 2017 | 1 |
| 2018 | 2 |
| 2019 | 1 |
| 2020 | 0 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 4 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
3 of 4 total reports mention: service brakes.
Show complaint excerpts
FAILED BRAKE ACTUATOR
NHTSA ODI report, 20201021
WHILE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION, MULTIPLE WARNING LIGHTS AND MESSAGES ILLUMINATED, AND AUDIBLE CHIMES SOUNDED. BRAKE BOOSTER FAILED. NO BRAKES, NO ADVANCE WARNING. THIS OCCURRED ON LOCKWOOD ROAD, ELGIN TX ON OCTOBER 4, 2019 AROUND 8 PM.
NHTSA ODI report, 20191014
1 of 4 total reports mentions: vehicle speed control.
1 of 4 total reports mentions: suspension.
Show complaint excerpts
ANOTHER LEXUS GS-300 OWNER FILED THIS REPORT ON MARCH 6, 2007: "WE OWN A 1998 LEXUS, MODEL GS 300. THIS SATURDAY MY WIFE WAS DRIVING THE LEXUS AND THE ENTIRE WHEEL ASSEMBLY CAME OFF THE VEHICLE DUE THE FAILURE OF THE LOWER BALL JOINT.
NHTSA ODI report, 20071230
1 of 4 total reports mentions: suspension.
Show complaint excerpts
FAILED BRAKE ACTUATOR
NHTSA ODI report, 20201021
1 of 4 total reports mentions: power train.
SAFETY TIMELINE
SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONF
Remedy: SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.
Campaign 09E012000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1998 Lexus GS — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for service brakes issues (3 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for vehicle speed control issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for suspension issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 09E012000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 1998 Lexus GS reliable?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 1998 Lexus GS?
The most-reported component is service brakes, accounting for 75% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1998 Lexus GS have?
1 recall on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.