1998 Lexus GS300
Not enough comparison years on file yet 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.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1993 | 7 |
| 1994 | 6 |
| 1995 | 9 |
| 1996 | 2 |
| 1997 | 0 |
| 1998 | 60 |
| 1999 | 38 |
| 2000 | 35 |
| 2001 | 17 |
| 2002 | 13 |
| 2003 | 12 |
| 2004 | 6 |
| 2005 | 2 |
| 2006 | 124 |
| 2007 | 0 |
| 2013 | 1 |
| 2014 | 1 |
| 2018 | 0 |
| 2019 | 0 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
38% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 23 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 20130108
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 20120719
8% of complaints: tires — 5 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 20190711
8% of complaints: suspension — 5 distinct reports on file.
CRASH5% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 3 distinct reports on file.
5% of complaints: suspension — 3 distinct reports on file.
SAFETY TIMELINE
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 CER
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE YAW RATE SENSOR.
Campaign 98V080000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1998 Lexus GS300 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for vehicle speed control issues (23 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for tires issues (5 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for suspension issues (5 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 98V080000 (electronic stability control) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 1998 Lexus GS300 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 GS300?
The most-reported component is vehicle speed control, accounting for 38% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1998 Lexus GS300 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.