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 43% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 1998 Lexus GS300 have?

1 recall on file for this model year.

1998 Lexus GS300

○ Not enough data

1998 Lexus GS300
RENDERED 2026-11-01T12:48:14.688Z

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.

How is this computed?

Complaints: 60
Recalls: 1
Investigations: 0
Top problem: Vehicle speed control

Complaints per year

1998: 60 complaints

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

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Vehicle speed control

43% · 26 reports

Most commonly citing accelerator pedal.

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, 2013-01-08

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, 2012-07-19

Also filed under Electronic stability control

Suspension

18% · 11 reports

Most commonly citing front and lower ball joint.

CRASH

Service brakes

13% · 8 reports

Most commonly citing hydraulic.

CRASHINJURY

Tires

8% · 5 reports

CRASHINJURY

Show 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, 2019-07-11

Electrical system

8% · 5 reports

Most commonly citing 12v/24v/48v battery and starter assembly.

FIRE

Safety timeline

1 recall · 0 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

R

1998-06-17Electronic stability control98V080000 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…

Remedy: Dealers will replace the yaw rate sensor.

Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

1998 Lexus GS300 — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

Vehicle speed control: 26 reports on file for this year.
Suspension: 11 reports on file for this year.
Service brakes: 8 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

Recall 98V080000 · Electronic stability control

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 43% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1998 Lexus GS300 have?: 1 recall on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.