MYRModel Year Report

1998 Lexus GS400

○ Not enough data
1998 Lexus GS400
RENDERED 2026-11-01T11:36:45.758Z

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
31
Recalls
1

Campaigns on file for 1998

Investigations
1

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
Air bags

26% of complaints

Complaints per year

1994: 1 complaint 1994 1997: 0 complaints 1997 1998: 31 complaints 1998 31 1999: 17 complaints 1999 2000: 8 complaints 2000
1994: 1 complaint 1994 1997: 0 complaints 1997 1998: 31 complaints 1998 31 1999: 17 complaints 1999 2000: 8 complaints 2000
1994: 1 complaint 1994 1997: 0 complaints 1997 1998: 31 complaints 1998 31 1999: 17 complaints 1999 2000: 8 complaints 2000

1998: 31 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
19941
19970
199831
199917
20008

Known problem areas

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

Air bags

26% · 8 reports

Most commonly citing frontal.

CRASHINJURY
Show complaint excerpts

Crashed into rear of another car at 30-50 MPH, air bags did into deploy. *nlm *scc **dimsii ivoq entry posted after 12/12/02 cut-over to…

NHTSA ODI report, 2003-04-30

Consumer was involved in a frontal collision at 30 MPH, upon impact the airbags did not deploy, causing injury to driver.

NHTSA ODI report, 2002-02-06

Crashed into rear of another car at 30-50MPH; air bags did not deploy

NHTSA ODI report, 2000-10-25

Vehicle speed control

16% · 5 reports

Most commonly citing linkages.

CRASHINJURY
Show complaint excerpts

Tl* the contact owns a 1998 Lexus GS400.

NHTSA ODI report, 2019-05-13

Also filed under Service brakes

Service brakes

16% · 5 reports

Most commonly citing hydraulic.

CRASHINJURY
Show complaint excerpts

I was driving down the street, a rather busy street trying to stop. The Lexus would not stop, due to the struts and mounts are broken. Which I learned from sears automotive.

NHTSA ODI report, 2016-03-05

Also filed under Structure and suspension

Seat belts

16% · 5 reports

Most commonly citing retractor and buckle assembly.

CRASHINJURY

Engine and engine cooling

10% · 3 reports

Most commonly citing engine and emission control.

CRASHINJURY
Show complaint excerpts

Product defect when the Lexus GS400 hit head on a concrete anti-terrorist restrain t between 40-50 miles a hr.

NHTSA ODI report, 2003-11-13

Also filed under Parking brake

Safety timeline

1 recall · 1 investigation · oldest first

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

  1. 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 →

  2. I
    2003-07-17Defect petitionClosed 2003-09-23 Unintended engine speed increase/sa

Buy-smart checklist

1998 Lexus GS400 — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Air bags: 8 reports on file for this year.
  • Vehicle speed control: 5 reports on file for this year.
  • Service brakes: 5 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 98V080000 · Electronic stability control
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

FAQ

Is the 1998 Lexus GS400 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 GS400?
The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 26% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1998 Lexus GS400 have?
1 recall on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.