1999 Lexus GS problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 9 complaints on file for the 1999 Lexus GS — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but one recall campaign applies to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

NHTSA complaints

Recalls

Investigations

Crash-involved

Fires reported

Injuries

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1999 compare to other GS years?

GS NHTSA complaints by model year, 1999 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all GS years to avoid →

What are the most common 1999 Lexus GS problems?

Component	Complaints	Share	vs prior year
Body & Structure	2	22%	▲ up
Brakes	1	11%	▼ down
Engine	1	11%	new
Seat Belts	1	11%	new
Speed Control	1	11%	— flat
Tires & Wheels	1	11%	new
Airbags	1	11%	new
Transmission	1	11%	— flat

Does the 1999 Lexus GS have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

09E012000LightingApril 7, 2009 · 16,270 units

Defect

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 CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.

Consequence

DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“IN THE PROCESS OF MAKING A U-TURN ON A PRIVATE NARROW STREET THE AUTOMOBILE RPM JUMPED FROM AN ALMOST IDLE CONDITION TO OVER 3000 RPM. EVERY EFFORT TO BRAKE THE CAR AND SHIFT TO NEUTRAL PROVED INEFFECTIVE WITHIN THE DISTANCE OF APPROXIMATELY 30 FEET. THE AUTOMOBILE JUMPED THE CURB AND STRUCK A LOW…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · July 14, 2014 · crash

“I WAS DRIVING GOING HOME FROM THE STORE AND MY LOWER BALL JOINT FAILED AND DAMAGE MY WHEELS, FENDER AND DRIVER SIDE DOOR WON'T OPEN ALL THE WAY DUE TO THE DAMAGE ON THE FENDER. THANK GOD I WASN'T IN THE FREEWAY OR WITH MY KIDS WHEN THIS HAPPENED. *TR”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · March 8, 2014

“IN THE PROCESS OF MAKING A U-TURN ON A PRIVATE NARROW STREET THE AUTOMOBILE RPM JUMPED FROM AN ALMOST IDLE CONDITION TO OVER 3000 RPM. EVERY EFFORT TO BRAKE THE CAR AND SHIFT TO NEUTRAL PROVED INEFFECTIVE WITHIN THE DISTANCE OF APPROXIMATELY 30 FEET. THE AUTOMOBILE JUMPED THE CURB AND STRUCK A LOW…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · July 14, 2014 · crash

“IN THE PROCESS OF MAKING A U-TURN ON A PRIVATE NARROW STREET THE AUTOMOBILE RPM JUMPED FROM AN ALMOST IDLE CONDITION TO OVER 3000 RPM. EVERY EFFORT TO BRAKE THE CAR AND SHIFT TO NEUTRAL PROVED INEFFECTIVE WITHIN THE DISTANCE OF APPROXIMATELY 30 FEET. THE AUTOMOBILE JUMPED THE CURB AND STRUCK A LOW…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · July 14, 2014 · crash

1999 Lexus GS — common questions

Is the 1999 Lexus GS reliable?

The record is thin — 9 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.

Does the 1999 Lexus GS have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1999 Lexus GS. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Lexus GS years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the GS years to avoid are 2006, 2007. The cleanest record among GS years belongs to 2020.

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.

How does 1999 compare to other GS years?

What are the most common 1999 Lexus GS problems?

Does the 1999 Lexus GS have recalls?

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

1999 Lexus GS — common questions

Is the 1999 Lexus GS reliable?

Does the 1999 Lexus GS have recalls?

Which Lexus GS years should you avoid?

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