2003 Lexus GS problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 6 complaints on file for the 2003 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 2003 compare to other GS years?

GS NHTSA complaints by model year, 2003 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all GS years to avoid →

What are the most common 2003 Lexus GS problems?

Component	Complaints	Share	vs prior year
Engine	1	17%	— flat
Speed Control	1	17%	— flat
Steering	1	17%	— flat
Suspension	1	17%	— flat
Tires & Wheels	1	17%	— flat
Transmission	1	17%	— flat

Does the 2003 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.

“WHEN BACKING INTO A PARKING SPACE WITH MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE, THE RPMS SURGED CAUSING SPEED TO INCREASE SUDDENLY. I PLACE THE CAR IN NEUTRAL AND THE RPMS CONTINUED TO SURGE FOR ABOUT THREE SECONDS AND THEN RETURNED TO NORMAL. WHILE WAITING AT A TRAFFIC SIGNAL, WITH MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE, THE RPMS…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · January 31, 2014

“ACCELERATION PEDAL PROBLEM. CAR FAILS TO RESPOND TO ACCELERATION PEDAL SOMETIMES WHILE IN MOTION. CAR CAN STOP MOVING IN TRAFFIC OR DURING TURNS (ESPECIALLY LEFT TURNS). THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS AND LIFE THREATENING. ALTHOUGH PEDAL SENSOR WAS CHANGED GIVEN THE ERROR CODE, THE CAR STILL SHOW THE SAME…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · November 26, 2019

“car stalls when trying to accelerate like its going to turn off...The Wheel alighnment is not correct.Doors will not lock Bad lighting i cant see because front lights are doll ”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · December 19, 2024

“car stalls when trying to accelerate like its going to turn off...The Wheel alighnment is not correct.Doors will not lock Bad lighting i cant see because front lights are doll ”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · December 19, 2024

“I OWN A 2003 LEXUS GS AND ALL FOUR RIMS ARE CHROME AND HAVE BECOME A SAFETY HAZARD ACCORDING TO WHERE WE HAVE OUR SERVICE. I OWN ANOTHER LEXUS AUTO AND MY RIMS ARE IN GOOD SHAPE . I HAVE NEVER EXPERIENCE RIMS CHROME PLATE PEALING CAUSING NEWER TIRES TO LOSE AIR BEFORE. I WAS INTERESTED TO FIND OUT…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · August 9, 2010

2003 Lexus GS — common questions

Is the 2003 Lexus GS reliable?

The record is thin — 6 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.

Does the 2003 Lexus GS have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2003 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 2003 compare to other GS years?

What are the most common 2003 Lexus GS problems?

Does the 2003 Lexus GS have recalls?

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

2003 Lexus GS — common questions

Is the 2003 Lexus GS reliable?

Does the 2003 Lexus GS have recalls?

Which Lexus GS years should you avoid?

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