Verdict · NHTSA data
One of the years to avoid
With 91 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 13.0 times the median Gs300 year — the 1998 model ranks #2 of 19 Gs300 years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.
Speed Control leads the complaint categories with 29 reports (32% of the total).
91
NHTSA complaints
1
Recalls
0
Investigations
10
Crash-involved
2
Fires reported
9
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Speed Control | 29 | 32% | ▲ up |
| Suspension | 11 | 12% | ▲ up |
| Electrical System | 9 | 10% | ▲ up |
| Brakes | 8 | 9% | ▲ up |
| Tires & Wheels | 8 | 9% | new |
| Body & Structure | 6 | 7% | new |
| Lighting | 5 | 5% | ▲ up |
| Engine | 4 | 4% | ▲ up |
| Transmission | 3 | 3% | new |
| Airbags | 2 | 2% | ▲ up |
| Steering | 2 | 2% | — flat |
| Visibility & Wipers | 1 | 1% | ▼ down |
| Climate Control (A/C & Heat) | 1 | 1% | new |
| Latches & Locks | 1 | 1% | — flat |
| Other | 1 | 1% | new |
1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
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 CERTAIN ELECTROMAGNETIC WAVES, SUCH AS FROM A CELLULAR PHONE.
Consequence
SHOULD THIS OCCUR, THE BRAKE MAY OPERATE UNEXPECTEDLY, AFFECTING STEERING AND SPEED CONTROL, INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE YAW RATE SENSOR.
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 LEXUS GS300. THE CONTACT WAS TRAVELING 45 MPH, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY BEGAN TO SLOW DOWN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHTS ILLUMINATED WHEN THE FAILURE OCCURRED. THE CONTACT HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO HIS RESIDENCE. THE VIN WAS…”
“WAS ON THE FREEWAY DRIVING ABOUT 60 MILES PER HOUR, HIT A POT HOLE, CAR DROPPED APPARENTLY THE BALL JOINT BROKE ON THE RIGHT SIDE. BUT THIS HAPPENED ON THE LEFT SIDE A FEW MONTHS AGO IN DECEMBER. THAT TIME I WAS NOT ON THE FREEWAY. AFTER RESEARCHING ON LINE I SAW THAT PREVIOUS MODELS HAD BEEN…”
“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 LEXUS GS300. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE ATTEMPTED TO SHUT THE VEHICLE OFF, BUT IT WOULD NOT RESPOND. THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO RUN EVEN AFTER THE KEY WAS REMOVED FROM THE IGNITION. THE VEHICLE THEN CAUGHT FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE AND FILED A REPORT.…”
“I WAS RECENTLY IN A CAR ACCIDENT ON JULY 9, 2006 AT 3:30 AM. THE CAR WENT OUT OF CONTROL. ALL FOUR TIRES WERE FLAT, MY ABS SYSTEM DIDN'T WORK AND MY AIRBAGS DIDN'T DEPLOY. MYSELF AND ANOTHER PASSENGER WAS HURT VERY BADLY. *JB”
“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 LEXUS GS300. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE ATTEMPTING TO APPLY THE BRAKES, THE VEHICLE DID NOT SLOW DOWN AND CRASHED INTO A WALL. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHO STATED THAT THE MASTER CYLINDER…”
NHTSA data argues against it: 91 complaints put the 1998 model at #2 of 19 Gs300 years. It is one of the Gs300 years to avoid.
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are speed control (29 complaints), suspension (11 complaints), electrical system (9 complaints).
Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1998 Lexus Gs300. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.
Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Gs300 years to avoid are 2006, 1998, 1999, 2000. The cleanest record among Gs300 years belongs to 2019.
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.