The most-reported GS run is JT8BD68S9W0 (1998 builds) with 2 complaints, 1.8× the typical run. Steering problems make up 23% of reports; 2016 is the worst model year at 1.3 complaints per run; NHTSA lists 20 recall campaigns for GS model years 1993–2020.
Which build runs owners report most
A production run is the first 11 characters of the VIN: plant, model year, body and engine. The Lexus GS has 24 of them on record. The five runs at the top of this table hold 27% of every GS complaint on file.
| Production run (VIN 1–11) | Year | Complaints | Involved a crash | Fire |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JT8BD68S9W0•••••• | 1998 | — | — | |
| JTHCZ1BL9GA•••••• | 2016 | — | — | |
| JT8BD68S5W0•••••• | 1998 | — | — | |
| JT8BH68XXW0•••••• | 1998 | — | — | |
| JT8BD68S3X0•••••• | 1999 | — | — | |
| JT8BH68X3X0•••••• | 1999 | — | — | |
| JT8BD68S9X0•••••• | 1999 | 1 | — | |
| JT8BH68X8X0•••••• | 1999 | — | — | |
| JT8BD69S410•••••• | 2001 | — | — | |
| JT8BD69S910•••••• | 2001 | — | — | |
| JTHCZ1BL8KA•••••• | 2019 | — | — | |
| JTHBE1BL7E5•••••• | 2014 | — | — |
Each of the other 12 GS runs has 1 complaint or fewer. ForCar has checked 84 GS VINs so far, most often 2015, 2013, 2014 builds; 2 of them belong to one of the 12 runs above.
Which model years to check twice
Complaints per production run, so a year that simply sold more does not top the list. On the Lexus GS the gap between build years is 1.3×: a 2016 car draws 1.3 complaints per run, a 1999 one 1.
| Year | Per run | Complaints | Runs | Crashes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 3 | 3 | — | |
| 2016 | 5 | 4 | — | |
| 2015 | 3 | 3 | 1 | |
| 2001 | 3 | 3 | 1 | |
| 1999 | 4 | 4 | 1 | |
| 1998 | 4 | 3 | — |
Heaviest year here is 2016 at 1.3 complaints per run; lightest is 1999 at 1.
What to inspect on this car
One system accounts for 23% of everything Lexus GS owners report: Steering, 7 of 26 complaints. Start the pre-purchase inspection there.
| System | Complaints | Involved a crash | Fire |
|---|---|---|---|
| Steering | 1 | — | |
| Unknown Or Other | — | — | |
| Service Brakes | — | — | |
| Suspension | — | — | |
| Power Train | 2 | — | |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 1 | — | |
| Structure | 1 | — | |
| Air Bags | 2 | — |
Recalls to check against your VIN
NHTSA has 20 recall campaigns on the Lexus GS; the 6 below cover build years 2006 to 2020. These are for the model and year; whether one is still open on a given car, only that VIN can tell.
| Campaign | Component | Model years |
|---|---|---|
| 14V647000 | Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings | 2006–2011 |
| 26V222000 | Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:fuel Pump | 2016–2020 |
| 20V012000 | Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:fuel Pump | 2013–2019 |
| 18V432000 | Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings | 2007–2011 |
| 13V395000 | Engine | 2007–2011 |
| 20V682000 | Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:fuel Pump | 2017–2019 |
14V647000 was opened in 2014 on cars built from 2006: 8 years on the road before the recall.
The GS against its rivals
The GS draws 1.1 complaints per production run; the Cadillac CTS 2.9, the Ford Fusion 11.9 and the Buick LaCrosse 3.1. That is the lowest rate of the 4.
| Model | Complaints | Runs | Per run | Involved a crash |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lexus GS | 26 | 24 | 11.5% | |
| Cadillac CTS | 1,912 | 650 | 8.2% | |
| Ford Fusion | 20,718 | 1,734 | 3.5% | |
| Buick LaCrosse | 1,928 | 618 | 4.3% |
How serious were they
Of the 26 reports on the Lexus GS, 11.5% involved a crash against 5.8% across all vehicles, above the norm.
| Outcome | Lexus GS | All vehicles |
|---|---|---|
| Complaints filed | 26 | 1,115,966 |
| Involved a crash | 3 (11.5%) | 64,194 (5.8%) |
| Involved a fire | 0 (0%) | 26,974 (2.4%) |
| Injuries reported | 4 | 58,013 |
| Deaths reported | 0 | 2,728 |
Crash-related reports run 98% above the all-vehicle rate.
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How this check works
The file behind this page holds 1,115,966 complaints filed with NHTSA between 1981 and 2026, across 298,921 production runs. The Lexus GS share of that is 26 complaints over 24 runs, 0% of everything on record.
Frequently asked questions
How do I check a Lexus GS VIN for free?
Enter the 17 characters above. ForCar matches the first eleven, the production run, against 26 NHTSA complaints from 24 GS runs and 20 recall campaigns. No account, no card.
Which GS production run has the most complaints?
JT8BD68S9W0, a 1998 build, with 2 complaints. The typical GS run has 1.1.
Which GS years have the most complaints?
Per production run, 2016 is heaviest at 1.3 complaints per run and 1999 lightest at 1.
Does the GS get more complaints than the Cadillac CTS?
No: 1.1 complaints per production run for the GS against 2.9 for the Cadillac CTS.
How many GS complaints involve a crash?
11.5% of 26 reports, against 5.8% across all vehicles; 0 involved a fire.
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