1998 Lexus GS300
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Lexus › GS300 › 1998
These records cover every 1998 Lexus GS300. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
1 recall names the 1998 Lexus GS300. Newest first.
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.
Risk and remedy
Risk
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.
Owner complaints
60 complaints6 involved a crash1 involved a fire5 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Tires
TL* the contact owns a 1998 lexus gs300 equipped with dextero touring DTR1 tires, size: 21560r16 95H (na). The contact stated that the vehicle began to shake while driving. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic who stated that the two front tire sidewalls were cracked from the…
TL* the contact owns a 1998 lexus gs300 equipped with dextero touring DTR1 tires, size: 21560r16 95H (na). The contact stated that the vehicle began to shake while driving. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic who stated that the two front tire sidewalls were cracked from the inside. The contact purchased the tires at walmart. The contact replaced the tires at his own expense. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and did not assist. The tire and vehicle failure mileage was 235,000. The vin was unknown.
- Electronic stability control (esc) · Engine · Service brakes
Purchased a 98 gs300 six months ago and my vsc, ABS, brake light and check engine warning gauges came up and will not go away. Did some research and found out the brake master cylinder, throttle position sensor and throttle position actuator were the problems. With these few items gone bad my car…
Purchased a 98 gs300 six months ago and my vsc, ABS, brake light and check engine warning gauges came up and will not go away. Did some research and found out the brake master cylinder, throttle position sensor and throttle position actuator were the problems. With these few items gone bad my car produces little to no power during acceleration. The car barely gets up to 45 mph with acceleration pedal all the way down to the floor. With the vsc gone bad there IS an alarm that stretches to uncomfortable hearing levels that' hurts like the devil. My car will literally stop in the middle of cruising and won't pick up any speed unless I have my foot pedal all the way down to the floor, which also often times causes it to turn off on highways, all types of streets and other areas. also with these items gone bad my car shifts so hard to the point where it jumps whenever I shift into any position. All in all the vehicle, I feel , IS too dangerous to drive at this time
- Electrical system · Electronic stability control (esc) · Vehicle speed control
I was going to go to work, an when I started to push on the thotthle/ gas pedal . Nothing engaged an then all of sudden it worked like it was back to running normal for like 10 seconds then lost almost all the power an you can push the padel to the floor almost befor it will even engage. It's my…
I was going to go to work, an when I started to push on the thotthle/ gas pedal . Nothing engaged an then all of sudden it worked like it was back to running normal for like 10 seconds then lost almost all the power an you can push the padel to the floor almost befor it will even engage. It's my everyday driving car it not safe to be driving, when it's malfunctioning in the ecu, vsc , cruise control quit because of what happened. There a recall on the vsc for the lexus GS 300 for having malfunction problems. But it only let's the you use only the last 25 percent of the gas padel, it don't do anything in till almost to the floor. This happened in brookville pennsylvania, when I was turing left on to route 36 south. I also had to replace my thottle body because when this all happened, my thottle it was stuck in wide open thottle. It was very dangerous it could have easily put others citizens an my life in danger, witch could cause serious injuries, or in a worse case death. I'm filling out this foam in regards of a recall, to fix or replace the ecu, vsc , cruse control .
- Service brakes
I purchased a vehicle off the streets and had no clue on how the system works when purchasing a salvaged vehicle that had been in a auction after a wreckless accident. had a master cylinder malfunction that got fixed by not a lexus professional mechanic due to budget reasons. Received a check for…
I purchased a vehicle off the streets and had no clue on how the system works when purchasing a salvaged vehicle that had been in a auction after a wreckless accident. had a master cylinder malfunction that got fixed by not a lexus professional mechanic due to budget reasons. Received a check for around $20.00 for the recall on the gas pedal getting stuck around 3 yrs. Ago. No longer have posseion of my license # plate or vehicle. I think vin # was a scam.
- Vehicle speed control
TL* the contact owns a 1998 lexus gs300. While driving 65 mph, the vehicle inadvertently accelerated when the accelerator pedal was released. The vehicle finally stopped after several minutes of depressing the brake pedal. The issue recurred several times in one day. There were no warning…
TL* the contact owns a 1998 lexus gs300. While driving 65 mph, the vehicle inadvertently accelerated when the accelerator pedal was released. The vehicle finally stopped after several minutes of depressing the brake pedal. The issue recurred several times in one day. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not aware of the issue. The failure mileage was 112,000.
- Vehicle speed control
TL* the contact owns a 1998 lexus gs300. While attempting to park in a residential driveway, the vehicle began to jerk and accelerated independently. The dealer was unable to diagnose the cause of the failure and stated that the vehicle was safe to drive. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The vin was not available. The failure mileage was 97,400.
- Vehicle speed control
TL* the contact owns a 1998 gs300. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35 mph, the rpms rapidly increased and the vehicle erroneously accelerated. The vehicle was moved to the shoulder to be shut down then restarted but the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to an independent…
TL* the contact owns a 1998 gs300. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35 mph, the rpms rapidly increased and the vehicle erroneously accelerated. The vehicle was moved to the shoulder to be shut down then restarted but the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the contact was informed that the failure was caused by a faulty throttle body. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the problem. The approximate failure mileage was 240,000. The vin was unavailable.
- Electronic stability control › Automatic (asc) · Vehicle speed control
TL* the contact owns a 1998 lexus gs300. While driving approximately 40 mph, the contact noticed the check engine and the vsc warning lights illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle would not accelerate while depressing the accelerator pedal and the steering wheel became difficult to…
TL* the contact owns a 1998 lexus gs300. While driving approximately 40 mph, the contact noticed the check engine and the vsc warning lights illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle would not accelerate while depressing the accelerator pedal and the steering wheel became difficult to maneuver. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for diagnostics. The mechanic stated the throttle position sensor would have to be replaced. After the repair the failure continued. The vehicle was taken back to the mechanic. The mechanic replaced the front and rear throttle position sensor. The failure continued after the repair. There was a recall under nhtsa campaign ID number: 98v080000 (suspension:automatic stability control (asc)). The contact was unaware if the vehicle was repaired under the recall by the previous owner. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact that the vin was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 112,000. ...Updated 08-15-12 *bf updated 08/21/12
- Vehicle speed control
TL* the contact owns a 1998 lexus gs300. The contact stated while driving approximately 10 mph and trying to accelerate the speed failed to increase. The failure made it difficult for the contact to exit the highway. The vehicle was not inspected by a dealer nor had it been repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and offered no assistance. The failure and current mileage was approximately 160,000.
- Engine and engine cooling · Vehicle speed control
TL* the contact owns a 1998 lexus gs300. the contact stated that when driving between 30-40 mph, the vehicle would begin to loose power and stall sporadically with the illumination of the check engine warning light. the manufacturer was not contacted. the dealer was notified of the failure, but…
TL* the contact owns a 1998 lexus gs300. the contact stated that when driving between 30-40 mph, the vehicle would begin to loose power and stall sporadically with the illumination of the check engine warning light. the manufacturer was not contacted. the dealer was notified of the failure, but the vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 190,000 and the current mileage IS 192,380. updated 02/09/12*lj the dealer found the throttle position sensor was out of specification and there was an open circuit. Updated 02/27/12
- Suspension
TL* the contact owns a 1998 lexus gs300. the contact stated while making a left turn the passenger side tire separated from the vehicle. the vehicle was towed to a local mechanic, but the failure was not remedied. the dealer nor manufacturer were notified of the failure. the failure and current mileage was 135,000. The vin was unavailable.
- Service brakes, hydraulic
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…
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 failed. The contact called the manufacturer who offered no assistance. The current and failure mileages were approximately 111,000.
- Steering
Tl*the contact owns a 1998 lexus GS 300. While driving approximately 15 mph, the steering wheel became stuck and it was difficult to control the vehicle. The front passenger side tire separated. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. the vehicle was not taken to the dealer for repair. The approximate failure mileage was 186,000.
- Vehicle speed control
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 unknown. The current and failure mileages were approximately 167,000.
- Vehicle speed control
Referring to a 1998 lexus gs300, rear wheel drive car with 84,000 miles. On saturday, june 19, 2010, I was coming to a stop at an intersection with a 2 way stop sign, with my foot on the brake. My car after slowing down a bit, suddenly accelerated, almost resulting in an accident as I 'cruised'…
Referring to a 1998 lexus gs300, rear wheel drive car with 84,000 miles. On saturday, june 19, 2010, I was coming to a stop at an intersection with a 2 way stop sign, with my foot on the brake. My car after slowing down a bit, suddenly accelerated, almost resulting in an accident as I 'cruised' across the intersection instead of stopping. I called lexus and they advised that I bring the car in. I drove there about 15 miles, and on the way there I stopped about 100 feet behind another car which was stopped at a red light. I was at a total stop, my foot on the brake, and the car suddenly lunged forward. There was no accident because I was so far behind the car in front of me. I drove to lexus. They examined the car and told me they found nothing wrong, including with the computer. They then took me for a drive, perhaps 20 or 30 minutes, stopping and starting, and the problem could not be duplicated. I was too afraid to drive the car away as this sudden acceleration happened twice that morning, so I bought a new car on the spot. I was of the understanding that the problem of sudden acceleration did not involve the GS series. lexus did allow my gs300 as a trade-in. Both times when the car accelerated, I had no distractions and am certain that this description IS absolutely accurate. Also, I had only the original mats in the car and they were set properly with the hooks through them as they should be. *Tr
- Suspension › Front
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…
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 recalled for this problem but not the 1998. after the incident in december and the damage was corrected, I took my car to my mechanic and he checked it out made some adjustments, then it happens again. I'm afraid someone could get killed, luckily I didn't, especially the second time when I was on the freeway. why would this happen, I always thought a lexus was a very dependable car.
- Vehicle speed control
When at a stop sign or red light, with my foot on the brake pedal, the car accelerates. I press on the brake pedal and, usually, the acceleration slows down. this happened 3 times in 2 days and the third time the acceleration did not stop, the car really accelerated, I pressed on the brake pedal…
When at a stop sign or red light, with my foot on the brake pedal, the car accelerates. I press on the brake pedal and, usually, the acceleration slows down. this happened 3 times in 2 days and the third time the acceleration did not stop, the car really accelerated, I pressed on the brake pedal as hard as I could and the rear tires were smoking so I turned off the key. the dealer had the car for a week and could find no problem. before I got the car back into my garage, it happened again but not too badly. *Tr
- Suspension
Tl*the contact owns a 1998 lexus gs300. while driving less than 20 mph, the contact heard a loud popping sound. the vehicle pulled to the right with tremendous force. the driver was able to maneuver the vehicle off the road and attempted to have the vehicle towed to the dealer; however, the tow…
Tl*the contact owns a 1998 lexus gs300. while driving less than 20 mph, the contact heard a loud popping sound. the vehicle pulled to the right with tremendous force. the driver was able to maneuver the vehicle off the road and attempted to have the vehicle towed to the dealer; however, the tow company was uncomfortable with towing in fear that they would cause more damage. it was discovered that the lower ball joints were hanging from the vehicle and punctured the rim. the vin was unknown. the failure and current mileages were less than 170,000.
- Suspension › Front · Suspension › Front › Control arm › Lower ball joint
98 lexus gs300lower ball joint dislocated itself while driving at 20mph on city streets. luckily it wasn't on the highway. called a towing company, and they refused to tow the lexus gs300 since it could cause more damage. during the whole ordeal, the lower ball joint puncture the original lexus 16inch wheel. A hole IS visible and the dislocated ball joint sits on the wheel close the edge. *Tr
- Suspension › Front › Control arm › Lower ball joint
Tl*the contact owns a 1998 lexus gs300. while driving 20 mph, the vehicle skidded to a stop without warning. the fender, tire, and undercarriage of the vehicle were damaged. the vehicle was towed to the dealer and they stated that the lower ball joint snapped. the contact IS experiencing the…
Tl*the contact owns a 1998 lexus gs300. while driving 20 mph, the vehicle skidded to a stop without warning. the fender, tire, and undercarriage of the vehicle were damaged. the vehicle was towed to the dealer and they stated that the lower ball joint snapped. the contact IS experiencing the same failure as stated in nhtsa campaign ID number 99v125000 (suspension:front:control arm:lower ball joint) for the 1995-1997 lexus gs300. the current and failure mileages were 100,000. updated 02/14/08. *lj
- Electrical system › 12v/24v/48v battery · Electrical system › Starter assembly
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…
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. the vehicle was towed to the dealer, but they have not determined what will be done about the failure. the current and failure mileages were 37,000. the consumer stated the dealer installed a new battery and belt on april 16, 2006, the dealer stated that they think it was the consumer's starter. Updated 09/28/07 *tr
- Suspension › Front › Control arm › Lower ball joint
We own a 1998 lexus, model GS 300. this saturday my wife was driving the lexus and the entire wheel assembly came off the vehicle due the failure of the lower ball joint. in reviewing recall information for lexus\toyota, it IS very apparent there IS an ongoing issue of quality control related to…
We own a 1998 lexus, model GS 300. this saturday my wife was driving the lexus and the entire wheel assembly came off the vehicle due the failure of the lower ball joint. in reviewing recall information for lexus\toyota, it IS very apparent there IS an ongoing issue of quality control related to their lower ball joints. for our specific model, there was a recall in 93, 94, 95, 96 and 97 specific to this part. given we have a 98 and a recall has not been issued (yet), the lexus dealership refused to provide us with any accommodation towards fixing the failed part, or the resulting body damage related to the vehicle traveling down the road on only three wheel. fortunately, we were not traveling on the highway, but a side street when this incident occurred. but moreover, regardless of our financial loss, in my opinion, this IS a public safety concern. *jb
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
The "vsc" and the "vsc off" lights both turn on at the same time, and the engine suddenly come to idle and the car slowly come to stop right in the middle of the freeway when I am driving at 65 mph on the freeway. *nm
- Electronic stability control › Automatic (asc)
TL* - the contact called stating that she had a crash on 07/09/06 in her 1998 lexus gs300. the contact stated that she lost control of he vehicle while driving at about 55 mph. the contact stated that while trying to move into the right lane the vehicle starting going back and forth across the…
TL* - the contact called stating that she had a crash on 07/09/06 in her 1998 lexus gs300. the contact stated that she lost control of he vehicle while driving at about 55 mph. the contact stated that while trying to move into the right lane the vehicle starting going back and forth across the road and the power steering failed. the contact stated that this was on a clear night and, that when she applied the brakes the vehicle was more difficult to steer. the vehicle also seemed to accelerate. There was a police report made that states she lost control of vehicle. the vehicle was towed by aristocrat towing to aristocrat auto shop. the passenger seat air bag didn't deploy and the passenger didn't have on a seat belt. the contact did have seat belt on but, driver side airbag didn't deploy. there was a recall with campaign # 98v080000, and she contacted lexus that her vehicle was not part of this recall.
- Air bags · Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip · Tires
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
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 10214355Lexus Safety Recall and Service Campaign - Technician Certification Requirements 4.13.2022
- 10207945POL: This consolidated Tire Warranty Guide contains the complete warranty terms for all brands of ground and spare tires currently in use by Lexus. This information must be kept near the point of vehicle sale and be available to any customer that requests it. Customers can find this information on the Owner?s section of Lexus.com. Dealers can locate a copy of this guide on the Claims Processing & Resource Center in Dealer Daily as well.
- 10205352Windshield Wiper Blade Maintenance and cleaning
- 10205346Auto matic Transmission Replacement kPrecautions
- 10205331Immobilizer and Smart Key Reset
- 10205330Immobilizer and Smart Key Reset
- 10205329Immobilizer and Smart Key Reset.
- 10205319Brake Pedal Force Gauge SST for Parking Brake Inspection.
- 10176283Safety Recall and Service Campaign - Technician Certification Requirements
- 10174889TSB: OBSOLETE NOTICE April 06, 2020: This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see L-SB-0008-20. Replacement Certification Labels and VIN Plates
- 10174888TSB: SUPERSESSION NOTICE The information contained in this bulletin supersedes Service Bulletin Nos. L-SB-0048-08, PG007-07, PG016-01, PG015-01, PG004-97, PG003-97, PG003-93, PG002-90, L-SB-0048-08, PG007-07, PG016-01, PG015-01, PG004-97, PG003-97, PG003 93, and PG002-90. The aforementioned bulletins are obsolete, and any printed versions should be discarded. Replacement certification labels (the vinyl label installed on the driver door or door post) and VIN plates (the metal plate riveted to dashboard) (see Figure 1) for most 1990 ? 2020 model year vehicles may be available provided the requests meet the criteria listed in this Service Bulletin.
- 10133926In the recent Bi-annual Floor Mat reminder letter distributed November, 2012, Lexus indicated that we were developing support materials that will help remind dealership customers and associates of the importance of proper floor mat usage.
- 10133923Lexus vehicles are equipped with SRS, including various airbags and in some models, seat belt pre-tensioners, to help reduce the risk of injury in a collision. If a customer expresses any concerns that the SRS airbags or pretensioner devices did not per
- 10133849A new Special Service Tool (SST 09709-00002) has been introduced to aid in the inspection procedure for certain vehicles equipped with a floor pedal-type parking brake system. This bulletin references the correct method for installing the Brake Pedal Force Gauge. Refer to the appropriate Repair Manual for parking brake pedal travel inspection and adjustment specification.
- 10132739TSB: OBSOLETE NOTICE: July 7, 2014: This bulletin is now obsolete.
- 10132734TSB: The Immobilizer and Smart Key Reset is a feature that allows the registration of new keys when all master keys are lost. Once the system is reset, all previously registered keys will be erased.
- 10132726TSB: The Immobilizer and Smart Key Reset is a feature that allows the registration of new keys when all master keys are lost. Once the system is reset, all previously registered keys will be erased.
- 10132108This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see L-SB-0082-14.
- 10132082Spots in Window glass
- 10132074Beginning in 1998, Lexus introduced side airbags as optional equipment. Lexus does NOT recommend replacement of original seat covers with non-Lexus leather or other seat cover materials on vehicles due to the following: Seat covers NOT recommended by Lexus may affect side airbag performance, in general or in part, during an accident. Modifications that negatively affect side airbag performance can result in severe occupant injuries. Seat covers are an integral part of this safety system. Replacing fabric seat covers with non-Lexus leather or other seat cover materials may compromise the effectiveness of this safety system. The design of the seat is complex, integrating safety and strength with comfort and luxury. Lexus strongly discourages modifying original equipment seats that have optional side airbags. Additionally, Lexus strongly advises against the installation or use of aftermarket seat covers, which could impair the performance of the side airbags in the event of an accident.
- 10132006This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see L-SB-0092-13.
- 10132004The following procedures are recommended during routine maintenance or in the event of a customer concern for wiper performance.
- 10131964Lexus vehicles are equipped with Supplemental Restraint Systems (SRS), including various airbags and in some models, seat belt pre-tensioners, to help reduce the risk of injury in a collision. If a customer expresses any concerns that the SRS airbags or pre-tensioner devices did not perform as expected (including an unintended deployment event), please follow the steps in the recommendations section below.
- 10131653TSB: Replacement Certification Labels. OBSOLETE NOTICE November 28, 2017: This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see L-SB-0179-17.
- 10111398LSB: When servicing interior electrical switches and components, please note the precautions in this bulletin to avoid damaging electrical components and switches. Many lubricants, cleaners, and automotive chemicals contain silicone or other compounds that may contaminate electrical contacts, and therefore increase electrical resistance and decrease switch performance. The use of any cleaners or fluids may increase the risk of further damage to electrical components.
- 10111205LSB: When servicing interior electrical switches and components, please note the precautions in this bulletin to avoid damaging electrical components and switches. Many lubricants, cleaners, and automotive chemicals contain silicone or other compounds that may contaminate electrical contacts, and therefore increase electrical resistance and decrease switch performance. The use of any cleaners or fluids may increase the risk of further damage to electrical components.
- 10109447TSB: OBSOLETE NOTICE-October 16, 2014: This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see L-SB-0082-14.
- 10109445TSB: The purpose of this service bulletin is to provide information regarding the installation of the correct torque converter bolts during automatic transmission/transaxle assembly replacement. Incorrect torque converter bolts or missing washers can cause damage to the torque converter assembly. Use the information in this bulletin when installing an automatic transmission/transaxle assembly.
- 10109444TSB: The purpose of this bulletin is to provide precautions to follow when installing an automatic transmission/transaxle assembly to avoid MIL "ON" shifting issues and/or transmission damage. Use the information in this bulletin when installing an automatic transmission/transaxle assembly.
- 10109384TSB: The Immobilizer and Smart Key Reset is a feature that allows the registration of new keys when all master keys are lost. Once the system is reset, all previously registered keys will be erased.
- 10054797Lexus: information regarding the seat cover replacement, equipped with side air bags, the modifications that might negatively affect side air bag performance can result in severe injuries.
- 10000416Cup holder installation on 1998 to current gs430/400/300.
- 10000251Suspension ball joint inspection method.
- 627109Subject regarding glove box rattle noise. *Slc
- 627095Subject regarding air conditioner indicators malfunction. *Slc
- 622011Subject regarding repair manual corrections.
- 619796Subject regarding steering wheelnut service specification.
- 619119Subject regarding new seat belt tongue plate stopper service parts.
- 619116Subject regarding headlamp serviceability.
- 619113Subject regarding retro-fit internal trunk release kits.
Every Lexus GS300 model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.