1999 Lexus GS300
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Lexus › GS300 › 1999
These records cover every 1999 Lexus GS300. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Owner complaints
38 complaints8 involved a crash3 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Electrical system · Unknown or other
"Takata recall" all door locks must be manually locked at each door....windows open at times when key unlocks car....both keys are loose at the base and are held together by tape.
- Fuel/propulsion system · Service brakes
TL* the contact owns a 1999 lexus gs300. After the vehicle was started, the ABS and vsc warning indicators illuminated. In addition, while driving various speeds, a fuel odor emitted from the vehicle without warning. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the…
TL* the contact owns a 1999 lexus gs300. After the vehicle was started, the ABS and vsc warning indicators illuminated. In addition, while driving various speeds, a fuel odor emitted from the vehicle without warning. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the brake booster failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified. The failure mileage was 197,000.
- Service brakes
I got brakes put on at the lexus of palm beaches off of okeechobee blvd last year and paid over 475 dollars for all parts. As a result 7 months later my brakes began to squeak so I called them and I was not assisted with new parts except just brake spray which IS not good. The parts are defective…
I got brakes put on at the lexus of palm beaches off of okeechobee blvd last year and paid over 475 dollars for all parts. As a result 7 months later my brakes began to squeak so I called them and I was not assisted with new parts except just brake spray which IS not good. The parts are defective and I have a 1 year warranty which ends in one month which I feel that IS why they dont want to fix it until the waaranty IS up
- Electrical system · Engine · Unknown or other
While car newly made remote key crank car that had been sitting without being driven 30 +days , I crank car and alarm sounded and flashing lights came on and would not turn off when car key taken out of ignition. then the car began to crank all by itself without the key even in the ignition!!! I…
While car newly made remote key crank car that had been sitting without being driven 30 +days , I crank car and alarm sounded and flashing lights came on and would not turn off when car key taken out of ignition. then the car began to crank all by itself without the key even in the ignition!!! I unhinged the battery cables and the car wrnt dead. also smoke was coming from back engine area!! I towed car to lexus dealer and they replaced the starter. The gear shift locked and the car drove for about a month whe check engine light came on reporting electrical/oxygen sensor code. the car started making a clicking chirping low sound coming from behind dash board. I reported it to lexus dealer service a again but nothing done about it. an outside mechanic said it could be an electrical problem or faulty alternator.
- Fuel/propulsion system · Service brakes · Vehicle speed control
Preparing to stop while entering access gate slowing to around 10 - 15 mph, after applying brake car accelerated forcing me to reapply brake again and shifting to park. this IS the first time that this high level acceleration has happened although before I have noticed occasionally a low level acceleration when preparing to stop. *tr
- Service brakes · Vehicle speed control
I have been having acceleration when I brake,going from 10mph to 60mph in seconds. *js
- Service brakes
TL* the contact owns a 1999 lexus GS 300. the contact stated that while driving at approximately 10 mph the vehicle accelerated and when trying to brake the vehicle would not stop, so the contact put the vehicle in park and it stopped. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer. the manufacturer was…
TL* the contact owns a 1999 lexus GS 300. the contact stated that while driving at approximately 10 mph the vehicle accelerated and when trying to brake the vehicle would not stop, so the contact put the vehicle in park and it stopped. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer. the manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. updated 010915*lj updated 02/02/15*lj the consumer stated the manufacturer was contacted. A representative test drove the vehicle and found that it operated as designed. The consumer also stated the vehicle would accelerate intermittently. The vehicle would accelerate when the brakes were applied. updated 06/3/2015 *js updated 9/7/2017*cn
- Service brakes
The ABS will activate below 5 mph when coming to a stop. The car will have little stopping ability and ABS will activate. The road surface IS dry and clear of debris. *tr
- Suspension
TL* the contact owns a 1999 lexus gs300. The contact stated that while driving 5 mph, the entire front end dropped to the ground. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic for diagnosis where the contact was informed that the driver's side lower ball joint would need to be replaced. The…
TL* the contact owns a 1999 lexus gs300. The contact stated that while driving 5 mph, the entire front end dropped to the ground. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic for diagnosis where the contact was informed that the driver's side lower ball joint would need to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but the failure recurred two months later. The vehicle was towed back to the mechanic and the passenger's side ball joint was replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vin was unavailable. The failure and current mileage was 163,000. returned by usps on 11-19-2013. second attempt on 11-20-2013 failed. *kb
- Vehicle speed control
I stopped at a traffic light and all of a sudden my car started to accelerate, I pressed the brake real hard but the car lunged forward ahead. Quickly, I put it into neutral. It continued to accelerate to over 7500 and then went back down. Luckily no one was in front of me and the person at the…
I stopped at a traffic light and all of a sudden my car started to accelerate, I pressed the brake real hard but the car lunged forward ahead. Quickly, I put it into neutral. It continued to accelerate to over 7500 and then went back down. Luckily no one was in front of me and the person at the intersection saw what was happening and he swerved away. I was able to drive it home. In my 45 years of driving many different vehicles, this has been the most scariest feeling. *js
- Steering
TL* the contact owns a 1999 lexus gs300. The contact stated that when driving 60 mph or above, the steering wheel would shake excessively. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer but the technicians were not able to determine what caused the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 20,000 and the current mileage was 81,000. *tr
- Seat belts
The safety belt for driver and passenger side are broken. There IS no restraint, meaning it doesn't stop therefore wearing a seatbelt IS useless. *tr
- Service brakes, hydraulic · Vehicle speed control
When I went to start my car. I heard a loud buzzing sound, my brake light, vsc on and off light came on. I also had very little braking capability. *tr
- Steering · Suspension
When exceeding 60mph, the GS 300'S steering wheel shakes and vibrates quite noticeably. The faster you accelerate, the more noticeable the steering wheel vibrates. This causes the the car to become more difficult to handle, brake in a straight line, switch lanes and control while driving in a…
When exceeding 60mph, the GS 300'S steering wheel shakes and vibrates quite noticeably. The faster you accelerate, the more noticeable the steering wheel vibrates. This causes the the car to become more difficult to handle, brake in a straight line, switch lanes and control while driving in a curve, over bumps and at highway speeds. Even after the tires were balanced and aligned, the noticeable steering wheel vibrations continued. This IS a serious safety issue since it makes the care more difficult to handle during emergency procedures and when driving at highway speeds, when the the vehicle IS becomes more difficult to control. *tr
- Electrical system · Power train
In late september1999 while sitting in traffic with the car in and my foot on the brake, the car began to accelerate and surged forward. I reacted immediately by shifting the car into park. This allowed me to regain control of the car. The second incident occurred in early november 1999, when I…
In late september1999 while sitting in traffic with the car in and my foot on the brake, the car began to accelerate and surged forward. I reacted immediately by shifting the car into park. This allowed me to regain control of the car. The second incident occurred in early november 1999, when I came to a complete stop a stop sign. As I applied the brake, the car once again attempted to surge through the intersection. Another episode occurred in early december 1999 when I was driving my son home from school. We approached the intersection and I stepped on the brake. The car surged forward so intensely that the seat belt tightened around him so tight I was unable to release him. He was completely horrified and his shoulder was bruised when I cut the seat belt off when we arrived home. At that point I contacted lexus and took the car to the dealership. Shortly thereafter I was contacted and told that could find anything wrong with the vehicle. On april 14, 2003 I was stopped at a traffic light with my foot on the brake, when the car began to accelerate and surged forward. As with the prior incidents I reacted by shifting into park. I contacted lexus again and they informed me that they could find anything wrong with the car. O april 21, 2003 I sent a letter to [xxx], ceo of lexus seeking assistance. I have never received an answer and the problem still exists. Their has been other incidents over the years. I have lost confidence in lexus ability to correct the problem. I still own the vehicle and decided to file the report after seeing the coverage of this incidents on the news. This problem goes back years any help would be greatly appreciated. Or perhaps save a life. Or expand the recall. information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(B)(6). *Tr
- Suspension
TL* the contact owns a 1999 lexus gs300. The contact stated when driving at approximately 60 mph, the steering wheel would shakes abnormally. The vehicle was taken to an independent repair shop several times where the tires were replaced twice, a lower ball joint was replaced, and the vehicle was…
TL* the contact owns a 1999 lexus gs300. The contact stated when driving at approximately 60 mph, the steering wheel would shakes abnormally. The vehicle was taken to an independent repair shop several times where the tires were replaced twice, a lower ball joint was replaced, and the vehicle was re-aligned and balanced multiple times. The failure persisted. The vehicle was not further repaired. The vin was not available. The failure mileage was 100,000 and the current mileage was 135,000. updated 11/03/10. *Lj
- Electrical system
While driving for first time after lexus regional technician investigated problems documented in previous nhtsa complaints 10323826 and 10317084, all brake related panel lights came on and brake alarm sounded. I did not lose brakes so diagnostic may be false. I brought the vehicle home and had it…
While driving for first time after lexus regional technician investigated problems documented in previous nhtsa complaints 10323826 and 10317084, all brake related panel lights came on and brake alarm sounded. I did not lose brakes so diagnostic may be false. I brought the vehicle home and had it towed to the lexus dealership where they are now investigating this condition. it IS highly coincident that this problem, which has never appeared before, occurred immediately after the exam by the regional technician. *tr
- Vehicle speed control
TL* the contact owns a 1999 lexus gs300. While driving at approximately 45 mph, the contact stated that the vehicle suddenly accelerated after he down shifted. He shifted into neutral to control the vehicle. Recently, the contact stated that he noticed the vehicle would not speed up when he…
TL* the contact owns a 1999 lexus gs300. While driving at approximately 45 mph, the contact stated that the vehicle suddenly accelerated after he down shifted. He shifted into neutral to control the vehicle. Recently, the contact stated that he noticed the vehicle would not speed up when he depressed the accelerator pedal; a short while after, the vehicle suddenly accelerated and the rpms increased rapidly. The contact applied the brakes which were unresponsive so he shifted into neutral. Although the vehicle was in the neutral position, the engine continued to race so he turned the ignition off. The vehicle had not been inspected at the time of the complaint. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000. The current mileage was approximately 70,100.
- Electrical system · Engine and engine cooling · Power train › Automatic transmission · Vehicle speed control
Spontaneous acceleration after bringing car to a complete stop in a parking lot. Vehicle lurched forward onto an island before I could stop it again. this incident IS related to a previous incident,odi number 10317084, which occurred in june 2007. *tr
- Electrical system · Engine and engine cooling · Power train › Automatic transmission · Vehicle speed control
Sudden unexpected acceleration resulted in collision. driver applied brakes with maximum force but was unable to stop vehicle. driver did not have foot on gas pedal. floor mat was not interfering with gas pedal. *Tr
- Vehicle speed control
Lexus GS 300 1999, february 2008- 2 incidents of car accelerating after letting off the gas. took to local mechanic after first incident, he misdiagnosed. after 2ND incident, took to lexus dealership. they diagnosed as floor mat getting stuck under gas pedal and fixed by moving floor mat. I have documentation. *Tr
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
When I placed my car in cruise control, the engine sped up from 60 mph to 90 mph. The engine alternated between 60 mph and 90 mph for a few seconds, finally the engine died---which luckily stopped the car. *Tr
- Vehicle speed control
Tl*the contact owns a 1999 lexus gs300. The contact stated that during acceleration there was a sudden loss of vehicle control. the failure occurred on five occasions in which the driver sustained personal injuries. The insurance company was notified on four different occasions with the submission…
Tl*the contact owns a 1999 lexus gs300. The contact stated that during acceleration there was a sudden loss of vehicle control. the failure occurred on five occasions in which the driver sustained personal injuries. The insurance company was notified on four different occasions with the submission of a claim. the insurance company stated that the driver was at fault. The failure was not reported to the manufacturer due to the continuous service repairs performed on the vehicle. The vehicle was not driven as a result of the safety issue. The contact no longer owns the vehicle. The failure mileage was unknown.
- Steering · Suspension · Suspension › Front
I own a 1999 lexus gs300. I've heard some creaking noises coming from the front suspension leading up to the failing of my lower ball joints. Before it failed I brought it to firestone on ft. Lewis, wa to get a suspension inspection where they did not see or hear anything from my suspension. So a…
I own a 1999 lexus gs300. I've heard some creaking noises coming from the front suspension leading up to the failing of my lower ball joints. Before it failed I brought it to firestone on ft. Lewis, wa to get a suspension inspection where they did not see or hear anything from my suspension. So a week later (january 15TH 2007) I was driving in seattle, wa when the lower ball joint failed. The result of that was body damage due to the vehicle crashing down onto the wheel and a snapped ABS sensor wire. Just to repair this vehicle to be able to drive was to replace the ball joint and new tires that all together amounted to about almost $600 dollars for a part was about $50-60 dollars. The cost of repairing my vehicle isn't an issue but this IS a very serious malfunction or defected item that needs to be reviewed. I've waited to file a complaint to see the amount of people effected by this and since than there were more than a dozen instance where the ball joint has or had failed causing damage and in time will cause death or serious injury to people not aware of this problem i.e on a freeway where people can't stop in time to avoid it or the actually wheel coming off the vehicle and hitting another vehicle. Most of these instances has happened at low speeds, side streets or parking lots. Like I said before I waited to file a complaint to see the amount of people effected by it and to also compile more information. these are a direct link to the discussion about the problem that includes pictures and accounts for each instances: http://www.clublexus.com/forums/suspension-and-brakes/310895-warning-to-all-2nd-gen-gs-owners.html and http://www.clublexus.com/forums/suspension-and-brakes/340101-lower-ball-joint-failed-today-with-pics.html there are more links to discussions about this problem but I believe these two links will be enough to describe the problems and people effect by it. *Tr
- Fuel system, gasoline › Fuel injection system
I am an owner of a 1999 lexus gs300. I just recently had 2 fuel injectors fail and leak gasoline in and over the engine. I was notified that this could have been a fatal fire or explosion. I was not covered underneat warranty for this issue as I took the car in at 70,000 miles. what I have such a…
I am an owner of a 1999 lexus gs300. I just recently had 2 fuel injectors fail and leak gasoline in and over the engine. I was notified that this could have been a fatal fire or explosion. I was not covered underneat warranty for this issue as I took the car in at 70,000 miles. what I have such a problem with IS that this car in particular, being that it IS a lexus, should not have too many problems nor repeating problems. This takes me to the history of the vehicle. at 23,000 miles the fuel injectors were replaced. Then again, 2 years later, at 42,000 miles, an additional fuel injector had to be replaces. And now an additional 2 years later I have 2 fuel injectos go bad as well. Did I buy a lemon? Did I get a bad egg from a reputable car manufacturer? I don't believe I should be required to pay for this issue and that I purchased a car with problems that are too frequent and "fishy!" the mechanic and sales rep. At the current dealer I use said this IS as unique as it gets and that he rarely if ever sees problems like this from this car. please help!!!*ak
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.
- 10205383Spots in Window Glass - vehicle exterior
- 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.
- 10000251Suspension ball joint inspection method.
- 627109Subject regarding glove box rattle noise. *Slc
- 627095Subject regarding air conditioner indicators malfunction. *Slc
- 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.
- 616648Owners of some vehicles equipped with the lexus naivgation system may notice that the air conditioning system temperature display IS blank on some occasions when starting up the car. In addition, the other climate control indicators will not illuminate, though the climate control system will operate properly.
Every Lexus GS300 model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.