2001 Lexus GS300
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
Have the VIN?
Vehicles › Lexus › GS300 › 2001
These records cover every 2001 Lexus GS300. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Owner complaints
17 complaints2 involved a crash2 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Engine · Power train
TL* the contact owns a 2001 lexus gs300. While driving various speeds, the vehicle would not immediately accelerate when the accelerator pedal was depressed. In addition, the vsc and check engine sensor indicators illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the…
TL* the contact owns a 2001 lexus gs300. While driving various speeds, the vehicle would not immediately accelerate when the accelerator pedal was depressed. In addition, the vsc and check engine sensor indicators illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the emc was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer were not notified. The failure mileage was 170,000.
- Engine
Exhaust system leaking exhaust fume into interior of car. System IS leaking from exhaust flanges from the front catalytic converter to rear catalytic converter and muffler.
- Electrical system
Door locks actuator failure on passenger front, passenger rear. Unable to open doors manually or remotely via key fob.
- Air bags · Steering
There IS a squeaking noise whenever the care steering wheel IS turned either ways. It gets a little bit difficult to turn sometimes. I have checked the power steering fluid level and it IS okay as prescribed. I have just gotten back from my mechanic and he informed me that his vehicle toyota IS having the same problem. Please let me know if there has been some issue with this car. *js
- Power train · Vehicle speed control
The problem with this car has been happening for a while, but I put in today's date because it doesn't let you leave it blank. whenever I have to go up a ramp or overpass,if I have to wait on the incline part due to traffic or a redlight, after being on the brake for a few minutes when you take…
The problem with this car has been happening for a while, but I put in today's date because it doesn't let you leave it blank. whenever I have to go up a ramp or overpass,if I have to wait on the incline part due to traffic or a redlight, after being on the brake for a few minutes when you take your foot off to go forward the car always rolls backwards and when you step on the gas a little to go forward as not to roll back the car doesn't go smoothly it surges and you have be in control of the brake or you'll roll back and have an accident or surge too far forward. I'm always afraid when I have to be on some overpass and have to wait to go because the longer the wait then I know for sure that as soon as I take my foot off the brake to go forward the car IS going to start to roll backwards and it's really scary. if I have to go up a ramp in a parking garage and if there IS a line the car will roll backwards when it's my turn to go then it surges forward. Even on a regular flat street, after having your foot on the break when you have to go this car surges forward with a jolt . I don't know what can be done about the car rolling backwards, but it's a big problem. IS this a problem with most cars or IS this a defect? I need to solve this problem of rolling back and then the car jolting forward. *tr
- Seat belts
Tl*the contact owns a 2001 lexus gs300. While driving approximately 65 mph she noticed that the drivers side and passenger side seat belt were not holding the passengers in securely. She stated that the seat belts were getting weaker. she also stated that once she parked the vehicle the seat belt…
Tl*the contact owns a 2001 lexus gs300. While driving approximately 65 mph she noticed that the drivers side and passenger side seat belt were not holding the passengers in securely. She stated that the seat belts were getting weaker. she also stated that once she parked the vehicle the seat belt did not lock back in place and it draped down. The vehicle had not been taken to the dealer regarding the failure. She contacted the manufacturer and was advised to take the vehicle to a dealer to have them check the seat belts. She also filed a complaint with toyota. The failure mileage was 153,525 and the current mileage was 153,700. updated 01/28/11 *bf updated 02/07/11*jb
- Power train
Tl*the contact owns a 2001 lexus gs300. The contact noticed that the vehicle was losing power and made a loud noise when the gears were shifted. The vehicle was towed to a transmission specialist who stated that the transmission had some type of internal failure. The contact called the manufacturer…
Tl*the contact owns a 2001 lexus gs300. The contact noticed that the vehicle was losing power and made a loud noise when the gears were shifted. The vehicle was towed to a transmission specialist who stated that the transmission had some type of internal failure. The contact called the manufacturer who took a complaint. The dealer also stated that there was a failure within the transmission. The vehicle had not been repaired. The current and failure mileages were approximately 121,000.
- Vehicle speed control › Accelerator pedal
Tl*the contact owns a 2001 lexus gs300. while driving 65 mph the accelerator pedal caused the vehicle to surge and increase the speed to 85 mph. the contact had to apply both feet on the brake pedal to slow the vehicle down. the contact took the vehicle to a dealer to have the accelerator pedal…
Tl*the contact owns a 2001 lexus gs300. while driving 65 mph the accelerator pedal caused the vehicle to surge and increase the speed to 85 mph. the contact had to apply both feet on the brake pedal to slow the vehicle down. the contact took the vehicle to a dealer to have the accelerator pedal replaced and the dealer refused to replace the accelerator at the contacts request. the contact took the vehicle to an independant mechanic to have the accelerator pedal replaced and it was replaced. The contact called the manufacturer to notify them regarding the failure and the manufacturer has not responded to the contact. the contact has sold the vehicle. the failure mileage was 93,500.
- Wheels
Consumer complaint regarding a defect in alloy wheel. Consumer discovered a cracked spoke in alloy wheel when checking tires for proper pressure. *ts the dealer was shown the damaged wheel but provided no corrective action. *nm
- Vehicle speed control › Cruise control
My complaint IS on the use of the cruise control device and the hidden dangers of it's usage, especially on slick/poor road surfaces. if used and the resume button IS engaged the car attempts to accelerate to the set speed while the tires have no traction on the road, causing the car to spin out…
My complaint IS on the use of the cruise control device and the hidden dangers of it's usage, especially on slick/poor road surfaces. if used and the resume button IS engaged the car attempts to accelerate to the set speed while the tires have no traction on the road, causing the car to spin out of control, a series of 360'S. This IS a very serious unpredictable situation no matter what your experience IS as a driver. We can save lives if a warning was in full view in all vehicles, similiar to the airbag and seatbelt warnings. I am aware of several incidents but have found that there IS not enough action being taken to inform drivers. in addition to some type of warning label, my question IS, can any action be taken by all car manufacturers, to design the cruise control option to disengage if there IS inadequate road traction?*ak
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Gasoline
My 2001 lexus gs300 experienced engine bucking and engine cut out due to defective parts--throttle adjuster and pedal sensor. These defective parts were replaced by the lexus co at 70K miles under the engine warranty. this engine cut out IS a potentially dangerous situation to peoples lives. *ak
- Steering
I am having problems with my 2001 lexus gs300, with it wanting to "pull/follow/wander" when driving on certain roads. I have addressed this concern with lexus, but their help was unsuccessful. They tell me that this IS the nature of the vehicle, even when another lexus gs300 (2003) does not have…
I am having problems with my 2001 lexus gs300, with it wanting to "pull/follow/wander" when driving on certain roads. I have addressed this concern with lexus, but their help was unsuccessful. They tell me that this IS the nature of the vehicle, even when another lexus gs300 (2003) does not have this problem. I have had this problem since the day I purchased my lexus. When I took it in for the 1000 mile check-up- I brought up the concern, but what I got was that the steering loosens, a little as the car ages . When I mentioned this to one lexus dealer- he indicated that that was not true and that was an unacceptable answer. today, I continue to have this problem and it has not been an address by lexus, except for the fact that they say its the nature of the car. This car currently has lexus oem 17 wheels from a lexus gs430- the gs300 has 16 wheels, but even with these its a problem. thanks danny zamora. *ak
- Air bags
I have a 2001 lexus gs300. my vehicle flipped three times on a turn and none of my airbags deployed. not the side, front or curtain air bags. *nlm
- Steering
I am deeply disappointment with the steeing on my 2001 lexus gs300 and I've only had it for a year. It IS so loose it IS almost scary. I can turn it almost a half turn at say 5 mph with almost no change in direction of the car, that and the fact that I can do this with one finger on the wheel.…
I am deeply disappointment with the steeing on my 2001 lexus gs300 and I've only had it for a year. It IS so loose it IS almost scary. I can turn it almost a half turn at say 5 mph with almost no change in direction of the car, that and the fact that I can do this with one finger on the wheel. I've had an incident, where I lost control of the steering (shaking steering wheel) and cause me to hit the curb on a local street. I have been reading the posts on clublexus about the l-tuned steering ecu and figured that had to be a solution (even though half the posts only say it affects high speed feel). however, I ran into a friend today with a 2000 gs400. I test drove his car and the difference was amazing (and we both have the exact same 17" tires). His steering was firm and direct and IS completely stock without the l-tuned ecu. now my question - how in the world am I going to convince my dealer that I have an issue with my car's steering? I know there IS an adjustment that can be made, but from other posts it seems as if dealers are reluctant to do this.
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Gasoline
The problem I have IS not manufacturer per SE. a rat or other rodent type animal entered the engine compartment and ate and/or chewed through hoses, harnesses, and plastic component covers causing fluids to leak out and the engine to overheat. my concern IS that there may be many similar…
The problem I have IS not manufacturer per SE. a rat or other rodent type animal entered the engine compartment and ate and/or chewed through hoses, harnesses, and plastic component covers causing fluids to leak out and the engine to overheat. my concern IS that there may be many similar incidents due to something that IS in the components. my BMW was parked in the same place for 2 years and did not have any troubles. I would appreciate any information you can share on this issue. Thanks, jim bouziane. *Ak
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip · Suspension › Front › Wheel bearing
All ball bearings needed to be replaced, the first week after we got the car the front berring was replaced sent it back the following week the back bearing was replaced car taken back the other two bearings were replaced. Other incident call was back to the dealer for brake light on and smell of rubber burning now I put the car in park take my foot off the brake and the car jerks.*ak
- Parking brake
Emergency brake light comes on sometimes while driving, it also occasionally becomes depressed without touching the emergency brake. *slc
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.
- 10205327Techstream ECU Flash Reprogramming Procedure.
- 10205319Brake Pedal Force Gauge SST for Parking Brake Inspection.
- 10179697TSB: Vehicles may display evidence of a fluid leak or fluid seep from powertrain components. This bulletin explains how to determine the differences between a fluid leak versus a fluid seep. Cases that are determined to be a ?leak? should be repaired accordingly and will be covered under warranty if applicable. Cases that are determined to be a ?seep? should be documented on the repair order and inspected at the next service interval. Follow the Repair Information in this bulletin to determine if the concern in question is a fluid leak or fluid seep and review the Repair Procedure section to address this condition.
- 10179601TSB: Vehicles may display evidence of a fluid leak or fluid seep from powertrain components. This bulletin explains how to determine the differences between a fluid leak versus a fluid seep. Cases that are determined to be a ?leak? should be repaired accordingly and will be covered under warranty if applicable. Cases that are determined to be a ?seep? should be documented on the repair order and inspected at the next service interval. Follow the Repair Information in this bulletin to determine if the concern in question is a fluid leak or fluid seep and review the Repair Procedure section to address this condition.
- 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.
- 10172820TSB: Vehicles may display evidence of a fluid leak or fluid seep from powertrain components. This bulletin explains how to determine the differences between a fluid leak versus a fluid seep. Cases that are determined to be a ?leak? should be repaired accordingly and will be covered under warranty if applicable. Cases that are determined to be a ?seep? should be documented on the repair order and inspected at the next service interval. Follow the Repair Information in this bulletin to determine if the concern in question is a fluid leak or fluid seep and review the Repair Procedure section to address the condition.
- 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
- 10133914Flash reprogramming allows the ECU software to be updated without replacing the ECU. Flash calibration updates for specific vehicle models/ECUs are released as field-fix procedures described in individual Service Bulletins. This bulletin details the Techstream ECU flash reprograming process and outlines use of the TIS and the CUW.
- 10133910When 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.
- 10133866Navigation/ Multi Info Display Day Mode Operation
- 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.
- 10132778TSB: OBSOLETE NOTICE-June 12, 2014: This bulletin is now obsolete.
- 10132777TSB: Flash reprogramming allows the ECU software to be updated without replacing the ECU. Flash calibration updates for specific vehicle models/ECUs are released as field-fix procedures described in individual Service Bulletins. This bulletin details the Techstream ECU flash reprogramming process and outlines use of the Technical Information System (TIS) and the Calibration Update Wizard (CUW). Flash calibration updates can only be applied to the vehicle/ECU combination for which they are intended. ECUs have internal security that will not allow them to be programmed with another ECU?s information.
- 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.
- 10132625TSB: Revision Notice: Applicability section has been updated to include 2016-2017 applicable model year Lexus vehicles. The Repair Procedure section, Required Tools & Equipment section, and the Repair Procedure section has been updated. Flash reprogramming allows the ECU software to be updated without replacing the ECU. Flash calibration updates for specific vehicle models/ECUs are released as field-fix procedures described in individual Service Bulletins. This bulletin details the Techstream ECU flash reprogramming process and outlines use of the Technical Information System (TIS) and the Calibration Update Wizard (CUW). Flash calibration updates can only be applied to the vehicle/ECU combination for which they are intended. ECUs have internal security that will not allow them to be programmed with another ECU?s information.
- 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.
- 10131726TSB: SUPERSESSION NOTICE The information contained in this bulletin supersedes Service Bulletin No. L-SB-0021-14. * Applicability has been updated to include applicable 2018 models and 2016 * 2018 model year RC 300 and 2015 * 2018 model year RC 350 vehicles. * Applicability has been updated to exclude 2001 - 2003 model year ES 300 vehicles. Service Bulletin No. L-SB-0021-14 is obsolete and any printed versions should be discarded. Be sure to review the entire content of this bulletin before proceeding. Flash reprogramming allows the Electronic Control Unit (ECU) software to be updated without replacing the ECU. Flash calibration updates for specific vehicle models/ECUs are released as field-fix procedures described in individual Service Bulletins. This bulletin details the Techstream ECU flash reprogramming process and outlines the use of TIS and the Calibration Update Wizard (CUW). Flash calibration updates can only be applied to the vehicle/ECU combination for which they are intended. ECUs have internal security that will not allow them to be programmed with another ECU?s information. NOTE ECU is a Lexus term used to describe integrated computerized devices responsible for managing the operation of a system or subsystem. For the purposes of this bulletin, the term ECU is used as a generic label for the following SAE J1930 standard references: * Powertrain Control Module (PCM) * Engine Control Module (ECM) * Transmission Control Module (TCM) * Any other Lexus-specific control unit
- 10131653TSB: Replacement Certification Labels. OBSOLETE NOTICE November 28, 2017: This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see L-SB-0179-17.
- 10129210TSB: OBSOLETE NOTICE January 22, 2018: This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see L-SB-0001-18.
- 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.
- 10109449TSB: Flash reprogramming allows the ECU software to be updated without replacing the ECU. Flash calibration updates for specific vehicle models/ECUs are released as field-fix procedures described in individual Service Bulletins. This bulletin details the Techstream ECU flash reprogramming process and outlines use of the Technical Information System (TIS) and the Calibration Update Wizard (CUW). Flash calibration updates can only be applied to the vehicle/ECU combination for which they are intended. ECUs have internal security that will not allow them to be programmed with another ECU's information.
Every Lexus GS300 model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.