1998 Lexus GS400
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Lexus › GS400 › 1998
These records cover every 1998 Lexus GS400. 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 GS400. 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
31 complaints14 involved a crash11 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Service brakes · Vehicle speed control
TL* the contact owns a 1998 lexus gs400. The contact stated that while the engine was on and the vehicle stopped, the driver lifted off the brake pedal and the vehicle suddenly accelerated at a high rate of speed causing the driver to loose control and crash into a tree. During the incident, the…
TL* the contact owns a 1998 lexus gs400. The contact stated that while the engine was on and the vehicle stopped, the driver lifted off the brake pedal and the vehicle suddenly accelerated at a high rate of speed causing the driver to loose control and crash into a tree. During the incident, the speed exceeded more then 60 mph. The contact indicated that the vehicle would not stop when depressing the brake pedal. During the crash, the driver sustained injuries to the neck, back, legs and arms and the front passenger sustained injuries to the head, face and eye, back and legs. Both required medical attention. A police report was taken at the scene and the vehicle was destroyed and towed away. A representative of the manufacturer examined the vehicle but the cause of the failure was not determined. No further information was available. The failure mileage was 272,000.
- Service brakes · Structure › Body · Suspension
I was driving down the street, a rather busy street trying to stop. The lexus would not stop, due to the struts and mounts are broken. Which I learned from sears automotive. The defects interfere with car overall ability to stop properly, it also sways over into the opposite lanes. Because the car…
I was driving down the street, a rather busy street trying to stop. The lexus would not stop, due to the struts and mounts are broken. Which I learned from sears automotive. The defects interfere with car overall ability to stop properly, it also sways over into the opposite lanes. Because the car wouldn't stop properly, I was rear ended, by another car that was going about 35-45 miles per hour. The driver told me that he thought I was at a complete stop. I now have severe back and head pains.
- Service brakes, hydraulic
Failed brake booster motor for master cylinder. *tr
- Vehicle speed control
Lexus stuck pedal--i drive a 1998 lexus gs400 which I bought new. When I first bought it, I'D pressed the pedal all the way down("floored it") many times and everything was fine. however in more recent years, I rarely "floored it" . One time last summer, I pushed the pedal all the way down to pass…
Lexus stuck pedal--i drive a 1998 lexus gs400 which I bought new. When I first bought it, I'D pressed the pedal all the way down("floored it") many times and everything was fine. however in more recent years, I rarely "floored it" . One time last summer, I pushed the pedal all the way down to pass a car and the pedal stuck. My car accelerated from 35mph to 70mph in a matter of seconds on a local road. I hit the brakes several times but it kept speeding up. I was able to pry up the pedal up with my toe averting a near-accident. this was before all of the news with toyota's sudden acceleration came to light. I didn't take the car into the local lexus shop because, they charge at least $2000 everytime I take it in. I drove the car for another year but made sure not to press the pedal all the way down. however, I am intending on trading in the car now and I want to make sure the defect IS fixed because any future owners of this car will not be aware of this problem and it IS a potential hazard waiting to happen. I wanted to file a complaint with the government before taking it in because (a) I want the government to be aware that lexus(not just toyotas) has this problem of stuck pedal/acceleration (b) in case the gov wanted to conduct any investigation with my vehicle regarding the stuck pedal for evidence or research before lexus does anything with it(it did not involve a floormat-the pedal just stuck and didn't come back up after I released my foot) (c) compel lexus to fix the problem for free because it IS a safety defect before selling it to a future owner. I feel this it IS important for the government to do extensive research regarding this matter. lexus has managed to stay out of toyota's recent culpability issues, but certainly my lexus had the same exact problem. you may also want engineers to examine my pedal for more research or even evidence as to why this occurs in lexus/ toyota vehicles. *Tr
- Vehicle speed control
Tl*the contact owns a 1998 lexus gs400. The contact stated that as he was driving 15 mph onto a ramp, the vehicle accelerated and as he depressed his brakes the vehicle lunged forward and rear ended a truck pushing him into another vehicle. There were two other occupants in the vehicle with minor…
Tl*the contact owns a 1998 lexus gs400. The contact stated that as he was driving 15 mph onto a ramp, the vehicle accelerated and as he depressed his brakes the vehicle lunged forward and rear ended a truck pushing him into another vehicle. There were two other occupants in the vehicle with minor injuries to their knees. The vehicle was destroyed. A police report was filed. The toyota manufacturer was not called and informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 184,867. updated 04/13/10. *Lj updated 09/22/10
- Vehicle speed control
Sudden acceleration of 1998 lexus gs400 once on jan. 16,1999 with no damage. I was parking the vehicle. A second time on jan. 1, 2001. I was pulling up to a gas pump and the car suddenly accelerated into the curb at the pump and also hit the pump. Both incidents reported to dealer, but were treated…
Sudden acceleration of 1998 lexus gs400 once on jan. 16,1999 with no damage. I was parking the vehicle. A second time on jan. 1, 2001. I was pulling up to a gas pump and the car suddenly accelerated into the curb at the pump and also hit the pump. Both incidents reported to dealer, but were treated as driver error. Second incident caused minor damage to the pump and moderate damage to my vehicle. I am reporting this at this time, because I have seen no reports of this problem on toyota vehicles as far back as 1998. I currently own a 2007 lexus gs350 with 15K miles and a 2008 toyota highlander with 26K miles and have had no problems with either car. *Tr
- Suspension › Front › Control arm › Lower ball joint · Suspension › Front › Control arm › Upper ball joint
1998 lexus gs400 with ball joint failure. Consumer states that the vehicle was involved in a serious accident due to the ball joint failure. He sent the ball joint to lexus for inspection. *kb
- Seat belts › Front
Tl*the contact owns a 1998 lexus GS 400. while driving 17mph in a parking lot, his foot accidentally slipped causing him to accelerate. The vehicle crashed into a brick wall. the seat belt never locked and caused the contacts chest to slam into the steering wheel and then into the seat. The…
Tl*the contact owns a 1998 lexus GS 400. while driving 17mph in a parking lot, his foot accidentally slipped causing him to accelerate. The vehicle crashed into a brick wall. the seat belt never locked and caused the contacts chest to slam into the steering wheel and then into the seat. The engine size and number of cylinders was unavailable. The failure mileage was 96,000. the current mileage was 126,000. Pictures are available. the vin was confirmed but IS listed as invalid.
- Seat belts › Front › Anchorage
22 sets of tires worn out on the front. I had a head on collision with a building--the seat belt failed to restrain me be cause of slack and the deception/fraud of lexeus po005-1. You have to make a "specific complaint about the belts" or they are not covered by warranty. Po005-1 has beed with held…
22 sets of tires worn out on the front. I had a head on collision with a building--the seat belt failed to restrain me be cause of slack and the deception/fraud of lexeus po005-1. You have to make a "specific complaint about the belts" or they are not covered by warranty. Po005-1 has beed with held from the public. Lexus IS trying to find a way to coverup the tb. We have over 250,000 vehicles on the road with out the po005-1 not being . *tr
- Electrical system
Safety on valentins day 1998, I purchased a new 1998 GS 400 in austin texas. While I was doing some research about the nhtsa for information (full professor). on your tb page I found out that the vsc( computer was defective in the japanease market before january. A non-compliance fix plan to…
Safety on valentins day 1998, I purchased a new 1998 GS 400 in austin texas. While I was doing some research about the nhtsa for information (full professor). on your tb page I found out that the vsc( computer was defective in the japanease market before january. A non-compliance fix plan to nhtsa in march. I also found the document that states "toyota was to fault for the bad yaw control" and that they planned to fix the computers cause they might cause the driver to lose control of the vehicle. At no time during the recall process was I ever aware of the defective part. As a col I make many trips on fort hood texas which has over 37,000 radons of which 8,000 are in use every day. Most of the radios are singars (frequency hoppers). On at least 6 or more time the vsc yellow light came on turing the system off and then it would come back on. In the aera I live in, garage doors and clocks, tv's are subject to come on because of military radios. I had full confidence in lexus about being safe. I think they were missrepresenting and neglegnce in not telling me.
- Seat belts › Front › Retractor
The front seat belts retractor failed. *ak
- Air bags › Frontal · Seat belts › Front › Buckle assembly
While driving 7 mph vehicle accelerated uncontrollably. Consumer was not able to maintain control of the vehicle, and it crashed into a cement wall. upon impact, both frontal air bags failed to deploy, and driver's seat belt failed to lock. as a result, driver sustained minor injuries, and was transported to a hospital. Vehicle was towed to a garage for inspection. *ak
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
While driving 65 mph vehicle stalled. Consumer was able to get off the road and restarted the vehicle. *Ak
- Vehicle speed control › Linkages
On the first day I purchased my lexus in virginia I almost drove the car over the curb. I thought my foot hit the gas accidentally, but it had not. Since that time I have had numerous instances where the car lurched forward while I was stopped with my foot on the brake. Luckily the problem never…
On the first day I purchased my lexus in virginia I almost drove the car over the curb. I thought my foot hit the gas accidentally, but it had not. Since that time I have had numerous instances where the car lurched forward while I was stopped with my foot on the brake. Luckily the problem never caused an accident so I never complained about it. I thought my car was the only one with the problem. I read a recent article in usatoday about the problem, and realized that my car was not the only one doing it. My 1998 lexus gs400 has lurched forward several times while my foot was applied to the brake.*ak
- Air bags
While driving at 40 mph vehicle was involved in an head on collision, and air bags did not deploy. Driver sustained injuries. *ak
- Air bags › Frontal
While driving at 40mph, had a front collision and neither of the air bag deployed, no air bag light warning prior to the crash. Driver was wearing the seat belt. Please provide further information. *ph
- Air bags › Frontal · Engine and engine cooling › Engine · Parking brake
Product defect when the lexus gs400 hit head on a concrete anti-terrorist restrain t between 40-50 miles a hr. Speed could have been faster according to the repair shop cause the engine was knowed of its mountings, hand break handle broke and turned 90+ degrees to the left. The coin change closed…
Product defect when the lexus gs400 hit head on a concrete anti-terrorist restrain t between 40-50 miles a hr. Speed could have been faster according to the repair shop cause the engine was knowed of its mountings, hand break handle broke and turned 90+ degrees to the left. The coin change closed container broke open and cracked as it through its contents all over the drivers area. The air bag failed to deploy and the I was thrown with full force against the steering wheel which hit me directly in the sternum causing blunt contusion to the rib cage and sternum. The pain cause IS greater than a kidney stone and it has been two weeks a go. *la
- Air bags › Frontal
Crashed into rear of another car at 30-50 mph, air bags did into deploy. *nlm *scc **dimsii ivoq entry posted after 12/12/02 cut-over to artemis*734324
- Air bags · Air bags › Frontal
Crashed into rear of another car at 30-50mph; air bags did not deploy. *ak
- Air bags › Frontal
Consumer was involved in a frontal collision at 30 mph, upon impact the airbags did not deploy, causing injury to driver.*ak *slc
- Tires
While driving on the hwy I started noticing that my vehicle was not driving correctly....after finding the nearest exit a passenger from another vehicle informed me that my tire was flat...when I pulled over I noticed that the tire was completely flat....the tire inspector checked the tire and…
While driving on the hwy I started noticing that my vehicle was not driving correctly....after finding the nearest exit a passenger from another vehicle informed me that my tire was flat...when I pulled over I noticed that the tire was completely flat....the tire inspector checked the tire and found several air pockets ....he also noticed that the tire was shreaded severely and had a lots of tire pieces (dust) in the inside....he also went as far as to say that the tire looked as if someone had been cooking inside of it...the tire looked as if it had been at least 3 years old not 1 month. *ak (tiresize: 235/45r17)
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
No summary listed for abov evehicle. *Ak
- Structure › Body › Trunk lid
Trunk lid will not stay up. Lid will fall down and hit head . No cure from dealer.
- Steering › Steering wheel/handle bar
Steering column failed. yh
- Interior lighting · Seat belts › Front › Retractor · Steering
Door switch, seat belt, and steering shim failure. other failures include problems with security system, a/c and stereo controllers failed, cigarette lighter and trunk release failed, windows slow to retract.
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Unintended engine speed increase/sa
On may 13, 2003 the national highway traffic safety administration (nhtsa) received an april 25, 2003 letter from mr. Peter boddaert petitioning the agency to conduct a petition analysis of certain 1997 through 2000 model year lexus 300 and 400 series vehicles for problems of vehicle speed control linkages which…
On may 13, 2003 the national highway traffic safety administration (nhtsa) received an april 25, 2003 letter from mr. Peter boddaert petitioning the agency to conduct a petition analysis of certain 1997 through 2000 model year lexus 300 and 400 series vehicles for problems of vehicle speed control linkages which results in sudden, unexpected excessive (vehicle) acceleration even though there IS no pressure [sic]applied to the accelerator pedal.in support of his petition, mr. Boddaert cites a number of odi reports concerning vehicle speed control linkages in the subject vehicles.included amongst the thirty-six reports he cites IS one involving a lexus that collided with five other cars in the space of one-half mile before it could be stopped.odi found no data indicating the existence of a defect trend related to the petitioner's allegations at this time.therefore, there IS no reasonable possibility that an order concerning the notification and remedy of a safety-related defect would be issued as a result of granting mr. Boddaert's petition.consequently, in view of the need to allocate and prioritize nhtsa's limited resources to best accomplish the agency's safety mission, the petition IS denied.
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.
- 10205346Auto matic Transmission Replacement kPrecautions
- 10205331Immobilizer 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 10132083Adhesive & sealant cross reference Information
- 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.
- 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.
- 615963Special service campaign for vehicles that exhibit passenger compartment dome lamp and door courtesty lamp illumination when the doors are opened.
- 614067Information on reducing wind noise at the lower portion of the b-pillar of the right-hand and left-hand front windows.
- 612534Information on steering column service parts.
Every Lexus GS400 model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.