1999 Lexus GS400
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Lexus › GS400 › 1999
These records cover every 1999 Lexus GS400. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Owner complaints
17 complaints6 involved a crash2 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Service brakes · Vehicle speed control
TL* the contact owns a 1999 lexus gs400. While driving approximately 35 mph, the contact depressed the brake pedal, but the vehicle did not stop and surged forward. The contact had to pump the brake pedal approximately three times until the vehicle stopped. The contact stated that the vehicle was…
TL* the contact owns a 1999 lexus gs400. While driving approximately 35 mph, the contact depressed the brake pedal, but the vehicle did not stop and surged forward. The contact had to pump the brake pedal approximately three times until the vehicle stopped. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired for the same failure in 2013 by bay ridge lexus (6502 5TH avenue brooklyn, new york 11220). The vehicle was going to be towed to the dealer for diagnostic testing. The manufacturer was not notified. The approximate failure mileage was 116,044.
- Service brakes · Vehicle speed control
May 9, 2017. At approximately 5:50 pm, I got in my car which was parked in a small outdoor parking lot. I started it and put it in reverse and the car took off. Even though I applied the brakes the car did not stop or slow down. It slammed into a parked 2016 mercedes with such force that the…
May 9, 2017. At approximately 5:50 pm, I got in my car which was parked in a small outdoor parking lot. I started it and put it in reverse and the car took off. Even though I applied the brakes the car did not stop or slow down. It slammed into a parked 2016 mercedes with such force that the mercedes was left almost perpendicular with its space. police were called and came to scene but because the parking lot IS on private property, no report was filed. The owner of the other vehicle and I exchanged information.
- Electrical system · Exterior lighting · Fuel/propulsion system
Battery drain and damaging alternater . Headlights flickers and gas leak and power steering problems.
- Exterior lighting
The trunk mounted brake lights have faded from red to pink. It IS a problem with these cars. this car has been garaged when it IS not driven.
- Air bags · Seat belts · Unknown or other
Was in a serious car wreck..have sever makes on body from seatbelt...when airbag deploy knocked out windshield..have stitches in arm from glass.car IS total..had to get cut out of car.
- Engine and engine cooling
Tl*the contact owns a 1998 lexus gs400. While driving approximately 70 mph the vehicle stalled causing a vehicle to crash into the rear of the vehicle. A police report was filed. The driver was injured. the vehicle was destroyed and towed to an unknown location. the vehicle was never examined for the cause of failure. the failure and current mileages were unknown. the vin was unavailable.
- Electrical system
Vehicle engine suddenly turns off while driving. has occurred while driving at low speed in heavy traffic, as well as more than once when entering a freeway on freeway on-ramp. *Tr
- Vehicle speed control
Tl*the contact owns a 1999 gs400. The contact stated that while applying the brake, the vehicle would accelerate. the failure has occurred intermittently for 10 years. The dealer was unable to diagnose the failure. The contact stated that the floor mat recall should be considered regarding the failure. The current mileage was 80,000 and the failure mileage was 21,000.
- Electrical system · Suspension
Tl*the contact owns a 1999 lexus gs400. while driving at an unknown speed, the lower ball joint made a loud squeaking noise and then failed. the vehicle was towed to an auto body shop and the diagnostic indicated that the sensor wire had to be rewired and the front lower ball joint needed to be…
Tl*the contact owns a 1999 lexus gs400. while driving at an unknown speed, the lower ball joint made a loud squeaking noise and then failed. the vehicle was towed to an auto body shop and the diagnostic indicated that the sensor wire had to be rewired and the front lower ball joint needed to be repaired. the vehicle IS currently being repaired. the contact has researched a couple of complaints for this failure on the internet. the failure and current mileages were 147,000. updated 04/24/09. *lj updated 04/27/09.*jb
- Electrical system › Ignition › Module
While driving at several different speeds vehicle will just cut off, which could be quite dangerous when you accelerating into traffic.*ak
- Vehicle speed control
While backing out and shifting into drive vehicle surged forward. As a result, vehicle crashed into a building. Upon impact, dual airbags deployed upon impact. *Ak *la
- Suspension › Front › Springs › Coil springs
Front suspension has clunk noise when going over speed bump in slow speed. Dealer never able to resolve the problem and same sympton recur every 6K miles after dealer repair the suspension.
- Vehicle speed control
The vehicle experienced sudden acceleration. *jb
- Power train › Automatic transmission › Control module (tcm/pcm/tecm) · Suspension
Vehicle experiencing problem with traction control while driving on snow covered roads, causing vehicle to fishtail to right. dealer notified. please feel free to provide any further details on this matter. *ak
- Suspension › Rear
Vehicle has a fast shudder of the steering wheel at highway speeds. it also has a vibration in the seats at 45 mph. we replaced the tires three times with different types and cannot eliminate the vibration. it must be a suspension part. they did swap the rear axle and differential with another car on their lot. a new driveshaft was also installed.
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip · Service brakes, hydraulic › Pedals and linkages · Vehicle speed control
While applying the brake pedal to stop the car jerked forward on many occasions, this IS due to a design flaw, the consumers foot accidentally engages the accelerator pedal at the same time as the brake pedal caused by the foot overhanging the brake pedal. *mjs
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Gasoline
While driving engine will just die out, causing a loss of all power. dealer has been contacted.*ak
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.
- 10205383Spots in Window Glass - vehicle exterior
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 612531Subject regarding rattle noise from the center seat belt retractor cover.
- 610106Subject regarding reducing rattling noise(s) from the glove box.
Every Lexus GS400 model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.