2000 Lexus GS400

Owner complaints

What owners report most

1. Vehicle speed control3
2. Tires2
3. Air bags1
4. Electrical system1
5. Service brakes, hydraulic1
6. Suspension1

Latest complaints

• Jul 5, 2010PR100,834 mi
  Electrical system · Vehicle speed control
  While driving on the highway my car suddenly stop with no apparent reason at all. I tried to accelerate but it did not responded, eventhough the engine was running perfectly. Everything was working but the accelerator. When taken to the lexus dealer they told me the problem was with the electronic…

  While driving on the highway my car suddenly stop with no apparent reason at all. I tried to accelerate but it did not responded, eventhough the engine was running perfectly. Everything was working but the accelerator. When taken to the lexus dealer they told me the problem was with the electronic control module. They told me it will cost me around $3,000.00 to replace it. IS this normal for this car to happen or IS it normal wear and tear?. We did not have an accident because it was early in the morning but it could be worse during heavy traffic hours. *Tr

• Jul 24, 2009CA103,000 miCrash1 injury
  Air bags › Frontal
  On july 2 ,2009, my wife struck another car broadside with our 2000 lexus gs400. the point of impact on the lexus was with the left front portion (headlight area) of the front. she was traveling approximately 35 mph, and did not have time to brake. the impact, and seatbelt, cause a moderate…

  On july 2 ,2009, my wife struck another car broadside with our 2000 lexus gs400. the point of impact on the lexus was with the left front portion (headlight area) of the front. she was traveling approximately 35 mph, and did not have time to brake. the impact, and seatbelt, cause a moderate sized bruise on her left breast area. lexus indicates their airbags deploy on frontal or "near frontal" collisions at 8 to 14 mph. yet, in this case, what I think IS a "near frontal" collision, the airbag did not deploy. I contacted lexus, but they contend it was not a "frontal" collision, and therefore the bag did not need to deploy. then why do they indicate that in "near frontal" collisions the airbag will deploy? I firmly believe that the speed and point of impact should have deployed the airbag, and yet it didn't. I have photos of the lexus should you wish to see them. *Tr

• Apr 12, 2004NV30,900 mi
  Vehicle speed control › Accelerator pedal
  I was traveling with my father, ming suen on I-95 south bound near I-15 inter-change in my 2000 lexus gs400(30900 miles). the accelerator got stucked(not by carpet or floor mat) mechnically, and my car downshifted itself and went into full power acceleration at the engine speed of over 5000 rpm.…

  I was traveling with my father, ming suen on I-95 south bound near I-15 inter-change in my 2000 lexus gs400(30900 miles). the accelerator got stucked(not by carpet or floor mat) mechnically, and my car downshifted itself and went into full power acceleration at the engine speed of over 5000 rpm. I tried to brake with full force, but failed to stop the vehicle, and the car was going at 85mph and gaining speed! the whole incident last for about 3-5 minutes, and I dialed "911" and tried to ask for help. before the call was connected, I magically regain control of my lexus. the accelerator dis-engaged and the engine speed returned to normal. I felt the brake was losing power and became very weak. I got out at the nearest exit and pulled into a gas station. as I got out my car, I could smell the brakes were burning, and the front right brake was fried. my father and I was very lucky, because it was late at night and traffic was light on the freeway. other wise, traveling at 85 mph with full brake and no control of my vehicle, would definately cause some serious injury or even death! my lexus IS currently located at the local flecher jones lexus, and I await the dealership to inpect and found out the problem. I would hope there IS something this organiztion could do to prevent similar incident to happen in the future on any other lexus owners.*ak

• Sep 19, 2001VA
  Service brakes, hydraulic › Pedals and linkages

  When applying brakes consumer hit accelerator at the same time. there IS not enough distance between brake pedal and accelerator. contacted manufacturer, and gave a report, manufacturer will send it to engineer. *Ak

• Apr 25, 2001CA
  Tires

  The tire had an undisclosed defect that caused a split on the inside of the left front tire, the dealer said this occured because the vehicle was misaligned the consumer believes the tires are defective because all four tires show similar inside wear (bridgestone protenza re 030 235/45z417). nlm

• Mar 27, 2001CA
  Tires › Tread/belt

  Bridgestone potenza re 030 tire (p235/45r17) was flat and consumer could see a long split on the inside of the tire also exposing the steel belts, the lexus service manager and bridgestone dealer state that all 4 tires show signs of similar inside tire wear, consumer IS requesting that the tires be replaced and also stated that there was some vibration in the left front tire. *slc

• Oct 18, 2000CA
  Suspension
  Car started to pull to right 3 days from purchase, was told when called in its ok come in when you come for 5,000 miles service. have gone 4 times for repair was not done. car still pulling to right. at 4TH attempt was told to leave the car there but needed the car, so I made fifth attempt to…

  Car started to pull to right 3 days from purchase, was told when called in its ok come in when you come for 5,000 miles service. have gone 4 times for repair was not done. car still pulling to right. at 4TH attempt was told to leave the car there but needed the car, so I made fifth attempt to have it repaired and as of today 10/3/2000 was told by longo lexus wants to make another attempt to fix the problem. I am just exhaused dealing with longo and lexus in regards to this matter. need assistance how can I file a complain with lemon law. please someone call me. I am out of options and lexus does not care if they lose a customer.

• Oct 11, 2000CA
  Vehicle speed control › Linkages

  Was driving vehicle & started to press down on brakes and vehicle suddenly accelerated without warning. Took vehicle to dealership & mechanic could not locate cause of acceleration. 2ND time problem, not duplicated after it happened prior to taking to dealership. Had happened 6 different times since then & problem was getting worse. Mechanic did not know cause of acceleration.*ak

Defect investigations

NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.

• Unintended engine speed increase/sa

  DP03003Opened Jul 17, 2003Closed Sep 23, 2003
  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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 628657Subject regarding front stabilizer bar abnormal noise.
• 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 GS400 model year

Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.