Most common 1999 Lexus GS300 problems
Share of the 38 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Lexus GS300 complaints by model year
Best GS300 years: 2019, 2004. Years to avoid: 2006, 1998, 2000. Compare all years →
What 1999 Lexus GS300 owners say
Speed control & acceleration
Tl 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.
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.
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 brake booster failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified. The failure mileage was 197,000.
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
Suspension
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. …
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.
1999 Lexus GS300 engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.0L 6-cyl | 5-speed automatic | RWD | 18 / 23 / 20 |
| 4.0L 8-cyl | 5-speed automatic | RWD | 16 / 22 / 18 |
EPA ratings. Class: Midsize car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 1999 Lexus GS300 a good car?
Based on 38 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 1999 GS300 rates average: 1.3× as many complaints as a typical year of the GS300 at the same age. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 1999 Lexus GS300?
The speed control & acceleration — 12 complaints, 32% of all complaints for this model year, most often about linkages. Next are the brakes (10) and suspension (7).
How many recalls does the 1999 Lexus GS300 have?
NHTSA lists no recalls for the 1999 Lexus GS300. You can still confirm with your VIN using our VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Lexus GS300?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2019 and 2004. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2006, 1998 and 2000. See the full Lexus GS300 years comparison.
At what mileage do 1999 Lexus GS300 problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 98,000 miles; 16% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.