Most common 2001 Lexus GS300 problems
Share of the 17 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 2001 Lexus GS300 owners say
Engine & cooling
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.
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.
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'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. …
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.
Speed control & acceleration
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?
Tl 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.
2001 Lexus GS300 engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.0L 6-cyl | 5-speed automatic | RWD | 16 / 22 / 18 |
| 4.3L 8-cyl | 5-speed automatic | RWD | 16 / 21 / 18 |
EPA ratings. Class: Midsize car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2001 Lexus GS300 a good car?
Based on 17 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2001 GS300 rates average: 17% fewer complaints than 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 2001 Lexus GS300?
The engine & cooling — 4 complaints, 24% of all complaints for this model year, most often about engine › gasoline. Next are the steering (3) and speed control & acceleration (3).
How many recalls does the 2001 Lexus GS300 have?
NHTSA lists no recalls for the 2001 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 2001 Lexus GS300 problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 121,000 miles; 20% 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.