Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2006 Lexus GS300 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Faulty ECU computer resulting in hard jerk when shifting between first and second gear. The engine repair unit goes bad after 100,000 miles. Multiple vehicles reported the issue after experiencing fuel induction problems and oil loss related to bad .gaskets. Car started jerking on the highway cause a rear end bumper collision while intraffic.
I purchased my vehicle (used) in 2014. I have experienced a rebuilt transmission ($4200), new alternator and now I'm currently experience oil consumption. My car is burning oil at-at-a rapid pace. I have replaced my oil two times in two months. My mechanic has informed me that it's the engine (manufacturer issue) and it is due to carbon build up due to a standard for this make, model and year. It's burning alot of oil that is causing the build up in the engine. It was advised that I should replace the engine (who can afford that) or have it rebuilt. If this a manufacturer defect it is not the responsibility of the owner. This is my only vehicle and I'm a mother of two young children. It's very unsafe for me to drive and is jerking; while I drive. I just topped off my oil again this weekend; due to the oil light coming on. I only have 146,461 miles on the vehicle. …
Engine consumes excess oil before interval services. Engine consumed approximately 5 quarts of total engine oil at 3,000 miles after latest oil change. Engine oil capacity is 6.3 quarts with filter replacement. No leaks have been observed. No blue smoke to rule out engine oil burn indicators. Engine dip stick shows signs of oil reduction after oil change. Checked oil levels after 1,000 miles and again at 3,000 miles. After 3,000 miles, oil is below the recommended intervals to almost non-existent on dipstick. Excess engine oil consumption without adequate knowledge of mechanics poses extreme threat to consumer safety and assets. Have researched 2006 gs 300 known issues - this is one of them. No repairs and/or fixes have been provided by Lexus USA, or Toyota USA.
While bringing the car to a stop, I am experiencing a very hard downshift from 2nd gear to 1st gear. This hard downshift is so abrupt that it feels as if you were rear ended. Research shows this being an electronic failure in the electronic control module backed with hundreds of complaints of this exact issue to this particular year, make and model. In several cases, mentions of a class action lawsuit against Toyota/Lexus have been mentioned. It's a costly, yet unnecessary repair caused by a flawed design within the electronic componentry.. Considering the reoccurrence of this issue on a mass scale, it May be one best addressed via recall.
Took my wife's car to jiffy lube in kent wa 98032 and the for got to put oil in the engine so we contacted the jiffy lube corp..and they came out did the walk around inspection did and took pictures. That's all. Well my rings in the engine are blown because of no oil. So we took the car back to the jl and the worker said if we had any problems they jiffy lube would take care of any problems. ..so I do have the denial letter. Thank you [redacted]
When I go to apply the brakes or of I'm coasting slow, the car jerks twice(once while the car is slowing down, and a harder jerk right before the car stops) every Lexus forum I visited where people had 2006 Lexus GS300 AWD's(with the same exact symptoms), they were mis-diagnosed being told it was their transmission, when in actuality it was their ECU that needed to be replaced. That is a computer failure, so I don't understand why there aren't recalls on this.
I received a recall a few years ago pertaining to the engine leaking oil. The car leaks 4 quarts of full synthetic oil monthly. How do I go about getting my vehicle fixed? I would like to take it to Lexus mcgrath in chicago to have them repair my engine. Thank you.
Excessive oil consumption. Vehicle burns 3 1/2 qts of oil or more every 1500 miles. Causing my plugs to foul out and check engine code (0300) multiple cylinder misfire causing car to have sluggish acceleration. I took car in to charles barker Lexus and was charged a diag fee and then told the car is burning oil internally and would be $4100 plus parts for further diag. Lexus offered a customer support program for stated issues for 9 years w/ no mileage limitations of which I was never informed of and was within time frame to qualify. At the time I was unaware of the program and now Lexus is telling me my VIN # does not fall under that program and my vehicle is experiencing all of the identical issues. Also transmission solenoid failed causing hard jolt when slowing down before stopping. Fixed solenoid only to then have to replace cars computer. …
On February 9, 2006, the fourth occurrence occurred. Each time, there was a strong smell of sulfur in the car with the windows closed. A day or a few days later, the check engine light went on (check vsc).I am concerned that there May also be carbon monoxide in the car at the same time. The dealer/service manager indicates that there is fuel in the engine oil. I do not know if it is safe to operate a brand new vehicle with fuel in the engine oil. Attempts have been made to correct the problem, parts replaced, but the problem has recurred four times with 1494 miles on the odometer.
My 2006 Lexus GS300 is consuming oil. I have taken the car to the Lexus dealer 4 times. The car is still under warranty and there is not anything being done to correct the problem. I purchased the car in August 2008. This problem occurred 18 months after I purchased the car. I continue to get sent away without an answer to the problem. From my research the problem are the rings. One of the Lexus technicians accidentally stated that the last time I took the car in. The car is consuming 1-2 pints of oil a month. There has not been anything done to correct the problem.
Engine complaints in other GS300 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2006 Lexus GS300?
NHTSA has 22 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2006 Lexus GS300, 18% of the model year's 124 complaints. The component named most often is engine (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2006 Lexus GS300 engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 2006 Lexus GS300, though it has 2 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2006 Lexus GS300 engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 112,000 miles, and 18% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 0 injuries to engine & cooling problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
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.