Acceleration complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (accelerator pedal, throttle, sudden acceleration, cruise control).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Lexus GS300. The contact was driving 40 MPH and applying the brakes as she approached an intersection, the vehicle did into respond and the contact crashed into the rear of another vehicle. The contact stated that the frontal driver and passenger air bags did not deploy. A police report was available. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who performed a diagnosis on the brake system and air bags but did not locate a failure with either. The driver sustained injuries to the back and neck. The rear passenger sustained injuries to the nose and back and the front passenger sustained injuries the breast due to the grip from the seat belts. The failure mileage was 79,000 and the current mileage was 81,000. Updated 12/14/2011 updated 02/23/11
Tl contact owns a 2006 Lexus GS300. While backing up out of a parking space, the contact shifted into drive. He depressed the accelerator pedal and it extended to the floor and became stuck. He then depressed the brake pedal; however, the vehicle continued to move because the accelerator pedal was stuck. The contact crashed through the front glass window of a store. The contact and possibly one occupant in the store were injured. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to viele's automotive shop until it can be towed to the repair shop. The vehicle has not been repaired. The VIN and speed were unknown. The failure and current mileages were 30,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 Lexus GS300. The contact stated that he depressed the brake pedal and the vehicle accelerated, causing him to crash into another vehicle. There were no injuries. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for inspection but they could not diagnose the cause of the failure. The contact also stated that as a mechanic test drove the vehicle, the engine caught on fire due to a short in the electrical wires. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 89,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 Lexus GS300. While driving his vehicle approximately 5 MPH into a parking space with his foot on the brake pedal it suddenly accelerated, crashed into a parking sign and a fire hydrant. The vehicle came to a stop when it crashed into a tree. He sustained an injury to his right shoulder and knee. The boynton beach sheriff report 09802709 was filed. The vehicle was repaired. The failure mileage was 28,000. The current mileage was 29,000. Updated 3/30/10 updated 05/10/10
Uncontrolled excessive engine speed up this has happened a few times on two occasions there was high wind from left to right in cold weather. I wonder if the electronic control was fooled. When I complained to the dealer they told me it must be that I was not used to a electronic gas pedal!!!
Vehicle experienced hesitation while driving to the intersection, and vehicle will not go forward with any power. Consumer pressed the accelerator, but the vehicle will not move with any force. Consumer took the vehicle to the dealer, but received no assistance.
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.
Related recalls (1)
Vehicle speed control › Accelerator pedal
Toyota is recalling certain model year 2006 and 2007 Lexus gs300 and gs350 all wheel drive (AWD) vehicles. There is a possibility that the plastic pad embedded into the floor carpet May interfere with the operation of the accelerator pedal.
Remedy: Dealers will modify the plastic pad on the floor carpet free of charge. The manufacturer has not yet provided an owner notification schedule. Owners May contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331.
Frequently asked questions
Which Lexus GS300 years have acceleration problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 1998 (25), 2000 (14), 1999 (12), 2006 (12) and 2002 (5) model years. Acceleration complaints make up 42% of all complaints for the 1998.
Is there a recall for Lexus GS300 acceleration problems?
Yes — 1 recall, including 11V-115 (accelerator pedal, Feb 24, 2011). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Lexus GS300 acceleration problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 80,000 miles; 28% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the accelerator pedal (9 mentions), followed by the linkages (1).
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.