Complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | vs. typical* | Recalls | Top problem | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2000 | 8 | −53% | — | Acceleration | Good |
| 1999 | 17 | −38% | — | Acceleration | Average |
| 1998 | 31 | 2.7× | 1 | Airbag | Caution |
* Complaints compared with the median GS400 year at the same age, so new and old years are judged fairly. How this works.
Most common Lexus GS400 problems
Latest Lexus GS400 recalls
Electronic stability control › Automatic (asc)
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. Due to a manufacturing defect of the yaw rate sensor for the vehicle stability control (vsc), the vsc can operate improperly if the sensor is affected by certain electromagnetic waves, such as from a cellular phone.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the yaw rate sensor.
Frequently asked questions
What years of the Lexus GS400 should you avoid?
1998 — this year has the most complaints relative to other GS400 years at the same age, led by air bags problems in the 1998.
What is the best year for the Lexus GS400?
2000 has the fewest complaints compared with other GS400 years at the same age, followed by 1999. Newer years can look better simply because fewer complaints have come in yet, so we compare like with like.
What are the most common Lexus GS400 problems?
Across all years, owners report the most problems with the speed control & acceleration (14), brakes (10) and air bags (9). Acceleration complaints peak in the 1999 model year.
How many recalls has the Lexus GS400 had?
1 recall across 1998–2000. The model year with the most is 1998.
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.