Most common 1999 Lexus GS400 problems
Share of the 17 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Lexus GS400 complaints by model year
Best GS400 years: 2000, 1999. Years to avoid: 1998. Compare all years →
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into a possible defect involving the 1999 Lexus GS400:
Unintended engine speed increase/sa
On May 13, 2003 the national highway traffic safety administration (NHTSA) received an April 25, 2003 letter from mr. Peter boddaert petitioning the agency to conduct a petition analysis of certain 1997 through 2000 model year Lexus 300 and 400 series vehicles for problems of vehicle speed control linkages which results in sudden, unexpected excessive (vehicle) acceleration even though there is no pressure…
What 1999 Lexus GS400 owners say
Speed control & acceleration
May 9, 2017. At approximately 5:50 pm, I got in my car which was parked in a small outdoor parking lot. I started it and put it in reverse and the car took off. Even though I applied the brakes the car did not stop or slow down. It slammed into a parked 2016 Mercedes with such force that the Mercedes was left almost perpendicular with its space. Police were called and came to scene but because the parking lot is on private property, no report was filed. The owner of the other vehicle and I exchanged information.
Tl* the contact owns a 1999 Lexus GS400. While driving approximately 35 MPH, the contact depressed the brake pedal, but the vehicle did not stop and surged forward. The contact had to pump the brake pedal approximately three times until the vehicle stopped. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired for the same failure in 2013 by bay ridge Lexus (6502 5th avenue brooklyn, new york 11220). The vehicle was going to be towed to the dealer for diagnostic testing. The manufacturer was not notified. The approximate failure mileage was 116,044.
Suspension
Tl contact owns a 1999 Lexus GS400. While driving at an unknown speed, the lower ball joint made a loud squeaking noise and then failed. The vehicle was towed to an auto body shop and the diagnostic indicated that the sensor wire had to be rewired and the front lower ball joint needed to be repaired. The vehicle is currently being repaired. The contact has researched a couple of complaints for this failure on the internet. The failure and current mileages were 147,000. Updated 04/24/09. Updated 04/27/09.
Vehicle has a fast shudder of the steering wheel at highway speeds. It also has a vibration in the seats at 45 MPH. We replaced the tires three times with different types and cannot eliminate the vibration. It must be a suspension part. They did swap the rear axle and differential with another car on their lot. A new driveshaft was also installed.
Electrical system
Tl contact owns a 1999 Lexus GS400. While driving at an unknown speed, the lower ball joint made a loud squeaking noise and then failed. The vehicle was towed to an auto body shop and the diagnostic indicated that the sensor wire had to be rewired and the front lower ball joint needed to be repaired. The vehicle is currently being repaired. The contact has researched a couple of complaints for this failure on the internet. The failure and current mileages were 147,000. Updated 04/24/09. Updated 04/27/09.
Battery drain and damaging alternater . Headlights flickers and gas leak and power steering problems.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 1999 Lexus GS400 a good car?
Based on 17 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 1999 GS400 rates average: 38% fewer complaints than a typical year of the GS400 at the same age. It is one of the best GS400 years by this measure. 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 GS400?
The speed control & acceleration — 6 complaints, 35% of all complaints for this model year. Next are the suspension (4) and electrical system (4).
How many recalls does the 1999 Lexus GS400 have?
NHTSA lists no recalls for the 1999 Lexus GS400. You can still confirm with your VIN using our VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Lexus GS400?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2000 and 1999. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 1998. See the full Lexus GS400 years comparison.
At what mileage do 1999 Lexus GS400 problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 57,000 miles; 36% 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.