Lexus

GS (S160)

2000-2005 · Midsize Sedan · 2 engines
Best Engine Recommended (4.3)
124 NHTSA Complaints
1 Recalls
3 Fire Reports
15 Crash Reports

Engine Reliability Comparison

1UZ-FE

4.0L 8-cyl / 300 hp
Recommended (4.3)
4 complaints 4.0 per year Gasoline
View details

Complaint Breakdown

electrical
1
safety systems
1
other
1
suspension
1

Known Issues

Electrical System Issues (1 complaints)
Safety Systems Issues (1 complaints)
Suspension Issues (1 complaints)

Also found in

LEXUS GS (2000-2005)LEXUS LS (2000-2000)LEXUS LS (2001-2006)TOYOTA Prius (2010-2015)LEXUS RX (2004-2009)

2JZ-GE

3.0L 6-cyl / 220 hp
⚠️ Caution (2.5)
77 complaints 10.5 per year Gasoline
2 fire reports
View details

Complaint Breakdown

other
14
engine
13
brakes
11
suspension
9
wheels tires
7

Known Issues

Engine Issues (13 complaints)
Brakes Issues (11 complaints)
Suspension Issues (9 complaints)

Also found in

LEXUS ES (2000-2001)MAZDA CX-7 (2007-2012)LEXUS GS (2000-2005)LEXUS LX (2000-2007)LEXUS RX (2000-2003)LEXUS SC (2001-2001)LEXUS IS (2001-2005)LEXUS LS (2001-2006) +3 more

Vehicle-Level Issues

These issues affect the Lexus GS regardless of engine variant.

Engine Issues (13 complaints)
engine critical
Brakes Issues (11 complaints)
brakes critical
Suspension Issues (10 complaints)
suspension critical

Recalls (1)

09E012000Jul 3, 2009serious
Exterior Lighting

SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.

Alternatives in Midsize Sedan

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common 2000-2005 Lexus GS problems?

The 2000-2005 Lexus GS has accumulated 124 NHTSA complaints. The most frequently reported problem areas are Engine, Brakes, Suspension. As with any used vehicle, a pre-purchase inspection and vehicle history report are recommended.

Which Lexus GS engine is most reliable?

The 2000-2005 Lexus GS was offered with 2 engine options. Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 3.0L 6-cyl has the lowest complaint density and is considered the most reliable choice for buyers.

Is the 2000-2005 Lexus GS a good used car?

The 2000-2005 Lexus GS can be a solid used car purchase depending on trim, mileage, and maintenance history. With 124 total NHTSA complaints on record, prospective buyers should review the known problem areas and check for open recalls before buying.

How many NHTSA complaints does the 2000-2005 Lexus GS have?

The 2000-2005 Lexus GS has 124 complaints filed with NHTSA as of our latest data pull. Complaint counts reflect owner-reported issues and do not necessarily indicate defects or safety risks on their own.

What recalls affect the 2000-2005 Lexus GS?

There is 1 NHTSA recall affecting some 2000-2005 Lexus GS vehicles. Recall status varies by VIN — check the NHTSA recall database at recalls.nhtsa.dot.gov with your specific VIN to confirm which campaigns apply.

What should I check before buying a used Lexus GS?

Before buying a used Lexus GS, verify all open recalls are completed via the NHTSA VIN lookup tool. Pay particular attention to Engine, Brakes, Suspension, which are the most commonly reported problem areas. Request maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the vehicle, and run a vehicle history report to check for prior accidents or title issues.

Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 124 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-04-06.

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