Reliability
Lexus

GS (S160)

2000-2005 · Midsize Sedan · 2 engines
117 NHTSA Complaints
1 Recalls
3 Fire Reports
15 Crash Reports
Data covers 5 NHTSA model names
GSGS300GS300/430GS400GS430
View all 3 generations of the Lexus GS → Inspection checklist

Reliability Score

9.4 / 10

Reliability score

Very few owner complaints against similar midsize sedans

The class average is 7.0. Based on complaints owners filed with NHTSA about the engine, transmission or drivetrain.

Owners filed 22 powertrain complaints. A typical midsize sedan fleet of this size and age would have drawn about 107.

Scores this high have held: three years on they had moved 0.1 points in the typical case.

Breakdown
Complaints overall22 complaints against about 107 for similar vehicles
9.4
Last three years
n/aNot enough data
Engine, transmission or drive unit failed or replaced1 complaints against about 22 for similar vehicles
9.9
Oil consumption, fuel in the oil or overheating
n/aNot enough data

Each line scores one view of the same complaints the same way, so the lines overlap. The mark on each bar is the class average. A line needs 20 expected complaints to show a number.

By model year
  • 20009.5
  • 20019.4
  • 20029.5
  • 20039.3
  • 20049.5
  • 2005n/a

Similar vehicles are others in the same class, compared at the same age and in the same years. The score counts complaints owners filed with NHTSA, per vehicle built, which is different from the share of vehicles that fail. How the score is worked out

On the record

No serious powertrain recall covering 5% or more of this generation and no escalated investigation in NHTSA's files. Warranty extensions and settlements have not been researched.

Complaints by Engine Code

2JZ-GE

3.0L 6-cyl / 220 hp
76 complaints 10.5 per year Gasoline
2 fire reports
View details

Complaint Breakdown

other
14
engine
13
brakes
11
suspension
9
electrical
8

Lexus GS Unidentified Engine

37 complaints 6.2 per year
1 fire report 1 fatality
View details

Complaint Breakdown

other
12
brakes
5
safety systems
5
wheels tires
5
electrical
3
Show 1 additional engine variant with limited data
These engines appear in fewer than 10 owner complaints. A low count can mean a clean record, and it can also be a VIN-decode anomaly in NHTSA's data.

1UZ-FE

4.0L 8-cyl / 300 hp
4 complaints 4.0 per year Gasoline
View details

Complaint Breakdown

electrical
1
safety systems
1
other
1
suspension
1

Owner Complaints by System

Complaints owners filed with NHTSA about the Lexus GS, counted across every engine. A complaint can name more than one system.

Brakes: 16 owner complaints
Engine: 13 owner complaints
Suspension: 13 owner complaints
Wheels & Tires: 12 owner complaints
Electrical System: 12 owner complaints

What to check on a used 2000-2005 Lexus GS

On a used 2000-2005 Lexus GS, the systems with the most NHTSA owner complaints are the brakes (16), the engine (13) and the suspension (13). Each one has an inspection step below, with counts as of 2026-10-12. A complaint is an owner report, not a confirmed defect, and counts rise with sales.

  1. On an empty road, brake firmly from 40 mph with a light grip on the wheel.Safety. NHTSA has 16 owner complaints on the 2000-2005 Lexus GS about the brakes.
  2. Start the engine cold and listen for the first 30 seconds, then again at idle once it is warm.Costly repair. NHTSA has 13 owner complaints on the 2000-2005 Lexus GS about the engine.
  3. Drive over a speed bump and a rough patch at 15 to 20 mph with the radio off.Safety. NHTSA has 13 owner complaints on the 2000-2005 Lexus GS about the suspension.
  4. Measure the tread on all four tires, read the date codes and look at each wheel.Safety. NHTSA has 12 owner complaints on the 2000-2005 Lexus GS about the wheels and tires.
  5. Switch on every electrical item in turn: lights, windows, locks, wipers, climate fan, screen and power outlets.Costly repair. NHTSA has 12 owner complaints on the 2000-2005 Lexus GS about the electrical system.
Open the full inspection checklist for the 2000-2005 Lexus GS

Recalls (1)

09E012000Apr 7, 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 complaints?

Owners have filed 117 complaints with NHTSA about the 2000-2005 Lexus GS. The systems they name most often are the brakes, the engine and the suspension.

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

That depends on the model year, the mileage and the maintenance history of the car in front of you. Owners have filed 117 complaints with NHTSA about the 2000-2005 Lexus GS. Check which systems they name most often and whether a recall is still open on that car.

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

NHTSA has 117 owner complaints on file for the 2000-2005 Lexus GS as of the latest data pull. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect, and counts rise with sales.

What recalls affect the 2000-2005 Lexus GS?

NHTSA lists 1 recall covering some 2000-2005 Lexus GS vehicles. Which ones apply depends on the VIN: enter it at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see the open campaigns on a specific car.

What should I check before buying a used Lexus GS?

Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm every open recall has been done. Look hardest at the brakes, the engine and the suspension, the systems owners complain about most. Ask for maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the car and run a vehicle history report for prior accidents and title issues.

Does the GS have NHTSA crash test ratings?

NHTSA has not published crash test ratings for the 2000-2005 Lexus GS. Not all vehicles are tested each year. For the latest NHTSA safety information, visit nhtsa.gov/ratings.

Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 117 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-10-12.

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