GS (S190)
Engine Reliability Ratings
Lexus GS Unidentified Engine
View details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
3UZ-FE
4.3L 6-cylView details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
2GR-FSE
3.5L 6-cylView details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
3GR-FSE
3.0L 6-cylView details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
Show 1 additional engine variant with limited data
1UR-FSE
4.6L 8-cyl / 385 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
Battery & Propulsion Reliability
Hybrid (HEV)
Battery & propulsion complaint analysis for the 2006-2011 Lexus GS
Too few field reports to rate this generation against peers yet. Most recently launched models accumulate complaints over the first 2-3 years.
What kind of battery complaint?
Among the 8 battery-related complaints, here's the type mix. These percentages describe what the complaints are about — not how reliable the vehicle is overall.
Hybrid system warnings, eCVT, motor-generator, hybrid transaxle.
Battery fires, smoke, thermal runaway. Includes any complaint with fire reported.
Sample complaint excerpts
Hybrid Drivetrain
- [2007] TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 LEXUS GS. WHILE REVERSING AT APPROXIMATELY 3 MPH, THE CONTACT STRUCK A POLE. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE STALLED AND WOULD NOT START AND THE CHECK HYBRID INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE RESTARTED AFTER 40 MINUTES, BUT THE WARNING INDICATOR WAS STILL ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE AND THE WARNING INDICATOR WAS NO LONGER ILLUMINA
- [2007] AIR BAGS - LEXUS REFUSED TO COVER UNDER WARRANTY DEPLOYED AIRBAGS DUE TO LIGHTLY SCRUBBING A CURB POWER TRAIN - THE AUXILIARY OIL PUMP ON THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FAILED, AS IT IS COMMONLY KNOWN TO DO. THE BEARINGS INSIDE THE PUMP WEAR DOWN OVER TIME AND EVENTUALLY SIEZE. THIS LEADS TO THE VEHICLE BEING LIMITED TO 70 MILES PER HOUR AS WELL AS DISABLES THE HYBRID SYSTEM. THIS TRIGGERS MIL P2797.
- [2007] TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 LEXUS GS. WHILE REVERSING AT APPROXIMATELY 3 MPH, THE CONTACT STRUCK A POLE. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE STALLED AND WOULD NOT START AND THE CHECK HYBRID INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE RESTARTED AFTER 40 MINUTES, BUT THE WARNING INDICATOR WAS STILL ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE AND THE WARNING INDICATOR WAS NO LONGER ILLUMINA
Thermal Events
- [2008] AS I WAS ACCELERATING FROM A TRAFFIC LIGHT, I HEARD A POP AND LOST ALL POWER TO CAR. I ROLLED OVER TO SIDE OF STREET, WHILE NOTICING SMOKE COMING FROM ENGINE COMPARTMENT ON PASSENGER SIDE. OPENED HOOD AND SAW A FIRE BY ENGINE WALL. I HAD A COUPLE OF BOTTLES OF WATER WITH ME. I PORED WATER ON FIRE AND AFTER ONE MINUTE DISTINGUESTED THE FIRE.
- [2007] TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 LEXUS GS450H. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH, THERE WAS A LOUD BANGING NOISE HEARD FROM UNDER THE ENGINE. THE CONTACT CAME TO A STOP ON THE SHOULDER OF THE ROAD AND EXITED THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE THEN IMMEDIATELY CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE AND A FIRE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY THE CONTACT'S I
- [2008] AS I WAS ACCELERATING FROM A TRAFFIC LIGHT, I HEARD A POP AND LOST ALL POWER TO CAR. I ROLLED OVER TO SIDE OF STREET, WHILE NOTICING SMOKE COMING FROM ENGINE COMPARTMENT ON PASSENGER SIDE. OPENED HOOD AND SAW A FIRE BY ENGINE WALL. I HAD A COUPLE OF BOTTLES OF WATER WITH ME. I PORED WATER ON FIRE AND AFTER ONE MINUTE DISTINGUESTED THE FIRE.
Source: classified from NHTSA complaint and recall data. "Battery-related" includes high-voltage propulsion battery, charging system, hybrid drivetrain, electric propulsion, regenerative braking, 12V auxiliary battery, and thermal-event complaints. Other complaints (suspension, steering, brakes, infotainment) appear in the engine and vehicle-level sections. Rates are absolute counts, not normalized per-VIN — high-volume models naturally produce more raw complaints than low-volume ones. Self-reported death and injury counts are capped per complaint to limit form abuse.
Vehicle-Level Issues
These issues affect the Lexus GS regardless of engine variant.
Recalls (2)
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2007-2010 Lexus LS vehicles manufactured May 9, 2006, to July 20, 2010, 2006-2011 Lexus GS vehicles manufactured January 6, 2005, to September 10, 2010, and 2006-2011 Lexus IS vehicles manufactured August 30, 2005, to September 10, 2010. Due to anti-corrosion plating remnants, fuel may leak from where the fuel pressure sensor is attached to the fuel delivery pipe.
TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2006 THROUGH 2008 LEXUS PASSENGER CARS MANUFACTURED FROM AUGUST 26, 2005 THROUGH AUGUST 4, 2008. MICRO-FOREIGN OBJECTS IN THE MATERIAL OF THE VALVE SPRING MAY DEGRADE THE STRENGTH OF THE VALVE SPRING, POSSIBLY CAUSING THE SPRING TO BREAK.
All Generations
Alternatives in Midsize Sedan
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common 2006-2011 Lexus GS problems?
The 2006-2011 Lexus GS has accumulated 359 NHTSA complaints. The most frequently reported problem areas are Engine, Exterior, Brakes. As with any used vehicle, an inspection before buying and a vehicle history report are recommended.
Which Lexus GS engine is most reliable?
The 2006-2011 Lexus GS was offered with 5 engine options. Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 4.3L 6-cyl has the lowest complaint density and is considered the most reliable choice for buyers.
Is the 2006-2011 Lexus GS a good used car?
The 2006-2011 Lexus GS can be a sound used car depending on trim, mileage, and maintenance history. With 359 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 2006-2011 Lexus GS have?
The 2006-2011 Lexus GS has 359 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 2006-2011 Lexus GS?
There are 2 NHTSA recalls affecting some 2006-2011 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, Exterior, Brakes, 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.
Does the GS have NHTSA crash test ratings?
NHTSA has not published crash test ratings for the 2006-2011 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. 359 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-05-23.