Lexus

GS (L10)

2012-2020 · Midsize Sedan · 2 engines
Best Engine Recommended (4.6)
119 NHTSA Complaints
0 Recalls
2 Fire Reports
20 Crash Reports

Engine Reliability Comparison

8AR-FTS

2.0L 4-cyl / 241 hp
Recommended (4.6)
2 complaints 2.0 per year Gasoline
View details

Complaint Breakdown

other
1
electrical
1

Known Issues

Electrical System Issues (1 complaints)

Also found in

LEXUS IS (2014-2025)LEXUS NX (2015-2021)HYUNDAI Sonata (2015-2019)LEXUS RC (2015-2025)LEXUS GS (2012-2020)

2GR-FSE

3.5L 6-cyl / 275 hp
⚠️ Caution (2.5)
110 complaints 21.8 per year Gasoline
2 fire reports
View details

Complaint Breakdown

steering
26
other
22
brakes
15
fuel system
13
interior
13

Known Issues

Steering Issues (26 complaints)
Brakes Issues (15 complaints)
Fuel System Issues (13 complaints)

Also found in

LEXUS IS (2006-2013)LEXUS IS (2014-2025)LEXUS ES (2013-2018)LEXUS GS (2006-2011)LEXUS RC (2015-2025)CHEVROLET Silverado 1500 (2000-2006)LEXUS GS (2012-2020)LEXUS ES (2007-2012)

Vehicle-Level Issues

These issues affect the Lexus GS regardless of engine variant.

Steering Issues (26 complaints)
steering critical
Brakes Issues (15 complaints)
brakes critical
Electrical System Issues (14 complaints)
electrical critical
Fuel System Issues (13 complaints)
fuel_system critical
Interior Issues (13 complaints)
interior critical

Alternatives in Midsize Sedan

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common 2012-2020 Lexus GS problems?

The 2012-2020 Lexus GS has accumulated 119 NHTSA complaints. The most frequently reported problem areas are Steering, Brakes, Electrical System. As with any used vehicle, a pre-purchase inspection and vehicle history report are recommended.

Which Lexus GS engine is most reliable?

The 2012-2020 Lexus GS was offered with 2 engine options. Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 3.5L 6-cyl has the lowest complaint density and is considered the most reliable choice for buyers.

Is the 2012-2020 Lexus GS a good used car?

The 2012-2020 Lexus GS can be a solid used car purchase depending on trim, mileage, and maintenance history. With 119 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 2012-2020 Lexus GS have?

The 2012-2020 Lexus GS has 119 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 2012-2020 Lexus GS?

There are 0 NHTSA recalls affecting some 2012-2020 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 Steering, Brakes, Electrical System, 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. 119 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-04-06.

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