Lexus GS Best and Worst Years (2005–2020)
Avoid the 2006, 2007, 2010, and 2013 Lexus GS, which carry the highest complaint indexes (100, 80, 87, and 93) out of 135 total complaints across 16 model years. No GS year earns a Good or Best verdict because every year is capped by recall campaigns; 2008 and 2016 are the lowest-risk choices.
Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls per model-year, ranked within this model — not a reliability rating. Methodology.
Avoid 2006Avoid 2007Avoid 2010Avoid 2013Lowest-risk years:Caution 2008Caution 2016
- Model years
- 16
- 2005–2020
- NHTSA complaints
- 135
- Recall campaigns
- 7
- Crashes reported
- 11
- Fires reported
- 1
- Top problem area
- Engine
GS Complaint Index by year
Higher = more complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and Do-Not-Drive recalls per year on the road, relative to other years of this model.
Lexus GS problems and recalls by year
| Year | Verdict | Index | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Recalls | Top issue | MPG | NCAP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 | No verdict | 7 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Engine | 18.5 | — |
| 2006 | Avoid | 100 | 44 | 2 | 0 | 6 | Engine | 20.5 | — |
| 2007 | Avoid | 80 | 25 | 2 | 0 | 2 | Electrical System | 21 | — |
| 2008 | Caution | 73 | 15 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Engine | 21.5 | — |
| 2009 | No verdict | 40 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Brakes | 21.5 | — |
| 2010 | Avoid | 87 | 10 | 2 | 0 | 0 | Airbags | 21.5 | — |
| 2011 | No verdict | 60 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 0 | Brakes | 21.5 | — |
| 2012 | No verdict | 13 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | — | — |
| 2013 | Avoid | 93 | 19 | 3 | 1 | 0 | Steering | 31 | — |
| 2014 | No verdict | 47 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Steering | 31 | — |
| 2015 | No verdict | 67 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 0 | Steering | 31 | — |
| 2016 | Caution | 53 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 1 | Fuel System | 25 | — |
| 2017 | No verdict | 20 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | Lane Departure | 25 | — |
| 2018 | No verdict | 33 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 1 | Visibility & Wipers | 25 | — |
| 2019 | No verdict | 27 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | Steering | 19 | — |
| 2020 | No verdict | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | — | 19 | — |
GS years to avoid: what went wrong
2006 Lexus GS Index 100 · 44 complaints · 6 recalls
The 2006 GS has the highest complaint index (100) of any year and leads with 44 complaints, six recall campaigns, two crashes, two injuries, and one death. Owners most often cite engine problems (25% of complaints, median 108,325 miles), followed closely by electrical system and visibility/wiper issues, with some fuel system reports too. Recalls cover fuel pressure sensor leaks, a brake fluid seal issue shared with other Toyota/Lexus models, and corrosion-prone aluminum fuel delivery pipes. Headlight failures and instrument warning-light cascades tied to electrical faults were also common themes.
2013 Lexus GS Index 93 · 19 complaints · 0 recalls
The 2013 GS shows a complaint index of 93 from 19 complaints, including three crashes, one fire, and four injuries, though no recalls were issued. Steering leads the problem areas at 26% of complaints (median 71,000 miles), followed by brakes, electrical system, and structure & body issues. Owners described an unintended acceleration incident with non-functional braking, failing struts, door lock actuator failures, and windshield wipers getting stuck, sometimes in poor weather.
2010 Lexus GS Index 87 · 10 complaints · 0 recalls
The 2010 GS has a complaint index of 87 despite only 10 total complaints, driven up by two crashes and two injuries with no offsetting recalls. Airbags, engine, fuel system, and structure & body problems each make up a fifth of complaints. Owners reported airbags not deploying properly in crashes, steering that wanders at highway speed requiring constant correction, and unexpected RPM increases while braking at low speeds. No recall campaigns were issued for this model year.
2007 Lexus GS Index 80 · 25 complaints · 2 recalls
The 2007 GS carries a complaint index of 80 with 25 complaints and two recall campaigns tied to the same fuel delivery pipe and fuel pressure sensor issues as 2006. Electrical system, engine, and visibility/wiper problems each account for 20% of complaints, with electrical failures reported at a median of 80,000 miles and engine issues much later, around 153,400 miles. Owners describe headlights failing unexpectedly, especially in wet conditions, and power steering warning lights linked to a known steering/EMC failure pattern affecting several Toyota and Lexus models.
Most common Lexus GS problems (all years)
Share of NHTSA complaints by component group across all model years.
- Engine28 (21%)
- Other23 (17%)
- Electrical System20 (15%)
- Visibility & Wipers19 (14%)
- Steering18 (13%)
- Fuel System16 (12%)
- Brakes15 (11%)
- Airbags10 (7%)
- Structure & Body7 (5%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires4 (3%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
Frequently asked questions
- What years of the Lexus GS should I avoid?
- Based on NHTSA complaints and recalls, the 2006, 2007, 2010, and 2013 Lexus GS have the highest complaint indexes (100, 80, 87, and 93 respectively) and are rated Avoid relative to other GS years.
- Which Lexus GS year is the best?
- No GS model year earns a Good or Best verdict because every year is capped by recall campaigns. The lowest-risk years are 2008 and 2016, both rated Caution.
- Is the 2006 Lexus GS reliable?
- The 2006 GS has the worst complaint index (100) of any GS year, with 44 complaints, six recall campaigns, two crashes, two injuries, and one death, mostly tied to engine and electrical system problems.
- What are the most common Lexus GS problems?
- Across all years, engine issues make up 21% of the 135 total complaints, followed by electrical system (15%), visibility & wipers (14%), steering (13%), fuel system (12%), and brakes (11%).
- Does the Lexus GS have recall campaigns?
- Yes, NHTSA lists 7 recall campaigns across the 2005-2020 GS, including fuel pressure sensor leaks, corroding fuel delivery pipes, and a brake fluid seal issue on the 2006 model.