2006 Lexus GS Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Avoid The 2006 Lexus GS ranks worst of all 16 model years tracked, with a complaint index of 100 and 44 complaints tied mainly to engine, electrical, and visibility issues, plus 6 recalls. It carries an Avoid verdict relative to other GS years.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 100/100
- #1 of 16 GS years
- Verdict
- Avoid
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 44
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 6
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 2
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 2
- Top issue
- Engine
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 20.5
- 17.5 city / 25 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 2 / 1
Top 2006 Lexus GS problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Engine11 (25%)
- Electrical System10 (23%)
- Visibility & Wipers10 (23%)
- Fuel System6 (14%)
- Brakes5 (11%)
- Other5 (11%)
- Transmission & Powertrain3 (7%)
- Airbags2 (5%)
- Steering2 (5%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires2 (5%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Headlights and headlamps randomly flicker or shut off, sometimes fixed only temporarily by cycling the switch.
- Rearview mirrors develop rust-colored spots and streaks that reduce visibility over time.
- Fuel odor was reported inside and outside the cabin, traced by a dealership to a cracked fuel gasket.
- Steering wheel became misaligned after a power loss accompanied by battery and brake warning lights.
- Auto-leveling headlamps fail to work properly, with one side drooping toward the ground.
- A steering wheel airbag reportedly failed to deploy in a head-on crash.
2006 Lexus GS recalls
6 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 11V029000Jan 26, 2011Fuel System244,779 vehicles
Fuel system, gasoline:delivery
Toyota is recalling certain model year 2006-2009 lexus is and model year 2006-2007 lexus gs vehicles. Due to insufficient tightening of the fuel pressure sensor connected to an engine fuel delivery pipe with nickel phosphorus plating, there is a possibility that, over time, the pressure sensor could loosen. If loosening occurs, fuel could leak past a gasket used in the connection between the sensor and the pipe and through the threaded portion of the sensor.
Risk: Fuel leakage, in the presence of an ignition source, could result in a fire.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect for fuel leakage from the threaded portion of the fuel pressure sensor and if a fuel leak is not confirmed, dealers will further tighten the fuel pressure sensor with the proper torque. If a fuel leak is confirmed, the gasket between the sensor and the fuel deliver pipe will be replaced with a new one, and the sensor will be tightened with the proper torque. This service will be performed free of charge. The safety recall began on march 7, 2011. Owners may contact toyota at 1-800-331-4331.
- NHTSA 10V499000Oct 21, 2010Brakes728,544 vehicles
Service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components:master cylinder
Toyota is recalling certain model year 2005-2006 avalon, model year 2004-2006 highlander, model year 2004-2006 lexus rx, and model year 2006 lexus gs and is vehicles. Brake fluid containing polymers is used that acts as lubricants for certain brake system components. If replacement brake fluid is used that does not contain such polymers, or that contains only small amounts, a part of the rubber seal located at the rear of the brake master cylinder may become dry, and the seal may curl during movement of the piston. If this occurs, a small amount of brake fluid could slowly leak from the seal into the brake booster.
Risk: A leak of brake fluid could lead to a change in brake pedal feel and overtime a degradation in braking performance increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the seal with a newly designed one. This service will be performed free of charge. The safety recall began on november 15, 2010. Owners may contact toyota at 1-800-331-4331 and lexus at 1-800-255-3987.
- NHTSA 09V020000Jan 16, 2009Engine214,570 vehicles
Engine and engine cooling
Toyota is recalling 214,570 my 2006-2008 lexus is, my 2006-2007 gs and my 2007-2008 ls passenger vehicles equipped with aluminum fuel delivery pipes (fuel rails). Ethanol fuels with a low moisture content will corrode the internal surface of the fuel rails. As this condition progresses, the engine malfunction indicator light may illuminate.
Risk: Over time, the corrosion may create a pinhole resulting in fuel leakage. Fuel leakage, in the presence of an ignition source, could result in a fire.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the fuel delivery pipes free of charge. The recall is expected to begin during february 2009. Owners may contact toyota/lexus at 1-800-255-3987.
2006 Lexus GS fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 17.5 MPG
- Highway
- 25 MPG
- Combined
- 20.5 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $3,925
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Premium
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2006 compared with other GS years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2006 Lexus GS reliable?
- Among GS model years, 2006 has the highest complaint index (100) and ranks worst overall, with 44 NHTSA complaints and 6 recall campaigns, so it carries an Avoid verdict relative to other GS years.
- What are the most common problems with the 2006 Lexus GS?
- NHTSA complaint data shows the top problem areas are Engine (25% of complaints), Electrical System (23%), and Visibility & Wipers (23%), followed by Fuel System and Brakes.
- Does the 2006 Lexus GS have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists 6 recall campaigns for the 2006 GS covering fuel system components, brakes, engine fuel delivery pipes, seat belts, and airbags.
- At what mileage do 2006 Lexus GS problems typically show up?
- The median mileage at failure across all reported complaints is 110,500 miles, though engine complaints centered around 108,325 miles and fuel system complaints around 79,000 miles.
- How does the 2006 GS compare to other years like 2007 or 2013?
- 2006 has the highest complaint index (100) and worst rank of all years; 2007 (80) and 2013 (93) also carry Avoid verdicts, while 2008, 2010, and 2016 rate Caution or lower.