1998 Lexus GS: common problems and reliability

The 1998 Lexus GS has 105 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 2 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are vehicle speed control and service brakes. Owners most often flag outdated technology/infotainment — lack of apple carplay, slow and unresponsive screen, missing features like birds-eye view camera and massaging seats compared to rivals. frequency: very frequent.

Safety record for the 1998 model year

105
Owner complaints
2
Recalls
21
Crash reports
1
Fire reports

Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 1998 Lexus GS vehicles (US, public record).

Where owners report problems

vehicle speed control
34
service brakes
15
suspension
14
air bags
10
structure
9

Recalls affecting the 1998 GS

exterior lighting

Campaign 09E012000

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 REQUIREMEN…

electronic stability control:automatic (asc)

Campaign 98V080000

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. DUE TO A MANUFACTURING DEFECT OF THE YAW RATE SENSOR FOR THE VEHICLE STABILITY CONTROL (VSC), THE VSC CAN OPERATE IMPROPERLY IF THE SENSOR IS AFFECTED BY CERTAIN ELECTROMAGNETIC W…

What owners say across generations

Overwhelmingly positive sentiment regarding long-term reliability, build quality, and overall ownership experience. The GS is consistently praised as a durable, comfortable, and well-built luxury sedan that delivers trouble-free service for many years and high

  • Outdated technology/infotainment — Lack of Apple CarPlay, slow and unresponsive screen, missing features like birds-eye view camera and massaging seats compared to rivals. Frequency: very frequent.
  • Higher running costs — Requires premium fuel, expensive tires (especially F-Sport run-flats), and generally higher costs for parts and maintenance compared to non-luxury brands. Frequency: very frequent.
  • Underwhelming performance for segment — Naturally aspirated V6 (2GR-FKS) perceived as not fast, especially compared to turbocharged German competitors; 0-60 mph (0-97 km/h) times around 5.9 seconds noted. Frequency: recurrent.
  • Fuel economy discrepancy — Noted for slightly worse MPG than key competitors in city, highway, and combined cycles despite lower performance output. Frequency: recurrent.
  • Potential for expensive oil leak — Isolated mention of the V6 engine having a reputation for a costly oil leak, though not elaborated as a widespread failure. Frequency: isolated.

Owner insights cover all generations of the GS.

Other GS model years

2018 GS2016 GS2015 GS2014 GS2008 GS2006 GS2000 GS1996 GS
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