1998 Lexus GS: common problems and reliability
105 owner complaints on record.
Most complaints are about vehicle speed control. 2 recalls.
Should I buy a 1998 GS?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.
Safety record for the 1998 model year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 1998 Lexus GS vehicles (US, public record).
Is 1998 a good year for the GS?
Across the 23 GS model years we track, complaint volume runs from 1 (2019) to 180 (2006). With 105 complaints, the 1998 GS sits above the model's median of 20.
These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.
Where owners report problems
Recalls affecting the 1998 GS
exterior lighting
Campaign 09E012000SABERSPORT 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 REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
electronic stability control:automatic (asc)
Campaign 98V080000VEHICLE 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 WAVES, SUCH AS FROM A CELLULAR PHONE.
What owners say across generations
Overwhelmingly positive sentiment regarding long-term reliability, build quality, and overall ownership experience.
Owner insights cover all generations of the GS. See the full GS owner picture and every model year.
Other GS model years
Compare every GS year side by side to see how 1998 ranks against the rest.
Compare the GS against its rivals
Looking at a specific car?
We're building a full check by VIN: the exact trim and engine, its known problems and recalls, what to inspect, a fair price, and how it compares with its rivals. Get an email when it's ready.
One email when it launches. Unsubscribe any time. Privacy