RoadVitals

2003 Lexus Gs

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
4
Latest Dec 19, 2024
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
1
Latest Apr 7, 2009
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
0
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
0

Overview

Our database contains 4 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2003 Lexus Gs, most frequently naming the driver assistance, engine and other / unspecified categories. 1 safety recall has been issued covering this model year; and 29 manufacturer communications are on file.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

  • Driver assistance116.7%
  • Engine116.7%
  • Other / unspecified116.7%
  • Powertrain (other)116.7%
  • Steering116.7%
  • Suspension116.7%

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

1 campaign cover this model year

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

Apr 7, 2009
16,270 units potentially affected
The defect: 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 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.
The risk: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
The remedy: SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

EngineSteeringSuspension
Filed Dec 19, 2024

car stalls when trying to accelerate like its going to turn off...The Wheel alighnment is not correct.Doors will not lock Bad lighting i cant see because front lights are doll

NHTSA ID
11631543
Incident
Dec 19, 2024
Powertrain (other)
Filed Nov 26, 2019

ACCELERATION PEDAL PROBLEM. CAR FAILS TO RESPOND TO ACCELERATION PEDAL SOMETIMES WHILE IN MOTION. CAR CAN STOP MOVING IN TRAFFIC OR DURING TURNS (ESPECIALLY LEFT TURNS). THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS AND LIFE THREATENING. ALTHOUGH PEDAL SENSOR WAS CHANGED GIVEN THE ERROR CODE, THE CAR STILL SHOW THE SAME ISSUE. LEXUS MUST TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR DANGEROUS DESIGN AS IT LACKS A FAIL SAFE MECHANISM TO THEIR DRIVE BY WIRE. FAILURE IN ACCELERATION IS AS DANGEROUS AS FAILURE IN BRAKING.

NHTSA ID
11282559
Incident
Nov 26, 2019
Mileage
145,000 mi
Driver assistance
Filed Feb 24, 2014

WHEN BACKING INTO A PARKING SPACE WITH MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE, THE RPMS SURGED CAUSING SPEED TO INCREASE SUDDENLY. I PLACE THE CAR IN NEUTRAL AND THE RPMS CONTINUED TO SURGE FOR ABOUT THREE SECONDS AND THEN RETURNED TO NORMAL. WHILE WAITING AT A TRAFFIC SIGNAL, WITH MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE, THE RPMS SUDDENLY SURGED AND I AGAIN PLACED THE CAR IN NEUTRAL. THE SURGE CONTINUED FOR ABOUT THREE SECONDS AGAIN. ON ONE OTHER OCCASION, WHEN SHIFTING FROM REVERSE TO DRIVE WHILE EXITING A PARKING SPACE, THE RPMS SURGED FOR ABOUT TWO SECONDS AND THEN RETURNED TO NORMAL. THE VEHICLE SEEMS TO ACCELERATE SUDDENLY ON ITS OWN WITHOUT DEPRESSING THE GAS PEDAL. *TR

NHTSA ID
10565554
Incident
Jan 31, 2014
Mileage
158,300 mi
Other / unspecified
Filed Aug 9, 2010

I OWN A 2003 LEXUS GS AND ALL FOUR RIMS ARE CHROME AND HAVE BECOME A SAFETY HAZARD ACCORDING TO WHERE WE HAVE OUR SERVICE. I OWN ANOTHER LEXUS AUTO AND MY RIMS ARE IN GOOD SHAPE . I HAVE NEVER EXPERIENCE RIMS CHROME PLATE PEALING CAUSING NEWER TIRES TO LOSE AIR BEFORE. I WAS INTERESTED TO FIND OUT IF ANY OTHER OWNERS HAVE OR ARE EXPERIENCING THE SAME PROBLEM WITH THIS MODELS RIMS. THANKS *TR

NHTSA ID
10348175
Incident
Aug 9, 2010

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

L-SB-0024-24

STRUCTURE:BODY

The condition known as acid rain is caused by airborne chemicals or particles in the atmosphere, which mix with rainwater, nighttime dew, or high humidity to form acidic compounds. If these contaminants settle and remain on a painted vehicle surface, especially the horizonal areas of the hood, roof, and decklid, significant damage can occur. This damage is the result of actual etching of the paint and appears as pitting or water spots. As acid rain droplets on the vehicle surface evaporate, the concentration strength of the acid increases, causing deeper and more rapid damage. This evaporation and corrosive action also occur more rapidly on dark colored cars as direct sun heat increases. While Lexus paint quality, durability, and resistance to environmental factors is continuously being improved, it remains the responsibility of the dealer to protect and maintain the vehicle’s paint finish from the time of arrival at the dealership until retail delivery to the customer. In areas known for high frequency and/or concentration of acid rain, frequent vehicle washing during high heat or humidity periods will minimize the potential for paint damage caused by acid rain. It is further recommended that either reverse osmosis or deionized water be used to prevent water spotting. SUPERSESSION NOTICE The information contained in this bulletin supersedes Service Bulletin No. BO029-91. •The entire bulletin has been updated. Service Bulletin No. BO029-91 is obsolete

L-SB-0020-24

STRUCTURE:BODY

Vehicles may occasionally be subjected to contamination by airborne iron particles shed from railroad tracks, train wheels, exposure to heavy machinery facilities, grinding, welding, etc. This type of contamination can be identified by the presence of small, red or brown particles on the paint surface. These particles are often difficult to see on dark color paints but can be easily felt when brushing a hand across horizontal body surfaces such as the hood, roof, or deck lid. Follow the Repair Procedure in this bulletin to clean vehicles that may have been subjected to contamination by airborne iron particles such as rail dust during rail transportation or extended storage near industrial areas.

L-SB-0020-24

STRUCTURE:BODY

Vehicles may occasionally be subjected to contamination by airborne iron particles shed from railroad tracks, train wheels, exposure to heavy machinery facilities, grinding, welding, etc. This type of contamination can be identified by the presence of small, red or brown particles on the paint surface. These particles are often difficult to see on dark color paints but can be easily felt when brushing a hand across horizontal body surfaces such as the hood, roof, or deck lid. Follow the Repair Procedure in this bulletin to clean vehicles that may have been subjected to contamination by airborne iron particles such as rail dust during rail transportation or extended storage near industrial areas.

L-SB-0022-24

STRUCTURE:BODY

Acid rain results from rainwater or other airborne moisture that become acidic due to industrial chemical impurities in the atmosphere. If these acidic compounds settle on an exposed vehicle, especially the horizontal areas such as the hood, roof, and decklid, significant damage to the painted surfaces can occur. Acid rain damage can typically be identified on vehicles by the presence of stains on the paint surface that resemble hard water spots. Unlike water spots however, acid rain damage cannot be removed by regular washing procedures. Also, because acid rain can etch and soften the paint, normal buffing or polishing repair procedures should not be attempted. This can cause further damage and result in visible depressions in the paint surface. The following are the three major categories of acid rain damage: •Minor damage: requires only buffing to repair. •Moderate damage: usually requires neutralizing, color sanding, and buffing. •Severe damage: extending beyond 1/2 mil of clearcoat on a pearl, metallic, or solid color, requires neutralization, sanding, and repainting. In cases where acid rain damage is minor, neutralization and buffing with a liquid-type paint finessing product may provide an adequate repair. Only specially formulated products outlined in this bulletin should be used for that purpose. Unfortunately, other than minor damage, there is no simple method of determining the actual extent (depth) of acid penetration other than color sanding a representative affected area until there is no visible etching or depressions, followed by measuring the amount of paint removed with either a magnetic or digital-type film thickness gauge. The procedures in this bulletin are intended for use by qualified body/paint technicians and should not be attempted by inexperienced personnel. While the quality and durability of paint on Lexus vehicles is continuously being improved, it remains the dealer’s responsibility to protect and maintain the quality of the vehicle’s paint finish after receipt at the dealership prior to the first sale. Perform frequent vehicle washing, as often as daily, during high heat and humidity periods to minimize the potential for paint damage due to acid rain exposure. This is especially important in geographical areas known for high frequency and concentration of acid rain and industrial fallout.

L-SB-0021-24

STRUCTURE:BODY

Lexus vehicles are currently protected with RapgardTM protective film designed to protect the horizontal painted surfaces. This material protects from acid rain, environmental fallout, and rail contamination. Follow the Removal Procedure in this bulletin to remove the RapgardTM protective film within 90 days from initial application. SUPERSESSION NOTICE The information contained in this bulletin supersedes Service Bulletin No. L-PG004-94. •The entire bulletin has been updated.

L-SB-0021-24

STRUCTURE:BODY

Lexus vehicles are currently protected with RapgardTM protective film designed to protect the horizontal painted surfaces. This material protects from acid rain, environmental fallout, and rail contamination. Follow the Removal Procedure in this bulletin to remove the RapgardTM protective film within 90 days from initial application. SUPERSESSION NOTICE The information contained in this bulletin supersedes Service Bulletin No. L-PG004-94. •The entire bulletin has been updated.

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

Lexus Gs by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2020010
2019110
2018210
2017110
2016510
2015300
2014300
2013180051.6
2012100
2011300
2010100049.7
2009200
2008150026.9
2007252154.4
2006446150.2
2005110
2004210
2003Viewing410
2002110
2001310
2000010
1999410
1998410
1997000
1996100
1995200
1994000

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.