RoadVitals

2013 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.
18
Latest Jul 3, 2026
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.
0
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.
4
4 injuries, 0 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 18 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2013 Lexus Gs, most frequently naming the steering, interior & seats and brakes categories. 45 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

  • Steering520.8%
  • Interior & seats312.5%
  • Brakes312.5%
  • Electrical312.5%
  • Airbags28.3%
  • Seat belts28.3%
  • Visibility28.3%
  • Suspension14.2%

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

No recalls in our database for this model year

That does not guarantee a specific vehicle is unaffected — recalls are issued against VINs, and new campaigns are announced regularly. Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov.

Recent owner complaints

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

Filed Jul 3, 2026

2013 Lexus GS350, VIN [XXX], manufactured 04/2013. Mileage at repair was approximately 117,310–117,485 miles. During diagnosis for check-engine/EVAP codes, liquid gasoline was found inside the EVAP canister / Leak Detection Pump assembly. This EVAP component is intended to handle fuel vapor, and the presence of liquid fuel appears abnormal. The vehicle had multiple EVAP codes confirmed by both an independent scanner and the Lexus dealer’s Toyota TIS/Techstream system: P2401, P2402, P2419, P043E, and P043F. Park Place Lexus in [XXX] documented that the Leak Detection Pump was mechanically “stuck ON/OFF” and the Pressure Switching Valve was “stuck ON.” This appears consistent with fuel contamination or internal restriction of the EVAP canister/LDP assembly, not just a simple sensor or wiring issue. My safety concern is that liquid gasoline was present in or around an electrically actuated EVAP component located near the vehicle underbody. If fuel migrates further into the pump, connector, wiring, or surrounding area, it may create a potential fire safety risk. This component should not normally contain liquid gasoline. Park Place Lexus replaced the EVAP Emission Canister and Leak Detection Pump assembly, part #77740-30350, with 3.0 hours labor. The vehicle was dropped off XXX and ready XXX. Repair Order #1229991. After repair, the EVAP system re-test passed and the Texas emissions inspection passed. I paid $1,205.88 out of pocket; the repair was not covered by any recall or free-of-charge remedy. I have photos, videos, scan results, and the dealer repair invoice available. I am filing this complaint so NHTSA can track whether other Lexus/Toyota owners experience the same pattern of liquid fuel intrusion, mechanically stuck Leak Detection Pump / Pressure Switching Valve failure, and related EVAP codes. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID
11748153
Incident
Jun 26, 2026
Electrical
Filed Mar 22, 2026

The servo motor is bad per Lexus dealership. There is a recall for this exact problem for newer models. Years 2013 - 2016 should be included. My daughter has a 2006 Lexus, and it has the exact same problem. Lexus has a problem with their HVAC systems. The air conditioning stalls when turning on and goes from cold to warm when car is is idling.

NHTSA ID
11726144
Incident
Mar 1, 2026
Steering
Filed Dec 19, 2025

The contact called on behalf of the owner of a 2013 Lexus GS 350. The contact stated that while his daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle while making a right or left turn, and the steering wheel was moved all the way. The contact stated that it felt like the tires were driving over a bumpy road. In addition, the vehicle independently veered to the left while driving. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the steering wheel electronic control unit had failed. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 12V221000 (STEERING); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 71,000.

NHTSA ID
11706159
Incident
Jun 19, 2025
Mileage
71,000 mi
Brakes
Filed May 30, 2025

Brake actuator or booster accumulator, always has been failing on Toyota/lexus hybrids, they need to do another bulletin or TSD because the malfunction is unsafe and many drivers are reporting it

NHTSA ID
11664042
Incident
May 30, 2025
Engine
Filed May 24, 2025

I started my car in the morning and when I started the engine it was an instant extreme rough idle with the engine light and traction control light blinking on my dashboard and the engine cuts out on its own. I have my car at a Toyota dealership since it’s closer than the Lexus dealership and they have ran an extensive testing diagnostic on my car resulting in a valve stuck open and a valve spring fell out. I have kept up the regular maintenance on my car, like every 5,000 miles fully synthetic oil changes, premium gas, regularly checking for recalls, always checking my fluids, correct tires and tire pressure, and I have in no way misused my car since it’s the only car I have to drive. I found that Lexus had a recall on the GS 350 for the 2007 to 2011 years for the problem I’m currently dealing with. In 2012 Lexus did not make a GS 350 but 2013 they were offered again and I feel like they didn’t resolve the engine problem before putting out the new production, at least for the 2013 year. Now as my car sits I have to pay $9,200 to fix the problem and I don’t have that type of money. I would have to sell my house to pay for my car to get fixed. Luckily the car didn’t stop running while I had my family in the car. I don’t feel that I did anything wrong to make the internal engine have a valve issue. This car should still be running at 148,100 miles.

NHTSA ID
11662948
Incident
May 14, 2025
Steering
Filed Jul 15, 2024

I own a 2013 GS350 RWD BASE MODEL. I have been having issues with the steering in this car since it was purchased in 2021 with100k miles. It seems to do great at lower speeds or on curvy roads, but when I drive on interstate going straight at around 70 to 80 mph is where it really becomes noticeable. The vehicle does not want to drive straight for anything. It does not pull in one certain direction; it is literally all over the road. I'd like to note that i have new shocks and upper shock mounts in the front, as well as tires all the way around, also replaced the sway bar linkages on the front and did an alignment. But the vehicle will veer from left to right with no rhyme or reason so bad that you cannot take your eyes off of the road to even adjust the ac or radio from fear of running into the concrete barricade or another vehicle. Something I'd like to add is that it really becomes prominent after about 10 to 15 min of interstate driving. I have taken it to two different Lexus dealerships and called Lexus directly. No one seems to know what I'm talking about; the first dealership told me to replace all of the parts that I previously mentioned. So, I did with no success. I have seen other GS owners complain about this online, so I know it is not just my car. This to me is a major safety concern because it had almost caused me to have several accidents personally not to mention it's just extremely annoying to buy a Lexus and to have to constantly pay attention and adjust the steering so as to not destroy the car and hit or hurt another driver. I always feel like I am going to get pulled over for a DUI. That is how bad it is. I own a 1999 Toyota corolla and that car is effortless to drive straight, I do not have to even think about it. I hope this in some way will help another GS owner to know that you are not alone if you experience this issue and maybe enough of us can cause Lexus to do the right thing here. THX, unhappy GS owner

NHTSA ID
11602157
Incident
Jul 15, 2024
Interior & seats
Filed May 30, 2024

Customer notice deterioration of the seat and proceeding monitoring the seat it was observed in 2021, 2023 & 2014 that while utilizing the seat heating electrical component the seat developed cracks as the heat released a burning sensation to the skin.

NHTSA ID
11591442
Incident
Oct 1, 2017
BrakesDriver assistance
Filed Jan 16, 2024
Crash reportedFire reported2 injuries reported

This was an unintended acceleration with non functional braking of a Lexus GS 350. This occured on December 18 around 8:00 AM. The driver noticed an orange triangular light in the dash while travelling slowly through a neighborhood less than a mile from the incident. While approaching a lighted intersection, the car suddenly accelerated when the brake pedal was depressed. The brake pedal was stiff and did not work. The driver tried to avoid another vehicle by veering right. The car hit a curb, travelled over a small hill and ended up in a parking lot after the ensuing damage disabled the car. The driver was able to escape from the drivers door before a fire erupted on the drivers side of the engine bay. The driver's safety and any other cars or persons in the vicinity were obviously put at grave risk.

NHTSA ID
11565745
Incident
Dec 18, 2023

Manufacturer communications

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

L-SB-0030-24 Rev2

STRUCTURE:BODY

Some 2005 – 2026 Lexus vehicles that have undergone water intrusion may exhibit a condition in which a musty odor is present. Follow the procedures in this bulletin to remediate the odor and address this condition. The purpose of this Service Bulletin is to provide general guidelines and procedures for odor remediation. This Service Bulletin provides a guide on how to prepare and treat the interior of the vehicle for odor remediation. Refer to the applicable model and model year Repair Manuals and the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) website for the most up-to-date safety and precautionary guidelines. This Service Bulletin is to provide a general overview and direction for the odor remediation process.

L-SB-0043-23 Rev1

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The air conditioning dye injection tool kit has been developed to aid in identifying the location of air conditioning refrigerant leaks. The procedures outlined in this Service Bulletin aid in locating, inspecting, and repairing refrigerant leaks.

L-SB-0017-19 Rev1

STRUCTURE:BODY

Some 2010 – 2026 model year Lexus vehicles may exhibit paint stains after the removal of Rapgard™. The paint stains may appear to be under the clear coat but are usually under wrinkles in the Rapgard™. The wrinkles may trap water and cause the paint to stain from the trapped moisture, especially on horizontal surfaces such as the hood, roof, and trunk.

L-SB-0017-19 Rev1

STRUCTURE:BODY

Some 2010 – 2026 model year Lexus vehicles may exhibit paint stains after the removal of Rapgard™. The paint stains may appear to be under the clear coat but are usually under wrinkles in the Rapgard™. The wrinkles may trap water and cause the paint to stain from the trapped moisture, especially on horizontal surfaces such as the hood, roof, and trunk.

L-SB-0030-24 Rev1

STRUCTURE:BODY

Some 2005 – 2024 Lexus vehicles that have undergone water intrusion may exhibit a condition in which a musty odor is present. Follow the procedures in this bulletin to remediate the odor and address this condition. The purpose of this Service Bulletin is to provide general guidelines and procedures for odor remediation. This Service Bulletin provides a guide on how to prepare and treat the interior of the vehicle for odor remediation. Refer to the applicable model and model year Repair Manuals and the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) website for the most up-to-date safety and precautionary guidelines. This Service Bulletin is to provide a general overview and direction for the odor remediation process.

L-SB-0030-24 Rev1

STRUCTURE:BODY

Some 2005 – 2024 Lexus vehicles that have undergone water intrusion may exhibit a condition in which a musty odor is present. Follow the procedures in this bulletin to remediate the odor and address this condition. The purpose of this Service Bulletin is to provide general guidelines and procedures for odor remediation. This Service Bulletin provides a guide on how to prepare and treat the interior of the vehicle for odor remediation. Refer to the applicable model and model year Repair Manuals and the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) website for the most up-to-date safety and precautionary guidelines. This Service Bulletin is to provide a general overview and direction for the odor remediation process.

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
2013Viewing180051.6
2012100
2011300
2010100049.7
2009200
2008150026.9
2007252154.4
2006446150.2
2005110
2004210
2003410
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.