2013 Lexus Gs Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
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What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2013 Lexus Gs, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Steering520.8%
- Interior & seats312.5%
- Brakes312.5%
- Electrical312.5%
- Airbags28.3%
- Seat belts28.3%
- Visibility28.3%
- Suspension14.2%
- Driver assistance14.2%
- Fuel system14.2%
- Engine14.2%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
clock inoperable Lumber Support Button/ Motor is inoperable. Lexus Dealership found that the cable is broken and needs to be replaced on the Driver and Passenger side. As the cable is broken it makes the driver side seat loose
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
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
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.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
clock inoperable Lumber Support Button/ Motor is inoperable. Lexus Dealership found that the cable is broken and needs to be replaced on the Driver and Passenger side. As the cable is broken it makes the driver side seat loose
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
SEPTEMBER 27TH 2017 - 2013 LEXUS GS 350 FOR 26432 FROM SANTA MONICA LEXUS IN LOS ANGELES CALIFORNIA SOLD THE CAR WITHOUT THE DEALER REVEALING RECALLS ON THE CAR BY CALIFORNIA LAW IT IS ILLEGAL TO NOT DISCLOSE INFORMATION ON NOVEMBER 2ND 2018 17 HE WAS MY ONE AIRBAG DEPLOYED LATER I FOUND OUT THAT HER HAIR BACK WOULD NOT EVEN HAVE TO BELIEVE IN THE DEALER DID NOT DISCLOSE THAT AT THE TIME OF PURCHASE WHICH IS A LOOFAH JANUARY 1ST OF 2019 I RECEIVED A LETTER FROM THE MANUFACTURER TELLING ME TO RETURN A CAR BECAUSE OF DASHBOARD RECALL DEALERSHIP DEALERSHIP REFUSE TO FIX THE DASHBOARD SEND WITH A LATER ON I FOUND OUT THAT THEY HAVE PERFORMED TWO OR THREE SET TEMP TO FIX ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULE FLASH SOFTWARE TWICE FROM MY UNDERSTANDING THAT VOID YOUR WARRANTY I TURN MY CAR IN JANUARY 5TH 2019 SEND A RECEIPT TO RETURN MY CAR WITH THEY HAVE NO LEGAL RIGHT TO HOLD HE CLAIMED IT DONE WORK ON MY CAR BUT THEY HAVE NOT BEEN IN THE SERVICE RECORDS TO NOT THAT THEY DIDN'T WORK ON MY CAR AND I NEVER SIGNED ANY DOCUMENTS TO GIVE HIM PERMISSION TO WORK ON MY CAR
AIR BAG OR SELT BELT DID NOT DEPLOY
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
SEPTEMBER 27TH 2017 - 2013 LEXUS GS 350 FOR 26432 FROM SANTA MONICA LEXUS IN LOS ANGELES CALIFORNIA SOLD THE CAR WITHOUT THE DEALER REVEALING RECALLS ON THE CAR BY CALIFORNIA LAW IT IS ILLEGAL TO NOT DISCLOSE INFORMATION ON NOVEMBER 2ND 2018 17 HE WAS MY ONE AIRBAG DEPLOYED LATER I FOUND OUT THAT HER HAIR BACK WOULD NOT EVEN HAVE TO BELIEVE IN THE DEALER DID NOT DISCLOSE THAT AT THE TIME OF PURCHASE WHICH IS A LOOFAH JANUARY 1ST OF 2019 I RECEIVED A LETTER FROM THE MANUFACTURER TELLING ME TO RETURN A CAR BECAUSE OF DASHBOARD RECALL DEALERSHIP DEALERSHIP REFUSE TO FIX THE DASHBOARD SEND WITH A LATER ON I FOUND OUT THAT THEY HAVE PERFORMED TWO OR THREE SET TEMP TO FIX ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULE FLASH SOFTWARE TWICE FROM MY UNDERSTANDING THAT VOID YOUR WARRANTY I TURN MY CAR IN JANUARY 5TH 2019 SEND A RECEIPT TO RETURN MY CAR WITH THEY HAVE NO LEGAL RIGHT TO HOLD HE CLAIMED IT DONE WORK ON MY CAR BUT THEY HAVE NOT BEEN IN THE SERVICE RECORDS TO NOT THAT THEY DIDN'T WORK ON MY CAR AND I NEVER SIGNED ANY DOCUMENTS TO GIVE HIM PERMISSION TO WORK ON MY CAR
AIR BAG OR SELT BELT DID NOT DEPLOY
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
2013 Lexus GS 350 Stuck Wiper blades; DANGER LEVEL EXTREMELY HIGH - MAY AFFECT 2013-2015 AND 2016-2020 GS MODELS When using the wipes in either automatic mode or manual speed selection they can become stuck in the rain in the up position blocking the windshield's view. This is EXTREMELY DANGEROUS. Deemed a MAJOR FLAW, the wiper blades can get stuck in any position while wiping. This occurs when the wiper blades are used and it is raining. This is very hard to replicate with windshield wiper fluid. To remedy the malfunction to survive in a LIFE or DEATH moment of LIMITED VISIBILITY, the driver must quickly push the wiper lever activator up and down to reset it and or pushing in the automatic rain sensing function button. Also, when stopped at a stoplight and resuming acceleration, the rain sensor does not pick up rain at low, medium, or heavy rain and does not engage the wipers. Again, the user must re-engage the wiper system by turning it on and off again multiple times while driving over and over again, multiple times during a trip. The car should not be driven on highways at high speed during when raining or above 20 MPH.
WINDSHIELD WIPERS GET STUCK IN THE UP POSITION AND DO NOT WORK. MALFUNCTIONING WIPERS, NO ERROR CODE WITH NO FIX. VERY DANGEROUS UNDER EXTREME WEATHER CONDTIONS WHERE WIPERS ARE NEEDED. NOT WHAT IS EXPECTED FROM A TOYOTA PRODUCT. I DEMAND THIS BE FIXED AS I'VE HAD MUCH OLDER CARS WITH NO ISSUES OF WIPERS MALFUNCTION. I COULD CRASH, DIE OR INJURY SOMEONE BECAUSE OF THIS FAILURE. THE CAR HAS ONLY 41,900 MILES ON IT AND THE WIPERS ARE BARELY USED. THIS SHOULD NOT BE HAPPENING! IT IS NOT BECAUSE I DID SOMETHING TO THE WIPERS EITHER. I HAVE NEVER GONE THROUGH AN AUTOMATIC CAR WASH AND EVEN IF I DID THEY SHOULD BE ABLE TO SUSTAIN THAT. THIS IS A LEXUS, WHERE IS THE PERFECTION?
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
THE STRUTS ARE FAILING (LEAKING) AND THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM ACROSS THE INTERNET. ALSO, THE DOOR LOCK ACTUATORS STOP WORKING PERIODICALLY. AND FINALLY, THE REAR DEFROSTER STOPED WORKING. I'VE OWNED MUCH CHEAPER CARS WITH WELL OVER 100,000 MILES AND NEVER EXPERIENCED THESE PROBLEMS. THIS CAR ONLY HAS 82,000 AND WELL TAKEN CARE OF AS I HAVE ANOTHER CAR THAT I LEASE AND THE LEXUS IS USUALLY IN THE GARAGE.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
FUEL ECONOMY BECAME VERY POOR. FOLLOWING DAY HAD A CHECK ENGINE LIGHT FOR CAR RUNNING LEAN. WENT TO FILL UP CAR AT GAS STATION, AND AFTER IT WAS FILLED IT WOULD NOT START AND JUST CRANK. AFTER 5 ATTEMPTS AND THROTTLING THE GAS PEDAL THE CAR BEGAN TO SPUTTER AND FINALLY STARTED. CAR WAS THEN PARKED AFTER MOVING TO A SAFE LOCATION.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
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.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .