Auto Recall Watch
U.S. public vehicle records

1998 Lexus GS400: complaints, problems and recalls

Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.

Key facts

31 owner complaints analyzed

1 distinct recall campaigns

81,500 mi median reported failure mileage

Scope: 1998 model year. Data updated: . 14 complaints include usable failure mileage. View data status.

Owner-reported patterns

Most common problems

Air Bags:Frontal is the most frequently named component, appearing in 6 of 31 complaints (19.4%). A complaint can name multiple components.

Recurring terms in complaint narratives
TopicMatching reportsShare of complaints
Braking behavior516.1%
Steering behavior516.1%
Engine operation13.2%

Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.

Component breakdown

Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.

Air Bags:Frontal
6
Vehicle Speed Control
4
Air Bags
2
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine
2
Seat Belts:Front:Retractor
2
Service Brakes
2
Tires
2
Electrical System
1
Component breakdown data
CategoryCount
Air Bags:Frontal6
Vehicle Speed Control4
Air Bags2
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine2
Seat Belts:Front:Retractor2
Service Brakes2
Tires2
Electrical System1

Air Bags:Frontal: 6; Vehicle Speed Control: 4; Air Bags: 2; Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine: 2; Seat Belts:Front:Retractor: 2; Service Brakes: 2; Tires: 2; Electrical System: 1

Reported problems by failure mileage

Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.

Under 25,000
2
25,000 to 49,999
1
50,000 to 74,999
3
75,000 to 99,999
4
100,000 to 149,999
1
150,000 and above
3
Reported problems by failure mileage data
CategoryCount
Under 25,0002
25,000 to 49,9991
50,000 to 74,9993
75,000 to 99,9994
100,000 to 149,9991
150,000 and above3

Under 25,000: 2; 25,000 to 49,999: 1; 50,000 to 74,999: 3; 75,000 to 99,999: 4; 100,000 to 149,999: 1; 150,000 and above: 3

75,000 to 99,999 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (4). 17 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.

Complaints over time

Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.

1998
1
1999
7
2000
3
2001
1
2002
2
2003
2
2004
4
2005
2
2007
2
2008
1
2010
3
2012
1
2016
1
2019
1
Complaints over time data
CategoryCount
19981
19997
20003
20011
20022
20032
20044
20052
20072
20081
20103
20121
20161
20191

1998: 1; 1999: 7; 2000: 3; 2001: 1; 2002: 2; 2003: 2; 2004: 4; 2005: 2; 2007: 2; 2008: 1; 2010: 3; 2012: 1; 2016: 1; 2019: 1

Pattern summary

Air Bags:Frontal leads the component reports. Braking behavior appears in 5 complaint narratives. Steering behavior appears in 5 complaint narratives. Engine operation appears in 1 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.

Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.

Examples from the source records

Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.

Owner report 10007022 · 2000-10-14 (October 14, 2000)

CRASHED INTO REAR OF ANOTHER CAR AT 30-50 MPH, AIR BAGS DID INTO DEPLOY. *NLM *SCC **DIMSII IVOQ ENTRY POSTED AFTER 12/12/02 CUT-OVER TO ARTEMIS*734324

Owner-reported narrative. 21,500 miles reported. Look up ODI 10007022 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10046906 · 2003-11-13 (November 13, 2003)

PRODUCT DEFECT WHEN THE LEXUS GS400 HIT HEAD ON A CONCRETE ANTI-TERRORIST RESTRAIN T BETWEEN 40-50 MILES A HR. SPEED COULD HAVE BEEN FASTER ACCORDING TO THE REPAIR SHOP CAUSE THE ENGINE WAS KNOWED OF ITS MOUNTINGS, HAND BREAK HANDLE BROKE AND TURNED 90+ DEGREES TO THE LEFT. THE COIN CHANGE CLOSED CONTAINER BROKE OPEN AND CRACKED AS IT THROUGH ITS CONTENTS ALL OVER THE DRIVERS AREA. THE AIR BAG FAILED TO DEPLOY AND THE I WAS THROWN WITH FULL FORCE AGAINST THE STEERING WHEEL WHICH HIT ME DIRECTLY IN THE STERNUM CAUSING BLUNT CONTUSION TO THE RIB …

Owner-reported narrative. 71,980 miles reported. Look up ODI 10046906 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10048397 · 2003-11-20 (November 20, 2003)

WHILE DRIVING AT 40MPH, HAD A FRONT COLLISION AND NEITHER OF THE AIR BAG DEPLOYED, NO AIR BAG LIGHT WARNING PRIOR TO THE CRASH. DRIVER WAS WEARING THE SEAT BELT. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. *PH

Owner-reported narrative. 72,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10048397 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10061323 · 2004-03-04 (March 4, 2004)

WHILE DRIVING AT 40 MPH VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN AN HEAD ON COLLISION, AND AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. DRIVER SUSTAINED INJURIES. *AK

Owner-reported narrative. 78,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10061323 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10068519 · 2004-05-09 (May 9, 2004)

ON THE FIRST DAY I PURCHASED MY LEXUS IN VIRGINIA I ALMOST DROVE THE CAR OVER THE CURB. I THOUGHT MY FOOT HIT THE GAS ACCIDENTALLY, BUT IT HAD NOT. SINCE THAT TIME I HAVE HAD NUMEROUS INSTANCES WHERE THE CAR LURCHED FORWARD WHILE I WAS STOPPED WITH MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE. LUCKILY THE PROBLEM NEVER CAUSED AN ACCIDENT SO I NEVER COMPLAINED ABOUT IT. I THOUGHT MY CAR WAS THE ONLY ONE WITH THE PROBLEM. I READ A RECENT ARTICLE IN USATODAY ABOUT THE PROBLEM, AND REALIZED THAT MY CAR WAS NOT THE ONLY ONE DOING IT. MY 1998 LEXUS GS400 HAS LURCHED FORWAR…

Owner-reported narrative. 45,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10068519 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10099979 · 2004-11-15 (November 15, 2004)

WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH VEHICLE STALLED. CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO GET OFF THE ROAD AND RESTARTED THE VEHICLE. *AK

Owner-reported narrative. 85,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10099979 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10101069 · 2004-11-16 (November 16, 2004)

WHILE DRIVING 7 MPH VEHICLE ACCELERATED UNCONTROLLABLY. CONSUMER WAS NOT ABLE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, AND IT CRASHED INTO A CEMENT WALL. UPON IMPACT, BOTH FRONTAL AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY, AND DRIVER'S SEAT BELT FAILED TO LOCK. AS A RESULT, DRIVER SUSTAINED MINOR INJURIES, AND WAS TRANSPORTED TO A HOSPITAL. VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A GARAGE FOR INSPECTION. *AK

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10101069 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10113378 · 2005-03-03 (March 3, 2005)

THE FRONT SEAT BELTS RETRACTOR FAILED. *AK

Owner-reported narrative. 96,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10113378 at NHTSA ↗

Recall history

1 distinct campaigns affect this selection. Announcement dates below are different from vehicle model years. A campaign may cover multiple years.

98V080000 · Electronic Stability Control:Automatic (Asc)

Reported: 1998-04-17 (April 17, 1998)

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 WAVES, SUCH AS FROM A CELLULAR PHONE.

Consequence: SHOULD THIS OCCUR, THE BRAKE MAY OPERATE UNEXPECTEDLY, AFFECTING STEERING AND SPEED CONTROL, INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE YAW RATE SENSOR.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
Explore the data

Vehicle analysis explorer

Inspect model-year patterns, reported mileage, monthly activity and the evidence behind each signal.

Data completeness

31 unique complaints in this selection. Analysis snapshot: 2026-10-01.

45.2%Usable mileage14 / 31 records
83.9%Valid incident date26 / 31 records
100.0%Valid filing date31 / 31 records
83.9%Ordered incident and filing dates26 / 31 records

Missing, zero and invalid mileage is excluded. Dates after the snapshot are excluded. Examples are limited selections, not a representative sample.

Problems by model year

Model-wide comparison of the eight most reported components across the model. Cells show counts and shares within each model year. Open a cell for source examples.

Component complaint heatmap
Component1994199819992000
Vehicle Speed Control
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

412.9%
ODI 10310627

SUDDEN ACCELERATION OF 1998 LEXUS GS400 ONCE ON JAN. 16,1999 WITH NO DAMAGE. I WAS PARKING THE VEHICLE. A SECOND TIME ON JAN. 1, 2001. I WAS PULLING UP TO A GAS PUMP AND THE CAR SUDDENLY ACCELERATED INTO THE CURB AT THE PUMP AND ALSO HIT THE PUMP. BOTH INCIDENTS REPORTED TO DEALER, BUT WERE TREATED AS DRIVER ERROR. SECOND INCIDENT CAUSED MINOR DAMAGE TO THE PUMP AND MODERATE DAMAGE TO MY VEHICLE. I AM REPORTING THIS AT THIS TIME, BECAUSE I HAVE SEEN NO REPORTS OF THIS PROBLEM ON TOYOTA VEHICLES AS FAR BACK AS 1998. I CURRENTLY OWN A 2007 LEXUS …

Look up ODI 10310627 at NHTSA ↗

635.3%
ODI 10017631 · 57,188 mi

THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED SUDDEN ACCELERATION. *JB

Look up ODI 10017631 at NHTSA ↗

112.5%
ODI 10341483 · 100,834 mi

WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY MY CAR SUDDENLY STOP WITH NO APPARENT REASON AT ALL. I TRIED TO ACCELERATE BUT IT DID NOT RESPONDED, EVENTHOUGH THE ENGINE WAS RUNNING PERFECTLY. EVERYTHING WAS WORKING BUT THE ACCELERATOR. WHEN TAKEN TO THE LEXUS DEALER THEY TOLD ME THE PROBLEM WAS WITH THE ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULE. THEY TOLD ME IT WILL COST ME AROUND $3,000.00 TO REPLACE IT. IS THIS NORMAL FOR THIS CAR TO HAPPEN OR IS IT NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR?. WE DID NOT HAVE AN ACCIDENT BECAUSE IT WAS EARLY IN THE MORNING BUT IT COULD BE WORSE DURING HEAVY TRA…

Look up ODI 10341483 at NHTSA ↗

Air Bags:Frontal
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

619.4%
ODI 10007022 · 21,500 mi

CRASHED INTO REAR OF ANOTHER CAR AT 30-50 MPH, AIR BAGS DID INTO DEPLOY. *NLM *SCC **DIMSII IVOQ ENTRY POSTED AFTER 12/12/02 CUT-OVER TO ARTEMIS*734324

Look up ODI 10007022 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

112.5%
ODI 10278180 · 103,000 mi

ON JULY 2 ,2009, MY WIFE STRUCK ANOTHER CAR BROADSIDE WITH OUR 2000 LEXUS GS400. THE POINT OF IMPACT ON THE LEXUS WAS WITH THE LEFT FRONT PORTION (HEADLIGHT AREA) OF THE FRONT. SHE WAS TRAVELING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, AND DID NOT HAVE TIME TO BRAKE. THE IMPACT, AND SEATBELT, CAUSE A MODERATE SIZED BRUISE ON HER LEFT BREAST AREA. LEXUS INDICATES THEIR AIRBAGS DEPLOY ON FRONTAL OR "NEAR FRONTAL" COLLISIONS AT 8 TO 14 MPH. YET, IN THIS CASE, WHAT I THINK IS A "NEAR FRONTAL" COLLISION, THE AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY. I CONTACTED LEXUS, BUT THEY CON…

Look up ODI 10278180 at NHTSA ↗

Electrical System
1100.0%
ODI 10006896

THE INSTRUMENT PANEL LIGHTS FLICKERED ON AND OFF, CONSUMER WAS UNABLE TO SEE HOW FAST HE WAS TRAVELING AND HOW MUCH GAS WAS IN THE VEHICLE.*JB

Look up ODI 10006896 at NHTSA ↗

13.2%
ODI 10133988 · 6,000 mi

SAFETY ON VALENTINS DAY 1998, I PURCHASED A NEW 1998 GS 400 IN AUSTIN TEXAS. WHILE I WAS DOING SOME RESEARCH ABOUT THE NHTSA FOR INFORMATION (FULL PROFESSOR). ON YOUR TB PAGE I FOUND OUT THAT THE VSC( COMPUTER WAS DEFECTIVE IN THE JAPANEASE MARKET BEFORE JANUARY. A NON-COMPLIANCE FIX PLAN TO NHTSA IN MARCH. I ALSO FOUND THE DOCUMENT THAT STATES "TOYOTA WAS TO FAULT FOR THE BAD YAW CONTROL" AND THAT THEY PLANNED TO FIX THE COMPUTERS CAUSE THEY MIGHT CAUSE THE DRIVER TO LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. AT NO TIME DURING THE RECALL PROCESS WA…

Look up ODI 10133988 at NHTSA ↗

317.6%
ODI 10262023 · 147,000 mi

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 LEXUS GS400. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE LOWER BALL JOINT MADE A LOUD SQUEAKING NOISE AND THEN FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN AUTO BODY SHOP AND THE DIAGNOSTIC INDICATED THAT THE SENSOR WIRE HAD TO BE REWIRED AND THE FRONT LOWER BALL JOINT NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY BEING REPAIRED. THE CONTACT HAS RESEARCHED A COUPLE OF COMPLAINTS FOR THIS FAILURE ON THE INTERNET. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 147,000. UPDATED 04/24/09. *LJ UPDATED 04/27/09.*JB

Look up ODI 10262023 at NHTSA ↗

112.5%
ODI 10341483 · 100,834 mi

WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY MY CAR SUDDENLY STOP WITH NO APPARENT REASON AT ALL. I TRIED TO ACCELERATE BUT IT DID NOT RESPONDED, EVENTHOUGH THE ENGINE WAS RUNNING PERFECTLY. EVERYTHING WAS WORKING BUT THE ACCELERATOR. WHEN TAKEN TO THE LEXUS DEALER THEY TOLD ME THE PROBLEM WAS WITH THE ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULE. THEY TOLD ME IT WILL COST ME AROUND $3,000.00 TO REPLACE IT. IS THIS NORMAL FOR THIS CAR TO HAPPEN OR IS IT NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR?. WE DID NOT HAVE AN ACCIDENT BECAUSE IT WAS EARLY IN THE MORNING BUT IT COULD BE WORSE DURING HEAVY TRA…

Look up ODI 10341483 at NHTSA ↗

Service Brakes
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

26.5%
ODI 10840065

I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE STREET, A RATHER BUSY STREET TRYING TO STOP. THE LEXUS WOULD NOT STOP, DUE TO THE STRUTS AND MOUNTS ARE BROKEN. WHICH I LEARNED FROM SEARS AUTOMOTIVE. THE DEFECTS INTERFERE WITH CAR OVERALL ABILITY TO STOP PROPERLY, IT ALSO SWAYS OVER INTO THE OPPOSITE LANES. BECAUSE THE CAR WOULDN'T STOP PROPERLY, I WAS REAR ENDED, BY ANOTHER CAR THAT WAS GOING ABOUT 35-45 MILES PER HOUR. THE DRIVER TOLD ME THAT HE THOUGHT I WAS AT A COMPLETE STOP. I NOW HAVE SEVERE BACK AND HEAD PAINS.

Look up ODI 10840065 at NHTSA ↗

211.8%
ODI 10991761 · 260,000 mi

MAY 9, 2017. AT APPROXIMATELY 5:50 PM, I GOT IN MY CAR WHICH WAS PARKED IN A SMALL OUTDOOR PARKING LOT. I STARTED IT AND PUT IT IN REVERSE AND THE CAR TOOK OFF. EVEN THOUGH I APPLIED THE BRAKES THE CAR DID NOT STOP OR SLOW DOWN. IT SLAMMED INTO A PARKED 2016 MERCEDES WITH SUCH FORCE THAT THE MERCEDES WAS LEFT ALMOST PERPENDICULAR WITH ITS SPACE. POLICE WERE CALLED AND CAME TO SCENE BUT BECAUSE THE PARKING LOT IS ON PRIVATE PROPERTY, NO REPORT WAS FILED. THE OWNER OF THE OTHER VEHICLE AND I EXCHANGED INFORMATION.

Look up ODI 10991761 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Suspension
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

13.2%
ODI 10840065

I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE STREET, A RATHER BUSY STREET TRYING TO STOP. THE LEXUS WOULD NOT STOP, DUE TO THE STRUTS AND MOUNTS ARE BROKEN. WHICH I LEARNED FROM SEARS AUTOMOTIVE. THE DEFECTS INTERFERE WITH CAR OVERALL ABILITY TO STOP PROPERLY, IT ALSO SWAYS OVER INTO THE OPPOSITE LANES. BECAUSE THE CAR WOULDN'T STOP PROPERLY, I WAS REAR ENDED, BY ANOTHER CAR THAT WAS GOING ABOUT 35-45 MILES PER HOUR. THE DRIVER TOLD ME THAT HE THOUGHT I WAS AT A COMPLETE STOP. I NOW HAVE SEVERE BACK AND HEAD PAINS.

Look up ODI 10840065 at NHTSA ↗

211.8%
ODI 10262023 · 147,000 mi

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 LEXUS GS400. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE LOWER BALL JOINT MADE A LOUD SQUEAKING NOISE AND THEN FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN AUTO BODY SHOP AND THE DIAGNOSTIC INDICATED THAT THE SENSOR WIRE HAD TO BE REWIRED AND THE FRONT LOWER BALL JOINT NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY BEING REPAIRED. THE CONTACT HAS RESEARCHED A COUPLE OF COMPLAINTS FOR THIS FAILURE ON THE INTERNET. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 147,000. UPDATED 04/24/09. *LJ UPDATED 04/27/09.*JB

Look up ODI 10262023 at NHTSA ↗

112.5%
ODI 733389

CAR STARTED TO PULL TO RIGHT 3 DAYS FROM PURCHASE, WAS TOLD WHEN CALLED IN ITS OK COME IN WHEN YOU COME FOR 5,000 MILES SERVICE. HAVE GONE 4 TIMES FOR REPAIR WAS NOT DONE. CAR STILL PULLING TO RIGHT. AT 4TH ATTEMPT WAS TOLD TO LEAVE THE CAR THERE BUT NEEDED THE CAR, SO I MADE FIFTH ATTEMPT TO HAVE IT REPAIRED AND AS OF TODAY 10/3/2000 WAS TOLD BY LONGO LEXUS WANTS TO MAKE ANOTHER ATTEMPT TO FIX THE PROBLEM. I AM JUST EXHAUSED DEALING WITH LONGO AND LEXUS IN REGARDS TO THIS MATTER. NEED ASSISTANCE HOW CAN I FILE A COMPLAIN WITH LEMON LAW.…

Look up ODI 733389 at NHTSA ↗

Air Bags
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

26.5%
ODI 10061323 · 78,000 mi

WHILE DRIVING AT 40 MPH VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN AN HEAD ON COLLISION, AND AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. DRIVER SUSTAINED INJURIES. *AK

Look up ODI 10061323 at NHTSA ↗

15.9%
ODI 10726477 · 45 mi

WAS IN A SERIOUS CAR WRECK..HAVE SEVER MAKES ON BODY FROM SEATBELT...WHEN AIRBAG DEPLOY KNOCKED OUT WINDSHIELD..HAVE STITCHES IN ARM FROM GLASS.CAR IS TOTAL..HAD TO GET CUT OUT OF CAR.

Look up ODI 10726477 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Tires
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

26.5%
ODI 757173

WHILE DRIVING ON THE HWY I STARTED NOTICING THAT MY VEHICLE WAS NOT DRIVING CORRECTLY....AFTER FINDING THE NEAREST EXIT A PASSENGER FROM ANOTHER VEHICLE INFORMED ME THAT MY TIRE WAS FLAT...WHEN I PULLED OVER I NOTICED THAT THE TIRE WAS COMPLETELY FLAT....THE TIRE INSPECTOR CHECKED THE TIRE AND FOUND SEVERAL AIR POCKETS ....HE ALSO NOTICED THAT THE TIRE WAS SHREADED SEVERELY AND HAD A LOTS OF TIRE PIECES (DUST) IN THE INSIDE....HE ALSO WENT AS FAR AS TO SAY THAT THE TIRE LOOKED AS IF SOMEONE HAD BEEN COOKING INSIDE OF IT...THE TIRE LOOKED AS IF …

Look up ODI 757173 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

112.5%
ODI 560263

THE TIRE HAD AN UNDISCLOSED DEFECT THAT CAUSED A SPLIT ON THE INSIDE OF THE LEFT FRONT TIRE, THE DEALER SAID THIS OCCURED BECAUSE THE VEHICLE WAS MISALIGNED THE CONSUMER BELIEVES THE TIRES ARE DEFECTIVE BECAUSE ALL FOUR TIRES SHOW SIMILAR INSIDE WEAR (BRIDGESTONE PROTENZA RE 030 235/45Z417). NLM

Look up ODI 560263 at NHTSA ↗

Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

26.5%
ODI 10046906 · 71,980 mi

PRODUCT DEFECT WHEN THE LEXUS GS400 HIT HEAD ON A CONCRETE ANTI-TERRORIST RESTRAIN T BETWEEN 40-50 MILES A HR. SPEED COULD HAVE BEEN FASTER ACCORDING TO THE REPAIR SHOP CAUSE THE ENGINE WAS KNOWED OF ITS MOUNTINGS, HAND BREAK HANDLE BROKE AND TURNED 90+ DEGREES TO THE LEFT. THE COIN CHANGE CLOSED CONTAINER BROKE OPEN AND CRACKED AS IT THROUGH ITS CONTENTS ALL OVER THE DRIVERS AREA. THE AIR BAG FAILED TO DEPLOY AND THE I WAS THROWN WITH FULL FORCE AGAINST THE STEERING WHEEL WHICH HIT ME DIRECTLY IN THE STERNUM CAUSING BLUNT CONTUSION TO THE RIB …

Look up ODI 10046906 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Darker cells indicate a larger share of submitted complaints. Components overlap. This measures complaint composition, not failure probability.

Failure mileage by component

Median and middle 50% of usable owner-reported mileages. Ranges require at least five records.

Component failure mileage distribution
ComponentMileage range (25th–75th percentile)MedianUsable recordsExamples
Air Bags:FrontalToo few reports for a range71,980 mi3 (sparse)
ODI 10007022 · 21,500 mi

CRASHED INTO REAR OF ANOTHER CAR AT 30-50 MPH, AIR BAGS DID INTO DEPLOY. *NLM *SCC **DIMSII IVOQ ENTRY POSTED AFTER 12/12/02 CUT-OVER TO ARTEMIS*734324

Look up ODI 10007022 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10046906 · 71,980 mi

PRODUCT DEFECT WHEN THE LEXUS GS400 HIT HEAD ON A CONCRETE ANTI-TERRORIST RESTRAIN T BETWEEN 40-50 MILES A HR. SPEED COULD HAVE BEEN FASTER ACCORDING TO THE REPAIR SHOP CAUSE THE ENGINE WAS KNOWED OF ITS MOUNTINGS, HAND BREAK HANDLE BROKE AND TURNED 90+ DEGREES TO THE LEFT. THE COIN CHANGE CLOSED CONTAINER BROKE OPEN AND CRACKED AS IT THROUGH ITS CONTENTS ALL OVER THE DRIVERS AREA. THE AIR BAG FAILED TO DEPLOY AND THE I WAS THROWN WITH FULL FORCE AGAINST THE STEERING WHEEL WHICH HIT ME DIRECTLY IN THE STERNUM CAUSING BLUNT CONTUSION TO THE RIB …

Look up ODI 10046906 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10048397 · 72,000 mi

WHILE DRIVING AT 40MPH, HAD A FRONT COLLISION AND NEITHER OF THE AIR BAG DEPLOYED, NO AIR BAG LIGHT WARNING PRIOR TO THE CRASH. DRIVER WAS WEARING THE SEAT BELT. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. *PH

Look up ODI 10048397 at NHTSA ↗

Vehicle Speed ControlToo few reports for a range184,867 mi3 (sparse)
ODI 10313693 · 184,867 mi

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 LEXUS GS400. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AS HE WAS DRIVING 15 MPH ONTO A RAMP, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED AND AS HE DEPRESSED HIS BRAKES THE VEHICLE LUNGED FORWARD AND REAR ENDED A TRUCK PUSHING HIM INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. THERE WERE TWO OTHER OCCUPANTS IN THE VEHICLE WITH MINOR INJURIES TO THEIR KNEES. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE TOYOTA MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CALLED AND INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 184,867. UPDATED 04/13/10. *LJ UPDATED 09/22/10

Look up ODI 10313693 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10332417 · 180,000 mi

LEXUS STUCK PEDAL--I DRIVE A 1998 LEXUS GS400 WHICH I BOUGHT NEW. WHEN I FIRST BOUGHT IT, I'D PRESSED THE PEDAL ALL THE WAY DOWN("FLOORED IT") MANY TIMES AND EVERYTHING WAS FINE. HOWEVER IN MORE RECENT YEARS, I RARELY "FLOORED IT" . ONE TIME LAST SUMMER, I PUSHED THE PEDAL ALL THE WAY DOWN TO PASS A CAR AND THE PEDAL STUCK. MY CAR ACCELERATED FROM 35MPH TO 70MPH IN A MATTER OF SECONDS ON A LOCAL ROAD. I HIT THE BRAKES SEVERAL TIMES BUT IT KEPT SPEEDING UP. I WAS ABLE TO PRY UP THE PEDAL UP WITH MY TOE AVERTING A NEAR-ACCIDENT. THIS WAS BEFORE…

Look up ODI 10332417 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 11207221 · 272,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 LEXUS GS400. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE ENGINE WAS ON AND THE VEHICLE STOPPED, THE DRIVER LIFTED OFF THE BRAKE PEDAL AND THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED AT A HIGH RATE OF SPEED CAUSING THE DRIVER TO LOOSE CONTROL AND CRASH INTO A TREE. DURING THE INCIDENT, THE SPEED EXCEEDED MORE THEN 60 MPH. THE CONTACT INDICATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT STOP WHEN DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL. DURING THE CRASH, THE DRIVER SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE NECK, BACK, LEGS AND ARMS AND THE FRONT PASSENGER SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE HE…

Look up ODI 11207221 at NHTSA ↗

Air BagsToo few reports for a range78,000 mi1 (sparse)
ODI 10061323 · 78,000 mi

WHILE DRIVING AT 40 MPH VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN AN HEAD ON COLLISION, AND AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. DRIVER SUSTAINED INJURIES. *AK

Look up ODI 10061323 at NHTSA ↗

Engine And Engine Cooling:EngineToo few reports for a range78,490 mi2 (sparse)
ODI 10046906 · 71,980 mi

PRODUCT DEFECT WHEN THE LEXUS GS400 HIT HEAD ON A CONCRETE ANTI-TERRORIST RESTRAIN T BETWEEN 40-50 MILES A HR. SPEED COULD HAVE BEEN FASTER ACCORDING TO THE REPAIR SHOP CAUSE THE ENGINE WAS KNOWED OF ITS MOUNTINGS, HAND BREAK HANDLE BROKE AND TURNED 90+ DEGREES TO THE LEFT. THE COIN CHANGE CLOSED CONTAINER BROKE OPEN AND CRACKED AS IT THROUGH ITS CONTENTS ALL OVER THE DRIVERS AREA. THE AIR BAG FAILED TO DEPLOY AND THE I WAS THROWN WITH FULL FORCE AGAINST THE STEERING WHEEL WHICH HIT ME DIRECTLY IN THE STERNUM CAUSING BLUNT CONTUSION TO THE RIB …

Look up ODI 10046906 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10099979 · 85,000 mi

WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH VEHICLE STALLED. CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO GET OFF THE ROAD AND RESTARTED THE VEHICLE. *AK

Look up ODI 10099979 at NHTSA ↗

Seat Belts:Front:RetractorToo few reports for a range96,000 mi1 (sparse)
ODI 10113378 · 96,000 mi

THE FRONT SEAT BELTS RETRACTOR FAILED. *AK

Look up ODI 10113378 at NHTSA ↗

Service BrakesToo few reports for a range272,000 mi1 (sparse)
ODI 11207221 · 272,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 LEXUS GS400. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE ENGINE WAS ON AND THE VEHICLE STOPPED, THE DRIVER LIFTED OFF THE BRAKE PEDAL AND THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED AT A HIGH RATE OF SPEED CAUSING THE DRIVER TO LOOSE CONTROL AND CRASH INTO A TREE. DURING THE INCIDENT, THE SPEED EXCEEDED MORE THEN 60 MPH. THE CONTACT INDICATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT STOP WHEN DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL. DURING THE CRASH, THE DRIVER SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE NECK, BACK, LEGS AND ARMS AND THE FRONT PASSENGER SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE HE…

Look up ODI 11207221 at NHTSA ↗

Electrical SystemToo few reports for a range6,000 mi1 (sparse)
ODI 10133988 · 6,000 mi

SAFETY ON VALENTINS DAY 1998, I PURCHASED A NEW 1998 GS 400 IN AUSTIN TEXAS. WHILE I WAS DOING SOME RESEARCH ABOUT THE NHTSA FOR INFORMATION (FULL PROFESSOR). ON YOUR TB PAGE I FOUND OUT THAT THE VSC( COMPUTER WAS DEFECTIVE IN THE JAPANEASE MARKET BEFORE JANUARY. A NON-COMPLIANCE FIX PLAN TO NHTSA IN MARCH. I ALSO FOUND THE DOCUMENT THAT STATES "TOYOTA WAS TO FAULT FOR THE BAD YAW CONTROL" AND THAT THEY PLANNED TO FIX THE COMPUTERS CAUSE THEY MIGHT CAUSE THE DRIVER TO LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. AT NO TIME DURING THE RECALL PROCESS WA…

Look up ODI 10133988 at NHTSA ↗

Complaint and recall timeline

Explore monthly filing activity alongside recall announcements. Up to ten years of monthly history is available.

1 reports2024-112026-10

Solid line: filed complaints. Dashed amber lines: recall announcement dates for this vehicle selection; markers include all recall components. The latest month is partial. Temporal proximity does not establish causation.

Monthly counts, recall campaigns and complaint examples
Monthly complaint and recall timeline
MonthComplaintsCampaigns announcedExamples
2024-110None

No examples available for this selection.

2024-120None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-010None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-020None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-030None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-040None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-050None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-060None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-070None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-080None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-090None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-100None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-110None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-120None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-010None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-020None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-030None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-040None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-050None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-060None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-070None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-080None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-090None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-10 (partial)0None

No examples available for this selection.

Emerging complaint spikes

Complete months in the latest six months with at least 10 complaints, at least twice the preceding 12-month average, and at least three square-root deviations above that average.

This is a descriptive screening rule, not a statistical defect finding. Publicity and reporting changes can increase submissions.

No complete months meet the spike thresholds for this selection.

Equal-age model-year comparison

Model-wide cumulative reports during the first three or five calendar years, starting with the model year (age 0). Only fully elapsed windows are compared.

Age 0Age 1Age 27 reports

1999: 7 complaints · 2000: 5 complaints

Equal observation windows
Model yearThrough age 0Through age 1Through age 2
1999247
2000255
Date coverage across each selected cohort
Date basis for all complaints in selected model years
YearIncident dates usedFiling date fallbacksExcluded dates
19991520
2000710

Incident date is preferred when valid and no later than filing; otherwise filing date is used. Model year approximates age. Equal observation time does not adjust for sales, distance driven or reporting delays. One complaint linked to multiple model years can appear in each cohort.

Components reported together

Each cell counts unique complaints naming both components. Open a nonzero cell for examples.

Component co-occurrence matrix
ComponentAir Bags:FrontalVehicle Speed ControlAir BagsEngine And Engine Cooling:EngineSeat Belts:Front:RetractorService BrakesTiresElectrical System
Air Bags:Frontal—0
1
ODI 734324

CRASHED INTO REAR OF ANOTHER CAR AT 30-50MPH; AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. *AK

Look up ODI 734324 at NHTSA ↗

1
ODI 10046906 · 71,980 mi

PRODUCT DEFECT WHEN THE LEXUS GS400 HIT HEAD ON A CONCRETE ANTI-TERRORIST RESTRAIN T BETWEEN 40-50 MILES A HR. SPEED COULD HAVE BEEN FASTER ACCORDING TO THE REPAIR SHOP CAUSE THE ENGINE WAS KNOWED OF ITS MOUNTINGS, HAND BREAK HANDLE BROKE AND TURNED 90+ DEGREES TO THE LEFT. THE COIN CHANGE CLOSED CONTAINER BROKE OPEN AND CRACKED AS IT THROUGH ITS CONTENTS ALL OVER THE DRIVERS AREA. THE AIR BAG FAILED TO DEPLOY AND THE I WAS THROWN WITH FULL FORCE AGAINST THE STEERING WHEEL WHICH HIT ME DIRECTLY IN THE STERNUM CAUSING BLUNT CONTUSION TO THE RIB …

Look up ODI 10046906 at NHTSA ↗

0000
Vehicle Speed Control0—000
1
ODI 11207221 · 272,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 LEXUS GS400. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE ENGINE WAS ON AND THE VEHICLE STOPPED, THE DRIVER LIFTED OFF THE BRAKE PEDAL AND THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED AT A HIGH RATE OF SPEED CAUSING THE DRIVER TO LOOSE CONTROL AND CRASH INTO A TREE. DURING THE INCIDENT, THE SPEED EXCEEDED MORE THEN 60 MPH. THE CONTACT INDICATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT STOP WHEN DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL. DURING THE CRASH, THE DRIVER SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE NECK, BACK, LEGS AND ARMS AND THE FRONT PASSENGER SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE HE…

Look up ODI 11207221 at NHTSA ↗

00
Air Bags
1
ODI 734324

CRASHED INTO REAR OF ANOTHER CAR AT 30-50MPH; AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. *AK

Look up ODI 734324 at NHTSA ↗

0—00000
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine
1
ODI 10046906 · 71,980 mi

PRODUCT DEFECT WHEN THE LEXUS GS400 HIT HEAD ON A CONCRETE ANTI-TERRORIST RESTRAIN T BETWEEN 40-50 MILES A HR. SPEED COULD HAVE BEEN FASTER ACCORDING TO THE REPAIR SHOP CAUSE THE ENGINE WAS KNOWED OF ITS MOUNTINGS, HAND BREAK HANDLE BROKE AND TURNED 90+ DEGREES TO THE LEFT. THE COIN CHANGE CLOSED CONTAINER BROKE OPEN AND CRACKED AS IT THROUGH ITS CONTENTS ALL OVER THE DRIVERS AREA. THE AIR BAG FAILED TO DEPLOY AND THE I WAS THROWN WITH FULL FORCE AGAINST THE STEERING WHEEL WHICH HIT ME DIRECTLY IN THE STERNUM CAUSING BLUNT CONTUSION TO THE RIB …

Look up ODI 10046906 at NHTSA ↗

00—0000
Seat Belts:Front:Retractor0000—000
Service Brakes0
1
ODI 11207221 · 272,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 LEXUS GS400. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE ENGINE WAS ON AND THE VEHICLE STOPPED, THE DRIVER LIFTED OFF THE BRAKE PEDAL AND THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED AT A HIGH RATE OF SPEED CAUSING THE DRIVER TO LOOSE CONTROL AND CRASH INTO A TREE. DURING THE INCIDENT, THE SPEED EXCEEDED MORE THEN 60 MPH. THE CONTACT INDICATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT STOP WHEN DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL. DURING THE CRASH, THE DRIVER SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE NECK, BACK, LEGS AND ARMS AND THE FRONT PASSENGER SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE HE…

Look up ODI 11207221 at NHTSA ↗

000—00
Tires000000—0
Electrical System0000000—

Co-reporting does not establish that one component caused another concern.

Recurring narrative patterns

Specific keyword mentions beyond broad component labels. Matching includes negations and comparisons and does not confirm a diagnosis.

3 patterns with matching reports.

Brake response concerns

1 mentions · 3.2% of complaints

Median mileage: 272,000 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 11207221 · 272,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 LEXUS GS400. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE ENGINE WAS ON AND THE VEHICLE STOPPED, THE DRIVER LIFTED OFF THE BRAKE PEDAL AND THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED AT A HIGH RATE OF SPEED CAUSING THE DRIVER TO LOOSE CONTROL AND CRASH INTO A TREE. DURING THE INCIDENT, THE SPEED EXCEEDED MORE THEN 60 MPH. THE CONTACT INDICATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT STOP WHEN DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL. DURING THE CRASH, THE DRIVER SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE NECK, BACK, LEGS AND ARMS AND THE FRONT PASSENGER SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE HE…

Look up ODI 11207221 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule\b(brake fail\w*|brakes fail\w*|brake pedal|braking distance|unintended braking|phantom braking)\b

Hard or delayed shifting

1 mentions · 3.2% of complaints

Median mileage: 45,000 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 10068519 · 45,000 mi

ON THE FIRST DAY I PURCHASED MY LEXUS IN VIRGINIA I ALMOST DROVE THE CAR OVER THE CURB. I THOUGHT MY FOOT HIT THE GAS ACCIDENTALLY, BUT IT HAD NOT. SINCE THAT TIME I HAVE HAD NUMEROUS INSTANCES WHERE THE CAR LURCHED FORWARD WHILE I WAS STOPPED WITH MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE. LUCKILY THE PROBLEM NEVER CAUSED AN ACCIDENT SO I NEVER COMPLAINED ABOUT IT. I THOUGHT MY CAR WAS THE ONLY ONE WITH THE PROBLEM. I READ A RECENT ARTICLE IN USATODAY ABOUT THE PROBLEM, AND REALIZED THAT MY CAR WAS NOT THE ONLY ONE DOING IT. MY 1998 LEXUS GS400 HAS LURCHED FORWAR…

Look up ODI 10068519 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule\b(hard shift\w*|rough shift\w*|delay\w* shift\w*|shift\w* hard|jerk\w*|lurch\w*)\b

Stalling or loss of power

1 mentions · 3.2% of complaints

Median mileage: 85,000 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 10099979 · 85,000 mi

WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH VEHICLE STALLED. CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO GET OFF THE ROAD AND RESTARTED THE VEHICLE. *AK

Look up ODI 10099979 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule\b(stall\w*|loss of power|lost power|engine shut\w* off)\b