VEHICLE BUYER'S GUIDE
Lexus GS2006–2020
Year-by-year buyer intelligence from NHTSA safety data — reliability, value, and which years to target or avoid.
Best Years to Buy a Lexus GS
Buyer Score combines reliability (65%) and depreciation value (35%) — higher is better.
Lexus GS Years to Avoid
6 recalls · 0 complaints
Top issue: No complaints on record
2 recalls · 0 complaints
Top issue: No complaints on record
0 recalls · 3 complaints
1 reported injury
Top issue: STEERING
Lexus GS — Year-by-Year Comparison
Every model year ranked by Buyer Score. Click any year for its detailed problem report.
| Year | Recalls | Complaints | Injuries | Reliability | Value | Buyer Score | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 0 | 0 | — | 100 | 84 | 94 | Excellent |
| 2019 | 0 | 1 | — | 99 | 74 | 90 | Excellent |
| 2018 | 0 | 2 | — | 98 | 62 | 85 | Good |
| 2017 | 0 | 1 | — | 99 | 50 | 82 | Excellent |
| 2016 | 0 | 4 | — | 96 | 40 | 76 | Good |
| 2015 | 0 | 3 | 1 | 97 | 40 | 77 | Good |
| 2014 | 0 | 3 | — | 97 | 40 | 77 | Good |
| 2013 | 0 | 0 | — | 100 | 40 | 79 | Excellent |
| 2012 | 0 | 0 | — | 100 | 40 | 79 | Excellent |
| 2011 | 0 | 0 | — | 100 | 40 | 79 | Excellent |
| 2010 | 0 | 0 | — | 100 | 40 | 79 | Excellent |
| 2009 | 0 | 0 | — | 100 | 40 | 79 | Excellent |
| 2008 | 0 | 0 | — | 100 | 40 | 79 | Excellent |
| 2007 | 2 | 0 | — | 90 | 40 | 73 | Good |
| 2006 | 6 | 0 | — | 70 | 40 | 60 | Avoid |
Buyer Score = Reliability (65%) + Value window (35%). Year links open full NHTSA problem reports.
Known Lexus GS Problems
Most frequently reported components across all model years, from NHTSA owner complaints.
Complaint counts across all model years. Numbers indicate frequency, not severity.
Shopping by Era
How each generation of the GS compares — best year within each era shown.
2018–Present
Modern safety tech, refreshed platforms, updated powertrains. Higher purchase price but lower reliability risk. Best pick in this era: 2020 (Buyer Score 94).
2013–2017
Mid-decade models in the depreciation sweet spot — typically 35–55% below original MSRP. Inspect carefully for powertrain wear and recall completion. Best: 2017 (Buyer Score 82).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best year GS to buy?+
The 2020 Lexus GS scores highest on our Buyer Score (94/100) — combining a reliability score of 100/100 with a value score of 84/100. It has 0 recalls and 0 NHTSA complaints on record.
Which GS years have the most problems?+
The 2006, 2007, 2015 model years have the highest problem scores in our analysis. The 2006 GS leads with 6 recalls and 0 owner complaints.
What is the Buyer Score?+
The Buyer Score is a composite metric that combines reliability (65% weight) and depreciation value (35% weight). Reliability reflects recall and complaint severity. Value reflects how much of the vehicle's depreciation has already been absorbed by prior owners — a 4–6 year old vehicle typically sits in the sweet spot.
What are the most common GS problems?+
The most frequently reported Lexus GS issues involve: STEERING, UNKNOWN OR OTHER, POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, STEERING,LANE DEPARTURE,BACK OVER PREVENTION. These are aggregated across all model years from NHTSA owner complaint filings. Frequency of complaints does not necessarily indicate severity.
Deep-Dive Research
A buyer's guide shows model-level risk. A VIN report shows the individual vehicle — accidents, odometer history, open recalls, and auction records.