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
4 recalls · 118 complaints
15 reported injuries
Top issue: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
4 recalls · 66 complaints
4 reported injuries
Top issue: ENGINE
2 recalls · 35 complaints
7 reported injuries
Top issue: ENGINE
Federal Defect Investigations
NHTSA investigations are the stage that precedes a recall. 2 past investigations into the GS became recalls.
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Data current as of October 28, 2026.
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 | Deaths | Reliability | Value | Buyer Score | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 0 | 0 | — | — | 89 | 90 | 89 | Excellent |
| 2019 | 2 | 1 | — | — | 89 | 86 | 88 | Excellent |
| 2018 | 3 | 2 | — | — | 83 | 80 | 82 | Excellent |
| 2017 | 2 | 10 | — | — | 76 | 73 | 75 | Excellent |
| 2016 | 1 | 3 | — | — | 89 | 66 | 81 | Excellent |
| 2015 | 1 | 22 | 3 | — | 64 | 59 | 62 | Good |
| 2014 | 1 | 8 | 1 | — | 80 | 53 | 71 | Excellent |
| 2013 | 1 | 28 | 10 | — | 64 | 48 | 58 | Good |
| 2012 | 0 | 0 | — | — | 89 | 44 | 73 | Excellent |
| 2011 | 1 | 4 | — | — | 89 | 41 | 72 | Excellent |
| 2010 | 1 | 9 | 2 | — | 76 | 41 | 64 | Excellent |
| 2009 | 1 | 6 | — | — | 86 | 41 | 70 | Excellent |
| 2008 | 2 | 35 | 7 | — | 64 | 41 | 56 | Good |
| 2007 | 4 | 66 | 4 | — | 64 | 41 | 56 | Caution |
| 2006 | 4 | 118 | 15 | 1 | 64 | 41 | 56 | Avoid |
Buyer Score = Reliability (65%) + Value window (35%). Deaths and injuries sourced from NHTSA complaint filings. 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 89).
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: 2016 (Buyer Score 81).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best year GS to buy?+
The 2019 Lexus GS scores highest on our Buyer Score (88/100) — combining a reliability score of 89/100 with a value score of 86/100. It has 2 recalls and 1 NHTSA complaint on record.
Which GS years have the most problems?+
The 2006, 2007, 2008 model years have the highest problem scores in our analysis. The 2006 GS leads with 4 recalls and 118 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: ENGINE, EXTERIOR LIGHTING, UNKNOWN OR OTHER, SERVICE BRAKES. 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.