Lexus GS Years to Avoid — Worst & Best Years to Buy
Every Lexus GS model year (2006–2020) ranked by recall count, complaint volume, deaths, and injuries. Data sourced directly from NHTSA.
Lexus GS Years to Avoid
4 recalls · 118 complaints
15 reported injuries
1 reported death
Top issue: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Problem score: 165
3 recalls · 66 complaints
4 reported injuries
Top issue: ENGINE
Problem score: 83
1 recall · 35 complaints
7 reported injuries
Top issue: ENGINE
Problem score: 52
Best Lexus GS Years to Buy
1 recall · 3 complaints
Main area: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Problem score: 6
1 recall · 4 complaints
Main area: AIR BAGS
Problem score: 7
2 recalls · 1 complaint
Main area: STEERING
Problem score: 7
Found the right year? Verify that specific GS with a free VIN report.
Lexus GS — Year-by-Year Problem Report
| Year | Recalls | Complaints | Injuries | Deaths | Problem Score | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 0 | 0 | — | — | 0 | Excellent |
| 2019 | 2 | 1 | — | — | 7 | Excellent |
| 2018 | 3 | 1 | — | — | 10 | Excellent |
| 2017 | 2 | 10 | — | — | 16 | Excellent |
| 2016 | 1 | 3 | — | — | 6 | Excellent |
| 2015 | 1 | 22 | 3 | — | 31 | Good |
| 2014 | 1 | 8 | 1 | — | 13 | Excellent |
| 2013 | 1 | 28 | 10 | — | 51 | Good |
| 2012 | 0 | 0 | — | — | 0 | Excellent |
| 2011 | 1 | 4 | — | — | 7 | Excellent |
| 2010 | 1 | 9 | 2 | — | 16 | Excellent |
| 2009 | 1 | 6 | — | — | 9 | Excellent |
| 2008 | 1 | 35 | 7 | — | 52 | Good |
| 2007 | 3 | 66 | 4 | — | 83 | Caution |
| 2006 | 4 | 118 | 15 | 1 | 165 | Avoid |
All 15 model years shown. Deaths and injuries from NHTSA complaint filings. Higher problem scores indicate more reported safety issues.
Lexus GS Shopping Guide by Era
2018–Present
Best: 2020Recent GS models benefit from updated safety systems and revised engineering. The 2020 stands out with just 0 problem points. Always request a pre-purchase inspection and VIN history report.
2013–2017
Best: 2016Mid-decade GS units are entering high-mileage territory. Inspect carefully for powertrain wear and verify recall completion status. The 2016 shows the lowest problem count for this era.
Pre-2013
Proceed with CautionOlder GS models have more accumulated wear and a larger recall history. These are higher-risk purchases without documented maintenance records and a clean VIN history report.
Frequently Asked Questions
What year GS should I avoid?+
Avoid the 2006 Lexus GS if possible. It has 4 recalls, 118 owner complaints, and 1 reported death. The overall problem score is 165 — the highest in our dataset.
What is the best year GS to buy?+
The 2016 Lexus GS is the lowest-risk year in our analysis, with a problem score of 6. It has only 1 recall and 3 complaints on record with NHTSA.
Which GS has the fewest problems?+
The 2016, 2011, 2019 model years have the fewest documented problems. Even for low-problem years, verifying a specific vehicle's history via its VIN is always recommended before purchase.
More Lexus GS Research
Check a Specific Lexus GS VIN
Model-year rankings show statistical risk. A VIN-specific report reveals the individual vehicle's full history — accidents, odometer rollbacks, auction records, and open recall status.
Run a Free VIN Report →