1996 Lexus Gs300 recalls & complaints
Source: NHTSA, updated daily. Last checked 2026-10-18. Recalls apply to specific VINs — run your VIN to confirm.
1 safety recall, most serious first
1. Suspension
What's wrong, in plain English: Parts can break and cause loss of control. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. DUE TO INADEQUATE LUBRICATION OF THE INSIDE OF THE LOWER BALL JOINTS, EXCESSIVE WEAR CAN OCCUR CAUSING DAMAGE TO THE LOWER BALL JOINTS. SEPARATION OF THE LOWER BALL JOINTS FROM THE STEERING KNUCKLE ARMS COULD OCCUR.
What could happen: THIS CONDITION COULD LEAD TO A LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
The fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE LOWER BALL JOINTS.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 1996 GS300.
- Book a repair at any authorized Lexus dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 99V125000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT
Summary: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. DUE TO INADEQUATE LUBRICATION OF THE INSIDE OF THE LOWER BALL JOINTS, EXCESSIVE WEAR CAN OCCUR CAUSING DAMAGE TO THE LOWER BALL JOINTS. SEPARATION OF THE LOWER BALL JOINTS FROM THE STEERING KNUCKLE ARMS COULD OCCUR.
Consequence: THIS CONDITION COULD LEAD TO A LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE LOWER BALL JOINTS.
Notes: OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JUNE 21, 1999. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331. ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).
Useful for owners
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Suspension (2), Visibility (wipers / glass) (1), Body / structure (1), Vehicle Speed Control (1), Lights (1).
Complaints are unverified reports from owners. A pattern (many complaints about the same part) matters more than any single one.
Read recent complaints (5)
04/22/2014 · Visibility (wipers / glass)
THIS SERIES OF LEXUS APPARENTLY HAS A DEFECT OF THE INSIDE REAR VIEW MIRROR THAT CAUSE THE MIRROR INSIDE SURFACE TO CLOUD UP TO THE POINT OF BEING INOPERATIVE. MY UNIT BEGAN TO FAIL EARLY IN THE CAR'S LIFE BUT JUST AS THE WARRANTY PERIOD EXPIRED IT BECAME NEARLY USELESS. LEXUS NOR THE DEALER WOULD NOT COVER THIS SAFETY DEFECT. *TR
07/19/1999 · Vehicle Speed Control
VEHICLE EXPERIENCED SUDDEN ACCELERATION HITTING A TREE, RESULTING IN INJURIES. *YC
11/25/1997 · Lights
HALOGEN HEADLAMPS ONLY SHINE DOWNWARD AND ARE NOT EFFECTIVE IN THE DARK RURAL ROADS. *AK
10/27/1997 · Suspension
SHOCKS ARE TOO SOFT FOR VEHICLE REQUIRING REPLACEMENT.
02/12/1997 · Suspension
SHOCKS FAILED.