Total Complaints
29 filings
LEXUS GS400 · model year
1999 LEXUS GS400
29 NHTSA complaints, 11 crash reports for this specific cohort.
NHTSA overall rating
Not crash-tested
New Car Assessment Program
The 1999LEXUSGS400 carries 29 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 11 crashes, 0 fires, 4 injuries, and 0 fatalities. No NCAP 5-star crash-test rating is available for this model year in the federal database.
Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 1999 GS400 is vehicle speed control with 6 filings, followed by electrical system (3) and service brakes, hydraulic:pedals and linkages (2). Concentration in one or two component groups is the classic signature of a systemic defect; a flat distribution usually reflects normal aging, warranty complaints, or isolated build-plant variability.
NHTSA currently has 3 investigation files overlapping the 1999 GS400. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should pair the counters above with the complaint-by-year trend on the parent model page — a spike in a single year often tracks to a platform refresh, a new transmission supplier, or an updated ECU calibration. Use the related-complaint feed below to read raw owner narratives before deciding whether any pattern here affects your specific use case.
29
Complaints
11
Crashes
0
Fires
4
Injuries
0
Deaths
Crashes Reported
11 reports
Source
NHTSA ODI
Federal complaints database
Complaints vs. fleet median (215)
At or below the fleet median complaint volume.
Complaints by Component
| Component | Count |
|---|---|
| VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL | 6 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 3 |
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:PEDALS AND LINKAGES | 2 |
| SUSPENSION:REAR | 2 |
| SUSPENSION | 2 |
| EXTERIOR LIGHTING | 2 |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 2 |
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP | 1 |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE | 1 |
| POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM) | 1 |
| SUSPENSION:FRONT:SPRINGS:COIL SPRINGS | 1 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:MODULE | 1 |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | 1 |
| SEAT BELTS | 1 |
| AIR BAGS | 1 |
Recent Complaints
20170619SERVICE BRAKES
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 LEXUS GS400. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL, BUT THE VEHICLE DID NOT STOP AND SURGED FORWARD. THE CONTACT HAD TO PUMP THE BRAKE PEDAL APPROXIMATELY THREE TIMES UNTIL THE VEHICLE STOPPED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED FOR THE SAME FAILURE IN 2013 BY BAY RIDGE LEXUS (6502 5TH AVENUE BROOKLYN, NEW YORK 11220). THE VEHICLE WAS GOING TO BE TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 116,044.
Mileage: 116,044
20170619VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 LEXUS GS400. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL, BUT THE VEHICLE DID NOT STOP AND SURGED FORWARD. THE CONTACT HAD TO PUMP THE BRAKE PEDAL APPROXIMATELY THREE TIMES UNTIL THE VEHICLE STOPPED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED FOR THE SAME FAILURE IN 2013 BY BAY RIDGE LEXUS (6502 5TH AVENUE BROOKLYN, NEW YORK 11220). THE VEHICLE WAS GOING TO BE TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 116,044.
Mileage: 116,044
20170526CrashSERVICE BRAKES
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.
Mileage: 260,000
20170526CrashVEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
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.
Mileage: 260,000
20161016CrashELECTRICAL SYSTEM
BATTERY DRAIN AND DAMAGING ALTERNATER . HEADLIGHTS FLICKERS AND GAS LEAK AND POWER STEERING PROBLEMS.
20161016CrashFUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
BATTERY DRAIN AND DAMAGING ALTERNATER . HEADLIGHTS FLICKERS AND GAS LEAK AND POWER STEERING PROBLEMS.
20161016CrashEXTERIOR LIGHTING
BATTERY DRAIN AND DAMAGING ALTERNATER . HEADLIGHTS FLICKERS AND GAS LEAK AND POWER STEERING PROBLEMS.
20151019EXTERIOR LIGHTING
THE TRUNK MOUNTED BRAKE LIGHTS HAVE FADED FROM RED TO PINK. IT IS A PROBLEM WITH THESE CARS. THIS CAR HAS BEEN GARAGED WHEN IT IS NOT DRIVEN.
Mileage: 170,000
20150622CrashSEAT BELTS
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.
Mileage: 45
20150622CrashAIR BAGS
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.
Mileage: 45
20150622CrashUNKNOWN OR OTHER
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.
Mileage: 45
20100706CrashENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 LEXUS GS400. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH THE VEHICLE STALLED CAUSING A VEHICLE TO CRASH INTO THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE DRIVER WAS INJURED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED TO AN UNKNOWN LOCATION. THE VEHICLE WAS NEVER EXAMINED FOR THE CAUSE OF FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE UNKNOWN. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
20100701ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
VEHICLE ENGINE SUDDENLY TURNS OFF WHILE DRIVING. HAS OCCURRED WHILE DRIVING AT LOW SPEED IN HEAVY TRAFFIC, AS WELL AS MORE THAN ONCE WHEN ENTERING A FREEWAY ON FREEWAY ON-RAMP. *TR
Mileage: 135,000
20091202VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 GS400. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE APPLYING THE BRAKE, THE VEHICLE WOULD ACCELERATE. THE FAILURE HAS OCCURRED INTERMITTENTLY FOR 10 YEARS. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FLOOR MAT RECALL SHOULD BE CONSIDERED REGARDING THE FAILURE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 80,000 AND THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 21,000.
Mileage: 21,000
20090316ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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
Mileage: 147,000
20090316SUSPENSION
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
Mileage: 147,000
20050419ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:MODULE
WHILE DRIVING AT SEVERAL DIFFERENT SPEEDS VEHICLE WILL JUST CUT OFF, WHICH COULD BE QUITE DANGEROUS WHEN YOU ACCELERATING INTO TRAFFIC.*AK
Mileage: 51,000
20040331CrashVEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
WHILE BACKING OUT AND SHIFTING INTO DRIVE VEHICLE SURGED FORWARD. AS A RESULT, VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A BUILDING. UPON IMPACT, DUAL AIRBAGS DEPLOYED UPON IMPACT. *AK *LA
Mileage: 40,000
20040209SUSPENSION:FRONT:SPRINGS:COIL SPRINGS
FRONT SUSPENSION HAS CLUNK NOISE WHEN GOING OVER SPEED BUMP IN SLOW SPEED. DEALER NEVER ABLE TO RESOLVE THE PROBLEM AND SAME SYMPTON RECUR EVERY 6K MILES AFTER DEALER REPAIR THE SUSPENSION.
Mileage: 29,000
20030428CrashVEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED SUDDEN ACCELERATION. *JB
Mileage: 57,188
Compare 1999LEXUSGS400 to Similar Vehicles
NHTSA Investigations
Frequently Asked Questions
How many complaints does the 1999 LEXUS GS400 have?▼
The 1999 LEXUS GS400 has 29 NHTSA complaints, 11 crashes, 0 fires, 4 injuries, and 0 deaths reported.
What are the most common problems with the 1999 LEXUS GS400?▼
The most-complained component for the 1999 LEXUS GS400 is VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL with 6 complaints. Other frequently reported areas include ELECTRICAL SYSTEM and SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:PEDALS AND LINKAGES.
Is the 1999 LEXUS GS400 safe to buy?▼
Review the complaint history, crash and fire reports, safety ratings, and recall status on this page to make an informed decision. No NHTSA crash test rating is available for this model year. Compare with other model years using the links above.
Where does this data come from?▼
All complaint, recall, and safety rating data is sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaints are filed by vehicle owners through NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation.
Vehicle Safety Guides
Data as of 2025. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.
Read our methodology — how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.