Top 5 Problems Lexus GS300 Sedan 2nd Gen 1997-05

What are the top problems with the 2nd gen Lexus GS300? (Other than the turboless 2JZ of course!) Watch this video to find out! Len will discuss some of the common problems found with this vehicle!

Get more tips & tricks when you subscribe to our channel!

Connect with us on social media!

Head over to the 2nd gen Lexus GS300 playlist for even more great diy videos!

0:00 Top Problems Lexus GS300 2nd Gen 1997-05
0:24 Lower ball joint separation
1:41 Dirty MAF
3:21 Oxygen (O2) Sensors
4:36 VVT Solenoid P1349
5:25 Door Lock Actuator
6:22 HVAC servo motor

🔧 List of tools used:
• MAF Sensor Cleaner

⚠ DISCLAIMER:
While 1A Auto strives to make the information provided in this video as accurate as possible, it makes no claims, promises, or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or applicability of the content. No information contained in this video shall create any expressed or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. All do-it-yourself projects entail some risk. It is the sole responsibility of the viewer to assume this risk. 1A Auto is not responsible or liable for any loss damage (including, but not limited to, actual, consequential, or punitive), liability, claim, or any other injury or cause related to or resulting from any information posted in this video.

[AAuto]

√ *Watch the Video*
√ *Do it Yourself*
√ *Save Money*

[georgemuller]

Pro tip from a guy that builds computers for a living, you can use rubbing alcohol to clean electronic components. Reason being is it evaporates VERY quickly, especially near heat. You're welcome.

[ramoncalderon]

Best car in the world ...this car was my dream car in high school and I'm so glad I picked this car. I have had this car over 15+ years and I love it. I think if I have to let it go...I would cry! I even purchased a 2007 LS and I still love to drive my GS while my LS sits in the garage. Crazy thing is my V8 LS saves more on gas then my V6 GS. Both cars are amazing but my GS is my daily driver. So if you hate cars that have major issues get a Lexus...in my experience all u have to do is change the tires and regular maintenance...my GS is nearing 400k and it still rides smooth and the AC is blowing colder than anyother car I have been in. I trust this car with my life and my family to ensure I get from point A to B without being left on the side of the road.

[maJAY]

My GS300 was bullet proof. It did have the lower ball joint separation issue though. Luckily it happened as I pulled out the driveway.

[conradts]

I have a 2004 now with about 105000. The video is spot on. I have replaced 3 of the four O2 sensors. I have replaced 3 of the 4 door actuators. I had the problem with the defrost/heater diverter door motor not properly working but what I found is that there is a small worm gear on the motor that engages a gear that actuates the door and it slips a little on the shaft after years of service.. My motor was fine. I slid the worm back to its position on the shaft and I guess it's good for another 10 years for more. Other problems: a noisy heat shield on the exhaust -- ripped it off. Air bag sensor in the passenger seat -- broken ground wire. Forward-most leather panel on the passenger seat cracked and split -- replaced the seat bottom cover with an aftermarket that matches perfectly and looks great. A/C condenser went bad after 15 years with no leaks until then -- had it replaced and recharged. (Absolutely the strongest A/C of any car i have ever ridden in regardless of price.) I'm getting ready for a set of plugs, wires and leaking valve covers gaskets but in all, this car has been bullet proof! The design is classic. It's fun to drive, quiet, surefooted and brisk though not a racer. The fit and function are perfect. Headlights are OUTSTANDING to light up the road. Brakes (2 sets of rotors and pads in its life) are incredibly strong and fade free. The paint is perfect -- wax it twice a year and it still looks like its new even though it's parked in Florida sun. Exceptionally I will probably have this car until the wheels fall off -- and then buy another one just like it!!

[nickfs]

I bought my 2006 GS300 used in 2010. It had about 62k miles then. Now it has just over 361k miles and while it has some issues it still drives very well.

[umershaikh]

this guy is SPOT ON ! i am gs300 owner since 3 years and faced the same issues. But apart from that the car is solid and reliable.

[Driftcorp]

I’ve had 3 of these and LS400s also and the rear spherical lower bushes always need replacing and are difficult to do for diy, and I’ve had a heater core leak in one which was a nightmare to replace, full dash out. Other than that and a bit of paint fade they are bulletproof, no rust, 2J is hard to kill. Great cars.

[jasonknowledge]

At about 300, 000 miles I had to replace everything that he mentioned and 4, 000 bucks later I had a brand new GS400

[kiki]

Just got one today for 400$. So blessed and grateful since it was blocks from me 😅🎉. Long love JDM

[Kain]

Great job!
Have or had everything out of that list!
Didn’t know why my AC doesn’t change the direction, so now I know.
Mileage 252000, going strong.
Also would add main wiring harnesses that goes to spark plugs. The insulation is tend to decompose and shorten circuits to cause the misfiring.
Valve cover gasket, steering rack bushings somebody already mentioned in the comments, agree with that as well.

[moremustard]

Loved my 2005 GS300, but the ball joint failure happened while driving in traffic (no one hurt, luckily). Lexus fixed it under warranty at the time, but they had the car for three weeks. Currently driving an LS460 F-Sport and I kinda miss my old GS. Loved that car so much if I found a fully sorted 2005, I might get another.

[petersmith]

i have gs300 this generation. 210, 000 miles. I am devotee of cleaning the Mass AIrflow Sensor with the specific MAS spray once a year and jet cleaner in the fuel tank two or three times a year. THe only major issues I have had timing chain seal, one coil. Just yesterday the starter motor failed for the first time so we hit it with a hammer. I am going to replace it later in the week. Coincidentally, i think the throttle body has a carbon build up so that's also on the list later this week. Pretty easy to self service by the way.

[dtproductions]

My door actuators, valve cover leak, brake booster, 75 misfire codes, and brakes gone... all fixed in the next two weeks. Thanks bud 👌 (besides the door actuators lol)

[gharkun]

i had a ball joint pop at 100km/h. take care of that before it happens.

the actual sensation of the ball joint separating was the steering got really really heavy all of a sudden, then suddenly the tyre spins 90 degrees and lodges itself back into the wheel well. the car tried to pull into the oncoming lane, by i wrestled it onto the side of the road.

[jdmDCftw]

I would add valve cover gaskets, vvti gear o-ring, and steering rack bushings.

[asadpan]

I own gs300 and all the problems are highly relatable.

[RSGAEL]

Bottom part of intake resonator cracks overtime because of heat from header. Car runs bad/hesitates .
Valve cover gasket leak is super annoying. Eventually leaked oil fills up the plug wells and car starts to misfire/stall. Also harness plugs to coil pack get brittle and break.
Rollover valve tends to crack on top and throws emission code. There's no service panel under the rear seat like fuel pump so you have to lower the tank to get to it.
When front suspension starts to make noises, very difficult to pinpoint the faulty part.
VVTI cam gear O-ring leaks oil.
Gs300 is a solid car otherwise in my experience!

[sergiolara]

Wow...i bought my 1999 silver and black in 04' with 60k miles...2 ball joints popping out accidents and 300k miles later i have it parked on the driveway...none of the issues...great vid

[puffyelvis]

This guy is spot one - I've had every single one of these go bad on my Lexus except the lower ball joint. The lock actuators are super pricy so I haven't replaced them. I rebuilt one and it was a super pain in butt. I've replaced my B2S2 02 sensor twice and upstream B1S1 once. My 2003 GS300 has 185k and is making squeaking noises, which I thought were the shocks. I'm going to see if there's any play there and replace. About $95 each from Napa.