Lexus GS problems and known issues

By CarWhere Research · Updated November 5, 2026

Lexus GS problems on record are recalls. The 2006–2011 GS had loose VVT gear bolts on the GS 350 (13V395) and several fuel-leak campaigns (09V020, 11V029, 14V647, 18V432). The 2013–2020 GS had brake-switch and steering recalls on early cars, a GS F high-pressure pump recall (18V107) and fuel pump recalls 20V012, 20V682 and 26V222.

CarWhere lists 12 documented GS issues, including 12 NHTSA safety recalls, each with affected years, powertrains, symptoms, pre-purchase checks and a source. Recall entries come from NHTSA's recall dataset on the DOT open-data portal, which may not list every campaign, so run the specific VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup.

GS generations at a glance

Lexus GS generations and the known issues listed for each
Generation	Model years	Issues on this page
S190	2006–2011	2GR-FSE VVT gear bolts can loosen (recall 13V395) · Fuel pulsation damper diaphragm can crack and leak (recall 18V432) · Aluminum fuel rails can corrode and leak (recall 09V020) · Fuel pressure sensor can loosen and leak (recall 11V029) · Fuel leak at the fuel pressure sensor from plating remnants (recall 14V647) · Brake master cylinder seal can dry out and leak (recall 10V499) · AWD floor carpet pad can catch the accelerator (recall 11V115)
L10	2013–2020	VGRS steering can leave the wheel off-center (recall 12V221) · Brake pedal load sensing switch can fail (recall 14V270) · GS F high-pressure fuel pump cover can crack and leak (recall 18V107) · Low-pressure fuel pump can fail (recalls 20V012, 20V682) · Low-pressure fuel pump can fail (recall 26V222)

S190 GS problems (2006–2011)

2GR-FSE VVT gear bolts can loosen (recall 13V395) (2007–2011)

Safety recall

Generation:: S190 (2006–2011)
Years:: 2007–2011
Powertrain:: 3.5L V6 (2GR-FSE)

Bolts that hold the housing and sprocket of the variable-valve-timing gear on the 2GR-FSE V6 can loosen from abnormal impacts right after a cold start, and the engine can stop while driving. The recall covers 2007–2011 GS 350 built June 19, 2006–July 12, 2011, plus IS 350 and IS 350C; dealers replace the VVT unit.

Symptoms

Abnormal engine noise right after a cold start
Engine stalling while driving

Check before buying

Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA’s recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
Ask a Lexus dealer for the repair order showing the recall work

NHTSA recall: 13V395 (2013-09) · 101,584 vehicles in the campaign

Sources: [1]

Fuel pulsation damper diaphragm can crack and leak (recall 18V432) (2007–2011)

Safety recall

Generation:: S190 (2006–2011)
Years:: 2007–2011
Powertrain:: 3.5L V6 (2GR-FSE) in GS 350 and GS 450h

Diaphragms in the fuel pulsation dampers of the 2GR-FSE V6 can harden and crack with age and leak fuel. The recall covers 2007–2011 GS 350 and GS 450h, plus IS 350 and IS 350C; dealers fit a new fuel delivery pipe with improved dampers.

Symptoms

Fuel smell in or around the engine bay

Check before buying

Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA’s recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
Ask a Lexus dealer for the repair order showing the recall work

NHTSA recall: 18V432 (2018-06) · 114,998 vehicles in the campaign

Sources: [2]

Aluminum fuel rails can corrode and leak (recall 09V020) (2006–2007)

Safety recall

Generation:: S190 (2006–2011)
Years:: 2006–2007
Powertrain:: All

Low-moisture ethanol fuels can corrode the inside of aluminum fuel rails on 2006–2007 GS, 2006–2008 IS and 2007–2008 LS sedans. The check-engine light may come on first, and a pinhole leak can follow. Dealers inspect and replace the fuel rails.

Symptoms

Check-engine light
Fuel smell from the engine bay

Check before buying

Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA’s recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
Ask a Lexus dealer for the repair order showing the recall work

NHTSA recall: 09V020 (2009-01) · 214,570 vehicles in the campaign

Sources: [3]

Fuel pressure sensor can loosen and leak (recall 11V029) (2006–2007)

Safety recall

Generation:: S190 (2006–2011)
Years:: 2006–2007
Powertrain:: All

The fuel pressure sensor on the plated fuel delivery pipe was not tightened enough on 2006–2007 GS and 2006–2009 IS, so fuel could seep past the gasket and threads. Dealers check for leaks, re-torque the sensor and replace the gasket if needed.

Symptoms

Fuel smell from the engine bay

Check before buying

Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA’s recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
Ask a Lexus dealer for the repair order showing the recall work

NHTSA recall: 11V029 (2011-01) · 244,779 vehicles in the campaign

Sources: [4]

Fuel leak at the fuel pressure sensor from plating remnants (recall 14V647) (2006–2011)

Safety recall

Generation:: S190 (2006–2011)
Years:: 2006–2011
Powertrain:: All

Anti-corrosion plating remnants can let fuel leak where the fuel pressure sensor attaches to the fuel delivery pipe. The recall covers 2006–2011 GS built Jan. 6, 2005–Sept. 10, 2010, plus IS and LS; dealers clean and reseal the sensor mounting area.

Symptoms

Fuel smell from the engine bay

Check before buying

Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA’s recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
Ask a Lexus dealer for the repair order showing the recall work

NHTSA recall: 14V647 (2014-10) · 422,509 vehicles in the campaign

Sources: [5]

Brake master cylinder seal can dry out and leak (recall 10V499) (2006)

Safety recall

Generation:: S190 (2006–2011)
Years:: 2006
Powertrain:: All

2006 GS and IS sedans use brake fluid with polymers that lubricate the master-cylinder seal. If replacement fluid without them is used, the seal can curl and seep fluid into the brake booster, changing pedal feel. Dealers fit a redesigned seal.

Symptoms

Change in brake pedal feel
Brake fluid level dropping without an external leak

Check before buying

Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA’s recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
Ask a Lexus dealer for the repair order showing the recall work

NHTSA recall: 10V499 (2010-10) · 728,544 vehicles in the campaign

Sources: [6]

AWD floor carpet pad can catch the accelerator (recall 11V115) (2006–2007)

Safety recall

Generation:: S190 (2006–2011)
Years:: 2006–2007
Powertrain:: GS 300 and GS 350 AWD

A plastic pad embedded in the floor carpet of 2006–2007 GS 300 and GS 350 all-wheel-drive sedans can interfere with the accelerator pedal and hold it partly down. Dealers modify the pad.

Symptoms

Accelerator pedal slow to return or stuck partly down

Check before buying

Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA’s recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
Ask a Lexus dealer for the repair order showing the recall work

NHTSA recall: 11V115 (2011-02) · 19,647 vehicles in the campaign

Sources: [7]

L10 GS problems (2013–2020)

VGRS steering can leave the wheel off-center (recall 12V221) (2013)

Safety recall

Generation:: L10 (2013–2020)
Years:: 2013
Powertrain:: V6 (GS 350)

Steering ECU programming for Variable Gear Ratio Steering on 2013 GS 350s built Dec. 12, 2011–Feb. 7, 2012 could leave the wheel off-center when restarting right after parking with the wheel turned. Dealers update the VGRS system.

Symptoms

Steering wheel off-center after a restart

Check before buying

Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA’s recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
Ask a Lexus dealer for the repair order showing the recall work

NHTSA recall: 12V221 (2012-05) · 663 vehicles in the campaign

Sources: [8]

Brake pedal load sensing switch can fail (recall 14V270) (2013)

Safety recall

Generation:: L10 (2013–2020)
Years:: 2013
Powertrain:: V6 (GS 350)

On 2013 GS 350s built June 8–Dec. 26, 2012, the switch that senses brake pedal force can fail, and the car may brake without driver input and without lighting the brake lights. Dealers replace the brake pedal support assembly including the switch.

Symptoms

Unexpected braking
Brake warning messages

Check before buying

Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA’s recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
Ask a Lexus dealer for the repair order showing the recall work

NHTSA recall: 14V270 (2014-05) · 10,462 vehicles in the campaign

Sources: [9]

GS F high-pressure fuel pump cover can crack and leak (recall 18V107) (2016–2018)

Safety recall

Generation:: L10 (2013–2020)
Years:: 2016–2018
Powertrain:: 5.0L V8 (2UR-GSE)

On the 5.0L 2UR-GSE V8 with two high-pressure fuel pumps, a damaged pulsation damper can crack a pump cover and leak fuel. The recall covers 2016–2018 GS F, 2015–2018 RC F and 2018 LC 500; dealers replace the high-pressure pumps.

Symptoms

Fuel smell from the engine bay
Check-engine light

Check before buying

Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA’s recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
Ask a Lexus dealer for the repair order showing the recall work

NHTSA recall: 18V107 (2018-02) · 9,905 vehicles in the campaign

Sources: [10]

Low-pressure fuel pump can fail (recalls 20V012, 20V682) (2013–2019)

Safety recall

Generation:: L10 (2013–2020)
Years:: 2013–2019
Powertrain:: GS 200t, GS 300 and GS 350

The low-pressure fuel pump in the tank can fail and stall the engine. 20V012 and its 2020 expansions cover 2013–2015 and 2018–2019 GS 350 and 2018–2019 GS 300; 20V682 adds 2017 GS 200t, 2017–2019 GS 350 and 2019 GS 300. Dealers replace the pump.

Symptoms

Rough running or hesitation
Check-engine light
Engine stall or no-start

Check before buying

Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA’s recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
Ask a Lexus dealer for the repair order showing the recall work

NHTSA recall: 20V012 (2020-01) · 1,830,752 vehicles in the campaign

Sources: [11][12]

Low-pressure fuel pump can fail (recall 26V222) (2016–2020)

Safety recall

Generation:: L10 (2013–2020)
Years:: 2016–2020
Powertrain:: All

An April 2026 recall covers certain 2016–2020 GS sedans, plus 2015–2022 RC and 2022 IS, because the in-tank low-pressure fuel pump can fail and stall the engine. Dealers replace the fuel pump assembly; owner letters were mailed Oct. 15, 2026.

Symptoms

Rough running or hesitation
Engine stall or no-start

Check before buying

Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA’s recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
Ask a Lexus dealer for the repair order showing the recall work

NHTSA recall: 26V222 (2026-04) · 9,139 vehicles in the campaign

Sources: [13]

Related GS research

This page explains specific mechanical issues and recalls. Which model years drew the most owner complaints relative to the rest of the model’s history is answered in the years-to-avoid research where CarWhere publishes it.

Confirm how a GS was built before you buy.

Engine, transmission and packages decide which of these issues apply. The CarWhere Lexus build sheet reconstructs factory colors, options and packages from licensed VIN-level build data — availability is checked free, and it is $9.99 only when detailed build data is found for that VIN.

Lexus build sheet by VIN

Frequently asked questions

What is the biggest problem with the 2007–2011 Lexus GS 350?

Recall 13V395 replaced the variable-valve-timing unit because its bolts could loosen and stop the engine, and 18V432 replaced fuel delivery pipes whose pulsation dampers could crack and leak. Both apply to the 2GR-FSE V6 in 2007–2011 GS 350s.

Is there a fuel pump recall on the Lexus GS?

Yes. 20V012 and 20V682 cover many 2013–2019 GS 200t, GS 300 and GS 350 sedans, and 26V222 (April 2026) covers certain 2016–2020 GS. Dealers replace the in-tank low-pressure fuel pump.

What recalls affect the Lexus GS F?

Recall 18V107 replaced the high-pressure fuel pumps on 2016–2018 GS F sedans because a pump cover could crack and leak fuel. Check also whether the VIN falls under GS-wide fuel pump recall 26V222.

What recalls affect the 2013 Lexus GS 350?

Early 2013 GS 350s had a VGRS steering software recall (12V221) and a brake pedal load sensing switch recall (14V270), and 2013 cars are also included in fuel pump recall 20V012.

How do I check a used Lexus GS for open recalls?

Enter the 17-digit VIN in NHTSA’s recall lookup or ask a Lexus dealer. Recall repairs are free regardless of mileage or owner, and the dealer can print the completed-campaign history.

Sources

Issue descriptions are CarWhere’s own summaries of the sources below. Repair costs are shown only where a source states them and vary by shop and region.

NHTSA recall 13V395: Variable-Valve Timing System — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
NHTSA recall 18V432: Fuel Diaphragm Cracks may cause Fuel Leak — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
NHTSA recall 09V020: FUEL DELIVERY PIPE — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
NHTSA recall 11V029: FUEL PRESSURE SENSOR — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
NHTSA recall 14V647: Fuel Leak at Fuel Pressure Sensor/Fuel Pipe — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
NHTSA recall 10V499: BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
NHTSA recall 11V115: FLOOR CARPET PAD — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
NHTSA recall 12V221: VARIABLE GEAR RATIO STEERING SYSTEM — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
NHTSA recall 14V270: Brake Pedal Load Sensing Switch Failure — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
NHTSA recall 18V107: High Pressure Fuel Pump May Crack and Leak Fuel — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
NHTSA recall 20V012: Fuel Pump May Fail — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
NHTSA recall 20V682: Fuel Pump May Fail — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
NHTSA recall 26V222: Fuel Pump May Fail — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)

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