Summary
The Lexus GS 300 has 6 recalls spanning 1993 to 2006, with the most serious recent issue affecting 2006 models where cracked fuel lines can leak fuel and, near an ignition source, start a fire capable of causing injury or death. Two other recalls affect 2006 model year vehicles. The front seatbelt retractors on those vehicles can have an incorrectly sized part in the emergency locking system, causing the belt to stay locked and not release after activation. The side airbags on 2006 models may also fail to inflate fully in a crash because the inflators contain insufficient heating agents to generate enough gas pressure, reducing occupant protection.
Going back to the late 1990s, 1998 models have a yaw rate sensor susceptible to interference from electromagnetic sources such as cell phones, which can cause the stability control system to apply the brakes unexpectedly and affect the driver's ability to steer and control speed. On 1996 models, inadequate lubrication inside the front lower ball joints can cause them to wear and separate from the steering knuckle, resulting in loss of vehicle control. The earliest recall covers 1993 models, where a rough surface finish on the lower ball joint spheres creates friction against the joint cap that can eventually cause complete ball joint separation and loss of steering.
