Recalls: Lexus S160 GS
Overview
Manufacturers, or importers, issue recalls for defects or faults which have the potential to cause injury. Generally, manufacturers will inform the original buyers if their vehicle is subject to a recall and of the steps required to remedy the defect or fault. Please note that the recalls below (if any) are for Australian-delivered vehicles only. Furthermore, the number of recalls should not be taken as an indication of a model’s reliability or its safety more generally.
Recalls: Lexus S160 GS
- In April 1998, a recall was issued for Lexus S160 GS 300 models manufactured from 2 June 1997 to 13 February 1998 due to a defective yaw rate sensor which may be affected by certain electromagnetic waves such as mobile phones; this could cause a lock of steering and brake control (PRA 1998/3523).
- In April 2006, a recall was issued for Lexus S160 GS vehicles due to insufficient heating agents within the curtain and knee airbags. As a result, expansion of the gas in the inflator may be insufficient to properly inflate the airbag when the airbag system was activated during a collision (PRA 2006/8423).
- In October 2010, a recall was issued for Lexus S160 GS 300 models produced from 28 September 2004 to 28 February 2006 due to a condition in which the engine may not start or stall due to a loss of fuel pressure. This was due to the fuel pump wire harness insulation having insufficient flexibility which; over time, the internal connector may move and have insufficient electrical contact (PRA 2010/12077). The recalled vehicles had VINs in the following ranges:
- JTH BH96S# 00001011 to 00001019; and,
- JTH BH96S# 05000012 to 05035649.
Problems and faults: Lexus S160 GS
Overview
This section identifies potential problems, causes and fixes based on the experiences of owners and repairers, online sources and technical service bulletins. This information is provided solely for reference purposes and AustralianCar.Reviews recommends that only properly qualified persons carry out repairs or modifications. Furthermore, the number of items below should not be taken as an indicator of a model’s reliability or the frequency with which they may occur.
To report a problem or fault to the AustralianCar.Reviews team, please use the Contact Us form. Note that AustralianCar.Reviews does not offer advice on automotive problems or disputes; such enquiries will not receive a reply. For vehicles purchased from dealers after 1 January 2011, please see our Australian Consumer Law fact sheet.
Lexus S160 GS 300 and GS 430: front stabiliser bar noise
In June 2002, Lexus issued Technical Service Information Bulletin SU003-02 for:
- 2000-02 model year Lexus S160 GS 300 vehicles with VINs preceding JT8 BD69S # 20158849; and,
- 2000-02 model year Lexus S160 GS 430 vehicles with VINs preceding JT8 BL69S # 20009597.
In these vehicles, the front stabiliser bar may make unusual noises when driving over bumps and/or cornering. To fix, the bolt tightening torque of the mounting hardware was to be checked and adjusted if below specifications. For further information, please refer to the service bulletin.
Lexus S160 GS 300 and GS 430: rear spring clicking noise
In June 2002, Lexus issued Technical Service Information Bulletin SU005-02 for:
- 2001-02 model year Lexus S160 GS 300 vehicles with VINs preceding JT8 BD69S # 20163000; and,
- 2001-02 model year Lexus S160 GS 430 vehicles with VINs preceding JT8 BL69S # 20010000.
During the rear strut assembly process, the coil spring upper insulator may have become deformed or unseated, causing a metal-to-metal interference between the upper end of the coil spring and the spring upper support (suspension support). This interference may result in a clicking noise from the rear suspension when driving over bumps. To fix, the insulator and spring were to be replaced.
Lexus S160 GS 300: harsh 2-3 shift
In October 2002, Lexus issued Technical Service Information Bulletin EG005-02 for 2001 model year Lexus S160 GS 300 vehicles with automatic transmissions. In these vehicles, the transmission may exhibit a harsh 2-3 shift during acceleration with light throttle input. A revised engine control module (ECM) calibration was developed to fix.
Lexus S160 GS 300: misfire codes and harsh 2-3 shift
In September 2002, Lexus issued Service Bulletin EG004-02 for 2002 model year Lexus S160 GS 300 vehicles with automatic transmissions. In these vehicles,
- The malfunction indicator light (MIL) may illuminate with Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) P0300 – P0306 (random or any single cylinder misfire) recorded after certain driving conditions and a cold engine start; and/or,
- The driver may experience a harsh 2-3 shift during acceleration with light throttle input.
Revised engine control module (ECM) calibration files were developed for the engine and transmission to resolve this condition.
Lexus S160 GS 300: windscreen rattle
In May 2010, Lexus issued Lexus Service Bulletin L-SB-0090-08 Rev 1 for post-2003 Lexus S160 GS 300 vehicles. In these vehicles, a creaking, ticking or rattling noise may be heard at the top or bottom of the windscreen. According to the service bulletin, this may be attributable to:
- The two windscreen stoppers that are bottom to the top of the windscreen; or,
- The windshield retainers which are bonded to the lower edge of the windscreen.
Problems and faults: Lexus S160 GS
- Sludge build-up on the cylinder heads may lead to excessive oil consumption.
- If the air conditioning stops working and 1) the temperature gauge and transmission-selector light fail, 2) the outside-temperature indicator only displays two dashes, and, 3) the system returns to normal if the key is switched off and on, then the air conditioning electronic control unit (ECU) needs to be replaced.
- If the CD player stops working but returns to normal when the key is cycled, the radio-tuner assembly will need to be replaced.
