Recalls: Lexus S190 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 S190 GS
- In April 2006, a recall was issued for Lexus GS 300 and GS 430 models due to potential jamming of the internal components of the Emergency Locking Retractor as a result of the front seatbelts being extended quickly with strong force. This could prevent the seatbelt from retracting any further (PRA 2006/8448).
- In April 2006, a recall was issued for Lexus S190 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 November 2007, a recall was issued for Lexus S190 GS 300 models manufactured from 21 December 2004 to 27 October 2005 due to possible high stress areas in the two fuel pipes located on the engine’s fuel delivery manifold. As a result of high fuel pressure pulsations and naturally corrosive agents in the fuel, a fractured could form in the pipes over time (PRA 2007/9683).
- In October 2010, a recall was issued for Lexus S190 GS 300 models manufactured from 21 December 2004 to 6 December 2005 due to the brake fluid containing insufficient polymers, causing the brake master cylinder rear rubber seal to become dry and curl during brake application. This could result in brake fluid leaking from the rear of the brake master cylinder, causing a low level of brake fluid and the warning light to illuminate. If operated in this condition, brake pedal feel could change and braking performance could degrade over time. Owners were to contact their dealership for inspection and replacement of the rear rubber cup of the brake master cylinder. The recalled vehicles had VINs in the range JTH BH96S# 05000016 to 05028558 (PRA 2010/12082).
- In October 2010, a recall was issued for Lexus S190 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.
- In July 2010, a recall was issued for Lexus GS 450h and GS 460 models produced from February 2007 to August 2008 due to the possibility that the valve springs may crack and break from excessive stress (PRA 2010/11780). The recalled vehicles had VINs in the following ranges –
- GS 450h: JTH BC96S# 05000127 to JTH BC96S# 05016528; and,
- GS 460: JTH BL96S# 05000021 to JTH BL96S# 05002885.
- In October 2012, a recall was issued for Lexus S190 GS vehicles produced from January 2005 to October 2011 (inclusive) that were fitted with a Genuine Lexus Detachable Towing Hitch (part number PZ408-S1552-00 – this part number was affixed on a bracket mounted next to the tow hitch housing). In some cases, the tow hitch may develop a crack when under severe mechanical stress and fracture – this may pose a hazard to drivers and other road users (PRA 2012/13318).
- In October 2014, a recall was issued for Lexus S190 GS 300, GS 450h and GS 460 vehicles. In these vehicles, the sealing property of the gasket between the fuel pressure sensor and the fuel delivery pipe could degrade over time – if this occurred, fuel may leak and pose a fire hazard. If the owner detected a smell of fuel either inside or outside the vehicle, Lexus recommended that the driver immediately stop driving the vehicle and contact their nearest Lexus Dealer for diagnosis and repair (PRA 2014/14385). The recalled vehicles had the following VINs and production dates –
- GS 300: JTH BH96S # 05055711 to JTH BH96S # 05068477 (produced from 3 September 2007 to 16 June 2010);
- GS 450h: JTH BC96S # 05000011 to JTH BC96S # 05022832 (produced from 28 September 2005 to 22 June 2010); and,
- GS 460: JTH BL96S # 05001715 to JTH BL96S # 05004224 (produced from 24 December 2007 to 15 June 2010).
- In April 2016, a recall was issued for Lexus S190 GS 300 vehicles that were manufactured from December 2004 to August 2007. Due to improper tightening of the fuel pressure sensor, the sealing performance of the fuel pressure sensor to the delivery pipe could degrade over time. If this occurred, fuel could leak past the gasket; in the presence of an ignition source, there would be a risk of a fire. The recalled Lexus S190 GS 300 vehicles had VINs in the range JTH BH96S # 05000012 to JTH BH96S # 05055540 (PRA 2016/15329).
Problems and faults: Lexus S190 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 S190 GS 300: carbon deposits, DTC P030# & oil consumption
For the Lexus GS 300’s 3GR-FSE engine, there have been reports of carbon deposits (or build-up) on the intake valves. In these direct injection engines, carbon deposits may accumulate on the stem and throat of the intake valve due to:
- the vaporisation of oil which is not trapped by the oil separator; or
- unburned fuel and exhaust gases that escape past the piston rings and enter the crankcase (‘blow-by’).
Since direct injection engines do not spray fuel on the backside of the intake valves, the detergent properties of the fuel cannot remove the carbon build up (as occurs in port injected engines).
In November 2012, Lexus issued Service Bulletin L-SB-0125-12 for 2006 model year Lexus S190 GS 300 vehicles exhibiting one or more of the following:
- Illumination of the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) with Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) P0300, P0301, P0302, P0303, P0304, P0305 and/or P0306;
- Rough running after coming to rest with the engine at operating temperature;
- Rough running with engine misfires after a cold start; and,
- Engine oil consumption exceeded 1 litre every 2000 km.
To fix,
- The engine was to be removed from the vehicle;
- The engine block, cylinder head and valves were to be cleaned and decarbonised;
- The cylinder bores were to be inspected for crosshatch and/or vertical scratches. If vertical scratches were present and could be felt with a fingernail, or if the crosshatch was not visible, the short block assembly was to be replaced;
- The engine was to be reassembled with new pistons, piston rings, valve stem seals, valve springs, valve lash adjusters and valve spring retainers; and,
- The engine was to be reinstalled in the vehicle.
According to the service bulletin, new pistons, piston rings, valve springs, valve lash adjusters and valve spring retainers were introduced on 2006 model year Lexus GS 300 vehicles with VINs after JTHBH96S#65027366, so these vehicles are not supposed to experience the same carbon build-up problems.
Lexus S190 GS 300: misfire codes (DTC P030#)
In September 2008, Lexus issued Service Bulletin L-SB-0087-08 Rev1 for 2006 model year Lexus GS 300 vehicles with VINs preceding JTHBH96S#65027366. In these vehicles, the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) may illuminate with one or more of the following Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs):
- P0300: random misfire detected;
- P0301: cylinder 1 misfire detected;
- P0302: cylinder 2 misfire detected;
- P0303: cylinder 3 misfire detected;
- P0304: cylinder 4 misfire detected;
- P0305: cylinder 5 misfire detected; and,
- P0306: cylinder 6 misfire detected.
The valve springs were improved to prevent this condition from recurring. For affected GS 300 vehicles, the valves and valve spring retainers were to be replaced.
Lexus S190 GS 300: MIL and DTCs
In August 2009, Lexus issued Service Bulletin L-SB-0092-09 for 2006 model year Lexus GS 300 vehicles. In these vehicles, the Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) may illuminate and at least one of the following Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) may be issued:
- P0172: system too rich, bank 1;
- P0175: system too rich, bank 2;
- P2196: oxygen A/F sensor signal stuck rich, bank 1 sensor 1;
- P2198: oxygen A/F sensor signal stuck rich, bank 2 sensor 1;
- P0138: oxygen sensor circuit high voltage, bank 1 sensor 2;
- P0158: oxygen sensor circuit high voltage, bank 2 sensor 2;
- P0037: oxygen sensor heater control circuit low, bank 1 sensor 2; and,
- P0057: oxygen sensor heater control circuit low, bank 2 sensor 2.
Depending on the diagnosis, three repair procedures were offered. For more information, please refer to the service bulletin.
Lexus S190 GS 300: 3GR-FSE engine oil leak
In February 2007, Lexus issued Technical Service Information Bulletin EG001-07 for 2006 model year Lexus S190 GS 300 vehicles with the 3GR-FSE engine. In these vehicles, a small oil leak may occur on the timing cover and/or the camshaft housing sub-assembly. To fix, the right and left camshaft housing sub-assemblies were to be replaced.
Lexus S190 GS 350 and GS 450h: engine won’t start or stalls on start-up
In November 2008, Lexus issued Service Bulletin L-SB-0161-08 Rev1 for 2007-08 Lexus GS 350 and GS 450h vehicles. Intermittently, the engine may not start or may start and immediately stall after the ‘Push Start’ button is pressed. A new ‘Push Start’ switch was introduced to fix this problem.
Lexus S190 GS 300, 430 and 450h: instrument panel rattle
In July 2008, Lexus issued Service Bulletin L-SB-0040-08 for 2006-07 model year GS 300, GS 350, GS 430 and GS 450h vehicles. In these vehicles, rattling noises may be emitted from the front of the instrument panel at the base of the windscreen. To fix,
- The instrument panel sub-assembly was to be removed;
- The instrument panel attachment clips were to be removed;
- The four instrument panel clips and single centre instrument panel stay were to be removed and replaced;
- Felt was to be applied to the defroster nozzle lip; and,
- Foam was to be applied to the instrument pad HVAC duct.
It may also be necessary to add felt to the A-pillar garnish ribbing and to replace the cowl top ventilator louvre sub-assembly. For further information, please refer to the service bulletin.
Lexus S190 GS 460: Accessory Drive Belt Tensioner noise
In December 2008, Lexus issued Service Bulletin L-SB-0164-08 for 2008 Lexus S190 GS 460 vehicles with VINs preceding JTHBL9#S*85002326. In these vehicles, an ‘abnormal’ noise may be heard from the engine accessory drive belt area. An improved accessory drive belt tensioner assembly was developed to keep the tensioner pulley in alignment with the other pulleys.
If the tensioner pulley was out of alignment,
- The drive belt and tensioner assembly were to be removed;
- The drive belt tensioner assembly replaced; and,
- The drive belt replaced.
Lexus S190 GS 300 and GS 430: creaking rear window
In September 2005, Lexus issued Service Bulletin NV002-05 for 2006 model year Lexus GS 300 and Lexus GS 430 vehicles. In these vehicles, a creaking noise may be emitted from the upper portion of the rear window glass. The source of this noise may be the two glass stoppers (locating pins) that are bonded to the top of the glass rubbing against the body. To fix, a portion of each stopper was to be removed. A ‘production countermeasure’ was introduced from VIN JTHBH96S#65010856 for the GS 300 and JTHBN96S#65004536 for the GS 430.
Lexus S190 GS: water on front or rear carpets
In February 2010, Lexus issued Technical Service Information Bulletin AC003-07 for the following vehicles:
- 2006 model year Lexus S190 GS 300 vehicles; and,
- 2007 model year Lexus S190 GS 350 vehicles.
In these vehicles, water may leak onto the front or rear carpets due to the HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) evaporator drain becoming blocked by debris. To fix, the evaporator drain grommet was to be removed and checked to see if foam was blocking the evaporator drain port. If so, the foam was to be trimmed. For further information, please refer to the service bulletin.
Lexus S190 GS: rear view mirror discoloration and stripes
In December 2009, Lexus issued Service Bulletin L-SB-0186-09 for the following:
- 2007-09 model year Lexus S190 GS 350, GS 430, GS 450h vehicles; and,
- 2008-09 model year Lexus S190 GS 460 vehicles.
In these vehicles, the interior rear view mirror glass may be discoloured or have a striped pattern. An improved service part was introduced to fix this condition.
Lexus S190 GS: squeal/squeak from front brakes
In February 2009, Lexus issued Service Bulletin L-SB-0015-09 Rev1 for the following:
- 2007-08 Lexus GS 350 and GS 450h vehicles;
- 2006-07 Lexus GS 430 vehicles; and,
- 2008 Lexus GS 460 vehicles.
In these vehicles, the brakes may make a squeal or squeaking noises when they are lightly applied in cold weather conditions. To address this concern, a new anti-squeal shim kit was introduced.
Lexus S190 GS: brake pad dust
In April 2007, Lexus issued Technical Service Information Bulletin BR002-06 for the following vehicles:
- 2006-07 model year Lexus S190 GS 430;
- 2007 model year Lexus S190 GS 350; and,
- 2007 model year Lexus S190 GS 450h.
Under certain conditions, the high-friction front brake pads of these vehicles may produce significant brake pad dust on the wheels. For drivers who prefer less brake pad dust, an alternative brake pad material was developed (part no. 04465-30400).
Lexus S190 GS: rattling noise from rear of vehicle
In April 2008, Lexus issued Service Bulletin L-SB-0024-08 Rev1 for 2006-12 Lexus S190 GS 300, GS 350, GS 430 and GS 450h vehicles. In these vehicles, there may be a rattling noise from the rear of the vehicle when it is driven over bumps. To fix, the parking brake cables should be adjusted to reduce free play in the parking brake shoe.
Lexus S190 GS: air conditioning odour
In February 2009, Lexus issued Service Bulletin L-SB-0011-09 for 2006 to 2008 model year Lexus GS 300, GS 350, GS 430, GS 450h and GS 460 vehicles. Intermittently, the climate control system in these vehicles may emit an odour. As a result, production changes included revised A/C amplifier logic, a non-charcoal interior cabin filter and improved evaporator sub-assembly; these could also be applied to affected vehicles.
Lexus S190 GS: interior rear view mirror vibration
In June 2007, Lexus issued Technical Service Information Bulletin NV007-07 for the following vehicles:
- 2006 model year Lexus GS 300 vehicles;
- 2006-07 model year Lexus GS 430 vehicles with VINs preceding JTHBN96S775017266; and,
- 2007 model year Lexus GS 450h vehicles with VINs preceding JTHBC96S375009333.
In these vehicles, the interior rear view mirror may vibrate while the vehicle is being driven, especially when the moon roof is open. A new mirror assembly was introduced to resolve this condition.
Lexus S190 GS: windscreen rattle
In May 2010, Lexus issued Lexus Service Bulletin L-SB-0090-08 Rev 1 for pre-2010 Lexus S190 GS 300, GS 430 and GS 450h 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.
