2007 Lexus GS450h

The 2007 Lexus GS450h is a luxury hybrid sedan known for its smooth ride, comfortable interior, and innovative hybrid powertrain. It combined a 3.5-liter V6 engine with an electric motor to produce a combined output of 335 horsepower, offering impressive performance and fuel efficiency. The GS450h used an Electronically controlled Continuously Variable Transmission (ECVT). Owners often praise its quiet cabin, premium features, and fuel economy for a luxury car. Common complaints revolve around the aging hybrid battery, higher maintenance costs associated with the hybrid system, and some electrical gremlins.

Electric Motor

Electric Motor

• Hybrid Battery Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The hybrid battery pack degrades over time, leading to reduced performance, decreased fuel economy, and eventually, a warning light on the dashboard. The car may refuse to start or operate in electric-only mode.
  • Solution: Replacing the hybrid battery pack is the common solution. Some owners opt for refurbished batteries as a cost-saving measure.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $6,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Regenerative Braking System Malfunction * Description/Symptoms: Reduced braking effectiveness, unusual noises during braking, or warning lights indicating a problem with the regenerative braking system. * Solution: Diagnosis by a qualified technician, often involving replacement of components within the regenerative braking system. * Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2,000+ * Recalls: None Found

Transmission

Electronically controlled Continuously Variable Transmission (ECVT)

• Transmission Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Transmission Failure can cause a variety of issues. Some common symptoms are: a whining noise, the car not being able to accelerate, and the car failing to go into gear.
  • Solution: Replacing the Transmission
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $4,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Air Suspension Compressor Failure (If Equipped)
  • Description/Symptoms: The air suspension system can fail, leading to a sagging vehicle, a rough ride, and an inability to adjust the ride height. The compressor is often the culprit.
  • Solution: Replacing the air suspension compressor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Air Suspension Strut Leaks (If Equipped)
  • Description/Symptoms: The struts begin to leak causing the vehicle to sit lower to the ground, have a bouncy ride, or not respond to height adjustment commands.
  • Solution: Strut replacement
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1000+ per strut
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Navigation System/Display Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: The navigation system can freeze, become unresponsive, or display incorrect information. The screen itself may fail or flicker.
  • Solution: Software updates, replacement of the navigation unit, or repair of the display screen.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Mark Levinson Audio System Problems (If Equipped)
  • Description/Symptoms: The amplifier for the Mark Levinson sound system is known to fail, resulting in a loss of audio output. Speakers may also fail.
  • Solution: Replacing the amplifier or speakers.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Power Window Motor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Window will not move or moves very slowly.
  • Solution: Replacing the window motor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• HID Headlight Ballast Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: One or both HID headlights may flicker, fail to illuminate, or display an error message on the dashboard.
  • Solution: Replacing the headlight ballast.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Sunroof Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Sunroof may not open/close correctly.
  • Solution: Repairing or replacing the sunroof motor or mechanism
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1000
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary:

The 2007 Lexus GS450h, while offering a luxurious and innovative driving experience, can suffer from several notable issues as it ages. The most significant concern is the hybrid battery, which can be costly to replace. Electrical gremlins, particularly with the navigation and audio systems, are also common. Suspension problems, particularly with the air suspension if equipped, can lead to expensive repairs. While some issues are relatively minor, others can result in significant repair bills.