2019 Lexus GS300

The 2019 Lexus GS 300 is a luxury sedan known for its comfortable ride, refined interior, and reputation for reliability. The GS 300 is equipped with a 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 241 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. Other engine options available for the GS lineup in 2019 include a 3.5L V6 (GS 350) and a hybrid powertrain (GS 450h). The GS 300 comes standard with an 8-speed automatic transmission. Owners typically praise the GS for its smooth ride, quiet cabin, and Lexus’s renowned build quality. Common dislikes often involve the somewhat dated infotainment system and the less sporty driving experience compared to some competitors.

Engine

2.0L Turbocharged 4-Cylinder (8AR-FTS)

• Carbon Buildup on Intake Valves
  • Description/Symptoms: Direct injection engines are prone to carbon buildup on the intake valves because there is no fuel washing the valves. This buildup can restrict airflow, leading to rough idling, decreased performance, reduced fuel economy, and potentially trigger the check engine light.
  • Solution: A walnut blasting service to clean the intake valves. Chemical intake cleaners can also help but are not as effective as walnut blasting.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

8-Speed Automatic (AA80E)

• No Issues Found

Suspension

• No Issues Found

Electrical

• Infotainment System Freezing/Crashing
  • Description/Symptoms: The infotainment system may occasionally freeze, become unresponsive, or crash, requiring a system reset. This can affect navigation, audio, and climate controls.
  • Solution: A software update from the dealership. Replacing the infotainment unit may also solve the problem.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $0 (software update) - $1,500+ (replacement unit)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Faulty Backup Camera
  • Description/Symptoms: Backup camera displaying a black screen or distorted image.
  • Solution: Replacement of the backup camera.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• LED Headlight Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Flickering or complete failure of the LED headlights.
  • Solution: Replacement of the affected headlight assembly.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1500+ (depending on the specific headlight)
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• No Issues Found

Summary

The 2019 Lexus GS 300 generally exhibits a good level of reliability, consistent with the Lexus brand. The most common issues reported involve the infotainment system and potential carbon buildup on the engine’s intake valves. Infotainment glitches, while annoying, can often be resolved with software updates, while the carbon buildup issue, common to direct-injection engines, may require periodic cleaning. LED Headlight failure is also not uncommon. Most of these issues are not considered extremely severe, but repairs can be moderately expensive, especially for headlight and infotainment-related fixes.