2020 Lexus GS350
The 2020 Lexus GS 350 is a mid-size luxury sedan known for its comfortable ride, elegant interior, and reliability. It came standard with a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 311 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. While owners generally praise the GS 350 for its smooth engine, comfortable seats, and quiet cabin, some common complaints include the somewhat dated infotainment system and limited rear passenger space. Some also find the styling to be a bit conservative compared to its rivals.
Engine
3.5L V6 (2GR-FKS)
- Fuel Injector Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Engine misfires, rough idling, reduced power, check engine light. Can be caused by clogged or faulty fuel injectors.
- Solution: Replace the faulty fuel injectors.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $600 - $1200+
- Recalls: None Found
- Oxygen Sensor Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Check engine light, reduced fuel economy, rough running engine.
- Solution: Replace the faulty oxygen sensor.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
- Recalls: None Found
Transmission
8-Speed Automatic (AA80E)
- Harsh Shifting
- Description/Symptoms: Jerky or abrupt shifts, especially when accelerating or decelerating, can be caused by low transmission fluid, worn clutches, or issues with the valve body.
- Solution: Check transmission fluid level and condition. If necessary, perform a transmission flush, or replace the valve body or affected components.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $300 for fluid flush, $800 - $2000+ for valve body replacement.
- Recalls: None Found
Suspension
- Premature Wear of Lower Control Arm Bushings
- Description/Symptoms: Clunking or squeaking noises from the front suspension, especially when going over bumps. Can lead to poor handling and uneven tire wear.
- Solution: Replace the worn lower control arm bushings or the entire lower control arm.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+ per side
- Recalls: None Found
Electrical
- Infotainment System Freezing/Rebooting
- Description/Symptoms: The infotainment screen freezes, becomes unresponsive, or reboots unexpectedly. Can be caused by software glitches or hardware failure.
- Solution: Software update (if available), or replacement of the infotainment unit.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $0 (if software update resolves the issue), $1000 - $2000+ for infotainment unit replacement
- Recalls: None Found
- Battery Drain
- Description/Symptoms: Car battery drains quickly, especially when the vehicle is not driven for several days. Can be caused by a parasitic draw from a faulty component or a weak battery.
- Solution: Identify and repair the source of the parasitic draw. Replace the battery if it is weak or damaged.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+ (depending on the source of the draw).
- Recalls: None Found
Exterior
- Automatic High Beam Malfunction
- Description/Symptoms: Automatic high beams do not activate or deactivate properly, or they flicker intermittently.
- Solution: Recalibrate or replace the automatic high beam sensor.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $150-$500+
- Recalls: None Found
Interior
- Sunroof/Moonroof Issues
- Description/Symptoms: Sunroof/moonroof may become stuck, make unusual noises, or leak water. Could be due to a faulty motor, damaged track, or clogged drain tubes.
- Solution: Inspect and clean the sunroof track and drain tubes. Replace the motor or damaged components as needed.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $1000+
- Recalls: None Found
Summary
The 2020 Lexus GS 350 generally maintains the Lexus reputation for reliability. While some issues have been reported, they are not widespread. The most common issues appear to be related to the fuel injectors, harsh shifting with the transmission, and the infotainment system, and premature wear on the suspension components. The cost to repair these issues can vary significantly depending on the severity and the specific parts that need to be replaced, but typically fall within the ranges listed above. Given the vehicle’s overall reliability, a pre-purchase inspection by a qualified mechanic can help identify any potential problems before purchase.