CarBrief

The 2016 Lexus GS has a small complaint record, with 10 complaints on file and none reporting a crash, fire or injury[1]. It also has a fuel pump recall from 2026 that covers GS cars, so a buyer should confirm that repair has been done[2].

10owner complaints[1]
2recalls[3]
19–31MPG combined (EPA)[4]

Most reported problems

NHTSA lists 10 owner complaints for the 2016 GS, and none of them mention a crash, fire, injury or death[1]. These are unverified owner reports, and the counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold.

Here is how the complaints split by component group:

With numbers this small, no group is a proven common problem.

In the small sample of complaints we read, owners describe fuel pump trouble. Two talk about a loud chirping noise at idle that they link to a high-pressure fuel pump[5]. One describes the car cutting off on the highway, with a humming sound from the low-pressure fuel pump[5].

Two steering complaints describe a wheel that feels sticky or locked at highway speeds and needs extra force to move off center[7]. One structure complaint describes clear coat failure on the roof edges and faded headlight covers[10].

Recalls

NHTSA lists two recalls for this model year[2][11]. Newest first:

The 2026 recall is recent, so some cars may not have had the repair yet. Ask the seller for proof that the repairs were done. The 2026 recall applies to GS cars[2], and the high-pressure pump recall applies to the GS F only[11].

Fuel economy

EPA lists seven versions of the 2016 GS. All use premium fuel[12][13]. The table shows city, highway and combined MPG, with EPA's estimated annual fuel cost.

Version Engine Drive City / Hwy / Combined Annual fuel cost
GS 450h[4] 3.5L 6-cyl Rear-wheel 29 / 34 / 31 $2,650
GS 200t[14] 2.0L 4-cyl turbo Rear-wheel 22 / 32 / 26 $3,150
GS 200t F Sport[15] 2.0L 4-cyl turbo Rear-wheel 21 / 30 / 24 $3,400
GS 350[16] 3.5L 6-cyl Rear-wheel 20 / 28 / 23 $3,550
GS 350 AWD[17] 3.5L 6-cyl All-wheel 19 / 26 / 22 $3,750
GS 350 F Sport[13] 3.5L 6-cyl Rear-wheel 19 / 27 / 22 $3,750
GS F[12] 5.0L 8-cyl Rear-wheel 16 / 24 / 19 $4,350

The GS 450h is the most efficient at 31 combined MPG[4]. The GS F is the thirstiest at 19 combined MPG[12]. EPA's cost figures use its current fuel price assumptions, not prices from when the car was new.

Safety ratings

NHTSA lists no 5-Star Safety Rating for the GS 450h 4 DR RWD, which it marks as not rated[18]. We have no crash test ratings for other versions.

Engine and size

EPA test car listings give these horsepower ratings for the 2016 GS:

Dimensions below are Canadian-market specifications from Transport Canada, converted to inches and pounds. US cars can differ slightly.

GS 350 AWD sedan GS 450h hybrid sedan
Length[22][23] 192 in 192 in
Width[22][23] 72 in 72 in
Height[22][23] 58 in 57 in
Wheelbase[22][23] 112 in 112 in
Curb weight[22][23] 3,891 lb 4,112 lb

How 2016 compares with other years

1995: 11 complaints, 1 recalls19951996: 3 complaints, 1 recalls1997: 0 complaints, 1 recalls1998: 64 complaints, 1 recalls19981999: 42 complaints, 0 recalls2000: 36 complaints, 0 recalls2001: 24 complaints, 0 recalls20012002: 17 complaints, 0 recalls2003: 21 complaints, 0 recalls2004: 9 complaints, 0 recalls20042005: 4 complaints, 0 recalls2006: 180 complaints, 8 recalls2007: 106 complaints, 7 recalls20072008: 45 complaints, 4 recalls2009: 10 complaints, 3 recalls2010: 18 complaints, 3 recalls20102011: 9 complaints, 3 recalls2013: 48 complaints, 3 recalls2014: 20 complaints, 1 recalls20142015: 19 complaints, 1 recalls2016: 10 complaints, 2 recalls1020162017: 6 complaints, 3 recalls20172018: 4 complaints, 4 recalls2019: 1 complaints, 3 recalls
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for each GS model year. The 2016 is highlighted[3].
Show the numbers
Model yearComplaintsRecalls
1995111
199631
199701
1998641
1999420
2000360
2001240
2002170
2003210
200490
200540
20061808
20071067
2008454
2009103
2010183
201193
2013483
2014201
2015191
2016102
201763
201844
201913

NHTSA counts 10 complaints and 2 recalls for the 2016 GS[3]. That is fewer complaints than 2013 (48), 2014 (20) and 2015 (19)[3]. It is more than 2017 (6), 2018 (4), 2019 (1) and 2020 (0)[3].

On recalls, the 2014 and 2015 model years have 1 recall each, while 2017 has 3, 2018 has 4 and 2019 has 3[3]. The 2020 model year has 1[3]. Complaint counts are not adjusted for sales, so treat this as a rough guide only.

Should you buy a used 2016 GS?

The complaint record for the 2016 GS is small, and none of the 10 complaints report a crash, fire or injury[1]. The clearest item to check is the fuel pump. Recall 26V222 covers 2016-2020 GS cars and involves a pump that can stall the engine[2]. The GS F also has the earlier high-pressure pump recall, 18V107[11]. Ask for proof that the repairs were done, and pick the version that fits your budget for fuel, since combined MPG runs from 19 to 31 depending on the version[12][4].

Frequently asked questions

What are the common problems of the 2016 Lexus GS?
NHTSA has 10 complaints on file, the most for fuel/propulsion (3) and unknown or other (3)[1][5][6]. In a small sample we read, owners describe fuel pump noise or cut-offs, and two describe steering that feels sticky at highway speeds[5][7].
Does the 2016 Lexus GS have any recalls?
Yes, two. Recall 26V222 covers certain 2016-2020 GS cars for a low-pressure fuel pump that may fail and stall the engine[2]. Recall 18V107 covers 2016-2018 GS F cars for a high-pressure fuel pump cover that can crack and may leak fuel[11].
What is the gas mileage of the 2016 Lexus GS?
It depends on the version. EPA lists 31 combined MPG for the GS 450h, 26 for the GS 200t, 23 for the GS 350 and 19 for the GS F[4][14][16][12].
How much horsepower does the 2016 Lexus GS have?
EPA test car listings show 241 hp for the 2.0L four-cylinder, 286 to 311 hp for the 3.5L six-cylinder and 467 hp for the 5.0L V8[19][20][21].
Is the 2016 Lexus GS better than other model years?
It has fewer complaints than 2013 to 2015, and more than 2017 to 2020[3]. Counts are not adjusted for sales, so this is only a rough guide.

Facts and sources

  1. NHTSA has 10 owner complaints on file for the 2016 Lexus GS (0 mention a crash, 0 a fire, 0 injuries, 0 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
  2. Recall 26V222, filed April 8, 2026: Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump. NHTSA recall database
  3. Owner complaints and recalls for every Lexus GS model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
  4. EPA rating for GS 450h, 3.5L 6-cyl, Automatic (AV-S8), Premium, Rear-Wheel Drive: 29 city / 34 highway / 31 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,650. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  5. 3 complaints name the fuel/propulsion system component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
  6. 3 complaints name the unknown or other component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
  7. 2 complaints name the steering component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
  8. 1 complaints name the electrical system component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
  9. 1 complaints name the engine component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
  10. 1 complaints name the structure component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
  11. Recall 18V107, filed February 14, 2018: Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump. NHTSA recall database
  12. EPA rating for GS F, 5.0L 8-cyl, Automatic (S8), Premium, Rear-Wheel Drive: 16 city / 24 highway / 19 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,350. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  13. EPA rating for GS 350 F Sport, 3.5L 6-cyl, Automatic (S8), Premium, Rear-Wheel Drive: 19 city / 27 highway / 22 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,750. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  14. EPA rating for GS 200t, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic (S8), Premium, Rear-Wheel Drive: 22 city / 32 highway / 26 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,150. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  15. EPA rating for GS 200t F Sport, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic (S8), Premium, Rear-Wheel Drive: 21 city / 30 highway / 24 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,400. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  16. EPA rating for GS 350, 3.5L 6-cyl, Automatic (S8), Premium, Rear-Wheel Drive: 20 city / 28 highway / 23 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,550. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  17. EPA rating for GS 350 AWD, 3.5L 6-cyl, Automatic (S6), Premium, All-Wheel Drive: 19 city / 26 highway / 22 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,750. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  18. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 4 DR RWD: not rated. NHTSA vehicle records
  19. EPA Test Car List, 2016 Lexus GS with 2.0L 4-cylinder: rated 241 hp. www.epa.gov
  20. EPA Test Car List, 2016 Lexus GS with 3.5L 6-cylinder: rated 286 to 311 hp depending on version. www.epa.gov
  21. EPA Test Car List, 2016 Lexus GS with 5.0L 8-cylinder: rated 467 hp. www.epa.gov
  22. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, GS 350 AWD 4DR SEDAN: length 192 in, width 72 in, height 58 in, wheelbase 112 in, curb weight 3,891 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  23. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, GS 450h 4DR SEDAN HYBRID: length 192 in, width 72 in, height 57 in, wheelbase 112 in, curb weight 4,112 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov

Complaints submitted to NHTSA by owners; unverified reports, one complaint can name several components. Complaint counts are not normalized by sales; compare years of the same model, not different models. EPA annual fuel cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not the price when the car was new. Horsepower is the rating listed for EPA test vehicles. Dimensions are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US models.