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Lexus · Known Issues

2016 Lexus GS Problems: 3 Known Issues

2016 model year · 1,400+ owner reports · Updated September 2026

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Issue summary

According to Au7o's analysis of 1,400+ owner reports, the 2016 Lexus GS has 3 documented known issues, with 1 rated critical. The most serious is Denso Low-Pressure Fuel Pump Impeller Swells and Stops the Pump (Recalls 20V012 / 20V682 / 26V222) ($0-$0 repair). The most commonly reported issue is Water Pump Premature Failure with 1,400 owner reports. Across all issues with published estimates, repair costs range from $500 to $4,000. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.

In This Article

  • GS Fuel System1
  • GS Cooling1
  • GS Engine1
  • Recalls1
  • FAQ
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In This Article

  • Fuel System1
  • Cooling1
  • Engine1
  • Recalls1
  • FAQ

All 3 Known Issues

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ALL YEARS20202019201820172016201520142013201220112010200920082007200620052004200320022001200019991998

On the 2013-2020 Lexus GS, the L10 generation GS uses a Denso in-tank low-pressure fuel pump whose impeller was molded from a resin with too little density. The impeller absorbs fuel, swells, and interferes with the surrounding pump body until the pump stops turning. The failure shows first as a rough-running engine and warning lights, then as a stall - and at highway speed a stall raises crash risk. Recovery is often impossible: the car will not restart. This is the same Denso pump defect that grew into one of the largest Toyota recall campaigns ever, and the GS was pulled in over several expansions: 20V012000 covered 2013-2015 GS 350 and 2018-2019 GS 300, 20V682000 covered 2017 GS 200t / 2017-2020 GS 350 / 2019 GS 300, and a 2026 expansion (26V222000) reached 2015-2022 Lexus vehicles including 2016-2020 GS. It is an L10-only issue; the S160 and S190 cars use different pump hardware.

This issue also affects: Lexus ES, Lexus IS, Lexus NX

Common Symptoms

  • Engine runs rough
  • Warning lights and messages on the instrument panel
  • Engine stalls at speed
  • Engine will not restart
  • Loss of power on acceleration

How to Fix

Free recall remedy - dealers replace the fuel pump assembly with a redesigned impeller. Because the GS was covered by multiple overlapping expansions across 2020-2026, a VIN check at nhtsa.gov/recalls is the only reliable way to know your car's status; a car that was 'clear' in 2021 may have been swept into the 2026 expansion. Owners contact Lexus at 1-800-255-3987; Lexus internal codes include 20LA01 and 20LB01.

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Typical repair cost:$0 - $0

Research This Issue

GoogleRedditYouTubeNHTSA
Community Reported
High ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Aug 2026
Community reported
1,400 owners

On the 2013-2020 Lexus GS, the water pump on the GS models fails prematurely, typically between 60,000-100,000 miles. Coolant leaks from the weep hole as the internal seal deteriorates, and the pump bearing develops play causing a whining noise. If not addressed, overheating and potential engine damage can occur.

This issue also affects: Lexus IS, Lexus ES, Lexus RX

Common Symptoms

  • Coolant leak from front of engine
  • Whining noise from water pump area at idle
  • Engine temperature rising above normal
  • Low coolant warning light
  • Sweet coolant smell from engine bay

How to Fix

Replace the water pump assembly and thermostat together as a preventive measure. Use OEM or high-quality aftermarket parts (Aisin brand is the OEM supplier). Replace the serpentine belt and tensioner at the same time if they show wear.

What you need to fix it

Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.

  • 16100-39436 genuine Lexus 2GR-FSE engine water pump
    OEM16100-39436

    Replace a confirmed failed mechanical pump on the early V6 branch Fitment/availability: Live page lists the 2GR-FSE/GRL10/GRL15 GS branch and supersedes 16100-39435. Confirm VIN; not the 2GR-FKS or 8AR-FTS pump.

    LexusPartsNow
  • 16100-39616 genuine Lexus 2GR-FKS engine water pump
    OEM16100-39616

    Replace a confirmed failed mechanical pump on the later 3.5L 2GR-FKS branch Fitment/availability: Live page identifies the 2GR-FKS/GRL12/GRL16 GS branch and supersedes 16100-39615. Confirm VIN/production date.

    LexusPartsNow
  • 16100-39595 genuine Lexus 8AR-FTS engine water pump
    OEM16100-39595

    Replace a confirmed failed mechanical engine pump on the turbo four-cylinder branch Fitment/availability: Live page explicitly lists 2016 GS200t, 2017 GS Turbo and 2018-2019 GS300 with 8AR-FTS/ARL10.

    LexusPartsNow

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases; other part links may also earn au7o a commission. Confirm fitment by VIN before buying.

Typical repair cost:$500 - $1,200

Research This Issue

Based on 1,400 owner reports

GoogleRedditYouTubeNHTSA
Community Reported
High Confidence1,400 owner reportsLast reported by owners Oct 2025Reviewed Mar 2026

On the 2006-2020 Lexus GS 2GR-FSE, the 2GR family V6 - including the 2GR-FSE fitted to the S190 GS 350 / GS 450h and the L10 GS 350 - seals its front timing chain cover and cam housings with FIPG (formed-in-place gasket) sealant rather than a solid gasket. Over years of heat cycling the sealant hardens, shrinks and loses adhesion, and engine oil weeps from the timing cover seam and the cam housing joints. ClubLexus describes this as the one major problem of the 2GR V6 and calls it a question of when, not if. The cruel part is the repair geometry: on the longitudinal rear-drive GS there is not enough clearance to pull the timing cover with the engine in the car, so the front subframe with engine and transmission has to come down - a 20+ hour job. Many owners live with a slow weep for years and top off oil instead. This is distinct from the simple valve-cover gasket weep on the older S160 cars.

Common Symptoms

  • Oil drips on the driveway under the front of the engine
  • Burning oil smell after driving
  • Oil residue down the front of the block and on the subframe
  • Gradually dropping oil level between changes

How to Fix

The correct repair is to drop the subframe/engine, strip the front of the engine, clean every mating surface back to bare metal and re-seal the timing cover and cam housings with fresh Toyota FIPG. Dealer quotes commonly run $2,400-$4,000 and independent Lexus specialists somewhat less. Because it is a slow seep and not a safety item, the accepted practical approach is to monitor oil level, keep the seep off the exhaust and accessory belt, and only commit to the teardown when the loss becomes significant or when the engine is already out for other work. Stop-leak additives do not fix a failed FIPG joint.

Typical repair cost:$2,400 - $4,000

Research This Issue

GoogleRedditYouTubeNHTSA
Community Reported
Medium ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Aug 2026
NHTSA Recalls1 recall

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2015-2022 Lexus RC, 2016-2020 GS, and 2022 IS vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.

Campaign #26V22200008/04/2026

Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check recalls specific to your vehicle.

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Other Lexus Models

Lexus NX18Lexus ES16Lexus RX14Lexus UX13Lexus IS12Lexus LX8

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Lexus GS problems?

According to Au7o's analysis of 1,400+ owner reports, the 2016 Lexus GS has 3 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Denso Low-Pressure Fuel Pump Impeller Swells and Stops the Pump (Recalls 20V012 / 20V682 / 26V222), Water Pump Premature Failure, Front Timing Chain Cover and Cam Housing Oil Leak - 2GR-FSE (FIPG Sealant Failure). Of these, 1 is rated critical and should be addressed promptly.

Is the Lexus GS reliable?

The 2016 Lexus GS has 3 known issues documented across 1,400+ owner reports. 1 issue is rated critical: Denso Low-Pressure Fuel Pump Impeller Swells and Stops the Pump (Recalls 20V012 / 20V682 / 26V222). Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.

How much does it cost to fix common Lexus GS problems?

Repair costs for known Lexus GS issues range from $0 to $4,000, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, Denso Low-Pressure Fuel Pump Impeller Swells and Stops the Pump (Recalls 20V012 / 20V682 / 26V222), typically costs $0-$0 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.

What is the 2013-2020 Lexus GS Denso Low-Pressure Fuel Pump Impeller Swells and Stops the Pump (Recalls 20V012 / 20V682 / 26V222)?

The L10 generation GS uses a Denso in-tank low-pressure fuel pump whose impeller was molded from a resin with too little density. The impeller absorbs fuel, swells, and interferes with the surrounding pump body until the pump stops turning. The failure shows first as a rough-runn… Repairs typically run $0-$0. Severity: high.

What is the 2013-2020 Lexus GS Water Pump Premature Failure?

The water pump on the GS models fails prematurely, typically between 60,000-100,000 miles. Coolant leaks from the weep hole as the internal seal deteriorates, and the pump bearing develops play causing a whining noise. If not addressed, overheating and potential engine damage can… Repairs typically run $500-$1,200. Severity: medium.

Content on this page was compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, owner reports, and public automotive data. While we strive for accuracy, this information may contain errors. Always verify repair procedures and specifications with your vehicle's service manual or a qualified mechanic.

Data sourced from 1,400+ owner reports, NHTSA recalls, TSBs, and automotive forums.

What is the 2006-2020 Lexus GS Front Timing Chain Cover and Cam Housing Oil Leak - 2GR-FSE (FIPG Sealant Failure)?

The 2GR family V6 - including the 2GR-FSE fitted to the S190 GS 350 / GS 450h and the L10 GS 350 - seals its front timing chain cover and cam housings with FIPG (formed-in-place gasket) sealant rather than a solid gasket. Over years of heat cycling the sealant hardens, shrinks an… Repairs typically run $2,400-$4,000. Severity: medium.