Radsat

Just upgraded from a 96 GS300 to an 05 GS430. I've got the factory 17" wheel package. (235/45/17) and have about 3000 miles on it. I have been back to the dealer 3 times about a loud humming sound that starts at 5 mph and only gets louder. They have repeatedly told me that it is "...coming from the tires and there is nothing they can do about it..." They did replace the Potenzas with Michelins at 1500 miles. They said the noise is caused by the low profile tires which give you a stiffer ride. I can't believe that having these 17" wheels are causing all of this noise. Especially since I have seen so many great looking GS's with 18" and 20" packages. Is this something I am going to have to put up with, and will it get worse if I go up to an 18" or 20" later?

Now you know 4 failed transmissions. I had a 96 GS300 and the transmission failed at 112K. I had it rebuilt for approx. $5400, (Solenoids were very expensive) There was a hairline crack in one of the pistons. 14 months later it failed again. (two months out of warranty) I had to get a new transmission. 96 was the first year Lexus put the 5-speed transmission in the GS. I still think it was a known problem with it.

Does anyone out there have a 1996 or newer GS300 with over 100k miles yet? At 112k (12,000 miles over the certified warranty) the transmission died. It ended up being a hairline fracture in one of the pistons in it, but a totally new transmission was required at a price of about $6,000.00. And yes, I took it in religiously every 5,000 miles since I bought it. Lexus customer support said that this was not a known problem with the GS, but 1996 was the first year they put a 5 spd in it. The same Transmission is in the new style GS300's also. If you have had Transmission problems, please call Lexus and register your complaint. That is the only way we might get some money back. 1-800-25LEXUS