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2013 Lexus GS

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2013 models.

Lexus GS
Pictured: Lexus GS 450h F Sport – Frontansicht, 17. Juni 2012, Düsseldorf. Photo: Lexus_GS_450h_F_Sport_(IV)_–_Frontansicht,_17._Juni_2012,_Düsseldorf.jpg: M 93 d, CC BY-SA 3.0 de, via Wikimedia Commons
Class
Midsize Cars
Body styles
350 4dr Sedan RWD, 350 AWD 4dr Sedan, 450h 4dr Sedan Hybrid
Engines
3.5L 6-cyl
Horsepower
275 hp
Drivetrain
Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Hybrid, Premium Gasoline
MPG (best)
31 combined · 29 city / 34 hwy
Length
191.7 in
Curb weight
3,715–4,112 lb
NHTSA rating
Not rated
Recalls
3 campaigns

Pros & cons

What's good

  • Excellent fuel economyUp to 31 MPG combined — 23% better than the average 2013 midsize car (25.3 MPG).
  • Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid as well as gas.
  • AWD / 4WD available

Watch out for

  • Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 34 similar 2013 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2013 Lexus GS is a midsize car offered with a 3.5L 6-cyl engine, including a hybrid version and rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.

It measures about 192 inches long and 72 inches wide on a 112-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,715 lb (350 4dr Sedan RWD).

EPA rates its most efficient version at 31 MPG combined (29 city / 34 highway), 23% better than the 2013 midsize car average of 25.3 MPG, for an estimated $2,650 a year in fuel.

NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.

It has 3 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 37 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the steering.

What changed for 2013

  • Engine dropped: 4.6L 8-cyl
  • Best combined MPG up from 23 to 31
  • Lightest version 154 lb lighter

Compared with 2011; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2011 GS →

Trims, performance & features

Engine275 hp3.5L 6-cyl hybrid

Trims

450h

Built in: Miyawaka, Fukuoka

NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 1 2013 GS configuration; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →

Dimensions & weight

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
350 4dr Sedan RWD191.7 in72 in57.5 in112.2 in62.6 / 63 in3,715 lb52/48
350 AWD 4dr Sedan191.7 in72 in57.9 in112.2 in62.6 / 63 in3,891 lb52/48
450h 4dr Sedan Hybrid191.7 in72 in57.5 in112.2 in62.6 / 63 in4,112 lb52/48

Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.

Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
GS 450h Hybrid3.5L 6-cylAutomatic (AV-S6)Rear-Wheel Drive29 / 34 / 31+23%$2,650283
GS 3503.5L 6-cylAutomatic (S6)Rear-Wheel Drive19 / 28 / 23-9%$3,550393
GS 350 AWD3.5L 6-cylAutomatic (S6)All-Wheel Drive19 / 26 / 21-17%$3,900412
8/10EPA fuel economy score (best version)
8/10EPA greenhouse gas score
Spend $1,250Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
25.3 MPG2013 Midsize Cars average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2013 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2013 Lexus GS.

Similar 2013 midsize cars

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2013 Lexus GS (this car)31 MPGNot rated3
2013 BMW 3 Series28 MPGNot rated0
2013 BMW 5 Series27 MPGNot rated0
2013 Mercedes-Benz E-Class26 MPGNot rated0
2013 Audi A426 MPGNot rated4
2013 Audi A628 MPGNot rated6
2013 Lexus LS20 MPGNot rated1

Recalls (3)

Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump · Jan 13, 2020

NHTSA campaign 20V012000 · 1,830,752 vehicles

Problem
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) recalled certain 2018-2019 4Runner, Highlander, Camry, Land Cruiser, Sequoia, Sienna, Tacoma and Tundra, and Lexus RC 300, RC 350, GS 350, GX 460, IS 300, LC 500, LS 500, LX 570, RX 350L, and 2019 Toyota Avalon and Corolla, and certain Lexus NX 300, and ES 350 vehicles on January 13, 2020. On March 4, 2020, Toyota expanded the recall to include certain 2014-2015 Toyota 4Runner and Land Cruiser, 2018 Avalon, Corolla, 2014 FJ Cruiser, 2017 Sienna and Lexus 2018 ES 350, 2018-2019 GS 300, 2013-2014 GS350, 2014-2015 GX 460, IS 350 and LX 570, 2014 IS F, 2018-2019 IS 350, LC 500H and LS 500H, 2013-2015 LS 460, 2015 NX 200T and RC350, 2017 RC 200T and RX 350. Toyota also removed the 2018-2019 Toyota 4Runner and Land Cruiser and 2018-2019 Lexus GX 460 and LX 570 and 2019 NX300 from inclusion in this recall. On March 19, 2020, Toyota expanded the recall to include 2015 Lexus GS350 vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
Risk
If the fuel pump fails, the engine can stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump, free of charge. The recall began May 4, 2020. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371 or Lexus customer service at 1-800-255-3987. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 20TB02 and 20TA02 for Toyota vehicles and 20LB01 and 20LA01 for Lexus vehicles.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Pedals And Linkages · May 22, 2014

NHTSA campaign 14V270000 · 10,462 vehicles

Problem
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2013 Lexus GS 350 vehicles manufactured June 8, 2012, through December 26, 2012. In the affected vehicles, the switch that senses the amount of pressure that the driver is applying to the brake pedal may fail.
Risk
If the switch fails, the vehicle may begin braking without the driver's input, and without illuminating the brake lights, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake pedal support assembly which includes the brake pedal load sensing switch, free of charge. Toyota sent owners an interim notification letter in late June 2014 to advise owners of the recall. Owners received a second letter after the remedy parts were available in mid-July. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331.
Steering · May 16, 2012

NHTSA campaign 12V221000 · 663 vehicles

Problem
TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2013 LEXUS GS350 VEHICLES, MANUFACTURED FROM DECEMBER 12, 2011, THROUGH FEBRUARY 7, 2012. THE STEERING CONTROL ELECTRONIC CONTROL UNIT (ECU) PROGRAMMING FOR THE VARIABLE GEAR RATIO STEERING (VGRS) SYSTEM COULD CAUSE THE STEERING WHEEL TO BECOME OFF-CENTERED WHEN RESTARTING IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE VEHICLE IS PARKED WITH THE STEERING WHEEL TURNED.
Risk
IF THIS OCCURS, THE DRIVER MAY NOT REALIZE THAT THE STEERING WHEEL IS OFF-CENTERED WHEN PULLING FROM A PARKED POSITION, THE VEHICLE COULD MANEUVER IN AN UNEXPECTED DIRECTION, RESULTING IN A CRASH.
Fix
TOYOTA WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND LEXUS DEALERS WILL UPDATE THE VGRS SYSTEM FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 7, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2013 Lexus GS is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

37Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
8Involved a crash
1Involved a fire
9Injuries reported
64,000 miTypical mileage at failure
Steering8
Service Brakes6
Unknown Or Other6
Air Bags4
Fuel/Propulsion System4
Suspension3
Seats3
Structure › Body3
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
18/05: 218/07: 119/02: 119/04: 119/06: 319/10: 119/12: 120/01: 120/03: 120/04: 120/05: 120/10: 221/05: 121/06: 122/03: 123/03: 224/01: 124/05: 124/07: 125/05: 225/12: 126/03: 126/07: 126/08: 118/0519/0419/1220/0421/0523/0324/0726/03max 3

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2013 Lexus GS buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 3 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Steering — 8 owner reports. Turn lock-to-lock while parked and on the road; listen for noises and feel for heavy or loose steering.
  3. Service Brakes — 6 owner reports. Brake firmly from speed; check for pulling, pulsing pedal or ABS warning light.
  4. Air Bags — 4 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
  5. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 64,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
  6. Hybrid system. Check for hybrid-system warning lights and ask whether the high-voltage battery has been replaced or is still under warranty.
  7. Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.

Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2013 Lexus GS. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.

Other GS years

Compare all years →
YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2020 GS23192.1 inNot rated10
2019 GS26192.1 inNot rated31
2018 GS31192.1 inNot rated44
2017 GS31192.1 inNot rated36
2016 GS31192.1 inNot rated210
2015 GS31191.7 inNot rated119
2014 GS31191.7 inNot rated119
2011 GS23190.2 inNot rated37
2010 GS23190.2 inNot rated315
2009 GS23190.2 inNot rated33
2008 GS23190.2 inNot rated434
2007 GS23190.2 inNot rated655

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Lexus. How we calculate this →