1998 Lexus GS300: ball joint or control arm failure

5 of the 60 complaints about the 1998 Lexus GS300 describe ball joint or control arm failure.

owner complaints: 5
of this car's complaints: 8%
recalls: 0

Is there a fix? 2 service bulletins cover this area of the car. See below

Ball joint or control arm failure by model year

2002
1
2000
4
1999
3
1998
5
1995
4
1994
2

What owners say

Filed Mar 31, 2010 · Suspension · 193,000 miles · CA · crash

Was on the freeway driving about 60 miles per hour, hit a pot hole, car dropped apparently the ball joint broke on the right side. But this happened on the left side a few months ago in december. That time I was not on the freeway. After researching on line I saw that previous models had been recalled for this problem but not the 1998. After the incident in december and the damage was corrected, I took my car to my mechanic and he checked it out made some adjustments, then it happens again. I'm afraid someone could get killed, luckily I didn't, especially the second time when I was on the freeway. Why would this happen, I always thought a lexus was a very dependable car.

Filed Mar 19, 2009 · Suspension · CA

98 lexus gs300lower ball joint dislocated itself while driving at 20mph on city streets. Luckily it wasn't on the highway. Called a towing company, and they refused to tow the lexus gs300 since it could cause more damage. During the whole ordeal, the lower ball joint puncture the original lexus 16inch wheel. A hole is visible and the dislocated ball joint sits on the wheel close the edge.

Filed Mar 19, 2009 · Suspension · 170,000 miles · CA

Tl*the contact owns a 1998 lexus gs300. While driving less than 20 MPH, the contact heard a loud popping sound. The vehicle pulled to the right with tremendous force. The driver was able to maneuver the vehicle off the road and attempted to have the vehicle towed to the dealer; however, the tow company was uncomfortable with towing in fear that they would cause more damage. It was discovered that the lower ball joints were hanging from the vehicle and punctured the rim. The VIN was unknown. The failure and current mileages were less than 170,000.

Filed Jan 22, 2008 · Suspension · 100,000 miles · CA

Tl*the contact owns a 1998 lexus gs300. While driving 20 MPH, the vehicle skidded to a stop without warning. The fender, tire, and undercarriage of the vehicle were damaged. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and they stated that the lower ball joint snapped. The contact is experiencing the same failure as stated in the federal safety agency campaign id number 99v125000 (suspension:front:control arm:lower ball joint) for the 1995-1997 lexus gs300. The current and failure mileages were 100,000. Updated 02/14/08.

Filed Mar 6, 2007 · Suspension · 135,000 miles · KS

We own a 1998 lexus, model gs 300. This saturday my wife was driving the lexus and the entire wheel assembly came off the vehicle due the failure of the lower ball joint. In reviewing recall information for lexus\toyota, it is very apparent there is an ongoing issue of quality control related to their lower ball joints. For our specific model, there was a recall in 93, 94, 95, 96 and 97 specific to this part. Given we have a 98 and a recall has not been issued (yet), the lexus dealership refused to provide us with any accommodation towards fixing the failed part, or the resulting body damage related to the vehicle traveling down the road on only three wheel. Fortunately, we were not traveling on the highway, but a side street when this incident occurred. But moreover, regardless of our financial loss, in my opinion, this is a public safety concern.