THE 10 BEST AND WORST ENGINES MADE BY MAJOR AUTOMAKERS

Worst Lexus Engine: 3GR-FSE

Of course, not every Lexus engine hits a high note. Take the 3GR-FSE, a fairly average 3.0-liter V6 that powered everyday models like the GS300 and IS250 starting in 2005.

On paper, it wasn’t bad—252 horsepower, decent torque, and a reliable layout. But one small flaw made it a headache: a faulty fuel pressure sensor. Poor sealing near the sensor could cause fuel leaks, which isn’t just annoying—it’s dangerous. Lexus ended up recalling over 8,000 vehicles to fix the issue.

It’s a reminder that even the most “boring” engines need attention to detail. While the 3GR-FSE won’t go down as a disaster, it certainly doesn’t carry the pride of Lexus’ engineering legacy.