Lexus GX: best & worst years

No Lexus GX model year rates as one to avoid in CarVitals data. The strongest years are 2008, 2009, 2012, 2013, 2015, 2016, 2018, 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023. Below is every year (2005–2024) ranked best to worst, with the owner-reported problems behind each verdict.

Every Lexus GX year, ranked

YearVerdictScoreTop owner-reported problems
2023 Recommended 8 Isolated reports of spontaneous sunroof or moonroof glass shattering without external impact.; Occasional brake-feel complaints on the refreshed GX460 (soft pedal or a brief loss of holding pressure at a stop); isolated and not tied to a recall. Full report ↗
2022 Recommended 8 Isolated reports of spontaneous sunroof or moonroof glass shattering without external impact.; Occasional brake-feel complaints on the refreshed GX460 (soft pedal or a brief loss of holding pressure at a stop); isolated and not tied to a recall. Full report ↗
2021 Recommended 8 Isolated reports of spontaneous sunroof or moonroof glass shattering without external impact.; Occasional brake-feel complaints on the refreshed GX460 (soft pedal or a brief loss of holding pressure at a stop); isolated and not tied to a recall. Full report ↗
2020 Recommended 8 Isolated reports of spontaneous sunroof or moonroof glass shattering without external impact.; Occasional brake-feel complaints on the refreshed GX460 (soft pedal or a brief loss of holding pressure at a stop); isolated and not tied to a recall. Full report ↗
2018 Recommended 7 Denso low-pressure fuel-pump recall: the pump can fail and stall the engine while driving. The remedy is a free pump replacement covering a broad range of these model years; confirm it was performed.; Isolated reports of spontaneous sunroof or moonroof glass shattering without external impact.; Leans to one side: owners report the body sitting noticeably lower on one side (rear suspension/ride height), often dismissed by dealers as within spec. Cosmetic more than a safety issue, but persistent. Full report ↗
2016 Recommended 7 Denso low-pressure fuel-pump recall: the pump can fail and stall the engine while driving. The remedy is a free pump replacement covering a broad range of these model years; confirm it was performed.; Isolated reports of spontaneous sunroof or moonroof glass shattering without external impact.; Leans to one side: owners report the body sitting noticeably lower on one side (rear suspension/ride height), often dismissed by dealers as within spec. Cosmetic more than a safety issue, but persistent. Full report ↗
2015 Recommended 7 Denso low-pressure fuel-pump recall: the pump can fail and stall the engine while driving. The remedy is a free pump replacement covering a broad range of these model years; confirm it was performed.; Isolated reports of spontaneous sunroof or moonroof glass shattering without external impact.; Leans to one side: owners report the body sitting noticeably lower on one side (rear suspension/ride height), often dismissed by dealers as within spec. Cosmetic more than a safety issue, but persistent. Full report ↗
2013 Recommended 7 Takata airbag inflator recall spans the early GX460 years and dominated owner complaints in 2011-2012; a free remedy exists but parts delays were common. Verify completion.; Stability-control (VSC) recall on the 2010 launch year: the electronic stability system could intervene too slowly in hard cornering, raising rollover risk. Lexus issued a software-update recall (Consumer Reports flagged it); confirm it was performed on 2010 trucks.; Minor 4.6L V8 (1UR-FE) oil seepage from the timing cover, cam towers and valley-plate seal can appear with age; a slow seep more than a failure, but worth checking on higher-mileage trucks. Full report ↗
2012 Recommended 7 Takata airbag inflator recall spans the early GX460 years and dominated owner complaints in 2011-2012; a free remedy exists but parts delays were common. Verify completion.; Stability-control (VSC) recall on the 2010 launch year: the electronic stability system could intervene too slowly in hard cornering, raising rollover risk. Lexus issued a software-update recall (Consumer Reports flagged it); confirm it was performed on 2010 trucks.; Minor 4.6L V8 (1UR-FE) oil seepage from the timing cover, cam towers and valley-plate seal can appear with age; a slow seep more than a failure, but worth checking on higher-mileage trucks. Full report ↗
2009 Recommended 7 Takata passenger-airbag inflator recall affects these years; the inflator can rupture and a free remedy exists, but parts delays were widely reported. Confirm the recall was completed.; Frame and undercarriage corrosion in salt-belt regions can affect structural components and brake/fuel lines on higher-mileage trucks; inspect the frame and suspension mounts before purchase.; Dashboard cracking and surface melting (with clearcoat paint peeling on some colors). The dash top develops widening cracks, raising airbag-deployment and resale concerns; the most frequently reported GX470 complaint, concentrated in 2005-2008. Full report ↗
2008 Recommended 7 Takata passenger-airbag inflator recall affects these years; the inflator can rupture and a free remedy exists, but parts delays were widely reported. Confirm the recall was completed.; Frame and undercarriage corrosion in salt-belt regions can affect structural components and brake/fuel lines on higher-mileage trucks; inspect the frame and suspension mounts before purchase.; Dashboard cracking and surface melting (with clearcoat paint peeling on some colors). The dash top develops widening cracks, raising airbag-deployment and resale concerns; the most frequently reported GX470 complaint, concentrated in 2005-2008. Full report ↗
2024 Caution 6 First-model-year electrical gremlins on the all-new GX550: reports of instrument-cluster blackouts and, in isolated cases, fuse-box overheating and low-steering-power warnings. Early-build teething rather than a confirmed widespread defect.; Low-speed drivetrain jerkiness and harsh shifts from the new 10-speed automatic, plus isolated reports of stalling or engine shutdown while driving on early-build trucks.; Brake squeal and rapid front-rotor wear, particularly on steep descents, reported by some early GX550 owners. Full report ↗
2019 Caution 6 Denso low-pressure fuel-pump recall: the pump can fail and stall the engine while driving. The remedy is a free pump replacement covering a broad range of these model years; confirm it was performed.; Isolated reports of spontaneous sunroof or moonroof glass shattering without external impact.; Leans to one side: owners report the body sitting noticeably lower on one side (rear suspension/ride height), often dismissed by dealers as within spec. Cosmetic more than a safety issue, but persistent. Full report ↗
2017 Caution 6 Denso low-pressure fuel-pump recall: the pump can fail and stall the engine while driving. The remedy is a free pump replacement covering a broad range of these model years; confirm it was performed.; Isolated reports of spontaneous sunroof or moonroof glass shattering without external impact.; Leans to one side: owners report the body sitting noticeably lower on one side (rear suspension/ride height), often dismissed by dealers as within spec. Cosmetic more than a safety issue, but persistent. Full report ↗
2014 Caution 6 Denso low-pressure fuel-pump recall: the pump can fail and stall the engine while driving. The remedy is a free pump replacement covering a broad range of these model years; confirm it was performed.; Isolated reports of spontaneous sunroof or moonroof glass shattering without external impact.; Leans to one side: owners report the body sitting noticeably lower on one side (rear suspension/ride height), often dismissed by dealers as within spec. Cosmetic more than a safety issue, but persistent. Full report ↗
2011 Caution 6 Takata airbag inflator recall spans the early GX460 years and dominated owner complaints in 2011-2012; a free remedy exists but parts delays were common. Verify completion.; Stability-control (VSC) recall on the 2010 launch year: the electronic stability system could intervene too slowly in hard cornering, raising rollover risk. Lexus issued a software-update recall (Consumer Reports flagged it); confirm it was performed on 2010 trucks.; Minor 4.6L V8 (1UR-FE) oil seepage from the timing cover, cam towers and valley-plate seal can appear with age; a slow seep more than a failure, but worth checking on higher-mileage trucks. Full report ↗
2007 Caution 6 Takata passenger-airbag inflator recall affects these years; the inflator can rupture and a free remedy exists, but parts delays were widely reported. Confirm the recall was completed.; Frame and undercarriage corrosion in salt-belt regions can affect structural components and brake/fuel lines on higher-mileage trucks; inspect the frame and suspension mounts before purchase.; Dashboard cracking and surface melting (with clearcoat paint peeling on some colors). The dash top develops widening cracks, raising airbag-deployment and resale concerns; the most frequently reported GX470 complaint, concentrated in 2005-2008. Full report ↗
2006 Caution 6 Takata passenger-airbag inflator recall affects these years; the inflator can rupture and a free remedy exists, but parts delays were widely reported. Confirm the recall was completed.; Frame and undercarriage corrosion in salt-belt regions can affect structural components and brake/fuel lines on higher-mileage trucks; inspect the frame and suspension mounts before purchase.; Dashboard cracking and surface melting (with clearcoat paint peeling on some colors). The dash top develops widening cracks, raising airbag-deployment and resale concerns; the most frequently reported GX470 complaint, concentrated in 2005-2008. Full report ↗
2005 Caution 6 Takata passenger-airbag inflator recall affects these years; the inflator can rupture and a free remedy exists, but parts delays were widely reported. Confirm the recall was completed.; Frame and undercarriage corrosion in salt-belt regions can affect structural components and brake/fuel lines on higher-mileage trucks; inspect the frame and suspension mounts before purchase.; Dashboard cracking and surface melting (with clearcoat paint peeling on some colors). The dash top develops widening cracks, raising airbag-deployment and resale concerns; the most frequently reported GX470 complaint, concentrated in 2005-2008. Full report ↗
2010 Caution 5 Takata airbag inflator recall spans the early GX460 years and dominated owner complaints in 2011-2012; a free remedy exists but parts delays were common. Verify completion.; Stability-control (VSC) recall on the 2010 launch year: the electronic stability system could intervene too slowly in hard cornering, raising rollover risk. Lexus issued a software-update recall (Consumer Reports flagged it); confirm it was performed on 2010 trucks.; Minor 4.6L V8 (1UR-FE) oil seepage from the timing cover, cam towers and valley-plate seal can appear with age; a slow seep more than a failure, but worth checking on higher-mileage trucks. Full report ↗

Lexus GX problems by year

2024 Lexus GX Caution

The all-new twin-turbo V6 GX550 is more powerful, efficient and capable than the V8 it replaces, but a first-model-year redesign with early electrical, brake and drivetrain complaints leaves its long-term reliability unproven.

  • First-model-year electrical gremlins on the all-new GX550: reports of instrument-cluster blackouts and, in isolated cases, fuse-box overheating and low-steering-power warnings. Early-build teething rather than a confirmed widespread defect.
  • Low-speed drivetrain jerkiness and harsh shifts from the new 10-speed automatic, plus isolated reports of stalling or engine shutdown while driving on early-build trucks.
  • Brake squeal and rapid front-rotor wear, particularly on steep descents, reported by some early GX550 owners.

2023 Lexus GX Recommended

The final J150 GX460: a proven 4.6L V8 with excellent reliability and class-leading resale; heavy fuel use and a side-swinging tailgate are the only real drawbacks.

  • Isolated reports of spontaneous sunroof or moonroof glass shattering without external impact.
  • Occasional brake-feel complaints on the refreshed GX460 (soft pedal or a brief loss of holding pressure at a stop); isolated and not tied to a recall.

2022 Lexus GX Recommended

Refined, dependable late-gen GX460 with minimal reported issues, legendary durability and strong resale value.

  • Isolated reports of spontaneous sunroof or moonroof glass shattering without external impact.
  • Occasional brake-feel complaints on the refreshed GX460 (soft pedal or a brief loss of holding pressure at a stop); isolated and not tied to a recall.

2021 Lexus GX Recommended

An exceptionally clean GX460 year with near-zero owner complaints; arguably the sweet spot for reliability, features and insurance cost.

  • Isolated reports of spontaneous sunroof or moonroof glass shattering without external impact.
  • Occasional brake-feel complaints on the refreshed GX460 (soft pedal or a brief loss of holding pressure at a stop); isolated and not tied to a recall.

2020 Lexus GX Recommended

The 2020 refresh added standard active-safety tech and Apple CarPlay to an already bulletproof GX460; very few complaints and excellent resale.

  • Isolated reports of spontaneous sunroof or moonroof glass shattering without external impact.
  • Occasional brake-feel complaints on the refreshed GX460 (soft pedal or a brief loss of holding pressure at a stop); isolated and not tied to a recall.

2019 Lexus GX Caution

A reliable GX460, but 2019 sits in the Denso low-pressure fuel-pump recall window with stalling reports; confirm that remedy and it becomes a strong buy.

  • Denso low-pressure fuel-pump recall: the pump can fail and stall the engine while driving. The remedy is a free pump replacement covering a broad range of these model years; confirm it was performed.
  • Isolated reports of spontaneous sunroof or moonroof glass shattering without external impact.
  • Leans to one side: owners report the body sitting noticeably lower on one side (rear suspension/ride height), often dismissed by dealers as within spec. Cosmetic more than a safety issue, but persistent.

2018 Lexus GX Recommended

Refined, durable and low-complaint GX460; among the better used picks before the 2020 refresh.

  • Denso low-pressure fuel-pump recall: the pump can fail and stall the engine while driving. The remedy is a free pump replacement covering a broad range of these model years; confirm it was performed.
  • Isolated reports of spontaneous sunroof or moonroof glass shattering without external impact.
  • Leans to one side: owners report the body sitting noticeably lower on one side (rear suspension/ride height), often dismissed by dealers as within spec. Cosmetic more than a safety issue, but persistent.

2017 Lexus GX Caution

A good GX460 overall, but 2017 saw suspension-lean, false automatic-emergency-braking and a few spontaneous sunroof-shatter reports.

  • Denso low-pressure fuel-pump recall: the pump can fail and stall the engine while driving. The remedy is a free pump replacement covering a broad range of these model years; confirm it was performed.
  • Isolated reports of spontaneous sunroof or moonroof glass shattering without external impact.
  • Leans to one side: owners report the body sitting noticeably lower on one side (rear suspension/ride height), often dismissed by dealers as within spec. Cosmetic more than a safety issue, but persistent.

2016 Lexus GX Recommended

Dependable GX460 with few reported issues beyond isolated brake-feel complaints; strong reliability and resale.

  • Denso low-pressure fuel-pump recall: the pump can fail and stall the engine while driving. The remedy is a free pump replacement covering a broad range of these model years; confirm it was performed.
  • Isolated reports of spontaneous sunroof or moonroof glass shattering without external impact.
  • Leans to one side: owners report the body sitting noticeably lower on one side (rear suspension/ride height), often dismissed by dealers as within spec. Cosmetic more than a safety issue, but persistent.

2015 Lexus GX Recommended

A well-sorted, capable and famously long-lived GX460 with low complaint volume; verify the fuel-pump recall.

  • Denso low-pressure fuel-pump recall: the pump can fail and stall the engine while driving. The remedy is a free pump replacement covering a broad range of these model years; confirm it was performed.
  • Isolated reports of spontaneous sunroof or moonroof glass shattering without external impact.
  • Leans to one side: owners report the body sitting noticeably lower on one side (rear suspension/ride height), often dismissed by dealers as within spec. Cosmetic more than a safety issue, but persistent.

2014 Lexus GX Caution

The 2014 facelift brought infotainment-reboot gripes and lean-to-one-side suspension complaints plus the fuel-pump recall; still durable, but the busier year of the generation.

  • Denso low-pressure fuel-pump recall: the pump can fail and stall the engine while driving. The remedy is a free pump replacement covering a broad range of these model years; confirm it was performed.
  • Isolated reports of spontaneous sunroof or moonroof glass shattering without external impact.
  • Leans to one side: owners report the body sitting noticeably lower on one side (rear suspension/ride height), often dismissed by dealers as within spec. Cosmetic more than a safety issue, but persistent.

2013 Lexus GX Recommended

A reliable mid-cycle GX460 with low complaint volume; it falls in the Denso low-pressure fuel-pump recall window, so confirm that remedy.

  • Takata airbag inflator recall spans the early GX460 years and dominated owner complaints in 2011-2012; a free remedy exists but parts delays were common. Verify completion.
  • Stability-control (VSC) recall on the 2010 launch year: the electronic stability system could intervene too slowly in hard cornering, raising rollover risk. Lexus issued a software-update recall (Consumer Reports flagged it); confirm it was performed on 2010 trucks.
  • Minor 4.6L V8 (1UR-FE) oil seepage from the timing cover, cam towers and valley-plate seal can appear with age; a slow seep more than a failure, but worth checking on higher-mileage trucks.

2012 Lexus GX Recommended

A dependable, well-built GX460 with very few complaints beyond the remedied Takata airbag campaign; excellent off-road ability and resale.

  • Takata airbag inflator recall spans the early GX460 years and dominated owner complaints in 2011-2012; a free remedy exists but parts delays were common. Verify completion.
  • Stability-control (VSC) recall on the 2010 launch year: the electronic stability system could intervene too slowly in hard cornering, raising rollover risk. Lexus issued a software-update recall (Consumer Reports flagged it); confirm it was performed on 2010 trucks.
  • Minor 4.6L V8 (1UR-FE) oil seepage from the timing cover, cam towers and valley-plate seal can appear with age; a slow seep more than a failure, but worth checking on higher-mileage trucks.

2011 Lexus GX Caution

A solid, durable GX460 once the Takata airbag recall is verified; watch for minor 4.6L V8 oil seepage. Strong long-term reliability otherwise.

  • Takata airbag inflator recall spans the early GX460 years and dominated owner complaints in 2011-2012; a free remedy exists but parts delays were common. Verify completion.
  • Stability-control (VSC) recall on the 2010 launch year: the electronic stability system could intervene too slowly in hard cornering, raising rollover risk. Lexus issued a software-update recall (Consumer Reports flagged it); confirm it was performed on 2010 trucks.
  • Minor 4.6L V8 (1UR-FE) oil seepage from the timing cover, cam towers and valley-plate seal can appear with age; a slow seep more than a failure, but worth checking on higher-mileage trucks.

2010 Lexus GX Caution

The launch GX460 carried a stability-control software recall (rollover risk in hard cornering) plus heavy Takata airbag exposure; both are fixable, but confirm the recalls were performed.

  • Takata airbag inflator recall spans the early GX460 years and dominated owner complaints in 2011-2012; a free remedy exists but parts delays were common. Verify completion.
  • Stability-control (VSC) recall on the 2010 launch year: the electronic stability system could intervene too slowly in hard cornering, raising rollover risk. Lexus issued a software-update recall (Consumer Reports flagged it); confirm it was performed on 2010 trucks.
  • Minor 4.6L V8 (1UR-FE) oil seepage from the timing cover, cam towers and valley-plate seal can appear with age; a slow seep more than a failure, but worth checking on higher-mileage trucks.

2009 Lexus GX Recommended

The cleanest final-year J120 GX470: excellent reliability and resale, capable off-road, with heavy fuel use and an aging interior the only real compromises.

  • Takata passenger-airbag inflator recall affects these years; the inflator can rupture and a free remedy exists, but parts delays were widely reported. Confirm the recall was completed.
  • Frame and undercarriage corrosion in salt-belt regions can affect structural components and brake/fuel lines on higher-mileage trucks; inspect the frame and suspension mounts before purchase.
  • Dashboard cracking and surface melting (with clearcoat paint peeling on some colors). The dash top develops widening cracks, raising airbag-deployment and resale concerns; the most frequently reported GX470 complaint, concentrated in 2005-2008.

2008 Lexus GX Recommended

One of the stronger GX470 years; legendary durability and off-road ability with fewer reported faults. Main downsides are thirst and dated tech.

  • Takata passenger-airbag inflator recall affects these years; the inflator can rupture and a free remedy exists, but parts delays were widely reported. Confirm the recall was completed.
  • Frame and undercarriage corrosion in salt-belt regions can affect structural components and brake/fuel lines on higher-mileage trucks; inspect the frame and suspension mounts before purchase.
  • Dashboard cracking and surface melting (with clearcoat paint peeling on some colors). The dash top develops widening cracks, raising airbag-deployment and resale concerns; the most frequently reported GX470 complaint, concentrated in 2005-2008.

2007 Lexus GX Caution

Smooth, capable and long-lived, yet 2007 is a peak year for GX470 dashboard cracking and secondary-air-injection failures, plus Toyota unintended-acceleration-era reports.

  • Takata passenger-airbag inflator recall affects these years; the inflator can rupture and a free remedy exists, but parts delays were widely reported. Confirm the recall was completed.
  • Frame and undercarriage corrosion in salt-belt regions can affect structural components and brake/fuel lines on higher-mileage trucks; inspect the frame and suspension mounts before purchase.
  • Dashboard cracking and surface melting (with clearcoat paint peeling on some colors). The dash top develops widening cracks, raising airbag-deployment and resale concerns; the most frequently reported GX470 complaint, concentrated in 2005-2008.

2006 Lexus GX Caution

A reliable body-on-frame Lexus, but 2006 GX470s commonly show dashboard cracking, clearcoat paint peeling and secondary-air-pump faults; inspect the frame for rust.

  • Takata passenger-airbag inflator recall affects these years; the inflator can rupture and a free remedy exists, but parts delays were widely reported. Confirm the recall was completed.
  • Frame and undercarriage corrosion in salt-belt regions can affect structural components and brake/fuel lines on higher-mileage trucks; inspect the frame and suspension mounts before purchase.
  • Dashboard cracking and surface melting (with clearcoat paint peeling on some colors). The dash top develops widening cracks, raising airbag-deployment and resale concerns; the most frequently reported GX470 complaint, concentrated in 2005-2008.

2005 Lexus GX Caution

A durable 4.7L V8 GX470 but the oldest J120 year; age-related dashboard cracking, salt-belt frame corrosion and Takata airbag history make a thorough pre-purchase inspection essential.

  • Takata passenger-airbag inflator recall affects these years; the inflator can rupture and a free remedy exists, but parts delays were widely reported. Confirm the recall was completed.
  • Frame and undercarriage corrosion in salt-belt regions can affect structural components and brake/fuel lines on higher-mileage trucks; inspect the frame and suspension mounts before purchase.
  • Dashboard cracking and surface melting (with clearcoat paint peeling on some colors). The dash top develops widening cracks, raising airbag-deployment and resale concerns; the most frequently reported GX470 complaint, concentrated in 2005-2008.

Rankings come from CarVitals reliability verdicts, built on public NHTSA complaint and recall data. See how we build these reports, the most reliable used cars overall, browse all Lexus models, or check any listing free with the CarVitals extension.