Lexus GX Best and Worst Years (2005–2025)
Lexus GX years to avoid are 2011, 2014, 2023, 2024, and 2025, with complaint indexes of 80, 85, 90, 100, and 95 out of 145 total complaints across all years. The 2006 and 2017 model years are the only ones rated Good, while 2024 also carries 4 recall campaigns.
Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls per model-year, ranked within this model — not a reliability rating. Methodology.
- Model years
- 21
- 2005–2025
- NHTSA complaints
- 145
- Recall campaigns
- 5
- Crashes reported
- 9
- Fires reported
- 1
- Top problem area
- Structure & Body
GX Complaint Index by year
Higher = more complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and Do-Not-Drive recalls per year on the road, relative to other years of this model.
Lexus GX problems and recalls by year
| Year | Verdict | Index | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Recalls | Top issue | MPG | NCAP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 | No verdict | 5 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Structure & Body | — | — |
| 2006 | Good | 40 | 10 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Structure & Body | — | — |
| 2007 | Caution | 55 | 12 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Structure & Body | — | — |
| 2008 | No verdict | 25 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | Engine | — | — |
| 2009 | No verdict | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | — | — | — |
| 2010 | Caution | 65 | 7 | 1 | 0 | 0 | Brakes | — | — |
| 2011 | Avoid | 80 | 11 | 1 | 0 | 0 | Airbags | — | — |
| 2012 | No verdict | 15 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Airbags | — | — |
| 2013 | Caution | 50 | 10 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Fuel System | — | — |
| 2014 | Avoid | 85 | 15 | 3 | 0 | 0 | Electrical System | — | — |
| 2015 | No verdict | 30 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 0 | Electrical System | — | — |
| 2016 | No verdict | 75 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 0 | Airbags | — | — |
| 2017 | Good | 35 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Structure & Body | — | — |
| 2018 | No verdict | 10 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Airbags | — | — |
| 2019 | Caution | 60 | 8 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Fuel System | — | — |
| 2020 | No verdict | 45 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Brakes | — | — |
| 2021 | No verdict | 20 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Lane Departure | — | — |
| 2022 | Caution | 70 | 5 | 1 | 0 | 0 | Brakes | — | — |
| 2023 | Avoid | 90 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Brakes | — | — |
| 2024 | Avoid | 100 | 20 | 1 | 0 | 4 | Engine | 17 | — |
| 2025 | Avoid | 95 | 13 | 0 | 0 | 2 | Structure & Body | 17 | — |
GX years to avoid: what went wrong
2024 Lexus GX Index 100 · 20 complaints · 4 recalls
The 2024 GX has the highest complaint index in the lineup at 100, from 20 complaints, and carries 4 recall campaigns covering the instrument panel cluster, a load capacity label, and engine bearing debris on V35A-equipped engines. Engine problems made up 30% of complaints, including reports of sudden loss of power while driving and a shutdown during acceleration. Electrical System issues followed at 25%, with a median failure mileage of 8,000. One crash and one injury were reported.
2025 Lexus GX Index 95 · 13 complaints · 2 recalls
The 2025 GX ranks 2nd worst with a complaint index of 95 from 13 complaints and 2 recall campaigns, one for a load capacity label and one for a Panoramic View Monitor software update. Structure & Body complaints led at 31% of the total, with a median failure mileage of 2,435, including reports of a shaking driver-side mirror. Owners also described harsh transmission shifting and hesitation during acceleration, plus vibration at all speeds despite multiple tire and alignment services.
2023 Lexus GX Index 90 · 6 complaints · 0 recalls
The 2023 GX has a complaint index of 90 from 6 complaints, ranking 3rd worst. Brakes were the top problem area at 33% of complaints, including reports that the parking brake failed to hold the vehicle on an incline and that the vehicle crept forward with the brake pedal engaged. Owners also reported a moonroof that shattered while accelerating and a driver seatbelt that failed to retract properly. One injury was reported for this year.
2014 Lexus GX Index 85 · 15 complaints · 0 recalls
The 2014 GX carries a complaint index of 85 from 15 complaints, ranking 4th worst overall. Electrical System problems made up 33% of complaints, with a low median failure mileage of 1,500 miles. Suspension issues accounted for another 20% of complaints, including reports of the vehicle leaning to one side that dealers called normal. Owners also described brake failure incidents and a slow transfer case seal leak noticed only after the warranty period. Three crashes were reported for this year.
2011 Lexus GX Index 80 · 11 complaints · 0 recalls
The 2011 GX shows a complaint index of 80 with 11 complaints, ranking 5th worst of 21 model years. Airbags and Engine issues each made up 36% of complaints for this year, with airbag-related median mileage at failure of 137,000. Owners also reported steering wheel shaking and vibration that dealers struggled to resolve, along with a Takata airbag recall that some said was slow to get remedied due to parts shortages. One crash and one injury were logged for this year.
Most common Lexus GX problems (all years)
Share of NHTSA complaints by component group across all model years.
- Structure & Body30 (21%)
- Other27 (19%)
- Engine22 (15%)
- Brakes19 (13%)
- Electrical System19 (13%)
- Airbags17 (12%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires15 (10%)
- Fuel System11 (8%)
- Transmission & Powertrain10 (7%)
- Visibility & Wipers9 (6%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
Frequently asked questions
- What years of the Lexus GX should I avoid?
- Based on NHTSA complaints and recalls, the years to avoid are 2011, 2014, 2023, 2024, and 2025, with complaint indexes ranging from 80 to 100 out of a possible 100.
- Which Lexus GX years are rated Good?
- 2006 and 2017 are the only model years rated Good, with complaint indexes of 40 and 35 respectively, both well below the 2024 peak of 100.
- Does the 2024 Lexus GX have recalls?
- Yes. NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns for the 2024 GX, covering the instrument cluster software, a load capacity label, and engine main bearing debris on V35A engines.
- What is the most common problem area across all Lexus GX years?
- Structure & Body issues are the most common, accounting for 30 of 145 total complaints (21%), followed by Engine at 15% and Brakes at 13%.
- Is the 2011 Lexus GX reliable?
- The 2011 GX is rated Avoid relative to other GX years, with a complaint index of 80 driven largely by airbag deployment reports and steering vibration complaints.