Last updated: 2026-10-10

2018 Lexus GX
RELIABILITY SCORE: 77/100 (GOOD)

2018 Lexus GX Reliability Report

The 2018 Lexus GX rates good for reliability, but some owners report the body sitting lower on the left side while dealers find nothing wrong.

Recalls

2

Complaints

8

Complaint Rate

3per 10,000 sold

Est. Repair Cost

$551

Annual Fuel Cost

$4,300

Detailed Score Breakdown

Complaint Severity73/100

Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume

Repair Costs80/100

Independent repair cost ratings

Recall Impact80/100

Recall count weighted by severity

Issue Diversity76/100

Breadth of reported problem categories

The Verdict

Consider

Good standing and well above other 2018 SUVs, though among the weaker GX years, with a reported left-side lean and two recalls.

Top Issues to Watch

  • SUSPENSION (2)
  • AIR BAGS (1)
  • POWER TRAIN (1)

Generation & Refresh (US)

Post-Refresh

2018 is 4 years after the first facelift refresh.

  • Year 9 in the Second generation (J150) (2010–2023).
  • Well-established in its generation — most early issues should be resolved.
  • 2nd generation GX (US).

What this means for buyers

Post-refresh years tend to be among the most refined — updates have been applied and early kinks worked out.

2010: Second generation (J150) Launch

Generation start — new platform.

2014: Mid-Cycle Refresh

Updated features and styling tweaks.

2018: This Model Year

2018 is 4 years after the first facelift refresh.

2020: Mid-Cycle Refresh

Updated features and styling tweaks.

Should You Buy the 2018 Lexus GX?

Good, with one caveat. Against other 2018 SUVs, this Lexus rates well above average. Among the nine scored GX years, though, it is one of the weaker ones. The 2019 rates about the same, so neither year has a clear edge. Owners filed 8 complaints, about 3 per 10,000 sold.

The main complaint is a lean. Owners say the body sits visibly lower on the left side, both driving and parked. Some hear a hiss from the rear after shutting off the engine, and some hear a suspension noise that keeps returning. Dealers often find nothing wrong and call the lean normal. They say it can only be diagnosed with a full fuel tank. No mileage is given, and none of these reports describe a crash, fire, or loss of control. Federal records list two recalls, covering equipment and the gasoline fuel system.

Ask the seller for proof that both recalls were completed. Compare the body height side to side, and ask for a check with a full tank. The 2019 had one recall, so it is worth pricing alongside.

Compared to the 2019 Lexus GX, which scored 1 points higher.

Pros

  • +Acceptable reliability score
  • +Low recall count
  • +Below-average complaint rate for SUV
  • +Well-established generation

Cons

  • −SUSPENSION: Body sits visibly lower on the left side, both while driving and when parked (2 complaints)

Compare 2018 Lexus GX With

Common Problem Categories

Safety

LOW RISK
  • 2 manufacturer recalls issued

Other

HIGH RISK
  • SUSPENSION (2)
  • AIR BAGS (1)

See detailed breakdown by component ↓

Recall Overview

2

recalls on record

The 2018 Lexus GX carries 2 recalls — a low count. Authorized dealers repair any open recall free of charge, regardless of warranty status.

NHTSA.gov →

Complaint Breakdown

3

per 10,000 sold

Segment avg: 27.1

LowAvgHigh
Low

Safety Incidents

2

Crashes

0

Fires

3

Injuries

0

Deaths

Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.

2018 Lexus GX Recall Details

2 recalls have been issued for the 2018 Lexus GX. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.

17V8310002017-12-20

EQUIPMENT

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Toyota 4Runner and Tundra, 2018 Toyota Highlander, RAV4 and Lexus GX460 and 2017 Toyota Sienna and Tacoma vehicles. These vehicles may have incorrect load carrying capacity modification labels. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."

Consequence

An incorrect load information label can result in the operator overloading the vehicle and increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Toyota will notify owners and provide them with corrected labels, free of charge. The recall began on January 23, 2018. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are H0Z for Toyota vehicles, and HLF for Lexus vehicles.

20V6820002020-11-04

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2018-2019 4Runner, 2019-2020 Avalon, 2019 Corolla Hatchback, 2017-2019 Highlander, 2018-2020 Camry, 2020 Corolla, 2018-2019 Land Cruiser, 2017-2020 Tacoma, 2019-2020 RAV4, 2019-2020 Sequoia, 2017-2020 Sienna, 2019-2020 Tundra, 2018-2020 Lexus ES350, 2017 Lexus GS200t, 2017-2019 Lexus GS350, 2019 Lexus GS300, 2018-2020 Lexus LC500h, 2019-2020 Lexus LS500, 2018-2019 Lexus GX460, 2017 Lexus IS200t, 2019 Lexus IS300, 2019 Lexus IS350, 2018-2020 Lexus LC500, 2018 Lexus LS500, 2019 Lexus LS500h, 2018-2019 Lexus LX570, 2017 Lexus RC200t, 2019 Lexus RC300, RC350, 2017 and 2019-2020 Lexus RX350, 2018-2020 RX350L, 2019 Lexus UX200, 2018-2019 Lexus NX300 vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.

Consequence

If the fuel pump fails, the engine can stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump assembly with an improved one, free of charge. Owners of specific models were notified that remedy parts were available starting January 21, 2021. Owners of other models will be notified as remedy parts become available. Remedy parts should be available for all affected vehicles by late March 2021. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371 or Lexus customer service at 1-800-255-3987. Note: This recall is an expansion of recall 20V-012. Toyota's number for this recall is 20TA02. Lexus' number for this recall is 20LA01.

VIN History Report

Buying a used 2018 Lexus GX? Check its history first

Suspension problems lead owner complaints about the 2018 Lexus GX, and 2 recalls were issued for it. A VIN check shows whether this car's recall work was done, plus accident, title, and odometer history.

No VIN? Just hit “Check VIN” to look one up.

  • Accidents
  • Open Recalls
  • Title History
  • Odometer Rollback

2018 Lexus GX NHTSA Safety Ratings

Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)

Gas Powertrain

Rollover risk: 0.0%

Safety Technologies

Dynamic Head Restraints (Driver, Front Passenger)Head Restraint (Not Available)Advanced Belt Feature (Standard)Adjustable Upper Belt Anchorage (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat)Seat Belt Reminder System (Driver, Front Passenger)Frontal Air Bag (Driver, Front Passenger)Curtain (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat, 3rd row)Torso/Pelvis (Driver, Front Passenger)Torso (Rear Seat)Knee (Driver, Front Passenger)Additional Air Bags (Not Available)Meets Side Air Bag Out-of-Position Requirements (Yes)LATCH Locations (Rear Seat)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) (Standard)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) locations (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat)
View full safety data on NHTSA.gov →

Lexus GXRepair Costs & Maintenance

Maintenance Rating

4Maintenance rating: 4 out of 5

Based on NHTSA complaint patterns, recall severity, and publicly available cost benchmarks.

Est. Annual Maintenance

$551

Category-level averages derived from publicly available industry reports (AAA, CarMD). Model-level estimates produced by Auto Reliability Index.

2018 Lexus GX Example Repair Prices

National average price ranges for common repairs. These are not model-year-specific failure predictions.

Common repair costs and price estimates
RepairEstimated Cost
Brake Hose Replacement$227 – $291
Blower Motor Replacement$442 – $478
Drive Axle Assembly Leak Inspection$76 – $112
AC Compressor Clutch Replacement$1,424 – $1,566
Camshaft Position Sensor Replacement$358 – $466
Axle Shaft Seal Replacement$431 – $618
Liftgate Glass Support Strut Replacement$188 – $217
Heater Hose Replacement$417 – $517
Parking Brake Shoe Replacement$477 – $619
Air Conditioning Receiver Drier Assembly Replacement$544 – $852

Estimates based on national average repair costs. Actual costs may vary by location and shop.

MPG & Annual Running Costs

Gas

16 MPG

Running cost: $4,850/yr

Fuel + repair

15 city / 18 hwy MPG

Running cost includes EPA fuel-cost estimate and independent repair-cost data (repair cost estimated at model level). Excludes routine maintenance, depreciation, and insurance. Data as of 2018 EPA label cycle.

Gas trims
TrimDriveTrans.CityHwyCombFuel Cost
GX 460 4.6L 8-cyl4-Wheel DriveAutomatic (S6)151816$4,300

Used Buying Checklist

Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing a 2018 Lexus GX.

  • Park on level ground and compare ride height left side versus right side, front and rear.

  • Fill the fuel tank, then check again whether the vehicle sits lower on the left.

  • After the test drive, shut off the engine and listen at the rear for hissing.

  • Drive over bumps and rough pavement with the radio off and listen for suspension noise.

  • Ask for service records showing past suspension noise or ride-height complaints and what the dealer found.

2018 Lexus GX Common Problems by Component

8 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.

2
1
1
1
1
1
1
SUSPENSION (2)AIR BAGS (1)POWER TRAIN (1)ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (1)WHEELS (1)SERVICE BRAKES (1)STEERING (1)

SUSPENSION

2 complaints

The body sits visibly lower on the left side, both while driving and when parked. A hiss from the rear can follow after the engine is shut off. Some owners also hear a noise from the suspension that keeps coming back. Dealers often find nothing wrong. They call the lean a normal condition that does not meet repair criteria, and they say it can only be diagnosed with a full fuel tank. The reports give no mileage, and none describe a crash, a fire, or loss of control.

2 complaints total

AIR BAGS

1 complaintSafety-related
2020-06-12Crash reported2 injuries

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2018 LEXUS GX460. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING ABOUT 45 MPH SHE FELL ASLEEP BEHIND THE WHEEL DUE TO A MEDICAL CONDITION AND SIDE SWIPED TWO PARKED VEHICLES. THE CONTACT STATED THAT NO AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THE POLICE CAME TO THE SCENE AND A REPORT WAS TAKEN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE SUSTAINED BRUISING FROM THE SEAT BELT AND INJURIES TO HER RIGHT HAND HOWEVER, HER GRANDSON WHOM WAS SEATED IN THE REAR PASSENGER SEAT SUSTAINED INJURIES TO HIS LEG AND KNEE, AND A CUT LIP. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT MOST OF THE DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE WAS ON THE PASSENGER SIDE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A TOW LOT AND DEEMED A TOTAL LOSS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 31,000.

POWER TRAIN

1 complaint
2020-01-01

THERE IS A THUD THAT OCCURS IN THE DRIVE TRAIN WHEN ACCELERATING FROM A STOP, OR ACCELERATING FROM A ROLL. THE DEALER SAID ITS NORMAL, BUT IT CANNOT BE NORMAL. IT IS A LITERAL THUD. I HAVE HEARD THIS THUD COUNTLESS TIMES OVER THE LAST YEAR SINCE WE BOUGHT THE CAR. I HAVE ALSO READ ON MANY FORUMS THAT OTHER PEOPLE HAVE THIS SAME ISSUE.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (1 complaints)

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

1 complaint
2025-05-01

I am writing to demand a recall for a widespread and well-documented defect involving the sunroof drain lines in the Lexus GX460. Owners across multiple model years report that these drains frequently clog, disconnect, or deteriorate, resulting in severe water intrusion into the cabin. This defect is more than an inconvenience. Water intrusion routinely damages the headliner, carpets, and—most concerning—the electrical systems routed under the dash and along the floorboards. Owners have documented failures including: Electrical shorts in junction boxes and harnesses near the driver footwell. Burnt circuits in side mirrors and modules after water exposure. Malfunctioning sensors, warning lights, and throttle response issues directly linked to water entry. Mold growth and corrosion under the dash from standing water. Supporting Evidence from Owners & Forums: GX460 owners have documented water intrusion from clogged drains causing shorts in wiring harnesses and electrical boards. In one case, water damage burned side mirror circuits and caused multiple dashboard warnings. (Source: JustAnswer Lexus mechanic) On ClubLexus forums, GX owners describe water pooling in the driver’s footwell after rain, traced to faulty sunroof drains. Reports include electrical shorts in junction boxes near the brake pedal caused by clogged or misrouted drains. Reddit and Facebook discussions highlight mold growth, electrical malfunctions, and expensive repairs after water bypassed drainage and entered beneath the dash. Safety Concerns: While Lexus may view water leaks as cosmetic, the resulting electrical failures compromise critical safety systems. Airbags, sensors, warning lights, and throttle response have all been reported as affected. These failures present clear safety hazards for drivers and passengers. Request for Action: Lexus should issue a recall to correct the defective sunroof drainage design in GX460 models, and cover all related repairs and reimburse owners.

WHEELS (1 complaints)

WHEELS

1 complaint
2018-08-07

CAR BE GOOD. JUST NEED FULL GAS 2 YEAR.

SERVICE BRAKES (1 complaints)

SERVICE BRAKES

1 complaintSafety-related
2018-04-11Crash reported1 injury

I AM A BOONE NC POLICE OFFICER THAT INVESTIGATED A CRASH IN WHICH THE DRIVER AND EVIDENCE SUGGESTS THE FOLLOWING: THE DRIVER PRESS THE BRAKE PEDAL, THE BRAKING SYSTEM FAILED TO ENGAGE AND THE ACCELERATOR WENT TO 100%. THE LEXUS HIT EIGHT OTHER VEHICLES BEFORE TURNING ONTO ITS SIDE. THE DRIVER WAS SURE THAT HE WAS PRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL ( HE IS ALSO AN AIRPLANE PILOT). OUR LOCAL NEWSPAPER DID AN ARTICLE ABOUT THE CRASH AND WAS CONTACTED BY ANOTHER LEXUS SUV OWNER. THE OTHER LEXUS OWNER STATED THAT THE SAME THING HAPPENED TO HER IN THE LOWES HARDWARE PARKING LOT IN WYTHEVILLE VA. ONE MAY ASSUME THAT THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THE COMPUTER SYSTEM IN THE 2018 LEXUS SUV. IF I KNOW OF TWO INCIDENTS OF THIS NATURE, I WONDER HOW MANY INSTANCES THERE IS NATIONWIDE.

STEERING (1 complaints)

STEERING

1 complaint
2018-05-28

I BOUGHT THE CAR LAST MOMTH (MAY APRIL 2018), NOW THE MILEAGE IS JUST 490, AND THE CAR IS ALREADY LEANING TO THE RIGHT PASSENGER SIDE. THE FIRST ISSUE WITH THE CAR WAS IT WAS PULLING TO THE RIGHT WHEN YOU DRIVE IT AT A SPEED OF 30 - 40 MILES PER HOUR. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP WESTSIDE LEXUS HOUSTON. AND THEY DID FIX IT. BUT THE LEANING TO THE RIGHT SIDE WAS NOT FIXED. THE SERVICE PERSONNEL SAID THAT THIS IS NORMAL FOR THE CAR TO LEAN, AND I TOLD THEM THAT WHEN THE CAR IS IN MOTION YOU CAN EVEN TELL AND FEEL THAT IT IS LEANING. THEY SAID THAT IT IS NORMAL, THIS IS PART OF THE KDSS SYSTEM AND THERE IS NOTHING TO BE WORRIED ABOUT. I WAS SO DISAPPOINTED BECAUSE MY TWO KIDS GET TO RIDE THIS CAR, MY FAMILY. AND I KNOW FOR A FACT THAT THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE THAT NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED. I HAVE DONE SOME RESEARCH, AND FOR YEARS SINCE THE PREVIOUS MODEL OF GX 460 THEY SAID ITS NORMAL EVEN IF ITS NOT NORMAL.. THIS IS NOT A GOOD QUALITY CAR MADE FOR FAMILY. I WASTED MY HARD EARNED $56,000. I BOUGHT THIS CAR BRAND NEW WITH $3000 DOWNPAYMENT. I SHOULD HAVE JUST KEPT THE $3000, NOW I AM PLANNING TO GET THIS REPAIR FROM MY OWN POCKET SINCE THEY WONT FIX IT.

Best & Worst Lexus GX Years

Best Lexus GX Years to Buy

Lexus GX Years to Avoid

No Lexus GX years are statistical outliers in our data.

Scores stay between 77 and 84 across 9 scored model years.

Lexus GX Reliability Score Trend

Scores 0–100. Higher is better. Current year highlighted.

Lexus GX reliability scores by year
YearScoreRating
201877/100Good
201978/100Good
202081/100Excellent
202180/100Excellent
202281/100Excellent
202381/100Excellent
202477/100Good
202578/100Good
202684/100Excellent

Lexus GX Reliability Compared to Other Years

Reliability scores compared across model years
YearScorevs Prior YearRatingRecallsComplaints
202684/100+6Excellent00
202578/100+1Good17
202477/100-4Good213
202381/1000Excellent05
202281/100+1Excellent07
202180/100-1Excellent01
202081/100+3Excellent04
201978/100+1Good18
2018(selected)77/100—Good28

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the 2018 Lexus GX reliable?
Yes, it holds a good reliability standing and rates well above average among 2018 SUVs. Within the GX line it is among the weaker of nine scored years. It has 8 owner complaints and two federal recalls, so check the recall history before buying.
What are the most common problems with the 2018 Lexus GX?
Suspension is the main complaint pattern. Owners describe the body sitting lower on the left side, a hiss from the rear after the engine is shut off, and a suspension noise that returns. Dealers often find nothing wrong, and the reports give no mileage.
Does the 2018 Lexus GX have a leaning or sagging problem?
Some owners say it does. They report the body visibly lower on the left side, both while driving and while parked. Dealers often call it a normal condition that does not meet repair criteria, and say it can only be diagnosed with a full fuel tank.
Does the 2018 Lexus GX have any recalls?
Yes, federal recall records list two recalls for this year. They fall in the areas of equipment and the fuel system, gasoline. Ask the seller for proof that both were completed before you buy.
Is the 2018 Lexus GX better than the 2019?
Not clearly. Both rate good and come out about the same on reliability. The 2018 has 8 complaints and two recalls, while the 2019 has 8 complaints and one recall. Check recall records on either car you consider.

Don’t buy a 2018 Lexus GX without checking its VIN first — hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls could cost you thousands.

Look Up a VIN →

How we score the 2018 Lexus GX

Of the four inputs behind this score, the 2018 Lexus GX does best on repair costs (80/100) and worst on complaint severity (73/100). Scores weight complaint severity at 35%, repair costs at 30%, recall impact at 20%, and the spread of complaints across systems at 15%, with complaint counts adjusted for US sales. Read the full methodology.

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