Last updated: 2026-04-20
2021 Lexus GX Reliability Report
The 2021 Lexus GX scores 80/100 ("Excellent") with a complaint rate below the segment average. Data shows a dependable ownership experience across 0 recalls and 1 owner complaints.
Recalls
0
Complaints
1
Complaint Rate
0.3per 10,000 sold
Est. Repair Cost
$551
Annual Fuel Cost
$4,300
Detailed Score Breakdown
Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume
Independent repair cost ratings
Recall count weighted by severity
Breadth of reported problem categories
The Verdict
Strong reliability record — a solid choice for buyers.
Top Issues to Watch
- LANE DEPARTURE (1)
Generation & Refresh (US)
2021 is 1 year after the second facelift refresh.
- Year 12 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.
2020: Mid-Cycle Refresh
Updated features and styling tweaks.
2021: This Model Year
2021 is 1 year after the second facelift refresh.
Should You Buy the 2021 Lexus GX?
The 2021 Lexus GX earns an Excellent 80/100 reliability score. 2021 is 1 year after the second facelift refresh.
At 0.3 per 10,000 vehicles sold, its complaint rate sits below the SUV segment average, and most owners report a trouble-free ownership experience.
A solid choice for buyers prioritizing dependability, new or used.
Compared to the 2022 Lexus GX, which scored 1 points higher. See also the 2020 Lexus GX for an earlier comparison.
Pros
- +Strong reliability score
- +No recalls issued
- +Below-average complaint rate for SUV
- +Well-established generation
- +Only 1 complaints reported
Cons
- −LANE DEPARTURE (1)
Compare 2021 Lexus GX With
2021 BMW X5
Reliability: 57/100
2021 Audi Q7
Reliability: 59/100
2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE
Reliability: 65/100
2021 BMW X6
Reliability: 60/100
Recall Overview
0
recalls on record
No recalls are on record for the 2021 Lexus GX — uncommon, and a strong signal of manufacturing quality.
NHTSA.gov →Complaint Breakdown
0.3
per 10,000 soldSegment avg: 17.5
Safety Incidents
0
Crashes
0
Fires
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.
Buying a used 2021 Lexus GX? Check its history first
Every 2021 Lexus GX has a different past. A VIN check reveals hidden accidents, title problems, odometer rollbacks, and open recalls that reliability scores can't show you.
- Accidents
- Open Recalls
- Title History
- Odometer Rollback
2021 Lexus GX NHTSA Safety Ratings
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)
Gas Powertrain
Rollover risk: 0.0%
Safety Technologies
Lexus GXRepair Costs & Maintenance
Maintenance Rating
4Maintenance rating: 4 out of 5Based 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.
2021 Lexus GX Example Repair Prices
National average price ranges for common repairs. These are not model-year-specific failure predictions.
| Repair | Estimated 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 / 19 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 2021 EPA label cycle.
Gas trims
| Trim | Drive | Trans. | City | Hwy | Comb | Fuel Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GX 460 4.6L 8-cyl | 4-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S6) | 15 | 19 | 16 | $4,300 |
Used Buying Checklist
Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing a 2021 Lexus GX.
Verify blind spot monitoring system activates at correct distance
Test lane departure warning system for proper functionality
Inspect side mirror indicator lights for correct timing
Check for any software updates related to safety systems
2021 Lexus GX Common Problems by Component
1 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.
LANE DEPARTURE
1 complainti PURCHASED THE GX460 TO AQUIRE THE NEW SAFETY BSM SYSTEM. THE OWNERS MANUAL (PG366) REQIRES THE SIDE MIRROR INDICATOR LIGHT COMES ON AT 9.8 FEET BEHIND THE REAR BUMPER OF MY VEHIVLE. THE LIGHT ON THE SIDE MIRROR COMES ON WHEN THE VEHICLE PASSING ME IS AT MY REAR BUMPER MAKING IT DANGEROUS TO CHANGE LANES AND WOULD NOT ALLOW THE APPROACHING VEHICLE ENOUGH TIME TO AVOID A COLLISION. I HAVE CHECKED WITH 2 DEALERS AND BOTH SAID THERE IS NO ADJUSTMENT FOR THIS CONDITION. I FINALLY WAS ABLE TO HAVE ONE DEALER CHECK THE COMPUTER AND WAS TOLD ALL IS NORMAL. I ASKED MY DAUGHTER-IN-LAW TO WHITNESS THIS EVENT FROM THE BACK SEAT AND SHE VARIFIED MY FINDINGS.
Best & Worst Lexus GX Years
Comprehensive reliability analysis based on NHTSA data, owner complaints, and historical performance.
Best Lexus GX Years to Buy
Based on reliability index scoreThe best Lexus GX year is 2026 with a reliability score of 84/100, rated excellent. Other strong picks include 2023 (81/100) and 2022 (81/100).
Lexus GX Years to Avoid
No Lexus GX years are statistical outliers in our data.
All model years score consistently well. The Lexus GX maintains one of the highest industry standards for long-term durability across its entire production span.
Lexus GX Reliability Score Trend
Lexus GX reliability has remained consistent across model years, averaging 80/100.
Scores 0–100. Higher is better. Current year highlighted.
| Year | Score | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 77/100 | Good |
| 2019 | 78/100 | Good |
| 2020 | 81/100 | Excellent |
| 2021 | 80/100 | Excellent |
| 2022 | 81/100 | Excellent |
| 2023 | 81/100 | Excellent |
| 2024 | 77/100 | Good |
| 2025 | 78/100 | Good |
| 2026 | 84/100 | Excellent |
Lexus GX Reliability Compared to Other Years
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 2021 Lexus GX reliable?
What are the most common problems with the 2021 Lexus GX?
How many recalls does the 2021 Lexus GX have?
Is the 2021 Lexus GX expensive to maintain?
Don’t buy a 2021 Lexus GX without checking its VIN first — hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls could cost you thousands.
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How We Calculate Reliability Scores
Auto Reliability Index scores are calculated on a 0–100 scale using a weighted formula that combines multiple public data sources. Each factor is weighted based on its predictive value for real-world ownership experience.
Key Ranking Factors
Complaint Severity
NHTSA owner complaints weighted by component category (e.g., powertrain, safety systems, electronics, cosmetic) — safety-critical issues carry more weight than cosmetic ones. Adjusted for sales volume so high-volume models aren't unfairly penalized.
Repair Costs
Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.
Recall Impact
Number of NHTSA recalls weighted by severity. “Stop driving” and fire-risk recalls are penalized more heavily than minor software or labeling recalls.
Issue Diversity
Measures how many major vehicle systems (engine, transmission, electrical, braking, etc.) have recorded complaints. A vehicle with issues spread across many systems may indicate systemic quality issues.
Scores are grouped into four tiers:
- 80–100: Excellent— Top-tier reliability, minimal issues
- 60–79: Good— Reliable with some minor concerns
- 40–59: Mixed— Notable issues, research before buying
- 0–39: Risky— Significant problems, proceed with caution
Data is sourced from NHTSA recall records, owner complaint filings, and independent repair databases. Scores are recalculated as new data becomes available. While the weighting model is proprietary, all underlying data sources are public and traceable.
Get notified when new recalls or reliability data is added for the Lexus GX.
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