Last updated: 2026-03-04
2021 Lexus GX Reliability Score & Common Problems
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.
2021 is 1 year after the second facelift refresh.
Recalls
0
Complaints
1
Complaint Rate
0.3
per 10k sold
Below avgEst. Annual Cost
$551
Major Repair Risk
N/A
NHTSA Rating
N/A
Score Breakdown
Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume
Independent repair cost ratings
Recall count weighted by severity
Breadth of reported problem categories
Strong reliability record — a solid choice for buyers.
Top Issues
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.
Second generation (J150)
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.
Its complaint rate (0.3 per 10k sold) sits below the SUV segment average, and most owners report a trouble-free ownership experience.
A solid choice for buyers prioritizing dependability, whether purchased 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
Score: 57/100
2021 Audi Q7
Score: 59/100
2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE
Score: 65/100
2021 BMW X6
Score: 60/100
Common Problem Categories
Other
- LANE DEPARTURE (1)
Recall Overview
0
recalls on record
The 2021 Lexus GX has no recalls on record, which is uncommon and a positive indicator of manufacturing quality.
NHTSA.gov →Complaint Breakdown
0.3
per 10k soldSegment avg: 17
Safety Incidents
Crashes
0
Fires
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
0
Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.
2021 Lexus GX NHTSA Safety Ratings
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)
Gas Powertrain
Rollover risk: 0.0%
Safety Technologies
Lexus GX Repair 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.
When Buying a Used 2021 Lexus GX
Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing, based on the most common reported issues.
- 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
Check Any 2021 Lexus GX's History Before You Buy
Reliability scores tell you what to expect from the 2021 GX in general — but every car has its own story. Uncover past accidents, title issues, odometer rollbacks, and service records for a specific Lexus GX with a free VIN lookup.
Powered by VINExposed.com — free vehicle history reports using public title and safety data.
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
Best Lexus GX Years to Buy
The best Lexus GX year is 2023 with a reliability score of 81/100, rated excellent. Other strong picks include 2022 (81/100) and 2020 (81/100).
Lexus GX Years to Avoid
No Lexus GX years are statistical outliers in our data — all years score consistently.
See full Lexus GX years-to-avoid analysis →Lexus GX Reliability Score Trend
Lexus GX reliability has remained consistent across model years, averaging 79/100.
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 |
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?
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.
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