2011 Lexus GX Problems & Complaints

Average1.5× as many complaints as a typical year of the GX at the same age

Owners have filed 11 complaints about the 2011 Lexus GX with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. That is about average for the GX at the same age. The most reported problem area is the air bags (4 complaints, typically around 137,000 miles).

11complaints
0recalls
1crashes
0fires
1injuries
0deaths

Most common 2011 Lexus GX problems

  • Air bags~137,000 miles
    436%
  • Engine & cooling~190,000 miles
    436%
  • Steering~1,000 miles
    218%
  • Other / not specified~190,000 miles
    218%
  • Wheels & tires~1,000 miles
    19%
  • Suspension~0 miles
    19%
  • Body & structure
    19%

Share of the 11 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.

Lexus GX complaints by model year

200320042006200720102011201320142017201920222023202420255201112711101568562013
Owner complaints per model year, Lexus GX. Colour = our verdict for that year (red: avoid, orange: caution, green: better than average, blue: too new).

Best GX years: 2006, 2003, 2004. Years to avoid: 2024, 2025. Compare all years →

What 2011 Lexus GX owners say

Air bags

The contact owned a 2011 Lexus GX 460. The contact stated that while driving at 30 MPH while crossing an intersection, a vehicle turned in front of the contact's vehicle. The contact's vehicle broadsided the other vehicle, where it came to a stop. No warning light was illuminated. The front driver-side, front passenger-side, or side curtain air bags deploy. The contact was taken to the hospital by ambulance. The contact sustained nerve damage to both hands and neck. Both legs have bruises, and she has pain in her chest and abdomen. There was a police report filed. The vehicle was towed to a towing yard. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The insurance company was notified and declared the vehicle a total loss. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 137,000.

137,000 miles · Sep 2025 · crash · 1 injury

Takata recall. I am filing a complaint that Lexus has failed to remedy this defect within a reasonable time. Being unable to utilize the front passenger seat has been extremely inconvenient for me and my family. I have contacted my local Lexus dealership numerous times only for them inform me that the do not have the parts. Its's been nearly 6 months now since I was made aware of the recall.

Oct 2016

Engine & cooling

10.6.19 radiator blew.while driving.on bridge on interstate. Engine over heated. Engine was supposed to shut down. Engine blew head gasket. Engine light was on from a emission systems recall. I was not aware that engine was over heating. No alerts. Had an appointment on 10.13.19 to fix recalled emissions system. Need new engine and radiator. Cost $10,000 minimium

190,000 miles · Oct 2019

The engine was found to have a leaking valley plate and cam tower cover with little over 82,000 miles on it. An online search indicates that this is a common problem shared across the Lexus (gx460) and Toyota (tundra) platforms with this engine.

Feb 2020

2011 Lexus GX engines & fuel economy

EngineTransmissionDriveMPG city / hwy / combined
4.6L 8-cyl6-speed automatic4WD15 / 20 / 17

EPA ratings. Class: SUV.

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2011 Lexus GX a good car?

Based on 11 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2011 GX rates average: 1.5× as many complaints as a typical year of the GX at the same age. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.

What is the most common problem with the 2011 Lexus GX?

The air bags — 4 complaints, 36% of all complaints for this model year. Next are the engine & cooling (4) and steering (2).

How many recalls does the 2011 Lexus GX have?

NHTSA lists no recalls for the 2011 Lexus GX. You can still confirm with your VIN using our VIN recall check.

What are the best and worst years of the Lexus GX?

The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2006, 2003 and 2004. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2024 and 2025. See the full Lexus GX years comparison.

At what mileage do 2011 Lexus GX problems happen?

The median mileage reported in complaints is about 137,000 miles; 50% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.