Research · Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
2021 Lexus GX 460Recalls, problems, MPG & safety
NHTSA lists 0 safety recalls and 4 owner complaints for the 2021 Lexus GX 460. Most complaints involve visibility/wiper (1) and seats (1). The EPA rates it 16 mpg combined.
Combined MPG
16mpg
EPA · 1 version
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
0campaigns
NHTSA
Owner complaints
4
Top: visibility/wiper
Fuel cost / yr
$4,850est.
EPA estimate, best version
Safety recalls
NHTSA campaigns for this model year
0 recalls found in NHTSA data for the 2021 Lexus GX 460 as of Nov 7, 2026.
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 7, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
Owner complaints by component
4 complaints filed with NHTSA · Feb 2023 – Oct 2026
- Visibility/wiper1
- Seats1
- Lane departure1
- Other / unknown2
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 7, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
What owners report most
Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component
Visibility/wiper
1 report
“Sunroof randomly exploded while driving on the highway. Nothing hit it or otherwise caused the breakage. I was travelling at a normal constant speed on a normal temperature day. Glass got all over me and inside the sunroof's opening mechanism. Lexus replaced the glass but refused to repair the housing / opening mechanism.”
Seats
1 report
“The driver’s seat is making cracking, clicking, popping, and creaking noises from the lower seat frame, seat rail, or mounting area where the seat attaches to the vehicle body. The noise is most noticeable during braking, acceleration, turning, driving over uneven roads, and when shifting body weight in the seat. It feels as though the seat has movement or play, as if the seat rails, frame, or mounting bolts may not be fully secure. This is a safety concern because the seat is part of the occupant restraint system and is critical for proper seat belt positioning and airbag protection. If the seat frame, rails, or mounting hardware are loose, damaged, worn, or improperly secured, the seat could shift during a sudden stop or collision. In an accident, movement of the seat could reduce seat belt effectiveness, alter occupant positioning relative to airbags, increase the risk of impact with the steering wheel, dashboard, door, or center console, and increase the likelihood of head, neck, chest, back, pelvic, or leg injuries. Unexpected seat movement could also affect driver control immediately before or during a crash. This should not be treated as a simple…”
Lane departure
1 report
“i 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.”
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 7, 2026
Engines, transmissions & drive
1 version rated by the EPA
- EPA class
- Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
- Engines
- 4.6L 8-cyl
- Transmissions
- Automatic (S6)
- Drive
- 4-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Premium Gasoline
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 7, 2026EPA listing
EPA fuel economy by version
City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GX 460 Auto (S6), 8 cyl, 4.6 L · 4-Wheel Drive | 15 | 19 | 16 | $4,850 | 542 |
- 16mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 7, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings
1 tested variant
NHTSA has not published 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2021 Lexus GX 460 as of Nov 7, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 7, 2026Vehicle 15814
Maintenance basics
General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
- Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
6–12 months - Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
Every oil change - Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
1–2 years - Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
1–2 years - Brake fluid—
2–3 years - Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
5–10 years - Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
— - 12V battery—
3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
2021 GX 460 questions
How many recalls does the 2021 Lexus GX 460 have?
0 recalls found in NHTSA data as of Nov 7, 2026.
What are the most common 2021 Lexus GX 460 problems?
Owners filed 4 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are visibility/wiper (1), seats (1), lane departure (1). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
What MPG does the 2021 Lexus GX 460 get?
The EPA rates the 2021 Lexus GX 460 at 16 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (1 version rated).
Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 7, 2026