Research · Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD

2018 Lexus GX460Recalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls and 9 owner complaints for the 2018 Lexus GX460. Most complaints involve suspension (3) and air bags (2). The EPA rates it 16 mpg combined.

Combined MPG
16mpg
EPA · 1 version
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
2campaigns
Latest Nov 2020
Owner complaints
9
Top: suspension
Fuel cost / yr
$5,000est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

2 NHTSA campaigns · applies to some vehicles, check your VIN

Fuel system

Free remedy

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.

Fuel system, gasolineReported Nov 4, 2020NHTSA 20V682000

Equipment: labels

Free remedy

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."

EquipmentReported Dec 20, 2017NHTSA 17V831000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 5, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

9 complaints filed with NHTSA · May 2018 – Jul 2026
  1. Suspension3
  2. Air bags2
  3. Back over prevention1
  4. Electrical system1
  5. Power train1
  6. Wheels1
  7. Service brakes1
  8. Steering1
  9. Other / unknown1

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

By model year

Complaints for each GX460 model year we’ve synced.

View as table
Model yearNHTSA complaints
201038
201136
201211
20137
201421
201511
20169
201715
20189
20198
Crashes reported
2
Fires reported
0
Injuries reported
3
Deaths reported
0
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 5, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

What owners report most

Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component

Suspension

3 reports
“I WENT TO NEW COUNTRY LEXUS DEALER I COMPLAINED THREE TIMES THEY PUT A LOT OF MILEAGE TEST DRIVING IT AND KEPT OVER 24 HOURS AND SAID THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH IT. THEY STILL MAKE THE SAME NOISE IN THE SUSPENSION. I WOULD LIKE TO TELL PEOPLE NOT TO BUY LEXUS IS JUNK I'VE DRIVEN 2 CARS FROM THIS COMPANY AND IT SUCKS AND IS JUNK AND PLEASE DON'T GO THERE. THEY ARE ROUND NEVER RETURN CALLS. ALL THEY WANT IS YOUR MONEY. AGAIN PLEASE DON'T BUY LEXUS CARS, I'VE HAD ALMOST 6 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE AND IS COMPLETE JUNK. THANK YOU”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 29, 2020Suspension, Unknown or otherODI 11351964

Air bags

2 reports1 crash
“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…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 25, 2025Electrical system, Air bagsODI 11689659

Back over prevention

1 report
“The back up camera would go black when reversing, creating a dangerous situation. It’s a known issue with the GX 460 model that when the radio gets corrupted and the infotainment screen goes black it will cause the back up camera to not function properly! I reached out to Lexus and they confirmed the issue is a bad logic (mother ) board that causes this and since it’s out of warranty they will not honor the repair or replacement of this highly dangerous situation. Your assistance is much appreciated!”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jul 25, 2026Back over preventionODI 11752819
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 5, 2026
04 —Key specs

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 5, 2026EPA listing
05 —Fuel economy

EPA fuel economy by version

City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
VersionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
GX 460
Auto (S6), 8 cyl, 4.6 L · 4-Wheel Drive
151816$5,000548
  • GX 460
    Auto (S6), 8 cyl, 4.6 L
    15 city · 18 hwy · $5,000/yr
    16
    mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 5, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
06 —Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

1 tested variant
NHTSA has not published 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2018 Lexus GX460 as of Nov 5, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 5, 2026Vehicle 12317
07 —Maintenance

Maintenance basics

General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
ItemMilesTimeNote
Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi6–12 monthsFollow the oil-life monitor if fitted
Tire rotation5,000–7,500 miEvery oil changeCheck pressure monthly
Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi1–2 yearsSooner in dusty areas
Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi1–2 years
Brake fluid—2–3 yearsAbsorbs moisture over time
Coolant60,000–100,000 mi5–10 yearsLong-life coolants last longer
Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi—Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end
12V battery—3–5 yearsHeat 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.
09 —FAQ

2018 GX460 questions

How many recalls does the 2018 Lexus GX460 have?

2 safety recalls as of Nov 5, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.

What are the most common 2018 Lexus GX460 problems?

Owners filed 9 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are suspension (3), air bags (2), back over prevention (1). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

What MPG does the 2018 Lexus GX460 get?

The EPA rates the 2018 Lexus GX460 at 16 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (1 version rated).

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 5, 2026