GX (J120)
Engine Reliability Ratings
Lexus GX Unidentified Engine
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Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
2UZ-FE
4.7L 8-cyl / 227 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
Vehicle-Level Issues
These issues affect the Lexus GX regardless of engine variant.
Recalls (3)
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2003-2006 Toyota Land Cruiser and Lexus LX470, 2005-2006 Toyota Tundra and Sequoia, 2004-2006 Toyota 4Runner and Lexus GX470 vehicles equipped with side curtain-shield-air bags. The affected vehicles have an air bag control module that may be improperly programmed, causing the side curtain-shield-air bags to deploy inadvertently.
CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF PART 567, "CERTIFICATION." THE INCORRECT GROSS VEHICLE WEIGHT RATING (GVWR) DATA WAS PRINTED ON THE CERTIFICATION REGULATION LABEL. THE GVWR IS INCORRECTLY REFLECTED ON THE LABEL AS 6,100 LBS. THE CORRECT GVWR SHOULD BE 6,000 LBS.
ON CERTAIN VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THE LEXUS LINK SYSTEM, IT MAY BE DIFFICULT TO LOCK ONE OF THE TWO LATCHES ON THE BOTTOM OF THE MIDDLE ROW LEFT REAR SEAT (LARGER SIDE OF THE BENCH SEAT DIRECTLY BEHIND THE DRIVER). DUE TO THE THICKNESS OF THE LEXUS LINK SYSTEM STORAGE CASE, THE STOPPER ON THE BOTTOM OF THE SEAT IS SLIGHTLY ELEVATED. THIS ELEVATED POSITION MISALIGNS THE LATCH TO THE STRIKER.
All Generations
Alternatives in Midsize SUV
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common 2003-2009 Lexus GX problems?
The 2003-2009 Lexus GX has accumulated 262 NHTSA complaints. The most frequently reported problem areas are Body/Trim, Safety Systems, Transmission. As with any used vehicle, an inspection before buying and a vehicle history report are recommended.
Which Lexus GX engine is most reliable?
The 2003-2009 Lexus GX was offered with 2 engine options. Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 4.7L 8-cyl has the lowest complaint density and is considered the most reliable choice for buyers.
Is the 2003-2009 Lexus GX a good used car?
The 2003-2009 Lexus GX can be a sound used car depending on trim, mileage, and maintenance history. With 262 total NHTSA complaints on record, prospective buyers should review the known problem areas and check for open recalls before buying.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2003-2009 Lexus GX have?
The 2003-2009 Lexus GX has 262 complaints filed with NHTSA as of our latest data pull. Complaint counts reflect owner-reported issues and do not necessarily indicate defects or safety risks on their own.
What recalls affect the 2003-2009 Lexus GX?
There are 3 NHTSA recalls affecting some 2003-2009 Lexus GX vehicles. Recall status varies by VIN — check the NHTSA recall database at recalls.nhtsa.dot.gov with your specific VIN to confirm which campaigns apply.
What should I check before buying a used Lexus GX?
Before buying a used Lexus GX, verify all open recalls are completed via the NHTSA VIN lookup tool. Pay particular attention to Body/Trim, Safety Systems, Transmission, which are the most commonly reported problem areas. Request maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the vehicle, and run a vehicle history report to check for prior accidents or title issues.
Does the GX have NHTSA crash test ratings?
NHTSA has not published crash test ratings for the 2003-2009 Lexus GX. Not all vehicles are tested each year. For the latest NHTSA safety information, visit nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 262 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-05-23.