WORST Lexus Gx 460 Years To Avoid, as per Real Owner Complaints

If you’re thinking about buying a Lexus GX 460, it’s important to know that some model years have had major reliability issues.

For example, the 2010 and 2016 models have received a lot of complaints and have had mechanical problems. The 2010 model often had engine stalling and suspension issues, while the 2016 model was known for transmission problems.

Knowing these issues can help you make a better decision. But why are these years so problematic, and should you be wary of other models too?

Key Takeaways

Stay away from the 2010 Lexus GX 460 because of problems with the engine stalling and the suspension.
The 2016 Lexus GX 460 has transmission issues that affect how it drives.
The 2014 and 2015 models had problems with the fuel pump failing.
Models from 2010 to 2013 often had leaks in the valley plate.
The electric systems in 2010 to 2017 models had glitches that messed with remote starting and adjusting the mirrors.

Overview of Lexus GX 460

The Lexus GX 460 is a reliable and high-performing luxury SUV. But, it’s important to know that some years of this model have common problems. Specifically, the second-generation models from 2010-2015 should be approached with caution.

These years had issues like fuel pump failures and airbag inflator problems. Fuel pump failures were particularly common in the 2014-2015 models, leading to many recalls. Airbag inflator issues affected models from 2010-2017.

If you’re thinking about getting a GX 460, make sure to do your homework and check the maintenance history to avoid these problems and find a more reliable year.

Key Problems With GX 460

When thinking about buying a Lexus GX 460, you should know about some common problems that have come up in different model years. For instance, the 2014-2015 models have had issues with fuel pumps failing, while the 2010-2017 models have had problems with airbag inflators. Some cars have also experienced stability control errors that can mess with the steering and handling, and there have been electrical system malfunctions affecting things like remote starting and adjusting mirrors. Knowing about these issues can help you decide which model years to be cautious about.

Key Problem	Affected Model Years	Description
Fuel Pump Failures	2014-2015	Recalls due to faulty fuel pumps
Airbag Inflator Problems	2010-2017	Airbag inflators may malfunction
Stability Control Issues	Various	Errors affecting steering precision and handling
Steering Response Concerns	Various	Problems with steering feedback and response
Electric System Malfunctions	Various	Issues with remote starting and mirror adjustments

Maintenance and Reliability

Regular maintenance greatly improves the reliability of your Lexus GX 460, helping it last between 200,000 and 300,000 miles. Keeping your Lexus GX 460 in good shape makes it a dependable vehicle with a long life.

It’s important to avoid certain model years like 2010 and 2016, which have had more problems. Regular maintenance includes things like oil changes, brake checks, and replacing worn-out parts on time. These habits keep repair costs down and make the vehicle last longer.

Common Issues in Early Models

Early Lexus GX 460 models, especially those from 2010 to 2013, often have problems with valley plate leaks. These leaks happen because of the car’s age and how much it’s been driven. The leaks are common because the sealant used may not be the best.

Regular maintenance is key to avoiding these problems. If you take care of small issues early, you can prevent bigger, more expensive problems later on. Ignoring these issues can make your car less reliable.

Make sure to get your car checked and fixed for valley plate leaks to keep it running well and lasting longer. Being proactive can save you from major repairs down the road.

2010-2013 Model Concerns

If you’re looking at the 2010-2013 Lexus GX 460 models, be aware that they often have issues like valley plate leaks and other common maintenance problems.

These can result in expensive repairs and more time spent at the mechanic.

Keep these potential problems in mind when thinking about buying one of these older models.

Valley Plate Leak Issues

Valley plate leaks are a common problem in Lexus GX 460 models from 2010 to 2013. They often happen because of the car’s mileage, age, and how well it’s been maintained. These leaks are especially common in the early models of the GX 460.

Here are three main points:

Mileage and Age: The more miles you drive and the older the car gets, the more likely it’s to have valley plate leaks.
Sealant Type: The sealant used in the early models may not last as long.
Maintenance: Taking good care of your car can help prevent these leaks and extend the life of the valley plate.

Knowing these points can help you deal with potential problems before they become serious.

Common Maintenance Challenges

If you own a Lexus GX 460 from 2010 to 2013, you might run into some common maintenance problems that need careful attention to keep your car running well. One big issue is leaks from the valley plate, which happen more often in these older models. These leaks usually come from the car getting older and having more miles on it, possibly due to older sealants or how they were applied.

To avoid expensive repairs later, it’s crucial to keep up with regular maintenance. Make sure to inspect your car on time and fix any signs of leaks as soon as you spot them. Knowing about the potential for valley plate leaks can help you stay on top of your car’s upkeep.

Regular care is the best way to handle these common maintenance problems.

Suspension and Brakes

When looking at the Lexus GX 460, keep in mind that the 2010 and 2014 models often have suspension problems that can mess with ride comfort and handling.

Also, the brake wear indicators in the early models weren’t very reliable, affecting how well the brakes worked and overall safety.

Regular maintenance and possibly upgrading parts can help improve these issues.

Common Suspension Issues

The early models of the Lexus GX 460, especially those from 2010 and 2014, are well-known for having suspension problems. These problems usually come from the air suspension system and the front control arms.

When these parts fail, you might experience a rough ride and poor handling. One common sign is the vehicle leaning to one side, which often points to issues with the air suspension.

Here are some common suspension issues to look out for:

Air Suspension System: Problems here can make the vehicle sit unevenly and affect its stability.
Front Control Arm: If this part breaks, you might notice poor handling and your tires wearing out faster.
Rough Ride Quality: Suspension issues can make your drive feel bumpy and uncomfortable.

Fixing these problems quickly is crucial to keep your Lexus GX 460 safe and running well.

Brake Wear Indicators

Brake wear indicators are important for letting you know when to change your brake pads, so your brakes work their best. They help prevent damage to your brake pads and rotors, which can cause your brakes to fail.

Checking your brake wear indicators should be part of your regular car maintenance. The suspension and brake systems work together to keep your car stable and easy to handle.

Ignoring these indicators can make it take longer to stop your car, cause noise, and make driving less safe. Keeping an eye on your brake wear indicators is key to preventing brake problems and making sure your suspension works well.

Always deal with any signs of wear quickly to keep your car running safely and smoothly.

Maintenance Best Practices

Keeping an eye on your brake wear indicators is just one part of maintaining your Lexus GX 460. It’s also crucial to regularly check both the suspension and brake systems to ensure your vehicle stays safe and performs well.

Here are three key areas to focus on:

Suspension Maintenance: Regularly look at the shocks and struts to make sure your ride is smooth and easy to handle.
Brake System Checks: Frequently examine the brake pads, rotors, and fluid levels to ensure your brakes work reliably.
Suspension Wear: Fix any signs of wear in the suspension right away to avoid expensive repairs and keep your vehicle stable.

Engine and Transmission

When looking at the engine and transmission performance of the Lexus GX 460, it’s important to know that the 2010 and 2016 models have had some serious reliability problems.

The 2010 model, for example, had issues with engine stalling because of a bad fuel delivery system. It also had problems with the airbag inflators and suspension, which affected the vehicle’s stability.

The 2016 model wasn’t much better, with many reported transmission problems that made driving difficult. Both of these model years had repeated issues that hurt the brand’s usual high standards.

If reliability is important to you, it’s best to avoid the 2010 and 2016 Lexus GX 460 models and choose years with fewer reported problems.

Electric System Problems

In addition to problems with the engine and transmission, the Lexus GX 460 also has several electrical issues that can hurt its reliability and functionality.

Some common problems include:

Remote starting – Often doesn’t work properly, which can be frustrating.
Mirror adjustment – Issues can make it hard to get the mirrors in the right position.
Power windows – May stop working, affecting comfort and safety.

These electrical problems can make driving the Lexus GX 460 less convenient. While some issues might be small, they can add up and significantly impact how usable the vehicle is.

Knowing about these potential issues can help you make a better decision about the Lexus GX 460.

Throttle Body Maintenance

To keep your Lexus GX 460 running smoothly, you should clean the throttle body regularly. This can help you catch and fix problems like rough idling and lower gas mileage.

Keeping the throttle body clean is key to avoiding driving issues and keeping the engine in good shape.

Cleaning Frequency Guidelines

Throttle body maintenance is important every 30,000 to 50,000 miles to keep your Lexus GX 460 running well. Regularly cleaning the throttle body stops carbon buildup, helping your engine run smoothly. You can do this simple task at home or have a professional do it during routine maintenance. If you ignore it, your car might idle roughly, accelerate poorly, and use more fuel.

Follow these steps for best throttle body maintenance:

Inspect and Clean: Look at the throttle body for carbon buildup and clean it every 30,000 to 50,000 miles.
Use Proper Tools: Use a throttle body cleaner and a soft brush to remove deposits.
Reassemble and Test: Put the throttle body back together carefully and check how the engine runs afterward.

Regular cleaning helps your Lexus GX 460 last longer and perform better.

Common Issues Detection

Ever wondered how you can spot common throttle body issues in your Lexus GX 460? Look out for rough idling and poor acceleration—these are big signs of throttle body problems.

If your fuel efficiency is going down, that’s another clue. Keeping the throttle body clean is important for good airflow and combustion, which helps your GX 460 run smoothly.

If you notice any of these issues, it’s time to clean the throttle body. Ignoring this can lead to bigger engine problems. By taking care of the throttle body, you’ll make your vehicle last longer and avoid expensive repairs.

Radiator Replacement Issues

Radiator replacement in Lexus GX 460 models is often needed because the plastic parts tend to fail. These issues are common in the GX 460 lineup and can mess up the cooling system.

To avoid these problems, try the following steps:

Regular Checks: Frequently look for signs of wear or damage on plastic parts.
Better Parts: Choose high-quality, aftermarket radiators made from more durable materials.
Early Fixes: Deal with small leaks or cracks right away to prevent bigger issues.

Impact of Regular Upkeep

Why Regular Maintenance Matters

Regular maintenance is crucial for avoiding expensive repairs and ensuring your Lexus GX 460 runs smoothly for years to come. Tasks like checking the suspension and brakes are essential for keeping your vehicle in excellent shape. Taking care of parts like the throttle body helps the engine run smoothly. Ignoring radiator replacements can lead to big problems, often due to broken plastic parts. Regular maintenance helps you avoid these issues and keeps your vehicle performing well.

Maintenance Task	Impact on Vehicle
Checking wear items	Maintains peak performance
Throttle body cleaning	Promotes smooth operation
Radiator replacements	Prevents major issues

Keeping on top of these maintenance tasks will save you money on repairs and keep your GX 460 running smoothly.

Owner Experiences

Lexus GX 460 owners usually have good things to say, especially about models from the early 2010s, even though opinions can vary.

How happy you’re with your GX 460 can depend on things like how well it’s been maintained and what the previous owner had fixed.

Here are some common points owners mention:

Regular upkeep: This often includes changing out the radiator and replacing worn-out parts like brake pads and tires.
Few big repairs: Owners generally don’t face many major issues, which helps keep them satisfied.
Previous fixes: Knowing what the last owner has already repaired can give you a heads-up on what might need attention down the road.

Recalls and TSBs

When looking at the Lexus GX 460, it’s important to know about recalls and Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) that point out common problems. Recalls have fixed issues like fuel pump failures in models from 2014-2015 and airbag inflator defects in models from 2010-2017.

TSBs give information on problems like stability control errors and electric system malfunctions, which are important to know for understanding how reliable the vehicle is.

Common Recall Issues

Lexus GX 460 models have had a number of recalls, mainly to fix problems with the fuel pump and airbag inflators in certain years. These recalls are important to make sure the vehicle stays safe and reliable.

Here are the main recall issues:

Fuel Pump Problems: These can cause the engine to stall, increasing the risk of accidents.
Airbag Inflator Issues: Faulty airbags mightn’t deploy correctly, putting passengers in danger.
Stability Control System Errors: These errors can affect steering, making the car harder to control.

Some models have also had issues with the electrical system, like problems with remote starting and adjusting mirrors. Taking care of these recalls right away helps keep your Lexus GX 460 safe and in good working order.

Known TSB Problems

Taking a close look at Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) for the Lexus GX 460 gives us a good idea of the common problems and recommended fixes for different model years. TSBs often highlight issues with the stability control system, which can mess with steering and overall vehicle stability.

Electrical problems are also frequent, like troubles with remote starting and adjusting the mirrors. Some model years tend to have these issues more often, so it’s a smart move to check out TSBs if you own or are thinking about buying a Lexus GX 460.

Model Year Comparisons

If you’re looking at different years of the Lexus GX 460, pay special attention to the 2010 and 2014 models because they’d some well-known suspension and electronic problems. These years were right after big updates, which often means they’d some initial issues to work out.

When you’re comparing model years, keep these points in mind:

2010: This first model year had electronic and suspension issues.
2014: Another redesigned year with similar reliability problems.
Older models before a big update: These tend to be more reliable because they’ve had time to fix earlier issues.

Be careful with newly redesigned models since they can have unexpected problems that hurt reliability. The last model year before a big update is usually a safer bet.

Best GX 460 Years

For the best experience with the GX 460, look at the 2017 to 2020 models. These years are known for their improved reliability and advanced features. Owners have given positive feedback, and these models have fewer reported problems than earlier ones.

Reviews and safety ratings show that the 2017-2020 Lexus GX 460 is a great choice for performance and longevity. Choosing one of these years can make your investment in a Lexus GX 460 worthwhile, with fewer issues and better satisfaction.

When looking at performance cars, make sure to check out our guides on models like the Lexus Rx, Lexus Ls 460, Lexus Ct200h and Lexus Is 250. Knowing which model years to target and which to avoid is crucial. Our expert reviews break down these models, providing insights into the years that are celebrated for their engineering excellence and driving satisfaction, as well as those that are best to avoid due to potential issues.

Conclusion

When choosing a Lexus GX 460, you need to be careful. The 2010 and 2016 models have had a lot of problems, like engine stalling, airbag issues, and transmission troubles, which can hurt the brand’s good name.

Picking better years will make owning one smoother and more fun. Stick to reliable years to avoid big headaches. Making smart choices will keep your driving experience enjoyable and ensure your car lasts longer.

About the author

David Lawrence

David grew up among mechanics and off-road enthusiasts, gaining deep knowledge in car mods, off-roading techniques, and automotive engineering, making him a trusted 4x4 expert.