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Transmission and drivetrainPart report

2004 Lexus GX470 Transmission and drivetrain Problems

Complaints
10about this part
Share
15%of 65 total for the year
Median mileage
40,000miles
Trend
Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.

NHTSA recorded 10 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2004 Lexus GX470, 15% of the 65 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 40,000 miles.

Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.

Example complaints

Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.

“When I purchased my vehicle from the Lexus dealer it had an occasional thump, bump clunk when I was stopped at stop lights. Sort like someone was trying to bump me forward. I have complained about this at every service appointment including warranty appointments. No one seems to know what it is. It has gotten much worse. I therefore have tried to do some internet research and appears that not only does Lexus know what it is but they might have actually published a technical service bulletin on the problem. …”

NHTSA complaint #10819491, filed 2016-01, 40,000 miles

“There is a vibration while driving from the driveshaft of my 2004 Lexus GX470. Lexus is aware of the problem and states many of the 2004s have the same problem. They replaced parts on 12/7/04 and told me it did not fix the problem and Lexus claims they are not able to fix all of these problems. They claim they are working on a solution to repair it but have not figured one out yet. I was on a Lexus owners web site and many others have the same problem. Are they waiting for it to become a safety issue?!!! …”

NHTSA complaint #10102422, filed 2004-12, 16,000 miles

“Driveshaft and brake/roto problems with Lexus GX470. Drive shaft thump has occurred since I have owned the vehicle (march 2004). Dealer tried to fix it in august 2004 without success. Problem has gotten worse and I was told yesterday that after only 15,000 miles, I had excessive wear out of both front and rear brake pads and rotors.”

NHTSA complaint #10116423, filed 2005-04

“The contact owns a 2004 Lexus GX470. The contact stated that the front brake calipers locked causing vibration when the brakes were applied. The front brake pads were worn and uneven. The brake calipers pistons were ceasing. The radiator coil and the front sv joint drive shaft also leaked continuously. The control system lights remained illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who did not duplicate or confirm any of the failures. The contact was concerned that due to the failure that the warranty would expire and then he would be responsible for the repairs. …”

NHTSA complaint #10378747, filed 2011-01, 80,000 miles

Related service bulletins

Transmission and drivetrain: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
200818%
200727%
200627%
20041015%
20031124%

Other parts of the 2004 Lexus GX470

Air bags
17 complaintsBody and structure
15 complaintsOther or unknown
8 complaintsVehicle speed control
7 complaintsSuspension
6 complaintsBrakes
5 complaintsEngine cooling
3 complaintsSteering
3 complaintsElectrical system
2 complaintsElectronic stability control
2 complaintsSeats
2 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
2 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2004 Lexus GX470

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.

To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology