Lexus LX470 Problems by Model Year
NHTSA recorded 93 consumer complaints across the 9 model years of the Lexus LX470 (1998–2006) that have at least 5 complaints. 2003 has the most, with 18. Across all years, the part named most often is brakes (17 mentions). Pick a model year below to see its parts, mileage, recalls and service bulletins.
All LX470 model years
Years with fewer than 5 complaints are not listed. The score compares years of the same model, allowing for the era and for how long each year has collected complaints: 50 is a typical year, lower means fewer complaints. It is not adjusted for sales volume.
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | TSBs | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 | 9 | 34,899 | 3 | 77 | — | Not enough data |
| 2005 | 8 | 48,900 | 3 | 80 | — | Not enough data |
| 2004 | 12 | 49,350 | 3 | 82 | — | Not enough data |
| 2003 | 18 | 142,150 | 3 | 61 | — | Stable |
| 2002 | 5 | 30,800 | 1 | 53 | — | Not enough data |
| 2001 | 5 | 117,000 | 1 | 51 | — | Not enough data |
| 2000 | 17 | 120,657 | 1 | 37 | — | Stable |
| 1999 | 14 | 106,000 | 1 | 34 | — | Not enough data |
| 1998 | 5 | 240,000 | 1 | 33 | — | Not enough data |
Parts named most often, all years
Counts add up complaint mentions across the listed years. A complaint can name several parts.
- Brakes17 23%
- Vehicle speed control10 14%
- Body and structure10 14%
- Air bags9 12%
- Suspension8 11%
- Steering8 11%
- Electrical system7 9.5%
- Transmission and drivetrain5 6.8%
Example complaints
One per model year, chosen for length and detail. Personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
2000: “I own a LX470 2000 with about 148,000 miles. Over the last couple of months, I have experienced 8 different times with the traction control problems as describing here. I was traveling at 65mph on a straight dry road my vsc warning light and audible alarm came on and vehicle began swerving violently back and forth apparently due to left and right brakes engaging alternately. Happened a few more times while driving at 35-40 MPH. …”
NHTSA complaint #10790085, filed 2015-11, 148,000 miles1999: “1999 LX470 Lexus SUV right stabilizer bracket connection to frame rusted through and bar is free floating now. Rusted part is steel frame tang where bolts go through to connect to frame I know toyota has frame rust problems, dealer found it then rushed me out said weather caused it.”
NHTSA complaint #10340244, filed 2010-06, 115,000 miles2005: “Vehicle was topped of with a full tank of gas prior to going on a off road drive. The vehicle was driven modestly up silver canyon trail with no mechanical issues until gas fumes became apparent. I initially thought the rig was running rich in fuel and continued the climb. Then on a break I noticed gas spewing from the vehicle's gas cap. There was a tremendous pressure build up. Once I reached the top of the trail the issue was photographed and recorded. I waited till the spewing of gas stopped then drove back down. …”
NHTSA complaint #10920617, filed 2016-11, 90,000 milesOther Lexus models
1,448 complaintsLexus RX
962 complaintsLexus RX350
833 complaintsLexus RX300
719 complaintsLexus IS 250
718 complaintsLexus ES300
677 complaintsLexus ES
658 complaintsLexus IS
579 complaints
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Methodology