1999 Lexus LX470: problems, recalls and reliability
1 recall and 14 owner complaints on record; most reports concern service brakes.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Sep 2004
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 14 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“The contact owns a 1999 Lexus LX470. The contact stated that after a vehicle inspection, it was discovered that the subframe of the vehicle had sustained severe corrosion making the vehicle unsafe to drive. The cause of the corrosion was not determined. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but no assistance was offered. The local dealer was not yet contacted. The approximate failure mileage was 134,000.”Owner report · Structure · Apr 2022
“Started vehicle....ABS and brake light came on as well as an audible buzzer. Drove the truck 3 miles and lost all brakes, pedal to the floor and had to use hand brake (emergency brake) to get stopped.”Owner report · Service Brakes · Sep 2015
“While driving the vehicle, it will suddenly ignore throttle input, and will be idling only. While not stalled, it is difficult to maneuver the vehicle and get out of the way of traffic. This can happen at any time. To remedy the situation, it is necessary to shut the engine off and restart. It can be a dangerous situation because it has happened right at the entrance to a major intersection, and while traveling in congested freeway driving. One repair shop replaced the throttle position sensor, but this has not fixed the problem. It is getting worse, and occurs more frequently than ever. *tr”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Dec 2010
Show 7 more owner reports
“Tl*the contact owns a 1999 lexus lx470. While driving 35 mph, the ABS brake light illuminated and there was a loud buzzing noise coming from the instrument cluster. The vehicle would not stop when the brakes were applied until the contact shift to a low gear. The vehicle was towed to the dealer who stated that there was an internal short circuit in the ABS hydro pump motor .the vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 126775 and the current mileage was 126781.”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Jul 2010
“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. *tr”Owner report · Structure · Jun 2010
“Dt: the contact stated while driving h heard a strange noise coming from the sun roof. Upon opening the sun roof glass cracked and crumbled into pieces. He took the vehicle to the dealer. This was not covered under warranty, but was replaced at the contact's expense. *ak”Owner report · Visibility · Nov 2005
“While driving on the freeway tire exploded, blowing all the sidewall off the tire. Consumer took tire to the dealer, and was told that they had never seen anything like that. Consumer had tires rotated. There were no injuries. Michelin ltxm/s, 275/70r16. Tires were neither under or over pressured. Consumer took the tire back to the lexus dealer. *ak *sc”Owner report · Tires · Aug 2004
“Goodyear fortera hl b07, p275/70r16 tires recommended and installed at boy-rad goodyear for a lexus lx470 caused an unstable and unsafe ride. These new tires were independently balanced and rotated several times without resolving stability issues. Seeking refund from goodyear, expect to replace with another brand.*ak”Owner report · Tires · Jul 2004
“Electrical problems, radio illumination flashes when cd/radio is on. The beat of the music makes it a distraction from the road. Dealer says all 99 lx470 have same problem,no action taken. *ak”Owner report · Equipment · Apr 2003
“While driving transmission would slip gears, and was not functioning correctly. Dealer stated that transmission has to be replaced. *ak”Owner report · Power Train
When filing, owners marked a crash in 1 of these complaints and injuries in 0 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 1 campaign
CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THE DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHTS DO NOT MEET LUMINOUS INTENSITY STANDARD.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A RESISTOR, WHICH WILL DECREASE THE LUMINOUS INTENSITY OF THE DRL. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JUNE JUNE 10, 2005. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT LEXUS AT 1-800-255-3987.
How other years compare
Check your exact LX470 by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 1999 Lexus LX470 reliable?
NHTSA has 14 owner complaints and 1 recall campaign on record for the 1999 Lexus LX470. The most complained-about area is service brakes.
Does the 1999 Lexus LX470 have open recalls?
1 recall campaign has been issued, the latest concerning exterior lighting:headlights. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.