2003 Lexus LX470: problems, recalls and reliability
3 recalls and 18 owner complaints on record; most reports concern electrical system; the 2004 and 2005 model years look more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Feb 2016
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 18 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Tl* the contact owns a 2003 lexus lx470. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 16v065000 (air bags) and stated that the part was not available within a reasonable time frame to schedule the recall repair. The contact called several dealers who were unable to provide a specific date for when the part would become available. The contact was unable to determine when the vehicle would be repaired. The manufacturer could not provide an estimated date for when the contact's vehicle would receive the recall repair. The contact was not experiencing a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.”Owner report · Air Bags · Jan 2017
“The speedometer is unreadable between 10-60 mph. There is no illumination, therefore you have no idea of the speed of the vehicle. I notified the dealer, and was told this is not common. Then I notified lexus company, and they said "contact the dealer". This is a safety concern--my wife is afraid to drive, for fear of speeding or other speed problems, as with other lexus vehicles. We have had this vehicle lexus certified dealer maintained since we bought the vehicle, and think this a dangerous situation. Thank you, [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6). *tr”Owner report · Electrical System · Jul 2015
“Entire under carriage and frame found to have extensive rust effecting structural integrity / safety, critical safety systems (brake lines, suspension structure), frame, fuel lines, fuel tank, and steering linkage. This is general attack corrosion with structural failure, corrosion fatigue, etc. There were / are no extenuating circumstances under any definition of normal use to explain this degree & extent of corrosion other than a manufacturing issue. *tr”Owner report · Suspension · Aug 2014
Show 4 more owner reports
“Tl* the contact owns a 2003 lexus lx470. The contact stated that the horn and gps did not function. In addition, some of the warning indicators did not illuminate. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the gps computer system needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the steering column was damaged due to a remedy of NHTSA campaign number: 10v346000 (steering). The spiral cable needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 170,000.”Owner report · Electrical System · Nov 2010
“The consumer couldn't see out the front windshield on the driver's side while driving in heavy snow. *ph a night vision system, which is a factory add on, was installed in the consumer's vehicle. The placement of the housing for this system blocked the air flow. As a result there was not enough space to allow the air to flow in the volume needed. The manufacturer indicated that the vehicle was functioning within the engineering guidelines and that no corrective action will be taken. *nm”Owner report · Visibility · Jan 2004
“Incompatibility with higher-weight-limit harnessed child restraints and vehicle anchorage systems. Specifically tether anchor weight limits. Most vehicles have a 40 lb. Weight limit for tether anchorage (as mandated in fmvss 213), while there are several cr on the market whose harnessed weight limit exceeds 40 lbs, up to 80 lbs (specifically the husky, marathon & wizard models by britax). The cr mfr states that the cr must be tethered above 50 lbs. While the vehicle mfrs state a 40 lb weight limit on tether anchorages.”Owner report · Child Seat · Sep 2003
“It is a known problem that alot of these made are missing the relays for the foglights and rear heat, and parking brakes freeze up.”Owner report · Electrical System · Jul 2003
When filing, owners marked a crash in 1 of these complaints and injuries in 2 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 3 campaigns
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.
TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2003-2007 LEXUS LX470 VEHICLES. THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE STEERING SHAFT IS SUCH THAT THE SNAP RING ON THE SHAFT MAY DISENGAGE WHEN THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCES AN UNUSUALLY SEVERE IMPACT TO THE FRONT WHEELS. IF THE SNAP RING BECOMES DISENGAGED AND THE STEERING WHEEL IS THEN REPEATEDLY TURNED TO THE LOCKED POSITION, OVER TIME THE STEERING SHAFT MAY BECOME DISCONNECTED.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE SNAP RING WITH A NEWLY DESIGNED ONE AND INSTALL AN ADDITIONAL COMPONENT WHICH WILL PREVENT SEPARATION OF THE STEERING SHAFT. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 23, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT LEXUS AT 1-800-255-3987.
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.
Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the air bag control module with one that has improved programming, free of charge. The recall began on December 1, 2016. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-271-9371. Toyota's number for this recall is G0C and GLB.
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 2003 Lexus LX470 reliable?
NHTSA has 18 owner complaints and 3 recall campaigns on record for the 2003 Lexus LX470. The most complained-about area is electrical system.
Does the 2003 Lexus LX470 have open recalls?
3 recall campaigns have 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.