Most common 2004 Lexus GX 470 problems
Share of the 33 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Lexus GX 470 complaints by model year
What 2004 Lexus GX 470 owners say
Transmission & drivetrain
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. I am fearful that the vehicle is becoming unsafe and I believe with the number of complaints I found on the Lexus sites that this is should be a recall issue not an issue that my dealer continually ignores. My Lexus also in cold weather (low 30s) has a large growling noise when stopped and brakes applied. I think it is part of the aforementioned issue. …
There are multiple complaints on the internet available with this vehicle and the transmission, transfer case "actuator" replacement part # 36100-6d190, is cracking around 90,000 to 100,000 miles and leaking oil on streets and anywhre you park. The cause is from Lexus service at the 100,000 mile tune up, in many cases, if a owner has never used their 4 wheel drive, and service engages 4 wheel drive during service and then cracking this defective part that has not been used in 10 years. That was my situation, where I dleivered a perfect vehicle to Lexus of greenville sc for 100,000 tune up service, and the car was returned to me leaking. It was reported immediatly with no result to fix. $3500 part. I have had a few meetings with Lexus corporate over the past 2 years too, case# 1706011926. [redacted] '
Body & structure
Vehicle failed inspection due to rust hole in frame and transmission support. The mechanic said that the rest of the frame is in good condition which leads me to believe that it must be a defect with materials used for the frame, I would expect same type of damage to the rest of the frame. The car was well maintained, and it is in great condition otherwise, after close to 103,000 miles. This May be related to the Toyota frame rust issues that were reported since, to my knowledge the GX shares the same frame as other Toyota suvs/trucks. Lexus refused to help w/ the repair etc. And they deemed the vehicle unsafe to drive, I have to tow it out of their dealership. Attached, my shop review, Lexus review and pictures from my mechanic. I am asking Lexus for the pictures they took while the car was in shop.
Entire frame of the car is rusted to the point that almost nothing is holding the car together and we've been told it's not safe to drive. Has been maintained on regular basis and has always been parked in garage at night and on most weekdays. Car shouldn't be rusted out when cared for meticulously (documentation available).
Air bags
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 Lexus gx470. The contact was driving 30 MPH when he crashed into another vehicle. The air bags did not deploy. The contact sustained injuries to the right shoulder, head and back. A passenger sustained a broken nose and broken cheek bone. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was destroyed. A police report was available. The contact did not inform the manufacturer of the failure. The VIN was not available. The current and failure mileage was approximately 89,000.
Tl* Takata recall. The contact owns a 2004 Lexus GX 470. The contact received a recall notification for NHTSA campaign number: 16V065000 (air bags) the part to do the repair was not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available. Updated 03/03/17
2004 Lexus GX 470 engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4.7L 8-cyl | 5-speed automatic | 4WD/AWD | 14 / 17 / 15 |
EPA ratings. Class: SUV.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2004 Lexus GX 470 a good car?
There isn't enough complaint history for the GX 470 to compare model years reliably. So far owners have filed 33 complaints with NHTSA.
What is the most common problem with the 2004 Lexus GX 470?
The transmission & drivetrain — 7 complaints, 21% of all complaints for this model year, most often about driveline › driveshaft. Next are the body & structure (6) and air bags (5).
How many recalls does the 2004 Lexus GX 470 have?
NHTSA lists no recalls for the 2004 Lexus GX 470. You can still confirm with your VIN using our VIN recall check.
At what mileage do 2004 Lexus GX 470 problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 51,000 miles; 50% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.