Lexus GX470 Problems by Year

We compared every Lexus GX470 model year from 2003–2008 using 176 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, 3 recalls and federal defect investigations. The years to avoid are 2003, which drew far more complaints than other GX470 years at the same age. The best years are 2004 and 2008.

6model years
176complaints
3recalls
2003worst years
2004, 2008best years

Complaints by model year

200320042005200620072008463230282713
Owner complaints per model year, Lexus GX470. Colour = our verdict for that year (red: avoid, orange: caution, green: better than average, blue: too new).
YearComplaintsvs. typical*RecallsTop problemVerdict
200813−33%—BrakeAverage
2007271.3×—BodyAverage
200628typical1BodyAverage
200530typical1AirbagAverage
200432−39%1AirbagAverage
2003462.1×2TransmissionAvoid

* Complaints compared with the median GX470 year at the same age, so new and old years are judged fairly. How this works.

Most common Lexus GX470 problems

  • Body & structureworst: 2004
    3721%
  • Air bagsworst: 2004
    3620%
  • Brakesworst: 2008
    2313%
  • Speed control & accelerationworst: 2007
    2112%
  • Transmission & drivetrainworst: 2003
    1911%
  • Other / not specified
    1911%
  • Suspensionworst: 2003
    159%
  • Engine & coolingworst: 2003
    148%
  • Stability & traction controlworst: 2003
    95%
  • Electrical systemworst: 2005
    85%
  • Steeringworst: 2003
    63%
  • Fuel & propulsion systemworst: 2003
    53%
  • Seat beltsworst: 2006
    53%
  • Windows, wipers & sunroofworst: 2004
    42%
  • Seatsworst: 2004
    32%
  • Locks & latchesworst: 2005
    32%
  • Lightsworst: 2003
    21%
  • Wheels & tiresworst: 2004
    21%
  • Equipment & accessoriesworst: 2006
    11%
  • A/C & heaterworst: 2008
    11%

Latest Lexus GX470 recalls

Air bags › Side/window

NHTSA recall 16V-065 · Feb 5, 2016 · 320,409 vehicles

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.

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.

Seats › Mid/rear assembly

NHTSA recall 03V-088 · Mar 10, 2003 · 3,666 vehicles

On certain vehicles equipped with the Lexus link system, it May be difficult to lock one of the two latches on the bottom of the middle row left rear seat (larger side of the bench seat directly behind the driver).

Remedy: Dealers will remove the lls case panels around the seat stopper. Owner notification began April 8, 2003. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free…

Equipment › Other › Labels

NHTSA recall 03V-031 · Feb 11, 2003 · 5,878 vehicles

Certain sport utility vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of part 567, "certification." the incorrect gross vehicle weight rating (gvwr) data was printed on the certification regulation label. The gvwr is incorrectly reflected on the label as 6,100 lbs. The correct gvwr should be 6,000 lbs.

Remedy: As each label is vehicle identification number specific, owners will be requested to contact their local Lexus dealer first to place an order for the corrected label.

All 3 Lexus GX470 recalls by year →

Frequently asked questions

What years of the Lexus GX470 should you avoid?

2003 — this year has the most complaints relative to other GX470 years at the same age, led by transmission & drivetrain problems in the 2003.

What is the best year for the Lexus GX470?

2004 has the fewest complaints compared with other GX470 years at the same age, followed by 2008. Newer years can look better simply because fewer complaints have come in yet, so we compare like with like.

What are the most common Lexus GX470 problems?

Across all years, owners report the most problems with the body & structure (37), air bags (36) and brakes (23). Body complaints peak in the 2004 model year.

How many recalls has the Lexus GX470 had?

3 recalls across 2003–2008. The model year with the most is 2003. See all Lexus GX470 recalls by year.

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.