Complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | vs. typical* | Recalls | Top problem | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 | 9 | −14% | 3 | Airbag | Average |
| 2005 | 8 | 1.3× | 3 | Transmission | Average |
| 2004 | 2 | −57% | 3 | Suspension | Average |
| 2003 | 18 | 1.5× | 3 | Steering | Average |
| 2002 | 5 | −29% | 1 | Brake | Average |
| 2001 | 5 | −14% | 1 | Acceleration | Average |
| 2000 | 17 | 1.3× | 1 | Traction Control | Average |
| 1999 | 14 | 1.5× | 1 | Brake | Average |
| 1998 | 5 | −43% | 1 | Brake | Average |
* Complaints compared with the median LX470 year at the same age, so new and old years are judged fairly. How this works.
Most common Lexus LX470 problems
Latest Lexus LX470 recalls
Air bags › Frontal › Passenger side › Inflator module
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2008-2016 Toyota Land Cruiser, 2006 Lexus LX470, and 2008-2013 Lexus LX570 vehicles. These vehicles may be equipped with an incorrect driver or front passenger air bag.
Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the affected air bag assemblies, free of charge. The recall began September 29, 2017. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331.
Air bags › Side/window
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.
Steering › Gear box › Shaft pitman
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.
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.
Exterior lighting › Headlights
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.
Frequently asked questions
What years of the Lexus LX470 should you avoid?
None of the Lexus LX470 years has an unusually high number of complaints compared with the others at the same age.
What is the best year for the Lexus LX470?
2004 has the fewest complaints compared with other LX470 years at the same age, followed by 1998 and 2002. 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 LX470 problems?
Across all years, owners report the most problems with the brakes (17), speed control & acceleration (10) and body & structure (9). Brake complaints peak in the 1999 model year.
How many recalls has the Lexus LX470 had?
4 recalls across 1998–2006. The model year with the most is 2003. See all Lexus LX470 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.