Most common 1998 Lexus LX470 problems
Share of the 5 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Lexus LX470 complaints by model year
Best LX470 years: 2004, 1998, 2002. Compare all years →
1998 Lexus LX470 recalls (1)
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.
What 1998 Lexus LX470 owners say
Brakes
Tl* the contact owns a 1998 Lexus LX470. The contact stated that an audible brake alarm begun to sound. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, who stated that they would replace the anti lock brake master cylinder system, which caused the alarm to sound. The vehicle was repaired. Approximately three months later, the failure recurred. The contact also stated that while driving at a low speed, the brakes were applied, but the vehicle did not stop until crashing into the rear of another vehicle. As a result, a third vehicle was involved in the crash. The police were notified and a report was available. The drivers of the two other vehicles were injured and transported to a hospital via ambulance. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic and the manufacturer was notified. …
Safety issue: intermittent sudden complete ABS braking system failure. The vehicle have a sudden completely ABS braking system failure on April 06, 2018. The vehicle can not stop while driving on April 6, 2018. The dashboard ABS light and brake light plus the annoying alarm out of the blue on April 06, 2018. The vehicle was towed to butler Lexus dealership for further investigation on April 06, 2018. Without any repaired done by butler Lexus dealership on April 10, 2018, now the ABS braking system works again and dashboard ABS light and brake light plus annoying alarm out of the blue going away on April 10, 018 @ butler Lexus dealership parking lot.
1998 Lexus LX470 engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4.7L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 4WD/AWD | 12 / 15 / 13 |
EPA ratings. Class: SUV.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 1998 Lexus LX470 a good car?
Based on 5 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 1998 LX470 rates average: 43% fewer complaints than a typical year of the LX470 at the same age. It is one of the best LX470 years by this measure. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 1998 Lexus LX470?
The brakes — 4 complaints, 80% of all complaints for this model year, most often about antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip. Next is the windows, wipers & sunroof (1).
How many recalls does the 1998 Lexus LX470 have?
There is 1 recall for the 1998 Lexus LX470, the most recent from September 8, 2004 (headlights). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Lexus LX470?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2004, 1998 and 2002. See the full Lexus LX470 years comparison.
At what mileage do 1998 Lexus LX470 problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 240,000 miles; 0% 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.