Most common 1999 Lexus LX470 problems
Share of the 14 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 →
1999 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 1999 Lexus LX470 owners say
Brakes
The car had been driving normally on the freeway for approximately one hour. Suddenly, the ABS warning light and the brake warning lights became illuminated on the dashboard, followed shortly afterwards by a beeping alarm. The car was immediately pulled off the freeway at the next exit and was able to drive 1 block into a parking lot. Once in the parking lot, the brakes failed completely and the only way to stop the vehicle was with the emergency brake. Further testing found that when the brake pedal was depressed, the pedal would go directly to the floor with less than 5% effect on braking the vehicle. Later investigation by the mechanic determined the brake failure to be the result of a failed ABS motor and accumulator. Further investigation shows this seems to be a common problem among the 1998 and 1999 Toyota landcruiser and Lexus lx-470 vehicles. …
I was waiting at a stoplight behind a high volume of traffic and stopping and going as the light let vehicles through. My ABS light and brake light came on along with a loud consistent alarm. I proceeded through the light and pulled over at the nearest parking lot. As I pulled into a parking spot, the brake pedal went to the floor and I had to apply significant force to the brake pedal to get the vehicle to stop. In the parking lot under safe conditions I tested the minimal braking I had left and determined the vehicle was unsafe to drive home. I had the vehicle towed to the local shop and the issue was diagnosed as the ABS accumulator pump had failed (had completely seized up). This seems like a major design flaw. I had a very short amount of time to react to the alarms I was given. A failure of such a critical component causes the loss of all power brakes. …
1999 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 1999 Lexus LX470 a good car?
Based on 14 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 1999 LX470 rates average: 1.5× as many complaints as a typical year of the LX470 at the same age. 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 1999 Lexus LX470?
The brakes — 5 complaints, 36% of all complaints for this model year, most often about antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip. Next are the wheels & tires (2) and body & structure (2).
How many recalls does the 1999 Lexus LX470 have?
There is 1 recall for the 1999 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 1999 Lexus LX470 problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 106,000 miles; 18% 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.