RoadVitals

2004 Lexus GX470 Problems

Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
65
Latest Aug 2, 2023
Components namedHow many of our component categories appear on at least one report for this model year. One report can name several.
17
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
10

What this page shows

Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2004 Lexus GX470, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

Reports by component

Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category

  • Airbags1720.7%
  • Suspension67.3%
  • Brakes56.1%
  • Engine44.9%
  • Interior & seats44.9%
  • Steering33.7%
  • Other / unspecified33.7%
  • Visibility22.4%
  • Electrical22.4%
  • Seat belts11.2%
  • Exterior lighting11.2%
  • Tires & wheels11.2%
  • Transmission11.2%
  • Heating & air conditioning11.2%

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Each component in detail

What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words

Airbags

Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.

17
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

THERE WAS A RECALL ON MY VEHICLE. THE DASHBOARD IS ALL CRACKED BUT MY PROBLEM IS THAT I DRIVE MY KIDS AND THERE IS A RECALL PROBLEM WITH SIDE CURTAIN-SHIELD-AIRBAGS (CSAS) WHICH DEPLOY FROM THE ROOF RAILS IN THE EVENT OF CERTAIN TYPES OF CRASHES. I HAD CALL 2 DIFFERENT LEXUS AND THE HEADQUATERS AND THEY ALL THEM ME DIFFERENT THINGS. I JUST WANT THE DASHBOARD AND AIRBAGS TO BE FIX AS THIS IS A FAMILY BAG.

NHTSA ID 11155696 · filed Dec 3, 2018

THE CAR HAS BEEN SUBJECT TO 2 RECALLS. FIRST, A RECALL FOR THE SELF-DESTRUCTING DASHBOARD AND FOR THE CURTAIN SHIELD AIRBAGS. THE COMPANY HAS REFUSED TO PROVIDE ME WITH THE PART IN ORDER TO PROCEED TO A REPLACEMENT OF THE AFFECTED PARTS.

NHTSA ID 11064316 · filed Jan 23, 2018
All 17 reports naming airbags

Body & structure

Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.

14
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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.

NHTSA ID 11186563 · filed Mar 13, 2019

PEARL WHITE PAINT IS PEELING OFF LIKE PAPER ON MY 2004 GX 470 WHAT IS GOING ON WITH LEXUS PAINT I HAVE OWNED 3 LEXUS CARS NEVER HAD THIS TO HAPPEN TO THE OTHER CARS NEEDS HELP IN SANFORD NC

NHTSA ID 11173320 · filed Jan 31, 2019
All 14 reports naming body & structure

Powertrain (other)

Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.

9
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).' *PM

NHTSA ID 11164595 · filed Jan 2, 2019

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. I HAVE HAD MY VEHICLE ALIGNED A FEW TIMES. IT HAS A SENSATION OF PULLING RIGHT. HOWEVER IT STAYS TRUE, PRETTY MUCH, ON THE ROAD. I SHOULD NOT HAVE THIS FEELING IN THE STEERING PLAY. LASTLY, I AM CONSTANTLY CHANGING OUT THE OUTSIDE LIGHTS ON THE VEHICLE. HEADLIGHTS, TURN INDICATORS AND REAR BRAKE LIGHTS.

NHTSA ID 10819491 · filed Jan 11, 2016
All 9 reports naming powertrain (other)

Driver assistance

Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.

8
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

SPEEDOMETER AND TACHOMETER GAUGES DO NOT WORK PROPERLY. WHEN THE VEHICLE IS TURNED ON, WILL EITHER ACTIVATE RIGHT AWAY OR FLICKER OR DO NOTHING. THIS IS AN INTERMITTENT PROBLEM AND IS HARD TO DIAGNOSE OR EVEN FIX. HAVE SEEN ON LEXUS FORUMS THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM AND SEEMS MANY OF US ARE DRIVING "SPEED BLIND". I HAVE ALREADY HAD THE CLUSTER SENT OUT AND "REPAIRED", ONLY TO HAVE PROBLEM COME BACK. I FEEL THIS PROBLEM IS DANGEROUS AND THE MANUFACTURER NEEDS TO BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE.

NHTSA ID 10822194 · filed Jan 26, 2016

I HAVE A 2004 GX470 SUV. TODAY I WAS IN A PARKING LOT, TRYING TO BACK OUT AND LEAVE. WITH ONE FOOT ON THE ACCELERATOR, I FOUND IT STUCK, WHICH WAS ODD, AS I HAD NOT EXPERIENCED IT BEFORE. SO I PRESSED ON IT AGAIN, I THOUGHT, LIGHTLY. I WAS TAKEN COMPLETELY BY SURPRISE, AS I SEEMED TO HAVE FLOWN BACKWARDS, AS I HAVE A V8 ENGINE, MY ACCELERATION WAS QUICK AND MY CAR IMMEDIATELY RAMMED INTO 2 PARKED CARS BEHIND ME. I WAS IN A STATE OF SHOCK AND VERY SCARED, SINCE IT WAS SO FAST AND SUDDEN. HAS ANYONE ELSE EXPERIENCED ANYTHING LIKE THIS BEFORE? THANK YOU. *TR

NHTSA ID 10820589 · filed Jan 15, 2016
All 8 reports naming driver assistance

Suspension

Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.

6
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

MY GX470 2004 HAS RUST ON FRAME, SHOCKS AND SUSPENSION. HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT THEY WILL NOT MAKE ANY REPAIRS BECAUSE THEY WILL COST MORE THAN VEHICLE. LEXUS SHOULD REALLY CONSIDER THESE FRAMES FROM DANA OHIO IN THE RECALLS AS THE OTHERS. OVER THE YEARS I HAVE HAD THE RADIATOR, EMERGENCY BRAKE AND RIMS ALL RUST OUT AND REPLACED AS WELL AND THE VEHICLE IS NOT EVEN IN SNOW OR BEACH AREAS. THESE VEHICLES ALSO HAVE THE SEAT BELT ISSUE WHICH MAKES THE AIRBAG LIGHT STAY ON. AS NICE AND RELIABLE THESE VEHICLES WERE I BELIEVE LEXUS SHOULD BACK THEIR PRODUCT!

NHTSA ID 11194294 · filed Apr 6, 2019

THE ENTIRE DASH BOARD IS CRACKED. THERE ARE SPOTS ON MY LEATHER SEATS AND ARM RESTS ARE CRACKED AND TORN. ALSO TOLD THE TRUCK DOESN'T HAVE SHOCKS BUT I CAN FEEL EVERY BUMP

NHTSA ID 10924388 · filed Nov 5, 2016

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Brakes

Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.

5
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

BRAKES TOTALLY FAILED WHILE DESCENDING A STEEP INCLINE ON A CITY/ STATE HIGHWAY CAUSING LOSS OF CONTROL AND IMPACT WITH A TREE. AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY.

NHTSA ID 11024646 · filed Sep 20, 2017

LEXUS IS SELLING VEHICLES WITH BAD BRAKE ACTUATORS. I TOOK IT TO THEM TWICE AND WHICH THEY SAY THEY DON'T KNOW WHY I'M HERE THE NOISE AND WHY MY BRAKE PEDAL WAS RATTLING WHEN I LOOK ON THE LEXUS FORUMS I SEE SEVERAL PEOPLE COMPLAINING ABOUT THE BRAKE ACTUATORS ARE GOING OUT ON THEIR VEHICLES SOME VEHICLES ONLY HAVE $34,000 ON THEM. THE DANGEROUS PART IS THAT YOU GET NO WARNING LIGHTS OR ANYTHING IF IT GOES OUT AND YOU'RE ON THE EXPRESSWAY YOU CAN NOT STOP THE VEHICLE AT ALL, ONE PERSON EVEN BLOGGED ABOUT HOW THERE'S WENT COMPLETELY OUT ON THEM LUCKILY THEY WERE DRIVING UP IN THE DRIVEWAY BUT THE VEHICLE NEVER STOPPED. LEXUS IS CHARGING PEOPLE ANYWHERE FROM 2 TO $4,000 TO FIX THESE WHEN THEY KNOW THAT SEVERAL OF THEIR VEHICLES ARE HAVING THESE PROBLEMS WHILE STILL NEW. I JUST TOOK IT TO LEXUS AGAIN LAST WEEK AND THE SERVICEMEN SAID IT SOUNDS LIKE THE ACTUATOR IS GOING OUT IF IT IS THEN THAT'S GOING TO BE $4,000. WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE I HEAR A LOT OF CLICKING UP UNDER THE HOOD AND YOU CAN FEEL THE VIBRATION ALL THE WAY THROUGH THE BRAKE PEDAL.

NHTSA ID 10949893 · filed Feb 6, 2017

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Engine

Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.

4
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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).

NHTSA ID 11010283 · filed Jul 24, 2017

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 LEXUS GX470. THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD NOISE COMING FROM THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS AND OFFERED NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN NOTIFIED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC WHO INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE HEAT SHIELD HAD DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE BECAUSE THE BOLTS WERE WORN. NO REPAIRS WERE PERFORMED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 120,000. A LOCAL REPAIR SHOP INFORMED THE CONSUMER, THE HEAT SHIELD LOCATED ABOVE THE MUFFLER HAD FALLEN OFF AND WAS TRAPPED BETWEEN THE MUFFLER AND THE FLOOR PAN OF THE VEHICLE. THE VIBRATION NOISE HEARD WAS THE HEAT SHIELD RATTLING ON THE MUFFLER ITSELF. UPDATED 06/05/12

NHTSA ID 10432770 · filed Oct 25, 2011

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Interior & seats

Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.

4
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 2004 Lexus GX470. The contact stated that while driving approximately 50 MPH, the driver’s side seat heater was activated on the high setting. The contact stated that the following morning he noticed small blisters on his back; medical attention was needed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage 67,000.

NHTSA ID 11536018 · filed Aug 2, 2023

The contact owns a 2004 Lexus GX470. The contact stated that the vehicle was parked when he noticed there was a crack on the dashboard. The contact was not sure what caused the dashboard to crack. The dealer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the manufacturer for assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The manufacturer informed the contact that there had been a Customer Support Program for the dashboard failure which expired in 2017. The contact had not been made aware of the special program. The approximate failure mileage was 105,000.

NHTSA ID 11426443 · filed Jul 26, 2021

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Steering

Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 LEXUS GX470. WHILE ACCELERATING FROM A STOP AT 5 MPH AND TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL LEFT OR RIGHT, THE POWER ASSIST FAILED. THE STEERING WHEEL WAS DIFFICULT TO TURN. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA ID 10933892 · filed Dec 8, 2016

MY HUSBAND WAS DRIVING OUR NEWLY PURCHASED 2004 LEXUS 470GX TO GEORGIA WHEN HE ENCOUNTERED PROBLEMS WITH DRIVING UNDER RAINY WEATHER CONDITIONS IN NORTH FLORIDA. MY HUSBAND COMMUNICATED THE STEERING WAS VERY LOOSE AND THE CAR WAS PULLING. ACCORDING TO MY HUSBAND, THIS HAPPENED TWO TIMES AND ON THE THIRD INCIDENT THE VEHICLE WENT OUT OF CONTROL. MY HUSBAND WAS NOT ABLE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND IT FLIPPED APPROXIMATELY THREE TIMES BEFORE ENDING UP IN THE MEDIAN ON IT'S SIDE. MY HUSBAND IS A VERY SAFE DRIVER AND WAS EXERCISING MUCH CAUTION WHEN DRIVING. HE'S DRIVEN AN SUV (1997 TOYOTA 4RUNNER) FOR EIGHT YEARS. WE PURCHASED THE VEHICLE ON 12/23/06 AND I AM CONCERNED THAT SOMETHING WAS WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE. WE'VE DRIVEN IN WORSE WEATHER CONDITIONS AND NEVER HAD ANYTHING REMOTELY WRONG HAPPEN...I'M NOT SURE WHAT COULD HAVE CAUSED THIS AND SEEK OUT SOME HELP AND ADVICE. PLEASE HELP. *JB

NHTSA ID 10177628 · filed Jan 2, 2007

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Other / unspecified

Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

MY GX470 2004 HAS RUST ON FRAME, SHOCKS AND SUSPENSION. HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT THEY WILL NOT MAKE ANY REPAIRS BECAUSE THEY WILL COST MORE THAN VEHICLE. LEXUS SHOULD REALLY CONSIDER THESE FRAMES FROM DANA OHIO IN THE RECALLS AS THE OTHERS. OVER THE YEARS I HAVE HAD THE RADIATOR, EMERGENCY BRAKE AND RIMS ALL RUST OUT AND REPLACED AS WELL AND THE VEHICLE IS NOT EVEN IN SNOW OR BEACH AREAS. THESE VEHICLES ALSO HAVE THE SEAT BELT ISSUE WHICH MAKES THE AIRBAG LIGHT STAY ON. AS NICE AND RELIABLE THESE VEHICLES WERE I BELIEVE LEXUS SHOULD BACK THEIR PRODUCT!

NHTSA ID 11194294 · filed Apr 6, 2019

1. MY DASH BOARD HAS CRACKED, I TOOK IT TO WOODFIELD LEXUS IN CHICAGO, THEY DID SOME PATCH WORK, BUT NOW MORE CRACKS HAVE APPEARED AND I FEEL IT MAY INTERFERE WITH AIRBAGS. HTTP://WWW.CLUBLEXUS.COM/FORUMS/GX-FIRST-GENERATION/603916-MY-DASHBOARD-IS-CRACKING.HTML BY GOING THOUGH THE FORUMS, IT SEEMS COST OF REPLACING 1200 TO 3000 DOLLARS IS A LOT OF MONEY FOR THE PART WHICH SHOULD NOT CRACK IN THE FIRST PLACE. OBVIOUSLY IT IS DEFECTIVE MATERIAL, LEXUS HAS BEEN USING TO MAKE DASHBOARDS 2. CHROME PLATING ON MY WHEELS IS COMING OFF BADLY. *TR

NHTSA ID 10631407 · filed Sep 7, 2014

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Visibility

Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 LEXUS GX470. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE WINDSHIELD BECAME OVERHEATED. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN INSPECTED BY THE DEALER WHO ADVISED THAT THE WINDSHIELD WAS DEFECTIVE. THE VEHICLE FRONT WINDSHIELD WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 5. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.

NHTSA ID 10410748 · filed Jul 6, 2011

ARRIVING AT THE BANK DRIVE THROUGH, I PULLED THE DRIVER'S SIDE SUN VISOR DOWN AND ALL THE INTERIOR LIGHTS AND DASH LIGHTS WENT OUT. LATER, AFTER MY HUSBAND INVESTIGATING THE PROBLEM, HE FOUND THAT THE PROBLEM WAS A SHORT CIRCUIT IN THE SUN VISOR WIRING. HE HAD TO REMOVE THE SUN VISOR FROM THE ROOF TO PREVENT THE FUSE FROM BURNING EVERY TIME THE VISOR IS MOVED. THIS PREVENTS ME FROM USING THE VISOR WHEN THE SUN IS DIRECTLY IN MY EYES. IF I LEAVE THE VISOR IN, THE FUSE FOR THE INTERIOR LIGHTING WILL BURN AND RESULT IN THE LOSS OF LIGHTS AND TRIP METER FUNCTIONALITY. I STILL HAVE THE VISOR BUT MY HUSBAND SAYS IT IS NOT REPAIRABLE. *TR

NHTSA ID 10342845 · filed Jul 13, 2010

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Electrical

Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

SPEEDOMETER AND TACHOMETER GAUGES DO NOT WORK PROPERLY. WHEN THE VEHICLE IS TURNED ON, WILL EITHER ACTIVATE RIGHT AWAY OR FLICKER OR DO NOTHING. THIS IS AN INTERMITTENT PROBLEM AND IS HARD TO DIAGNOSE OR EVEN FIX. HAVE SEEN ON LEXUS FORUMS THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM AND SEEMS MANY OF US ARE DRIVING "SPEED BLIND". I HAVE ALREADY HAD THE CLUSTER SENT OUT AND "REPAIRED", ONLY TO HAVE PROBLEM COME BACK. I FEEL THIS PROBLEM IS DANGEROUS AND THE MANUFACTURER NEEDS TO BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE.

NHTSA ID 10822194 · filed Jan 26, 2016

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. I HAVE HAD MY VEHICLE ALIGNED A FEW TIMES. IT HAS A SENSATION OF PULLING RIGHT. HOWEVER IT STAYS TRUE, PRETTY MUCH, ON THE ROAD. I SHOULD NOT HAVE THIS FEELING IN THE STEERING PLAY. LASTLY, I AM CONSTANTLY CHANGING OUT THE OUTSIDE LIGHTS ON THE VEHICLE. HEADLIGHTS, TURN INDICATORS AND REAR BRAKE LIGHTS.

NHTSA ID 10819491 · filed Jan 11, 2016

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Seat belts

Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

MY GX470 2004 HAS RUST ON FRAME, SHOCKS AND SUSPENSION. HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT THEY WILL NOT MAKE ANY REPAIRS BECAUSE THEY WILL COST MORE THAN VEHICLE. LEXUS SHOULD REALLY CONSIDER THESE FRAMES FROM DANA OHIO IN THE RECALLS AS THE OTHERS. OVER THE YEARS I HAVE HAD THE RADIATOR, EMERGENCY BRAKE AND RIMS ALL RUST OUT AND REPLACED AS WELL AND THE VEHICLE IS NOT EVEN IN SNOW OR BEACH AREAS. THESE VEHICLES ALSO HAVE THE SEAT BELT ISSUE WHICH MAKES THE AIRBAG LIGHT STAY ON. AS NICE AND RELIABLE THESE VEHICLES WERE I BELIEVE LEXUS SHOULD BACK THEIR PRODUCT!

NHTSA ID 11194294 · filed Apr 6, 2019

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Exterior lighting

Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 LEXUS GX470. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS EXPERIENCING A RECURRING FAILURE IN WHICH THE FRONT TURN SIGNAL LIGHT BULBS STOPPED FUNCTIONING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS IN WHICH THE BULBS WOULD BE REPLACED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 112,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.

NHTSA ID 10397129 · filed Apr 22, 2011

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Tires & wheels

Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

SNOW CHAINS FOR LEXUS GX470 2004 BROKE AND CAUSED EXTENSIVE DAMAGES. PURCHASED: FEBRUARY, 2010. USED ONLY ONCE BEFORE IT BROKE (3 OF 4) AND DAMAGED VEHICLE. REPORT: CHAINS, FILLED QUESTIONNAIRE, SENT TO MANUFACTURER: SCC, IN CLACKAMAS, OR TO [XXX]. RESULTS OF [XXX]: CHAINS SHOULD HAVE BEEN INSTALLED ON ONLY THE REAR TIRES (THIS IS A 4WD) AND STORE PURCHASED FROM: VULCANTIRE, STATED FRONT AND REAR FOR BETTER VEHICLE CONTROL. ALSO, MR. CAPRINE STATED QUESTIONABLE CLEARANCE WITH GX470, WHEREAS THIS VEHICLE WAS BUILT FOR OFF-ROAD, AND HAS MUCH HIGHER CLEARANCE THAN OTHER VEHICLES. HE STATES THE GX470 HAS A HEIGHT CONTROL SYSTEM AND ADDED TO CAUSED CHAIN FAILURE, WHEREAS THE HEIGHT CONTROL IS MANUALLY ACTIVATED, AND WAS NEVER ACTIVATED SINCE PURCHASE; AND ONLY THE REAR SUSPENSION ELEVATES, WHEREAS 3 OF 4 CHAINS FAILED. [XXX] ALSO FAULTS THE CHAINS WERE NOT THE CORRECT, SINCE THE NEW TIRES INSTALLED WERE 265/70/17, WHEREAS THE OEM IS 265/65/17. THIS STATEMENT WAS NEGATED BY: VULCAN TIRE, LEXUS DEALERS IN KINGSPORT, TN AND WINSTON-SALEM, NC, AND THE LOCAL TIRE DEALER: CLARK TIRE, BOONE, NC. [XXX] CALLED BY TELEPHONE, EMAIL, AND HE HAS FAILED TO RESPOND. [XXX]TOOK THE CALL,AND INFORMED ME [XXX] WILL CALL BACK ON 1/3/2011, AND AS OF 1/10/2011, 7:52 P.M., NO CALLS WERE RETURNED. ALL OF THE REASONS FOR FAILURE WERE NEGATED BY THE LEXUS DEALER, AND THE BODY SHOP THAT REPAIRED VEHICLE (OLDE JONESBOROUGH BODY SHOP) AND THE GEICO CLAIMS ADJUSTER ([XXX]), BOTH FROM JOHNSON CITY, TN, NEGATED [XXX] STATEMENTS, AND BLAMED THE DIRECTLY VISUALIZED CHAINS (THEY WERE PRESENTED TO THEM) FAULTINESS. THE CHAINS WERE PRACTICALLY NEW, AND FAILED (3 OF 4). WITNESSES: NEXT DOOR NEIGHBOR DR. WILLIAM WESTMORELAND , AND NEARBY NEIGHBOR [XXX] VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN FROM MY HOME, DOWN 70 YARDS OF MY DRIVEWAY, UP TO NEXT DOOR NEIGHBOR (40 YARDS) BEFORE FAILING. AS OF THIS DATE, NO COMPENSATION HAS BEEN MADE. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

NHTSA ID 10375508 · filed Jan 10, 2011

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Transmission

Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

CLUNK AND VIBRATION AND THUMP IN TRANSMISSION. *NM

NHTSA ID 10137356 · filed Sep 22, 2005

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Heating & air conditioning

Reports naming the heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 2004 Lexus GX470. The contact stated that while driving approximately 50 MPH, the driver’s side seat heater was activated on the high setting. The contact stated that the following morning he noticed small blisters on his back; medical attention was needed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage 67,000.

NHTSA ID 11536018 · filed Aug 2, 2023

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.

Elsewhere on this vehicle

Data sources

Data on this page last refreshed .