2006 Lexus GX470 Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2006 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
- Body & structure823.5%
- Airbags823.5%
- Engine411.8%
- Seat belts38.8%
- Brakes25.9%
- Powertrain (other)25.9%
- Other / unspecified12.9%
- Visibility12.9%
- Driver assistance12.9%
- Electrical12.9%
- Fuel system12.9%
- Interior & seats12.9%
- Exterior lighting12.9%
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
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
I PURCHASED THIS 2006 LEXUS GX 470 IN OCTOBER 2005, FROM WESTSIDE LEXUS IN HOUSTON TEXAS. THE PAINT ON MY VEHICLE STARTED PEELING THREE YEARS AFTER I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE. IT GOT WORSE AS THE YEARS WENT BY. I CALLED LEXUS AND REPORTED THE PROBLEM, AND DIDN'T GET ANY HELP. I HAVE BEEN CALLING LEXUS EVERY YEAR SINCE I FIRST NOTICED THE PROBLEM, STILL WITHOUT ANY HELP FROM LEXUS. IT IS A SHAME THAT LEXUS IS NOT TRYING TO HELP ME, CONSIDERING I AM A LOYAL CUSTOMER. I FELT LEXUS SHOULD HAVE RECALLED THE VEHICLE. I HAVE SEEN SEVERAL 2005-2006 LEXUS GX 470 MODELS WITH SIMILAR PROBLEMS ON THE ROAD. IT APPEARS THE PROBLEM IS FROM LEXUS. I AM CALLING ON THE GOVERNMENT TO PLEASE ORDER LEXUS TO RECALL THESE VEHICLES. IT IS SAD THAT ONE SPENDS HARD-EARNED THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS TO PURCHASE A VEHICLE AND TO BE HAVING THESE SORTS OF ISSUES.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 LEXUS GX470. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BODY OF THE VEHICLE MOVED AROUND IN A CIRCULAR MOTION. WHENEVER THE VEHICLE DROVE OVER BUMPS IN THE ROAD, THE BODY TURNED WITH NO CONTROL. THE VEHICLE WAS CURRENTLY PARKED AT THE CONTACT'S SPOUSE'S HOME. THE CONTACT CALLED NORTHEAST MOTOR CARS (664 MARKET STREET, PATERSON, NJ 07513, (973) 345-7000), BUT THE OWNER CLOSED THE DEALER AND MOVED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS ALSO INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V065000 (AIR BAGS). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 122,000. *DT CONSUMER STATED CAR IS STILL SITTING AT CONSUMER'S HOME. *JB
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 LEXUS GX470. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BODY OF THE VEHICLE MOVED AROUND IN A CIRCULAR MOTION. WHENEVER THE VEHICLE DROVE OVER BUMPS IN THE ROAD, THE BODY TURNED WITH NO CONTROL. THE VEHICLE WAS CURRENTLY PARKED AT THE CONTACT'S SPOUSE'S HOME. THE CONTACT CALLED NORTHEAST MOTOR CARS (664 MARKET STREET, PATERSON, NJ 07513, (973) 345-7000), BUT THE OWNER CLOSED THE DEALER AND MOVED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS ALSO INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V065000 (AIR BAGS). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 122,000. *DT CONSUMER STATED CAR IS STILL SITTING AT CONSUMER'S HOME. *JB
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 LEXUS GX470. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V065000 (AIR BAGS). THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
I HAVE AN 2006 LEXUS GX470 AND THESE LIGHTS CAME ON: ABS, VSC TRAC, VSC OFF, SKID, AND CHECK ENGINE. THE VEHICLE STARTED MAKING A HUMMING NOISE AT START UP AND NOW DRIVES IN STALLED MODE. HAD CODES CHECK AND IT TURNS OUT I HAVE THE DREADED SECONDARY AIR INJECTION SYSTEM (EMISSIONS) DEFECT P0412, P0418 ,P1440/P1443, P1441/P1444, P2440, P2445, P1442/P1145 , WHICH IS A RECURRING PROBLEM. REPLACEMENT IS A NIGHTMARE FOR SELF REPAIR OR A $2000+ REPAIR.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 LEXUS GX470. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH AND ATTEMPTING TO MERGE ONTO THE HIGHWAY, THE VEHICLE DID NOT ACCELERATE PAST 50 MPH. IN ADDITION, THE CHECK ENGINE, VEHICLE STABILITY CONTROL, AND TRACTION CONTROL WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT CONTINUED DRIVING AND STATED THAT THE FAILURE OCCURRED FOR APPROXIMATELY THREE WEEKS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO LEXUS OF GREENVILLE (2660 LAURENS RD, GREENVILLE, SC 29607) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE SECONDARY AIR PUMP AND VALVE SWITCH FAILED AND NEEDED REPLACEMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 168,000.
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.
From owner reports, verbatim
WHILE DRIVING ON A STEEP LOOSE GRAVEL ROAD WHICH TURNED, MY VEHICLE STARTED SLIDING OUT TOWARD THE EDGE NEXT TO A RATHER LONG DROP OFF. I STOPPED MY VEHICLE TO SEE THE PROGRESS AND SELECT A ROUTE. THE SEAT BELT WOULD NOT LET ME USE IT. I HAD TO DRIVE THE MOST DANGEROUS PART OF THE ROAD WITHOUT A SEAT BELT. THIS IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS! IS THERE SOME WAY TO GET THE BELT TO RELEASE? NONE WAS FOUND IN THE MANUAL. AFTER A LITTLE DIGGING AND A COUPLE OF TRYS, WE GOT OUT O.K., BUT HAD NO SEAT BELT PROTECTION IN THE PROCESS. LEXUS REPORTS THAT THIS FUNCTIONED PROPERLY; IF SO IT IS A DANGEROUS DEFECT BECAUSE THERE IS NO RELEASE TO ALLOW USE OF THE SEAT BELT. *NM
I HAVE A 2006 LEXUS GX470 WITH ABOUT 15,000 MILES ON IT. I WAS GOING UP A STEEP GRADE ON A DIFFICULT ROAD IN 4WD. WHEN I STOPPED AND GOT OUT TO LOOK AT THE ROAD, THE SEAT BELT LOCKED IN A RETRACTED POSITION AND WOULD NOT DEPLOY AGAIN UNTIL VEHICLE WAS ON MORE LEVEL GROUND. THUS, I HAD TO DRIVE THE MOST DANGEROUS PART OF THE ROAD WITHOUT A SEAT BELT TO PROTECT ME IN EVENT OF ROLLOVER. LEXUS SAYS THIS IS NORMAL: "NORMAL CONDITION WHEN VEHICLE IS NOT LEVELED. LOCK WILL RELEASE WHEN LEVEL." MY THOUGHTS ARE: (1) I HAVE GREAT 4WD BECAUSE I COULD BARELY WALK UP THE ROAD I FINALLY GOT UP, BUT (2) THE SEAT BELT LOCK SHOULD HAVE A RELEASE FOR THESE CIRCUMSTANCES BECAUSE THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS. *JB
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.
From owner reports, verbatim
FROM:[XXX] SUBJECT:2006 LEXUS GX 470 ACCELERATION HELLO, MY 44 YEAR-OLD WIFE [XXX] WAS DRIVING HER 2006 LEXUS GX 470 THIS MORNING IN SEATTLE, WA. AS SHE WAS PULLING INTO A PARKING SPACE, THE CAR SUDDENLY ACCELERATED. DESPITE HITTING THE BRAKES SEVERAL TIMES, THE CAR DID NOT STOP AND ENDED UP JUMPING A CURB AND CRASHING INTO A CHAIN LINK FENCE. THANKFULLY NO ONE WAS HURT. SHE CALLED OUR LEXUS DEALERSHIP IN BELLEVUE, WA. THEY TOLD US THAT SINCE IT WAS A PRODUCT LIABILITY ISSUE THEY WOULD NOT PROVIDE US A LOANER CAR AND WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO INSPECT THE CAR FOR TWO WEEKS. MY WIFE HAS NO CONFIDENCE IN OUR LEXUS AND WANTS TO SELL IT AS SOON AS IT IS FIXED UP FROM THE ACCIDENT (WE ARE FILING AN INSURANCE CLAIM AND ALSO FILED A POLICE REPORT). I AM ALSO VERY UNHAPPY WITH THE RESPONSE OF LEXUS NOT TO PROVIDE A LOANER VEHICLE AND IMMEDIATELY INSPECT THE CAR. A FRIEND OF OURS SUGGESTED WE CONTACT NHTSA. YOU MAY REACH ME AT [XXX] OR [XXX]. PLEASE ADVISE IF THERE ANY OTHER ACTIONS WE SHOULD TAKE AT THIS POINT IN TIME. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 LEXUS GX470. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH THE CONTACT ENGAGED THE BRAKES AND THE PEDAL MADE CONTACT WITH THE FLOORBOARD. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT STOP IMMEDIATELY. THE CONTACT HAD TO PUMP THE BRAKES FOUR TO FIVE TIMES TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE ROAD CONDITIONS WERE CLEAR. THE DEALER ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE FAILURE WAS DUE TO AN AIR BUBBLE. THE CONTACT HAD THE SAME FAILURE A MONTH LATER. THE ROAD CONDITIONS WERE CLEAR. ALSO, THE DEALERADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE MASTER AND SLAVE CYLINDERS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THREE MONTHS LATER, WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE CONTACT ENGAGED THE BRAKE PEDAL FOUR TIMES TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER. THE DEALER ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE SHIM AND REPLACED THE SHIM ON THE BRAKE PEDALS. THE CURRENT AND RECENT FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 48,000. *AK
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 LEXUS GX470. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO ROLL BACKWARDS. THE DRIVERS SIDE DOOR WAS OPEN AND WAS DAMAGED WHEN IT CRASHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STEPPED ON THE BRAKE PEDAL AND WAS ABLE TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THE CENTER DIFFERENTIAL LIGHT HAD ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER. THE VEHICLE ROLLED BACKWARDS TWICE WHEN IT WAS REMOVED FROM THE TOW TRUCK. THE TECHNICIANS WERE UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 44,800.
UNINTENDED ACCELERATION OF A 2006 LEXUS GX470 WHEN SHIFTING FROM PARK TO DRIVE. THIS IS THE FIRST KNOWN OCCURRENCE OF THIS ABNORMAL ACTIVITY IN THE 6 MONTHS I HAVE OWNED THIS VEHICLE. THE ENGINE RPMS WENT FROM IDLE TO WIDE OPEN THROTTLE FOR 2-3 SECONDS WHEN I SHIFTED THE TRANSMISSION INTO DRIVE. SINCE MY FOOT WAS ON THE BRAKE I WAS ABLE TO KEEP THE VEHICLE UNDER CONTROL. THE ENGINE RETURNED TO NORMAL IDLE ON ITS OWN. FORTUNATELY, I WAS IN THE MIDDLE OF AN EMPTY PARKING LOT AND THERE WERE NO DAMAGES AND NO INJURIES. THE DEALER (WOODFIELD LEXUS, SCHAUMBURG ILLINOIS) FOUND NO FAULTS OR FAILURES UPON INITIAL INSPECTION OF THE VEHICLE. TOYOTA MOTOR SALES, NORTH AMERICA IS SENDING ME INSTRUCTIONS ON WHAT STEPS I SHOULD TAKE TO ADDRESS THIS DANGEROUS AND UNSAFE ISSUE. I WAS TOLD THESE INSTRUCTIONS SHOULD ARRIVE IN THE MAIL WITHIN 7-10 DAYS. *TR
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.
From owner reports, verbatim
I HAVE A 2006 LEXUS GX470 THAT THE DASHBOARD IS CRACKING EVERYWHERE. IT'S JUST NOT MY LEXUS THAT HAVE THIS PROBLEM. EVERYONE I KNOW THAT HAVE THIS SUV HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM. LEXUS IS NOT DOING ANYTHING TO FIX THIS PROBLEM. IT IS THE MANUFACTURER DEFECT THAT NEEDS TO BE FIX. EVERYDAY I SEE MORE CRACK SHOWS UP IN DIFFERENT PLACES. I BELIEVE ONE DAY THIS DASHBOARD IS GOING TO COME APART. IT ISN'T VERY SAFE FOR ANYBODY. *TR
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.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 LEXUS GX470. THE CONTACT EXPERIENCED POOR VISIBILITY WITH THE DRIVER'S SIDE WINDOW. HE STATED THAT STREAKS APPEARED WHEN THE WINDOW ROLLED UP AND DOWN, PREVENTING VISIBILITY WHEN DRIVING. THE DEALER ATTEMPTED TO REPAIR THE FAILURE, BUT HAS BEEN UNSUCCESSFUL. THE PART HAS BEEN REPLACED SEVERAL TIME. , HOWEVER, THE FAILURE CONTINUED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 20,500 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 1,500.*AK THE CONSUMER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS REPURCHASED BY THE TOYOTA DEALER. UPDATED 06/13/07 *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
I HAVE AN 2006 LEXUS GX470 AND THESE LIGHTS CAME ON: ABS, VSC TRAC, VSC OFF, SKID, AND CHECK ENGINE. THE VEHICLE STARTED MAKING A HUMMING NOISE AT START UP AND NOW DRIVES IN STALLED MODE. HAD CODES CHECK AND IT TURNS OUT I HAVE THE DREADED SECONDARY AIR INJECTION SYSTEM (EMISSIONS) DEFECT P0412, P0418 ,P1440/P1443, P1441/P1444, P2440, P2445, P1442/P1145 , WHICH IS A RECURRING PROBLEM. REPLACEMENT IS A NIGHTMARE FOR SELF REPAIR OR A $2000+ REPAIR.
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.
From owner reports, verbatim
I HAVE AN 2006 LEXUS GX470 AND THESE LIGHTS CAME ON: ABS, VSC TRAC, VSC OFF, SKID, AND CHECK ENGINE. THE VEHICLE STARTED MAKING A HUMMING NOISE AT START UP AND NOW DRIVES IN STALLED MODE. HAD CODES CHECK AND IT TURNS OUT I HAVE THE DREADED SECONDARY AIR INJECTION SYSTEM (EMISSIONS) DEFECT P0412, P0418 ,P1440/P1443, P1441/P1444, P2440, P2445, P1442/P1145 , WHICH IS A RECURRING PROBLEM. REPLACEMENT IS A NIGHTMARE FOR SELF REPAIR OR A $2000+ REPAIR.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
SECONDARY AIR INJECTION SYSTEM PUMP STUCK OFF BANK1 CODE P2445. THIS ISSUE IS A COMMON PROBLEM FOR LEXUS GX-470. LEXUS EXTENDED WARRANTY FOR REPAIRS. HOWEVER, THE NUMBER OF COMPLAINTS FROM PEOPLE WARRANTS A RECALL. THIS MALFUNCTION IS MANUFACTURER'S FAULT. THE COST TO REPAIR AT THE DEALER IS AROUND $2,000.
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.
From owner reports, verbatim
NOTED SEVERAL CRACKS ACROSS DASHBOARD AND IS DISINTEGRATING. LEXUS NOT HELPFUL SUBSEQUENT STORIES ON ABC ACTION NEWS TAMPA OF KNOWN PROBLEM WITH DASHES. *TR
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.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 LEXUS GX470. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS EXPERIENCING A RECURRING FAILURE IN WHICH THE FRONT TURN SIGNAL LIGHT BULBS STOPPED FUNCTIONING. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON BOTH FRONT TURN SIGNALS BUT NEVER SIMULTANEOUSLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS IN WHICH THE BULBS WOULD BE REPLACED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 95,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
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
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .