KnownCarProblems2003 Lexus GX470 Problems and Recalls
Owners filed 46 complaints with NHTSA about the 2003 Lexus GX470, most often about the transmission (24% of complaints, typically around 3,000 miles). It is the 2nd most complained-about GX470 model year since 2000 and has 2 recalls.
Most common 2003 Lexus GX470 problems
Transmission
11 complaints · 24%Half of these problems showed up before 3,000 miles. Parts named most often: driveline, automatic transmission, axle assembly, transfer case (4-wheel drive).
I bought the 470 gx with 7 miles on it. It began to "lurch" at about 2500 miles. When I reported it to Lexus, they agreed that this was a problem on some of the new gx's. The problem became worse, and they received authorization to replace the driveshaft. This has not corrected the problem and they are again ordering…
I purchased a 2003 Lexus GX470 and have been having problems with a serious clunk/thump in the rear transmission. I brought it into my Lexus dealership and they lubed the driveshaft. After this it was fixed for approx 3 months but this thump/clunk is back. I am afraid that this may be a safety issue and it seems that…
Suspension
7 complaints · 15%Half of these problems showed up before 19,000 miles. Parts named most often: front.
The air suspension system made the vehicle lift on its own. Manufacturer repaired the vehicle, and air suspension system was still defective.
There was severe shimmying/vibration in the front end of the vehicle. The problem was worse when it occurred on a wet surface. Dealership acknowledged that a problem existed, but could not resolve the problem.
Brakes
6 complaints · 13%When I was driving my Lexus GX470 (2003) with my family on a local street at around 35 MPH, my vehicle suddenly stopped by itself. The brakes engage by itself and the vehicle stability control activated with beeps. Fortunately, no one was behind me. I took my car to the local mechanic, he checked the brakes…
It is possible to simultaneously depress the gas pedal when braking, this causes sudden uncontrollable acceleration I reported the incident too toyota and requested upgraded ecu software that disables the gas pedal while braking toyota refused to provide a simple software fix my wife is a witness.
Engine
6 complaints · 13%Parts named most often: exhaust system, cooling system, engine.
While driving at any speed the vents spew out a horrible sulfur odor. The odor is so bad that the windows have to be rolled down. Consumer's 14 month old child rides in vehicle. The manufacturer and the dealer have been informed of the problem.
My SUV when ever going up or down a hill at any speed lets out a horrible smell. I took it to the dealer and they claimed it was bad gas, I let the tank run to empty and switched gas dealers...the problem got worse. My son cannot ride in the back seat because he feels like throwing up even during short rides.
Body and structure
6 complaints · 13%Half of these problems showed up before 95,500 miles. Parts named most often: body.
Several cracks (some hairline and others wider) have appeared all over the dashboard, near vents, above instrument console and in front of the passenger side air bag cover. Initially, I thought this was an isolated occurrence but in researching this topic online I realized this is pervasive issue with this model and…
Frame is rotting from inside out, excessive corrosion on an otherwise spotless vehicle. This is a known issue that was common to the early/mid 2000's toyota tundra, tacoma, and 4runner, the latter of which shares frame components. Toyota, for whatever reason, covered the tundra and tacoma through recalls, but so far…
Other or unspecified
5 complaints · 11%Half of these problems showed up before 28,500 miles.
I have been waiting over 3 years to get the cracked / melting dashboard repaired under the recall I received over 3 years ago. I spoke to the local Lexus dealer and they said I was still # 49 in line to get this done. Really ? After 3 years. How patient does one need to be ? I believe a civil suit is in order here.…
Frame is rotting from inside out, excessive corrosion on an otherwise spotless vehicle. This is a known issue that was common to the early/mid 2000's toyota tundra, tacoma, and 4runner, the latter of which shares frame components. Toyota, for whatever reason, covered the tundra and tacoma through recalls, but so far…
Speed control
4 complaints · 9%Tl contact owns a 2003 Lexus GX470. When she attempted to drive the vehicle into a parking space, it suddenly accelerated and crashed in to a parked vehicle. A police report was not taken and there were no injuries. A local mechanic was unable to diagnose the failure. The failure mileage was 105,000 and the current…
I was traveling west on a two lane paved road (sutton road) near sutton school. Weather was snowing and road conditions slippery when my accererator failed to return to idle position. I applied brakes as I was approaching a vehicle in front of me traveling in the same direction. The electronic stability control failed…
Steering
3 complaints · 7%Parts named most often: column.
Complaints are owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects. One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.
2003 Lexus GX470 recalls
Seats: mid/rear assembly
Risk: If the vehicle is operated with only one latch locked, the occupant of the seat may be improperly restrained in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of personal injury.
Fix: Dealers will remove the lls case panels around the seat stopper. Owner notification began april 8, 2003. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact lexus at 1-888-333-9376.
Full defect summary
On certain vehicles equipped with the lexus link system, it may be difficult to lock one of the two latches on the bottom of the middle row left rear seat (larger side of the bench seat directly behind the driver). Due to the thickness of the lexus link system storage case, the stopper on the bottom of the seat is slightly elevated. This elevated position misaligns the latch to the striker.
Equipment: labels
Risk: The certification label does not meet the information requirements as described in the regulations.
Fix: As each label is vehicle identification number specific, owners will be requested to contact their local lexus dealer first to place an order for the corrected label. Once the label has arrived at the dealership, the owner will be contacted for label replacement. Owner began april 10, 2003. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact lexus at 1-800-255-3987.
Full defect summary
Certain sport utility vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of part 567, "certification." the incorrect gross vehicle weight rating (gvwr) data was printed on the certification regulation label. The gvwr is incorrectly reflected on the label as 6,100 lbs. The correct gvwr should be 6,000 lbs.
Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which recalls are still open on your car.
Questions about the 2003 Lexus GX470
- What are the most common problems with the 2003 Lexus GX470?
- By NHTSA owner complaints: transmission (11 complaints, typically around 3,000 miles); suspension (7 complaints, typically around 19,000 miles); brakes (6 complaints).
- How many recalls does the 2003 Lexus GX470 have?
- 2 recalls listed by NHTSA, the latest from March 10, 2003 (seats). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which ones are still open on your car.
- Is the 2003 a bad year for the Lexus GX470?
- It is the 2nd most complained-about GX470 model year since 2000, with 46 complaints. Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so popular years collect more of them, and the newest years have had less time to.