2003 Lexus GX470 recalls and problems

The 2003 Lexus GX470 has 2 safety recalls and 46 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Lexus dealer.

Recalls
2
Complaints
46
Crashes / fires
5 / 1
Injuries / deaths
2 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2003 Lexus GX470 vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2003 Lexus GX470 recalls

Recall 03V-088: Seats

Reported Mar 10, 2003 · 3,666 vehicles affected · TOYOTA MOTOR NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Problem: 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.

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.

Recall 03V-031: Equipment

Reported Feb 11, 2003 · 5,878 vehicles affected · TOYOTA MOTOR NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Problem: 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.

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.

2003 Lexus GX470 problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Power Train16
Suspension7
Engine and Engine Cooling6
Structure6
Unknown or Other5
Vehicle Speed Control4
Service Brakes, Hydraulic3
Steering3
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)3
Service Brakes3
Fuel System, Gasoline2
Air Bags2

Most reported parts

  • Power Train › Driveline › Driveshaft — 5
  • Suspension › Front — 3
  • Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 3
  • Structure › Body — 3
  • Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System — 2
  • Power Train › Axle Assembly — 2
  • Engine and Engine Cooling › Cooling System — 1
  • Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Emission Control › Catalytic Convertor — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 33,102 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2003 Lexus GX470 complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Fuel/Propulsion System · at 168,667 miles · reported Mar 20, 2019
Vehicle was in low range going in reverse with a trailer very slow when out of nowhere it engaged faster and wouldn't stop accelerating for 15 feet of this and it stopped my foot was not on the gas so there was no reason why it should have engaged in the manner that it did in fact I had both feet on the brake trying to stop it it felt like I hit something when it stopped but I didn't hit anything. This all occurred while I was backing a boat into my driveway which is level ground
Structure · at 200,000 miles · reported Feb 5, 2019
We took it to a dealership service center to have brakes and rotors replaced. It was reported to us by the shop that when they raised the truck, it made noises and they felt it was unsafe to continue. They reported to us that the frame was rusted or rotted, especially near the right rearend, and that it was unsafe to drive, that the wherl or the back end could collapse. Last night, I did extensive research online and it appears this is a long-standing issue with toyota frames on their trucks, with manufacturing defects in steel production and subsequent chemical treatment errors before truck…
Structure · at 110,000 miles · reported Jan 22, 2019
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 has not done a recall on the 4runner or gx470.
Structure · at 150,000 miles · reported Aug 27, 2018
Rear suspension arm broke a way from a frame section that appears rotted. No other rust on vehicle. This happened while driving on smooth road and made very difficult to control. Scared to think if this happened at highway speed. Again..this is a clean..no rust vehicle
Air Bags · at 180,000 miles · reported Jul 30, 2018
Front air bags did not deploy in 35 MPH rear end collision with another stationary vehicle on a busy interstate. The other car was totaled out. There was a passenger in the vehicle as well.

Other Lexus GX470 years

Compare all Lexus GX470 years · All Lexus models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2003 Lexus GX470 have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2003 Lexus GX470: 03V-088 (seats), 03V-031 (equipment). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2003 Lexus GX470?

Owners report power train problems most often (16 reports), followed by suspension (7). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 33,102 miles.

Are Lexus recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Lexus dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.