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2003 Lexus LX470 recalls and problems

The 2003 Lexus LX470 has 3 safety recalls and 18 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Lexus dealer.

Recalls
3
Complaints
18
Crashes / fires
1 / 0
Injuries / deaths
2 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2003 Lexus LX470 vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2003 Lexus LX470 recalls

Recall 16V-065: Air Bags

Reported Feb 5, 2016 · 320,409 vehicles affected · Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing

Problem: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2003-2006 Toyota Land Cruiser and Lexus LX470, 2005-2006 Toyota Tundra and Sequoia, 2004-2006 Toyota 4Runner and Lexus GX470 vehicles equipped with side curtain-shield-air bags. The affected vehicles have an air bag control module that may be improperly programmed, causing the side curtain-shield-air bags to deploy inadvertently.

Risk: If the side curtain-shield-air bags deploy unexpectedly, it can increase the risk of occupant injury.

Fix: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the air bag control module with one that has improved programming, free of charge. The recall began on December 1, 2016. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-271-9371. Toyota's number for this recall is G0C and GLB.

Recall 10V-346: Steering

Reported Jul 29, 2010 · 39,159 vehicles affected · TOYOTA MOTOR NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Problem: Toyota is recalling certain model year 2003-2007 lexus lx470 vehicles. The construction of the steering shaft is such that the snap ring on the shaft may disengage when the vehicle experiences an unusually severe impact to the front wheels. If the snap ring becomes disengaged and the steering wheel is then repeatedly turned to the locked position, over time the steering shaft may become disconnected.

Risk: This could result in loss of steering control increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will replace the snap ring with a newly designed one and install an additional component which will prevent separation of the steering shaft. This service will be performed free of charge. The safety recall began on august 23, 2010. Owners may contact lexus at 1-800-255-3987.

Recall 04V-434: Exterior Lighting

Reported Sep 8, 2004 · 75,395 vehicles affected · TOYOTA MOTOR NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Problem: 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.

Risk: This condition could blind the driver of a vehicle driving in the opposite direction, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: 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.

2003 Lexus LX470 problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Steering5
Electrical System4
Air Bags2
Service Brakes, Hydraulic2
Service Brakes2
Engine2
Child Seat1
Visibility1
Equipment1
Vehicle Speed Control1
Suspension1
Structure1

Most reported parts

  • Air Bags › Frontal — 1
  • Steering › Gear Box › Shaft Pitman — 1
  • Electrical System › Instrument Cluster/Panel — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 155,000 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 LX470 complaints

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

Air Bags · reported Mar 20, 2017
The contact owns a 2003 lexus lx470. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 16v065000 (Air bags) and stated that the part was not available within a reasonable time frame to schedule the recall repair. The contact called several dealers who were unable to provide a specific date for when the part would become available. The contact was unable to determine when the vehicle would be repaired. The manufacturer could not provide an estimated date for when the contact's vehicle would receive the recall repair. The contact was not experiencing a failure. Parts distribution…
Engine · at 260,401 miles · reported Sep 15, 2016
I took the car to lexus of glendale for routine service, which was completed, and three days later, as I was driving on 5 freeway from coalinga to los angeles, all of a sudden, I heard a grinding noise from the engine, and the car stalled, I was able to pull over ta ds a nearby service station (Chevron) in valencia. I noted a check engine light, and the vehicle became undriveable. The vehicle was towed to lexus of glendale, who discovered that one of the spark plugs had come loose and lodged in the engine shalt, thus breaking one of the piston rods, with a resultant engine knock. I was…
Engine · at 260,401 miles · reported Sep 15, 2016
I took the car to lexus of glendale for routine service, which was completed, and three days later, as I was driving on 5 freeway from coalinga to los angeles, all of a sudden, I heard a grinding noise from the engine, and the car stalled, I was able to pull over to a nearby service station (Chevron) in valencia. I noted a check engine light, and the vehicle became undriveable. The vehicle was towed to lexus of glendale, where they discovered that one of the spark plugs had come loose and lodged in the engine shaft, thus breaking one of the piston rods, with a resultant engine knock. I was…
Electrical System · at 260,401 miles · reported Sep 15, 2016
I took the car to lexus of glendale for routine service, which was completed, and three days later, as I was driving on 5 freeway from coalinga to los angeles, all of a sudden, I heard a grinding noise from the engine, and the car stalled, I was able to pull over ta ds a nearby service station (Chevron) in valencia. I noted a check engine light, and the vehicle became undriveable. The vehicle was towed to lexus of glendale, who discovered that one of the spark plugs had come loose and lodged in the engine shalt, thus breaking one of the piston rods, with a resultant engine knock. I was…
Service Brakes · reported May 4, 2016
It is a known problem that alot of these made are missing the relays for the foglights and rear heat, and parking brakes freeze up.

Other Lexus LX470 years

20072006200520042003200220012000

Compare all Lexus LX470 years · All Lexus models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2003 Lexus LX470 have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2003 Lexus LX470: 16V-065 (air bags), 10V-346 (steering), 04V-434 (exterior lighting). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2003 Lexus LX470?

Owners report steering problems most often (5 reports), followed by electrical system (4). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 155,000 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.