2003 Lexus GX470
Not enough comparison years on file yet for a fair verdict.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
- Complaints
- 46
- Recalls
- 2
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- Power train
Campaigns on file for 2003
None on file
35% of complaints
Complaints per year
2003: 46 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2003 | 46 |
| 2004 | 32 |
| 2005 | 30 |
| 2006 | 28 |
| 2007 | 27 |
| 2008 | 13 |
| 2009 | 1 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Power train
35% · 16 reportsMost commonly citing driveshaft and automatic transmission.
Show complaint excerpts
Dt*: the contact stated after the vehicle was place in the park position with the engine running and the vehicle was exited, a witness observed the vehicle reversing.
NHTSA ODI report, 2006-06-22
Suspension
15% · 7 reportsMost commonly citing front and air suspension system.
Structure
13% · 6 reportsMost commonly citing body.
Show complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 2018-08-27
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 2013-04-05
Service brakes
13% · 6 reportsMost commonly citing hydraulic.
Show complaint excerpts
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 Lexus GX470. The contact stated that the brake warning indicator illuminated. Also, the brake pedal traveled to the floorboard when it was depressed.
NHTSA ODI report, 2018-08-08
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 2013-11-26
Also filed under Electronic stability control (esc)
Engine and engine cooling
13% · 6 reportsMost commonly citing exhaust system and manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe.
Safety timeline
2 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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R
2003-04-08Seats03V088000 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…
Remedy: 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…
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R
2003-04-10Equipment03V031000 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…
Remedy: 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…
Buy-smart checklist
2003 Lexus GX470 — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Power train: 16 reports on file for this year.
- Suspension: 7 reports on file for this year.
- Structure: 6 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 03V088000 · Seats
- Recall 03V031000 · Equipment
FAQ
- Is the 2003 Lexus GX470 reliable?
- There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
- What are the most common problems with the 2003 Lexus GX470?
- The most-reported component is power train, accounting for 35% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2003 Lexus GX470 have?
- 2 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.