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2003 Lexus LX470Problems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 18 owner complaints about the 2003 Lexus LX470, most often about the steering. It is covered by 3 safety recalls, and for recall 16V-065 the manufacturer reports only 38% of affected cars repaired.

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CarFlaw IndexNot enough dataHigher is better (0–100)
Safety recalls3Lowest repair rate 38%Owner complaints182 with a crash, fire or injuryTypical failure mileage150kSteering, median miles

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through November 6, 2018. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 2003 Lexus LX470 has problems

18 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.

Box size = number of complaints naming that system. Darker = larger share. One complaint can name more than one system.
Complaints by system
SystemComplaintsCrash, fire or injury
Steering50
Electrical system40
Air bags21
Engine20
Service brakes20
Service brakes, hydraulic20
Vehicle speed control10
Visibility10
Child seat10
4 other systems40

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.

3 recalls

2003 Lexus LX470 recalls and how many were fixed

Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

38%repaired · 2018 Q1

Air bags: side/window

Recall 16V-065 · Feb 5, 2016 · 320,409 vehicles · 120,600 repaired

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

Problem, fix and repair progress →

–no report yet

Exterior lighting: headlights

Recall 04V-434 · Sep 8, 2004 · 75,395 vehicles

Risk. THIS CONDITION COULD BLIND THE DRIVER OF A VEHICLE DRIVING IN THE OPPOSITE DIRECTION, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Lexus.

Best & worst years

2003 vs. every other LX470 year

Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the LX470 median. How we score

'98'99'00'01'02'03'04'05'06'07
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
NHTSA crash tests

2003 Lexus LX470 safety ratings

2003 Lexus LX 470 in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.

  • Stability control: Standard
  • Forward collision warning: No
  • Lane departure warning: No
In owners' words

What LX470 owners report

Recent steering complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

MY 2003 LEXUS LX470 HAS FAULTY VGRS ECU. STEERING WHEEL SPINS TO 180 DEGREES. ON OCTOBER 11, 2018, WHEN I BACKED IT OUT FROM THE DRIVEWAY, THE STEERING WHEEL TURNED 180 DEGREES. I DROVE IT TO 35MPH W/ STEERING WHEEL AT CROOKED 25-MINUTE ANGLE AND ON A SHARP RIGHT TURN, THE STEERING WHEEL SPUN 180…
Complaint 11149775 · Nov 6, 2018 · 2 miles
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 LEXUS LX470. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HORN AND GPS DID NOT FUNCTION. IN ADDITION, SOME OF THE WARNING INDICATORS DID NOT ILLUMINATE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE GPS COMPUTER SYSTEM NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT…
Complaint 10824907 · Feb 8, 2016 · 170,000 miles
I WAS DRIVING MY LEXUS LX 470 TO CHURCH ON SUNDAY OCTOBER 26, 2014. WHILE DRIVING AROUND 45 MILES PER HOUR, MY VEHICLE'S STEERING WHEEL SUDDENLY TURN 90 DEGREES TO THE RIGHT AND THE VEHICLE PULLED OVER THE CUB. I WAS SCARED TO DEATH AND NERVOUS BUT LUCKILY SLAMMED ON THE BREAKS ON TIME. THE TRUCK…
Complaint 10651451 · Oct 30, 2014 · 205,000 miles

Own a 2003 LX470?

Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.