CarRecallDB

2003 Lexus GX470 recalls and problems

2 recalls and 46 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2003 Lexus GX470.

2
recalls
46
owner complaints
5
complaints mentioning a crash
1
mentioning a fire

Recalls apply to specific production ranges. To see whether a particular car still has an open recall, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for safety recalls are free at authorised dealers.

2003 Lexus GX470 recalls

Seats: mid/rear assembly

NHTSA campaign 03V088000 · reported March 10, 2003 · TOYOTA MOTOR NORTH AMERICA, INC. · 3,666 vehicles potentially affected

The 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.
The 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.
The 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.

Equipment: other, labels

NHTSA campaign 03V031000 · reported February 11, 2003 · TOYOTA MOTOR NORTH AMERICA, INC. · 5,878 vehicles potentially affected

The 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.
The risk
The certification label does not meet the information requirements as described in the regulations.
The 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.

Most reported problems

Areas named in owner complaints to NHTSA. One complaint can name several areas.

What owners report

Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.

Mar 20, 2019 · Fuel/propulsion system · 168,667 miles

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…

Feb 5, 2019 · Structure · 200,000 miles

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…

Jan 22, 2019 · Structure · 110,000 miles

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…

Aug 27, 2018 · Structure · 150,000 miles

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

Aug 8, 2018 · Service brakes · 183,400 miles

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. THE CONTACT ACTIVATED THE HAZARD LIGHTS AND ENGAGED THE EMERGENCY BRAKE WHEN THE FAILURE OCCURRED. THE DEALER (POHANKA HONDA OF…

GX470 model years compared

YearRecallsComplaintsCrashesFires
2003 24651
2004 165100
2005 13040
2006 12830

Across all years, the 2004 GX470 has the most complaints (65). All Lexus GX470 years →

Questions

Does the 2003 Lexus GX470 have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2003 Lexus GX470, the most recent reported on March 10, 2003 (Seats: mid/rear assembly). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2003 Lexus GX470?
Owners have filed 46 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is power train (11 complaints), followed by suspension (7).
How many 2003 Lexus GX470 complaints mention a crash or fire?
5 of 46 complaints report a crash and 1 a fire; 2 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received March 20, 2019.