CarRecallDB

2003 Lexus LX470 recalls and problems

3 recalls and 18 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2003 Lexus LX470.

3
recalls
18
owner complaints
1
complaints mentioning a crash
0
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 LX470 recalls

Air bags: side/window

NHTSA campaign 16V065000 · reported February 5, 2016 · Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing · 320,409 vehicles potentially affected

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

Steering: gear box, shaft pitman

NHTSA campaign 10V346000 · reported July 29, 2010 · TOYOTA MOTOR NORTH AMERICA, INC. · 39,159 vehicles potentially affected

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

Exterior lighting: headlights

NHTSA campaign 04V434000 · reported September 8, 2004 · TOYOTA MOTOR NORTH AMERICA, INC. · 75,395 vehicles potentially affected

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

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.

Nov 6, 2018 · Steering · 2 miles

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 DEGREES AGAIN. AFTER…

Mar 20, 2017 · Air bags

TL* 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…

Sep 15, 2016 · Engine · 260,401 miles

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…

Sep 15, 2016 · Engine · 260,401 miles

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…

Sep 15, 2016 · Electrical system · 260,401 miles

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…

LX470 model years compared

YearRecallsComplaintsCrashesFires
2000 11720
2001 1510
2002 1501
2003 31810
2004 31201
2005 3820
2006 3920

All Lexus LX470 years →

Questions

Does the 2003 Lexus LX470 have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2003 Lexus LX470, the most recent reported on February 5, 2016 (Air bags: side/window). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2003 Lexus LX470?
Owners have filed 18 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is steering (5 complaints), followed by electrical system (4).
How many 2003 Lexus LX470 complaints mention a crash or fire?
1 of 18 complaints report a crash and 0 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 November 6, 2018.