2003 Lexus GX470 problems
The 2003 Lexus GX470 has 64 complaints on file with NHTSA. The largest share (20%) concerns drivetrain & axles. Next are suspension (11%) and brakes (9%).
At a glance
- Complaints
- 64 filed with NHTSA
- Most reported
- Drivetrain & axles 20% of complaints
- Crashes and fires
- 5 and 1
- Injuries and deaths
- 2 and 0
- Typical mileage
- 32,000 miles 55 complaints with mileage
Source: NHTSA owner complaints
Where the complaints are
Share of this model year's complaints by the part of the car involved. One complaint can name more than one part, so the shares can add up to more than 100%.
When problems show up
View the numbers
| Mileage | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 0k to 20k miles | 25 |
| 20k to 40k miles | 5 |
| 40k to 60k miles | 3 |
| 60k to 80k miles | 1 |
| 80k to 100k miles | 3 |
| 100k to 120k miles | 6 |
| 120k to 140k miles | 1 |
| 140k to 160k miles | 2 |
| 160k to 180k miles | 3 |
| 180k to 200k miles | 4 |
| 200k+ miles | 2 |
What the data shows
Of the 55 complaints that include odometer readings, half describe a problem before roughly 32,000 miles. For drivetrain & axles specifically, the median reported mileage is about 2,000 miles (11 complaints with mileage).
Safety-related details: 5 complaints mention a crash; 1 complaint mentions a fire; 2 injuries reported.
Looking only at complaints filed within five years of the model year (so older and newer years are comparable), the 2003 ranks 1st most-complained-about out of 5 model years of the Lexus GX470 with enough data (34 complaints in that window). It is also covered by 2 safety recall campaigns.
What owners wrote
A few complaints as filed, shortened and with personal details removed. The first ones are among the most serious reports for this model year; the rest are typical.
Tl*the contact owns a 2003 lexus gx470. While driving 30 MPH, the vehicle hydroplaned and crashed into a tree. The air bags did not deploy. The contact was injured and was taken to the hospital. A police report was not filed. The insurance company towed the vehicle to a body shop; however, the vehicle was not repaired. The dealer and manufacturer were notified and a report was filed. The failure and current mileage was 104,805.
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. The vehicle's door knock the contact to the ground and front left wheel rolled over to the contact's chest, back, spine and face.
When driving the vehicle at an undetermined speed steering wheel failed, causing driver to lose control the vehicle, and hit another vehicle going 50 MPH. Consumer towed the vehicleto dealer to be inspected, and mechanic determined that steering column bolt snapped.
When releasing the brake pedal, the vehicle makes a thumping noise. At times it feels like someone is tapping me in the rear of the vehicle. I have brought the vehicle in for service 3 times because of this issue and each time I am told it is a "normal characteristics of the vehicle." *nlm
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 manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 183,400.