VehicleVerdict

2003 Lexus Gx470 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 64 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 1.7 times the median Gx470 year — the 2003 model ranks #1 of 7 Gx470 years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

Transmission leads the complaint categories with 16 reports (25% of the total).

64

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

0

Investigations

5

Crash-involved

1

Fires reported

2

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2003 compare to other Gx470 years?

Gx470 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2003 highlighted64 complaints2003: 64 complaints2004: 48 complaints2005: 38 complaints2006: 38 complaints2007: 34 complaints2008: 16 complaints2009: 1 complaints
Gx470 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2003 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Gx470 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2003 Lexus Gx470 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Transmission1625%
Suspension711%
Brakes69%
Engine69%
Body & Structure69%
Other58%
Electrical System46%
Speed Control46%
Steering35%
Fuel System35%
Airbags23%
Lighting12%
Visibility & Wipers12%

Does the 2003 Lexus Gx470 have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

03V088000SeatsMarch 10, 2003 · 3,666 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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.

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 DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT LEXUS AT 1-888-333-9376.

03V031000OtherFebruary 11, 2003 · 5,878 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

THE CERTIFICATION LABEL DOES NOT MEET THE INFORMATION REQUIREMENTS AS DESCRIBED IN THE REGULATIONS.

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 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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“I PURCHASED A 2003 LEXUS GX470 AND HAVE BEEN HAVING PROBLEMS WITH A SERIOUS CLUNK/THUMP IN THE REAR TRANSMISSION. I BROUGHT IT INTO MY LEXUS DEALERSHIP AND THEY LUBED THE DRIVESHAFT. AFTER THIS IT WAS FIXED FOR APPROX 3 MONTHS BUT THIS THUMP/CLUNK IS BACK. I AM AFRAID THAT THIS MAY BE A SAFETY…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · November 1, 2003

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · September 2, 2016

“MY SUV WHEN EVER GOING UP OR DOWN A HILL AT ANY SPEED LETS OUT A HORRIBLE SMELL. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER AND THEY CLAIMED IT WAS BAD GAS, I LET THE TANK RUN TO EMPTY AND SWITCHED GAS DEALERS...THE PROBLEM GOT WORSE. MY SON CANNOT RIDE IN THE BACK SEAT BECAUSE HE FEELS LIKE THROWING UP EVEN DURING…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · September 2, 2003

“IT IS POSSIBLE TO SIMULTANEOUSLY DEPRESS THE GAS PEDAL WHEN BRAKING, THIS CAUSES SUDDEN UNCONTROLLABLE ACCELERATION I REPORTED THE INCIDENT TOO TOYOTA AND REQUESTED UPGRADED ECU SOFTWARE THAT DISABLES THE GAS PEDAL WHILE BRAKING TOYOTA REFUSED TO PROVIDE A SIMPLE SOFTWARE FIX MY WIFE IS A WITNESS.…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · October 10, 2014

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · September 2, 2016

2003 Lexus Gx470 — common questions

Is the 2003 Lexus Gx470 reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 64 complaints put the 2003 model at #1 of 7 Gx470 years. It is one of the Gx470 years to avoid.

What are the most common 2003 Gx470 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are transmission (16 complaints), suspension (7 complaints), engine (6 complaints).

Does the 2003 Lexus Gx470 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2003 Lexus Gx470. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Lexus Gx470 years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Gx470 years to avoid are 2003. The cleanest record among Gx470 years belongs to 2009.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.