VehicleVerdict

1998 Lexus Lx470 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 5 complaints on file for the 1998 Lexus Lx470 — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but one recall campaign applies to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

5

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

1

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

2

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1998 compare to other Lx470 years?

Lx470 NHTSA complaints by model year, 1998 highlighted24 complaints1998: 5 complaints1999: 14 complaints2000: 18 complaints2001: 6 complaints2002: 7 complaints2003: 24 complaints2004: 2 complaints2005: 10 complaints2006: 9 complaints2007: 6 complaints
Lx470 NHTSA complaints by model year, 1998 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Lx470 years to avoid →

What are the most common 1998 Lexus Lx470 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Brakes480%
Visibility & Wipers120%

Does the 1998 Lexus Lx470 have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

04V434000LightingSeptember 8, 2004 · 75,395 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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

Remedy

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 LEXUS LX470. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AN AUDIBLE BRAKE ALARM BEGUN TO SOUND. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER, WHO STATED THAT THEY WOULD REPLACE THE ANTI LOCK BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER SYSTEM, WHICH CAUSED THE ALARM TO SOUND. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. APPROXIMATELY THREE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · April 19, 2010 · crash

1998 Lexus Lx470 — common questions

Is the 1998 Lexus Lx470 reliable?

The record is thin — 5 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.

Does the 1998 Lexus Lx470 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1998 Lexus Lx470. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

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.