VehicleVerdict

1999 Lexus Lx470 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 14 complaints on file for the 1999 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.

14

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

1

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1999 compare to other Lx470 years?

Lx470 NHTSA complaints by model year, 1999 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, 1999 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Lx470 years to avoid →

What are the most common 1999 Lexus Lx470 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Brakes536%
Tires & Wheels214%
Body & Structure214%
Transmission17%
Airbags17%
Visibility & Wipers17%
Electrical System17%
Fuel System17%

Does the 1999 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 1999 LEXUS LX470. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE ABS BRAKE LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THERE WAS A LOUD BUZZING NOISE COMING FROM THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER. THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT STOP WHEN THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED UNTIL THE CONTACT SHIFT TO A LOW GEAR. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHO…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · July 10, 2010

“1999 LX470 LEXUS SUV RIGHT STABILIZER BRACKET CONNECTION TO FRAME RUSTED THROUGH AND BAR IS FREE FLOATING NOW. RUSTED PART IS STEEL FRAME TANG WHERE BOLTS GO THROUGH TO CONNECT TO FRAME I KNOW TOYOTA HAS FRAME RUST PROBLEMS, DEALER FOUND IT THEN RUSHED ME OUT SAID WEATHER CAUSED IT. *TR”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · June 25, 2010

“WHILE DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY TIRE EXPLODED, BLOWING ALL THE SIDEWALL OFF THE TIRE. CONSUMER TOOK TIRE TO THE DEALER, AND WAS TOLD THAT THEY HAD NEVER SEEN ANYTHING LIKE THAT. CONSUMER HAD TIRES ROTATED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. MICHELIN LTXM/S, 275/70R16. TIRES WERE NEITHER UNDER OR OVER PRESSURED.…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · August 9, 2004

“WHILE DRIVING TRANSMISSION WOULD SLIP GEARS, AND WAS NOT FUNCTIONING CORRECTLY. DEALER STATED THAT TRANSMISSION HAS TO BE REPLACED. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission

1999 Lexus Lx470 — common questions

Is the 1999 Lexus Lx470 reliable?

The record is thin — 14 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.

What are the most common 1999 Lx470 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are brakes (5 complaints), body & structure (2 complaints), tires & wheels (2 complaints).

Does the 1999 Lexus Lx470 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1999 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.