2008 Lexus Gx470 problems
The Lexus GX (Japanese: レクサス・GX, Hepburn: Rekusasu GX) is a mid/full-size luxury SUV sold in North American and Eurasian markets by Lexus, a luxury division of Toyota. The GX is based on the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado, from which it derives its off-road capability. Lexus introduced the first generation, known as the GX 470 in 2002, and subsequently became the third SUV to enter the Lexus lineup. A full-time four-wheel drive system is standard with low-range gearing. The 4.7-liter V8 engine in the GX 470 was the same as used on the larger LX 470. The firm next introduced the second-generation model in 2009, badged GX 460 to reflect the switch to a 4.6-liter V8 engine. Lexus later released a lower displacement GX 400 in 2012 for the Chinese market, with a 4.0-liter V6 engine. The third-generation model introduced in 2023 uses the GX 550 moniker with a twin-turbocharged 3.4-liter V6 engine and GX 550h with a turbocharged hybrid electric 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine.
As of 2024, the GX is positioned between the larger LX or TX and the smaller RX. Though it is thought the GX has always been larger than the RX, from 2015 to 2022, the RX is slightly longer and slightly wider than the GX and therefore the GX was considered smaller. All GX production has occurred at the Tahara plant in Japan, alongside the Land Cruiser Prado and the export-minded Toyota 4Runner.
Some countries classify the GX as a full-size vehicle (e.g., Australia), while some classify it as a mid-size vehicle (e.g., US), depending on local regulations.
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Common 2008 Lexus Gx470 problems
The Lexus GX470, a popular SUV model released in 2008, is known for its reliability and durability. However, there are several common problems that owners have reported.
One of the most common issues is a clunk type noise from the rear of the vehicle when stopping. This issue has been reported by a significant number of owners, and it can be caused by a variety of factors, including worn out suspension components or issues with the drivetrain. A thorough inspection and diagnosis is necessary to identify the root cause of the problem and determine the appropriate repair.
Another common issue with the Lexus GX470 is leaks, particularly from the radiator and transmission line. These leaks can be caused by a variety of factors, including wear and tear on the components, manufacturing defects, or damage from accidents. If left unaddressed, these leaks can lead to more serious problems, such as engine overheating or transmission failure.
The timing belt and water pump are also common sources of problems in the Lexus GX470. These components are critical to the proper functioning of the engine, and they should be replaced according to the manufacturer's recommended maintenance schedule. If the timing belt or water pump fails, it can cause serious engine damage, leading to costly repairs or even engine replacement.
The CV bolt is another component that can cause problems in the Lexus GX470. If the CV bolt is leaking, it can lead to damage to the CV axle joint, which can be costly to repair. It's important to address this issue promptly to prevent more serious problems from developing.
The wheels of the Lexus GX470 are also known to peel, which can be unsightly and potentially dangerous. This issue can be caused by a variety of factors, including wear and tear on the wheels, manufacturing defects, or damage from accidents.
The navigation and dash system in the Lexus GX470 has also been reported as a common source of problems. Some owners have reported that the climate control and speedometer are controlled from the navigation system, which can be problematic if the system fails. It's important to address any issues with the navigation and dash system promptly to prevent more serious problems from developing.
Finally, the starter in the Lexus GX470 has been reported as a common source of problems. Accessing and replacing the starter can be a tedious and expensive job, and it's important to address any issues with the starter promptly to prevent more serious problems from developing.
In summary, the Lexus GX470 is a reliable and durable SUV, but like any vehicle, it can experience common problems. These issues can include clunk type noises from the rear of the vehicle when stopping, leaks from the radiator and transmission line, timing belt and water pump failures, CV bolt leaks, wheel peeling, navigation and dash system issues, and starter problems. It's important to address these issues promptly to prevent more serious problems from developing and to ensure the safe and reliable operation of the vehicle.
What years to avoid Lexus GX470?
In a model year comparison, CarComplaints.com identified two particular years as the model's most problematic representatives. The highest number of complaints involved the 2006 Lexus GX470. However, the 2003 model year is considered the worst GX470 for reasons like higher repair cost for its particular problems.
How reliable is the Lexus GX470?
Most reliable SUV
Fantastic vehicle, if you can prove the vehicle has been well maintained.. and you're in the market.. BUY IT. Great for a daily computer or going on off-road adventures!
How long does a GX470 engine last?
This engine/power train will literally last forever if you properly maintain and correct issues when they occur. Now... if you went 150,000 miles just changing the oil&filter every 3-5k and the air filter every now and then.
How much does it cost to repair GX470 air suspension?
The average suspension repair cost for a Lexus GX470 is around $2,500 to $3,500.
2008 Lexus Gx470 car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Lexus Gx470 problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Service brakes problems
- Vehicle speed control problems
- Hydraulic problems
- Air bags problems
- Electric problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2008 Lexus Gx470 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
2008 Lexus Gx470 complaints
The NHTSA has received 14 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2008 Lexus Gx470.
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-06-01
- VIN: JTJBT20X680
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 LEXUS GX470. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE BECAME UNSTABLE AND SWAYED BACK AND FORTH. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO TOWSON LEXUS (1040 YORK RD, TOWSON, MD) TO BE DIAGNOSED, BUT THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS UNDETERMINED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2018-12-15
- VIN: JTJBT20X680
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: TAKATA RECALL CAR RIDE WAS LIKE RIDING A WILD BRONCO
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2017-05-16
- VIN: JTJBT20X580
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 LEXUS GX470. WHILE DRIVING, THE CONTACT HEARD A CLUNKING NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO HERB CHAMBERS LEXUS OF HINGHAM (141 DERBY ST, HINGHAM, MA 02043 (781) 210-5200) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE REAR DRIVETRAIN AND DRIVE SHAFT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 85,000.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2016-07-30
- Crash: 1
- VIN: JTJBT20X080
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: THIS IS A REPORT OF SUDDEN ACCELERATION. ON JULY 30, 2016, THE LEXUS EXITED A CONVEYOR-BELT TYPE CARWASH AT 5203 KIRBY DRIVE, HOUSTON, TEXAS 77098. MY PREGNANT WIFE WAS DRIVING THE CAR WITH TWO CHILDREN (AGES 4 AND 2) IN CAR SEATS. AFTER RECEIVING THE GREEN LIGHT FROM THE CARWASH TO PROCEED, MY WIFE SHIFTED FROM NEUTRAL TO DRIVE AND THE LEXUS TOOK OFF TOWARDS KIRBY, A VERY BUSY FOUR-LANE STREET. MY WIFE DEPRESSED THE BRAKES BUT THEY DID NOT WORK. THE LEXUS HIT A FLOWERBED ADJOINING KIRBY AND STRUCK A LARGE 3' DIAMETER DECORATIVE CONCRETE BALL WHICH SLOWED THE VEHICLE AND TURNED IT TO THE RIGHT. MY WIFE THEN TURNED OFF THE LEXUS AT THE IGNITION. THE VEHICLE SUFFERED DAMAGES REQUIRING $9,166.58 IN REPAIRS. A SURVEILLANCE CAMERA FILMED THE INCIDENT. THE COPY IS TOO BIG TO ATTACH SO IT CAN BE FOUND AT HTTPS://YOUTU.BE/AH4WR0ZOJ-A. ALSO, THE FOOTAGE WAS MAGNIFIED AND REVEALS THAT THE BRAKE LIGHTS WERE ON WHILE THE VEHICLE ROCKETED TOWARDS THE FLOWERBED AND THAT THEY THEN WENT OFF, DEMONSTRATING THAT THE DRIVER 'PUMPED' THE BRAKES IN AN EFFORT TO STOP THE CAR. THIS EDITED FOOTAGE IS AT HTTPS://YOUTU.BE/9QKMML4BI3K. THE INTERNET CONTAINS SUBSTANTIAL DISCUSSIONS OF SUDDEN ACCELERATION ASSOCIATED WITH CAR WASHES. IF THE FLOWERBED AND GIANT CONCRETE BALL HAD NOT BEEN THERE, THE VEHICLE WOULD HAVE ENTERED KIRBY DRIVE AND A SUBSTANTIAL ACCIDENT WOULD HAVE OCCURRED. I HAVE RAISED THIS MATTER WITH LEXUS AND, NOTWITHSTANDING THE VIDEO, LEXUS HAS SAID THERE NOTHING WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE. I FOUND LEXUS' RESPONSE TO BE VERY DISTURBING ESPECIALLY SINCE MY ENTIRE FAMILY COULD HAVE BEEN LOST THAT DAY. IN MY OPINION, LEXUS COULD NOT CARE LESS ABOUT SAFETY OR MY FAMILY.
AIR BAGS,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2014-03-11
- Crash: 1
- VIN: JTJBT20X680
- Components: AIR BAGS,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: I WAS DRIVING AND MERGING FROM THE LOCAL LANES ON MARYLAND I-270 SB TO THE MAIN LANES. IN ORDER TO MOVE SLOWLY FROM ONE LANE TO ANOTHER, I APPLIED THE BRAKES TO SLOW DOWN AND MOVE TO THE LANE ON MY LEFT. WHEN I APPLIED THE BRAKE, I HEARD A STRANGE SOUND AND THE VEHICLE JERKED VIOLENTLY. THE VEHICLE FAILED TO DECELERATE, THEREFORE I ATTEMPTED TO RE-APPLY THE BRAKES ONCE MORE. AT THIS POINT, THE BRAKES DID NOT SEEM TO BE WORKING AND THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE BEYOND MY CONTROL. I WAS UNABLE TO CONTROL THE SPEED USING THE BRAKES AND THE VEHICLE HIT SEVERAL CARS TO MY LEFT AND RIGHT. AFTERWARDS, MY VEHICLE HIT A LARGE TRACTOR TRAILER AT WHICH POINT THE VEHICLE FINALLY CAME TO A STOP. THROUGHOUT ALL OF THIS, MY AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY AT ALL. MY VEHICLE HAS BEEN DECLARED A TOTAL LOSS DUE TO THE DAMAGES BY MY INSURANCE, LIBERTY MUTUAL. *TR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2013-04-28
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: I TRIED TO START MY CAR AND THE KEY WOULD NOT TURN IN THE KEY IGNITION, I NOTICED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL HADN'T LOCKED IN PLACE. I TRIED TWO OTHER KEYS AND FINALLY THE IGNITION TURNED AND THE CAR STARTED. I DROVE TO MY DESTINATION AND TURNED OFF THE CAR AND LOCKED THE DOORS. I WENT OUT TO RESTART THE CAR AND THE KEY WOULD NOT TURN IN THE IGNITION AGAIN. I CALLED LEXUS OF CONCORD AND THEY ADVISED ME TO BRING IT IN. I FINALLY GOT IT STARTED AND DROVE IT THE 15 MILES TO THE DEALERSHIP, AT THE END OF THE DAY I RECEIVED A CALL SAYING THAT I NEEDED A NEW IGNITION STARTER CYLINDER AND ALL THE KEYS NEEDED TO BE REPROGRAMMED TO MATCH THE NEW CYLINDER THEY WOULD INSTALL. IT WOULD TAKE A DAYS LABOR AND COST OF THE CYLINDER AND REPROGRAMMING. COST WAS $616.00. THEY INFORMED ME THAT THE WARRANTY WAS OUT AT 50,000 MILES OR 5 YEARS. I AM 4.5 YEARS AND 59,500 MILES. THEY INFORMED ME THAT THERE WAS A HISTORY OF THIS PART GOING OUT BUT USUALLY IT HAPPENED BEFORE THE WARRANTY WAS UP. MY QUESTION IS IF THERE IS A HISTORY, SHOULDN'T THERE BE A RECALL ON THIS PART??!! I AM EXTREMELY UPSET WITH A LUXURY CAR HAVEN'T PROBLEMS AT SUCH LOW MILEAGE. WHAT ELSE DO I LOOK FORWARD TO IN BREAKING AND HOW MUCH WILL IT BE? THIS DOES NOT MEET THE LEXUS STANDARDS I WAS EXPECTING WHEN I PURCHASED THIS CAR. *TR
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2011-04-20
- VIN: JTJBT20X180
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: FOR THE THIRD TIME, THE BRAKES ON OUR 2008 LEXUS GX FAILED. THIS TIME, WHEN PUT IN REVERSE IN THE GARAGE, THE CAR IMMEDIATELY STARTED MOVING--HITTING OUR GARAGE DOOR AS IT WAS GOING UP. THE CAR THEN CONTINUED ANOTHER 40 FEET, INTO A RETAINING WALL--REPEATED PRESSING OF THE BRAKES DID NOTHING--AS IN EARLIER TIMES. *TR
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2010-10-01
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: 2008 LEXUS GX470. S10 APPROPRIATE HANDLING- EMAIL TO THE SECRETARY FROM RE TOYOTA LEXUS PROBLEMS *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH HE SUDDENLY CAME UPON OTHER VEHICLES AHEAD OF HIM. HE WAS ABLE TO STOP IN TIME, BUT SOMETHING MISFIRED IN THE ABS AND THE VEHICLE WENT INTO A BUCKING MODE. THE BRAKES ON THE VEHICLE WOULD SEIZE AND THEN RELEASE AND THE VEHICLE WOULD COAST FOR 2-3 SECONDS. THE CONSUMER STATED HIS SON RECEIVED A MILD WHIPLASH FROM THE SEVERE LURCHING OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONSUMER STATED HE HAS EXPERIENCED THE SEIZING AND RELEASING OF THE BRAKES ON SEVERAL OTHER OCCASIONS. THE CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER, BUT THEY WERE UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. *JB
SERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2010-03-22
- VIN: JTJBT20X180
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRIC
- Summary: ON MARCH 22, 2010, WHILE BACKING OUT OF OUR GARAGE, OUR LEXUS GX470 EXPERIENCED A BRAKE FAILURE. THE DRIVER, [XXX], EVEN OPENED THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR AND PUT HER FOOT DOWN TO TRY TO STOP THE CAR. INSTEAD THE DOOR WAS ALSO DAMAGED WHEN THE CAR HIT A RETAINING WALL. LATER THAT SAME DAY, THE BRAKES FAILED AGAIN, BUT THE CAR WAS ABLE TO BE STOPPED WITH THE PARKING BRAKE. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2010-04-26
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: JTJBT20X980
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 LEXUS GX470. WHILE PARKING THE VEHICLE AND APPLYING THE BRAKES, THE VEHICLE ABNORMALLY SURGED FORWARD RESULTING IN A CRASH. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN AUTHORIZED LEXUS DEALER TO BE EXAMINED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE UNKNOWN.
SERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2010-01-15
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRIC
- Summary: LEXUS GX 470 ONE OCCURRENCE A HESITANCE BETWEEN THE TIME THE BRAKE WAS APPLIED AND ACTUAL BRAKING OCCURRED UNDER NORMAL BRAKING CIRCUMSTANCES ON A CURVY ROAD. *TR
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2010-01-20
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: I OWN A 2008 LEXUS GX 470, THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THE BRAKES. THE VEHICLE HAD TO BE TAKEN TO THE SHOP AND THE BRAKING SYSTEM WORKED ON TWO SEPARATE TIMES, BECAUSE THE BRAKES HAD WARPED. AT SPEEDS EXCEEDING 50 MILES AN HOUR THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD START SHAKING UNCONTROLLABLY. *TR
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2008-12-15
- Crash: 1
- VIN: JTJBT20X080
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 LEXUS GX 470. HE HAD TO USE GREAT FORCE TO THE BRAKE PEDAL, IN ORDER FOR THE VEHICLE TO STOP. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP AND HE WAS ADVISED THAT THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE. A COUPLE MONTHS LATER, AN IDENTICAL FAILURE OCCURRED. CONSEQUENTLY HE REAR-ENDED ANOTHER VEHICLE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. HE HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP BUT THE TECHNICIAN COULD NOT LOCATE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BY THE INSURANCE COMPANY. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 6,000. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 2,000. THE CONSUMER STATED AS HE EXITED A PARKING LOT, HE REALIZED HE COULD NOT STOP THE VEHICLE, SO HE MADE A SHARP TURN INTO A LANDSCAPE OF AN ESTABLISHMENT AND HIT A PARKED CAR. THE CONSUMER STATED HE EXPERIENCED A SIMILAR INCIDENT SIX MONTHS PRIOR. UPDATED 04/23/10.*JB
EQUIPMENT PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2007-11-20
- Number Of Injuries: 3
- VIN: JTJBT20X380
- Components: EQUIPMENT
- Summary: I PURCHASED A NEW LEXUS GX 470 IN NOVEMBER 2007. IT ALWAYS SMELLED MUSTY. I TOOK IT TO DEALER TWO TIMES AND A 3RD PARTY MECHANIC ONCE. LEXUS TOLD ME IT WAS MOLD BUILD UP IN AC UNIT. THEY SAID IT OCCURRED BECAUSE I PUT THE AIR FLOW ON INTERIOR AIR FLOW ONLY. ME AND MY 2 CHILDREN HAVE HAD ASTHMA ATTACKS AND ALLERGIC REACTIONS SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED. THEY HAVE HAD TO INCREASE THEIR ALLERGY MEDICATION AND I HAVE BEEN PUT ON A PRESCRIPTION. *TR
Positive 2008 Lexus Gx470 car reviews
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2008 Lexus Gx470 problems:
Lexus GX470 Common Problems - YouTube
Sep 25, 2020 ... 9 important issues to consider before purchasing a Lexus GX470. Pads and Rotors Upgrade: ...
Known problems in the 2008 Lexus GX 470? - Maintenance/Repairs ...
Jan 25, 2019 ... All the electric gadgets and gizmos a car like that has could fail at any time, hvac system, audio/gps, restraint system, power doors/mirrors, ...
PROBLEMS to LOOK FOR When BUYING a LEXUS GX 470 ...
Feb 11, 2021 ... I discuss the main issues you need to look for when searching for and going to purchase a Lexus GX 470. This could help you save thousands ...
Common Issues Of GX470 / What issues have you encountered ...
Feb 14, 2012 ... Common Issues Of GX470 / What issues have you encountered? · 1) Clunk sound from driveshaft · 2) dashboard cracking. Powered By. 10 Sec. 1.8M 70.
LEXUS GX470 BUYERS GUIDE - 7 Things You NEED to Know ...
May 3, 2021 ... Lexus GX470 Common Problems. Parker Smith ... Get one before they are banned : 2008 Lexus GX470 V8 ... PROBLEMS to LOOK FOR When BUYING a LEXUS GX ...
Other years of Lexus Gx470
Are you having problems with your 2008 Lexus Gx470?
Gunner Frami 2025-01-09
A Lexus mechanic checked out your car prior to purchase. It's important to note that there are some trouble spots, but overall Lexus vehicles are one of the most reliable options available. As a Lexus owner, you have access to all service records online, including records from before your ownership. This is a fantastic resource. You mentioned trading in your RX330 for the GX, and it's great to hear that you're very pleased with the vehicle. Thank you for sharing your experience!
Jonathon Greenholt 2024-11-09
The service, build quality, and drive of this car are truly impressive. However, I personally did not connect with it as much as I would have liked. Its personality feels a bit vanilla, unless you frequently drive off-road. I found the navigation system to be a bit difficult to use while driving, and unfortunately, you cannot even read the song and artist names of the music you are playing. Additionally, there are no rear heat controls or heated seats, and the third row is quite small. Even my 5'1
Ezekiel Gottlieb 2024-10-06
Hi there! I hope you're doing well. I wanted to share my experience with the GX - it's been a great car for me! When my Sequoia died and I was left with an LS with RWD, I decided to compromise with the GX, thinking I would replace it when the LS came out with AWD. However, I've found that the GX is almost as good! As someone who is 6'2
Ronny Nader 2024-09-27
Congratulations on your 5th Lexus! It's great to hear that you're enjoying your GX and that it has all the amenities you loved in your previous LX, but in a more maneuverable size. It's wonderful that you're getting an average of just over 18 MPG, which is quite decent in your opinion. The ride is great, the stereo surround sound is amazing, and it's very quiet. It sounds like you're really happy with your purchase and that's what matters most. Thank you for sharing your experience with us!
Nathan Volkman 2024-09-26
Luxury and power. Built on a solid truck frame yet the ride control feature allows an adjustable ride. Able to tow 6500 pounds. Currently towing a 3000 pound boat, with a fuel economy of 13 mpg. It is comfortable in all respects and gives a feeling of safety. The design is well thought out, but it could benefit from a larger gas tank. It easily earns its Consumer Report's outstanding 'recommended buy' rating.