Lexus Lx 470 problems

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The Lexus LX (Japanese: レクサス・LX, Hepburn: Rekusasu LX) is a full-size luxury SUV sold by Lexus, a luxury division of Toyota since January 1996, having entered manufacturing in November 1995. It is Lexus' largest and most expensive luxury SUV. Four generations have been produced, all based heavily on the long-running Toyota Land Cruiser SUVs. The first-generation LX 450 started production in 1995 as Lexus' first entry into the SUV market. Its successor, the LX 470, premiered in 1998 and was manufactured until 2007. The third-generation LX debuted at the New York International Auto Show in April 2007. The fourth-generation LX debuted in October 2021.

The first-generation LX 450 had a straight-six engine and seats for seven passengers. The second and third-generations had a V8 engine powertrain, a welded steel body-shell combined with full-size steel ladder frame (body-on-frame construction), and seats for eight passengers. The fourth-generation model has a twin-turbocharged V6 engine powertrain and seats for seven passengers as standard and four passengers as an option. The second-generation LX 470 shared exterior styling with the Japanese domestic market Land Cruiser Cygnus.

According to Lexus, the "LX" name stands for "Luxury Crossover". However, some Lexus importers use the backronymic name, "Luxury Four Wheel Drive".

photo of Lexus Lx 470 car production

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Lexus Lx 470 model years

lexus lx 470 2004 photo
Lx 470 2004
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Common Lexus Lx 470 problems

The Lexus LX 470, a luxury SUV, has been known to have several common problems based on complaints from owners.

Another common problem in the Lexus LX 470 is related to the hydraulic suspension system. This system, which is designed to provide a comfortable ride, can fail over time due to the wear and tear of its moving parts. The hydraulic suspension system is made up of several components, including sensors, pumps, and valves, all of which need to be in sync for the system to function properly. When one part fails, it can affect the rest of the suspension, causing it to wear down more quickly. Replacing just one of the bad struts on the LX 470 can cost thousands of dollars, making it a costly repair.

The LX 470's exhaust manifolds can also crack at around 80,000 to 100,000 miles, which can lead to exhaust leaks and reduced engine performance. This problem can be caused by several factors, including high engine temperatures and the use of low-quality exhaust components. The starter contacts on the LX 470 can also wear out over time, typically around 100,000 miles, causing intermittent starting problems. This issue can be resolved by replacing the starter contacts, which is a relatively inexpensive repair.

The AHC (Air Handling Control) accumulators, which are used to control the ride height of the vehicle, can fail if the wrong fluid is used. This can cause the AHC system to malfunction, leading to issues with the vehicle's ride height and handling. The AHC wheel height sensors can also rust and fail, particularly in wet and salty environments, leading to similar issues with the vehicle's ride height and handling.

Finally, the LX 470's transmission can fail, particularly in the 2000 model year. This issue can be caused by several factors, including wear and tear, lack of maintenance, and manufacturing defects. Transmission failures can be costly to repair, often requiring the replacement of the entire transmission.

In summary, the Lexus LX 470 has several common problems, including electrical issues, hydraulic suspension failures, exhaust manifold cracks, starter contact wear, AHC accumulator and sensor failures, and transmission failures. While some of these issues can be resolved with relatively simple and inexpensive repairs, others can be quite costly, making regular maintenance and timely repairs essential for keeping the LX 470 running smoothly.

Lexus Lx 470

What are the common problems for an LX470?

Top Lexus LX470 Problems

  • Check Engine Light due to EVAP system fault. 11 people have reported this. ...
  • Loud Vacuum Cleaner Noise on Cold Start. 9 people have reported this. ...
  • Check Engine Light Due to EVAP System. ...
  • Check Engine Light Due to Failed Oxygen Sensor Component. ...
  • Check Engine Light Due to EVAP System Failure.

Is the Lexus LX470 reliable?

This car is extremely reliable, comfortable, and it has many features that made this car worth every penny. My business is not doing very well in this economy, so fixing this car and paying for gas is much harder. The MPG is the only really bad thing about this car. It also has a lack of horsepower.

How many miles will a LX470 last?

It not only delivers unique safety, but with simple proper maintenance will last between 300,000 and 500,000 miles.

Which is better LX470 or gx470?

When comparing the Lexus GX 470's and the Lexus LX 470's specifications and ratings, the Lexus GX 470 has the advantage in the areas of typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars, and fuel efficiency. The Lexus LX 470 has the advantage in the area of base engine power.

Latest negative Lexus Lx 470 car reviews

  1. Josh Waelchi 2024-10-06

    Vehicle year: 2004

    Hi there! I wanted to share my experience with my Lexus. I bought it in May '04 and went on my first road trip at the end of the month. Unfortunately, I discovered that the door leaked and made an obnoxious squealing sound when traveling at high speeds. I took it to the Lexus dealership twice, but they were unable to fix the issue. They referred me to Lexus USA, but unfortunately, I haven't received any support from them yet. It's been frustrating, as the door still squeals every other week when I travel. I hope Lexus can address this issue soon. Thank you for listening to my experience.

  2. Wilford Leuschke 2024-07-10

    Vehicle year: 2004

    It sounds like you've had some challenges with the LX, but there are definitely some positives to consider. The car is well-built and has a comfortable interior, which is always a plus. While it may not have the most powerful engine at 235HP, it's still a reliable option. The third seat may be a bit tricky to use and take up some space, but overall it's a solid choice.

  3. Miller Pollich 2024-05-19

    Vehicle year: 2004

    You'll love the wonderful build quality, excellent interior, and pillow-like ride. While it could use more power, it's still a great choice. However, it does tend to wander a bit more than it should on the highway.

Latest positive Lexus Lx 470 car reviews

  1. Valentin Quigley 2025-10-14

    Vehicle year: 2004

    The kneeling feature makes getting in and out much easier than other trucks this size. Your arthritic knees and hips won't scream as much when you get in or out, which is truly magical.

  2. Arnold Schamberger 2025-10-09

    Vehicle year: 2004

    This is my 6th SUV and the best thus far, including my 1999 Lincoln Navigator. There is little, if anything, that I do not like about this vehicle. It's fun to drive and a pleasure to be in. The Lexus name tells it all, perfection at its best. The price is a little higher than most, but you get just what you pay for with this beauty.

  3. Marcellus Simonis 2025-10-06

    Vehicle year: 2004

    Over 100,000 miles and not one issue. I'm so glad to hear that you plan to keep this vehicle for 20 years. It's great to know that you find it to be the most comfortable feel and ride available.

  4. Geovanny Ritchie 2025-10-04

    Vehicle year: 2004

    My wife and I recently returned from a 2000 mile vacation trip in our new LX. Although it doesn't handle, steer, or get gas mileage like a car, we absolutely loved the smooth and quiet ride. We found the power to be more than adequate in most situations. The nav system was very useful, but we did encounter some issues with it creating routes that didn't make sense. Perhaps it's malfunctioning, or maybe we just need to spend more time getting to know it. It would be great if the nav system was more user-friendly and didn't require a thick instruction book. However, I'm already hooked and will definitely be looking for a car with a nav system in the future.

  5. Kaleigh Emard 2025-09-28

    Vehicle year: 2004

    The interior of this SUV is truly unparalleled, even when compared to those German $100K vehicles. The exterior is grandiose and impressive. During a 3000+ mile trip, mostly on the highway at 85mph and 14mpg, it comfortably accommodated 5 people. So far, there have been no electrical problems or degrading in the ride quality. The Bluetooth is convenient and the DVD navigation and backup camera are handy. The Mark Levinson audio system is better than some home audio systems. Overall, ownership has been superb. This SUV does more than I could have ever dreamed of for a $70K vehicle. It gives me all the confidence I need while driving and for my family, it's more than just a machine, it's an ultimate friend. I absolutely love it!

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