2003 Lexus Lx 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".

2003 Lexus Lx

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Common 2003 Lexus Lx problems

The 2003 Lexus LX 470 is a luxury SUV known for its comfort and reliability. However, like any vehicle, it can have certain common problems that owners may encounter. Here are some of the issues reported by owners of the 2003 Lexus LX 470, based on a search of various sources

  1. Exhaust system issues: Some owners have reported problems with the exhaust system, including muffler rot and burnout, as well as exhaust manifold burnout. These issues are more common in Arabic versions of the car, which are devoid of catalysts and oxygen sensors for a longer period of time.
  2. Fuel pump, ignition coils, and oxygen sensors: These components can fail from time to time, requiring replacement.
  3. Camshaft and crankshaft position sensors: These sensors can also fail, leading to issues with the engine's performance.
  4. Cooling system: The cooling system may require updates, including the radiator and fan of thermal coupling.
  5. Starter: The starter can fail, requiring replacement. Access to the starter is difficult, as it requires removing a lot of components, including the intake manifold.
  6. Transmission: Some owners have reported noticeable backlash in the transmission after 200,000 to 300,000 kilometers. This is described as a knock or bump that occurs when gas is added while coasting, and is caused by total backlash in splines, joints, hub flanges, CV joints, pinion gears, and shafts in the front and rear gearboxes.
  7. Front gearbox: Frequent off-road trips can quickly finish off the front gearbox. The problem was especially acute for owners of the pre-styling Lexus LX470, but was improved in later models.
  8. Transfer case: The transfer case can also fail, especially after frequent off-road trips.
  9. Suspension: The front suspension, which is equipped with a hydraulic suspension with ride height control, can begin to act up with age. The most common problem is with the sensors, which can fail after 200,000 to 300,000 kilometers.
  10. Shock absorbers: Shock absorbers may leak after 300,000 to 400,000 kilometers.
  11. Steering system: The steering system, including the steering rack and power steering pump, can require periodic maintenance.
  12. Brake system: Brake calipers can turn sour, requiring replacement. The main brake cylinder can also wear out or fail, especially in restyled Lexus 470s with variable speed steering system.
  13. Interior lighting: The electronic unit responsible for interior lighting, threshold lighting, sunroof control, steering wheel side windows, and the rear wiper can fail. Fortunately, it is often possible to restore it.
  14. VGRS control unit: There can be failures in the operation of the VGRS control unit, which can be repaired for individual LX 470s.
  15. SRS unit: A service campaign was carried out to replace the SRS unit located near the driver's seat.

It is important to note that these problems are not necessarily indicative of a lack of reliability in the 2003 Lexus LX 470. Many of these issues can be addressed with regular maintenance and repairs as needed. However, potential buyers should be aware of these common problems and consider them when evaluating the condition and value of a used 2003 Lexus LX 470.

2003 Lexus Lx engine

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.

How long can a Lexus LX 470 last?

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

What year was the first Lexus LX made?

1995

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.

Is Lexus LX a reliable car?

Critics' Rating 6.3/10

The 2024 Lexus LX receives a critics' rating that is below average for the class. This rating, which is driven by our qualitative research, represents the overall tone and recommendation level that the automotive press places on a car.

2003 Lexus Lx complaints

The NHTSA has received 0 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2003 Lexus Lx.

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Additional sources

More sources of information about 2003 Lexus Lx problems:

2003 LX470 common problems???? - ClubLexus - Lexus Forum ...
2003 LX470 common problems???? - ClubLexus - Lexus Forum ...
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/lx-1st-and-2nd-gen-1996-2007/581010-2003-lx470-common-problems.html

Jul 12, 2011 ... older LX don't tend to see any problems, before buying one...make sure the spare tire winch ain't seized up.

AHC Problems on the LX470: How common? | IH8MUD Forum
AHC Problems on the LX470: How common? | IH8MUD Forum
https://forum.ih8mud.com/threads/ahc-problems-on-the-lx470-how-common.353707/

Greetings All, I've noticed several more LX470's on the market (2000-2003's) than Land Cruisers. The LX seems to run about $2k more than the ...

What is the common problem for LX470 2002? - ClubLexus - Lexus ...
What is the common problem for LX470 2002? - ClubLexus - Lexus ...
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/lx-1st-and-2nd-gen-1996-2007/762405-what-is-the-common-problem-for-lx470-2002-a.html

Nov 6, 2014 ... This could be the accumulators, Rear shock cylinders, Manifold/control box failure. Good thing is if you do not want to do the work to maintain ...

What are common issues with a 2003 Lexus LS 430? : r/AskMechanics
What are common issues with a 2003 Lexus LS 430? : r/AskMechanics
https://www.reddit.com/r/AskMechanics/comments/11qxljn/what_are_common_issues_with_a_2003_lexus_ls_430/

Mar 14, 2023 ... This particular model has no screen, so that's a plus in terms of less electrical gremlins to fix. I'm really digging the reliable V8 as well.

What Are The Most Common Problems With Ls400?!?!?! - 90 - 00 ...
What Are The Most Common Problems With Ls400?!?!?! - 90 - 00 ...
https://us.lexusownersclub.com/forums/topic/21507-what-are-the-most-common-problems-with-ls400/

Jun 23, 2005 ... ... common problems for the LS400. It would be ... DKRC-2003 Community Regular · DKRC-2003 · Posted ... Lexus Model: 1999 LS 400; 1994 ES300. Share.

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