2002 Lexus Lx470 problems
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".
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Common 2002 Lexus Lx470 problems
The Lexus LX470, introduced in 2002, is a luxury full-size SUV built on the Toyota Land Cruiser platform. While the LX470 is known for its reliability, there are some common problems that owners have reported.
One of the most common issues reported by owners is difficulty starting the vehicle. This problem has been reported by multiple owners of the 2003 model year, with an average mileage of 140,000 miles. The cause of this problem is not explicitly stated, but the average cost to fix is $1,000.
Another common problem reported by owners is related to the automatic height control (AHC) suspension system. This system is designed to maintain a consistent ride height, but it has been known to fail in the LX470. The failure can be attributed to various components, including the accumulators, rear shock cylinders, and manifold/control box. If the AHC system is not desired, it can be replaced with standard coils, which are commonly used in off-road applications.
The cooling system in the LX470 has also been reported as a problem area
. It is recommended to update the radiator and fan of thermal coupling, as well as the starter, which can suffer from Bendix bearings crumbling over time. Access to the starter is difficult, requiring the removal of several components, including the intake manifold.
Transmission issues have also been reported in the LX470, with some owners noting a noticeable backlash after 200,000 to 300,000 kilometers
. This issue is described as a knock or bump that occurs when gas is added while coasting, and it is attributed to total backlash in splines, joints, hub flanges, CV joints, pinion gears, and shaft transfer cases. While it is possible to completely remove the backlash, it can be expensive, with the cost often exceeding the price of a refurbished used unit or a bulkhead.
The front suspension of the LX470 also requires attention, particularly after 150,000 to 200,000 kilometers
. Ball bearings in both the upper and lower suspension components can wear out, with analogs lasting only 30,000 to 100,000 kilometers. Original ball joints, however, can last up to 200,000 kilometers without issue.
The AHC hydraulic suspension with ride height control is another component that can act up with age
. The system is equipped with sensors in the front and rear, and issues can arise from sensor failure or hydraulic accumulator fade. Hydraulic accumulators can lose tightness, and the pump may require attention after 300,000 to 400,000 kilometers. Shock absorbers may also leak, and the steering rack's silent blocks can wear out or leak over time.
In summary, while the Lexus LX470 is known for its reliability, there are common problems that owners have reported. These issues include difficulty starting the vehicle, automatic height control suspension system failure, cooling system problems, transmission backlash, front suspension wear, and AHC hydraulic suspension issues. Regular maintenance and inspections can help mitigate these issues and ensure the longevity of the vehicle.
2002 Lexus Lx470 car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Lexus Lx470 problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Exterior lighting problems
- Service brakes problems
- Electrical system problems
- Power train problems
- Structure problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2002 Lexus Lx470 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
2002 Lexus Lx470 complaints
The NHTSA has received 10 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2002 Lexus Lx470.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-08-11
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 LEXUS LX470. WHILE DRIVING ON A MOUNTAIN ROAD AT 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE'S WARNING SENSOR BEGAN BEEPING AND THE VEHICLE STOPPED ABRUPTLY. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE VEERED OFF INTO THE OPPOSITE LANE TOWARDS ONCOMING TRAFFIC. THE CONTACT DROVE 15 MPH UNTIL SHE REACHED HER DESTINATION. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO SOUTH BAY LEXUS (3215 PACIFIC COAST HWY, TORRANCE, CA 90505, 310-325-9999), BUT NO FAILURE WAS FOUND. THE DEALER NOTIFIED THE MANUFACTURER OF THE DEFECT; HOWEVER, THEIR DIAGNOSTICS SHOWED NO FAILURES RELATED TO THE VEHICLE. PRIOR TO THE FAILURE, WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE CONTACT EXPERIENCED THE SAME FAILURE, BUT THE VEHICLE DID NOT STOP WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 164,000. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2011-08-14
- Fire: 1
- VIN: JTJHT00W323
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: TRANSMISSION FAILURE AT HIGHWAY SPEED. A LOUD BANG, GRINDING AND SMELL OF BURNING TRANSMISSION FLUID. SMALL FIRE FROM LEAKING TRANSMISSION FLUID. HIGHER RATE OF THESE TYPES OF FAILURES FOR 2000 - 2002 LX470 SUV'S *JS
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-09-09
- VIN: JTJHT00W823
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: WATER WAS LEAKING INTO THE BACK OF THE VEHICLE AND SOAKING THE INTERIOR. UPON INSPECTION OF THE VEHICLE BY THE DEALERSHIP, THEY THOUGHT THE LEAK WAS DUE TO THE SPOILER. THEY PATCHED THE HOLES IN SPOILER AND REPLACED THE ENTIRE HATCH. BUT THE LEAK RECURRED. CURRENTLY, DEALERSHIP INDICATED THAT THE WATER WAS SEEPING THROUGH THE LIGHT IN THE THIRD DOOR HATCH WHICH HAD A LEAK. *AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-02-07
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH ON THE HIGHWAY TRACTION WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED, AND THE VEHICLE LOST BRAKE POWER AND STEERING FOR A PERIOD OF ONE MINUTE. DURING THAT TIME VEHICLE SWERVED LEFT TO RIGHT, BUT DID NOT COME IN CONTACT WITH ANY OTHER VEHICLES OR OBJECTS ON THE ROAD. TRACTION LIGHT WENT OFF, AND VEHICLE RETURNED TO NORMAL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER, WHO DID A DIAGNOSTIC TEST. IT WAS FOUND THAT HYDRAULIC UNIT ON THE BRAKE BOOSTER WAS THE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM, AND WAS REPLACED. *AK
SERVICE BRAKES, AIR PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-07-31
- VIN: JTHBN30F520
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, AIR
- Summary: AT THE 20K SERVICE ON OUR 2002 LEXUS LS430 WE WERE INFORMEDTHAT WE NEEDED THE FRONT AND REAR BARK PADS REPLACED AND THE DICS TURNED AT OUR COST OF $588. WE WERE TOLD THAT LEXUS REDESIGNED THE SENSORS AND WE WOULD NEED TO REPEAT THIS EACH 20K. HOW CAN A CAR THAT SELLS FOR OVER 60 THOUSAND DOLLARS HAVE SUCH A BAD REDESIGN?
EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-08-03
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: SUV BEHIND US AT A LIGHT WITH HIGHLY IRRITATING BRIGHT LIGHTS THAT EVEN OUR SPECIAL REAR VIEW MIRROR DIDN'T REDUCE VERY MUCH. THESE LIGHTS ARE UNNECESSARY AND ALL OUR PASSENGERS COMPLAINED BITTERLY THAT THOSE LIGHTS SHOULD BE OUTLAWED.*AK
EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-12-28
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: THE NEW BLUE LIGHTS IN NEW CARS CREATE BLINDNESS WHEN APPROACHING AT NIGHT. EVEN FROM BEHIND IN REAR VIEW MIRROR THEY CREATE BLINDING DISTRACTION.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: ALL XENON HEADLIGHTS SHOULD BE BANNED. THEY BLIND ONCOMING DRIVERS !!!
EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: COMPLAINING OF THE NEW BRIGHT HEADLIGHTS ON SOME CARS. I HAD ONE BEHIND ME AT NIGHT AND IT REALLY WAS HARD FOR ME TO SEE BECAUSE OF THE BRILLANCE IN MY REAR VIEW AND SIDE MIRROR. *AK
SEATS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: JTHED192X20
- Components: SEATS
- Summary: ANGLE OF THE REAR WINDOW, THE RELATIVELY NARROW APERTURE OF THE GLASS AND THE LARGE HEADRESTS ON THE REAR SEATS CONSPIRE TOGETHER TO SEVERLY RESTRICT THE DRIVER'S VIEW OUT OF THE REAR VIEW WINDOW. IT IS NEARLY IMPOSSIBLE TO SEE ANYTHING ALONG THE REAR "FLANKS" OF THE VEHICLE OUT OF THIS WINDOW WHILE DRIVING. MY SUGGESTION WOULD BE TO INCREASE THE SIZE OF THE VIEWING APERTURE, USE A "LOWER PROFILE" HEADREST IN THE BACK SEAT (LIKE THE ONE IN THE MIDDLE BETWEEN THE TWO REAR SEATS), OR A COMBINATION OF BOTH.*AK
2002 Lexus Lx470 recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 2002 Lexus Lx470.
- Manufacturer: TOYOTA MOTOR NORTH AMERICA, INC.
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
- Summary: 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.
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