2005 Lexus Lx470 problems

General information about Lexus-Lx470
Overview of popular issues
Analysis of common problems
Сomplaints list
Recalls list

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 2005 Lexus Lx470 problems

The Lexus LX470, produced between 1998 and 2007, is known for its luxurious features and off-road capabilities. However, like any vehicle, it is not without its common problems. Here are some of the most frequently reported issues by owners:

Hydraulic Suspension Failure: The hydraulic suspension system in the LX470 is prone to failure, particularly after 100,000 miles. This can lead to a low riding vehicle, a suspension warning light, soft handling, longer stopping times, and a "nose dive" when braking. The hydraulic suspension is made up of many moving parts, which can wear down over time, leading to inefficiency and eventual failure. Once one component fails, others are likely to follow due to the increased stress on the remaining components.

AHC Suspension Issues: The Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) or Air Suspension (AHC) system in the LX470 can develop problems, especially as the vehicle ages. This can result in a rough ride, uneven tire wear, and difficulty maintaining the correct ride height. The AHC system uses air springs, compressors, and solenoids to adjust the vehicle's ride height based on driving conditions. Over time, these components can wear out, leading to system failure.
Check Engine Light due to EVAP System Fault: Some LX470 owners have reported issues with the Check Engine Light being triggered due to a fault in the Evaporative Emission Control (EVAP) system. This system is designed to prevent fuel vapors from escaping into the atmosphere. Faults in the EVAP system can be caused by various issues, including damaged or leaking hoses, faulty sensors, or issues with the charcoal canister.

Steering Issues: The LX470's power steering system can develop problems, particularly in the steering rack and pump. These issues can result in a loose or wandering steering feel, difficulty turning the steering wheel, or a whining noise when turning. The steering system in the LX470 uses a hydraulic power steering pump and a rack-and-pinion steering gear to provide power assistance to the steering .
Brake Issues: Some LX470 owners have reported issues with the brake system, including brake calipers seizing, the master cylinder wearing out, and the brake light coming on due to low brake fluid. The brake system in the LX470 uses a hydraulic system with disc brakes on all four wheels. Regular maintenance, including brake fluid changes and inspections, is essential to ensure the brake system remains in good working order .
Electrical Issues: Electrical issues, such as the vehicle not starting or the interior lights failing, have been reported by some LX470 owners. These issues can be caused by various factors, including faulty sensors, wiring issues, or battery problems.

Fuel System Issues: Some LX470 owners have reported issues with the fuel system, including the fuel pump, fuel injectors, and fuel filter. These issues can result in poor engine performance, difficulty starting the vehicle, or stalling .
Transmission Issues: Transmission issues, such as slipping, jerking, or difficulty shifting, have been reported by some LX470 owners. These issues can be caused by various factors, including low transmission fluid, worn clutch plates, or a faulty torque converter .
Air Conditioning Issues: Some LX470 owners have reported issues with the air conditioning system, including the system not blowing cold air or the compressor failing. These issues can be caused by various factors, including low refrigerant levels, a faulty compressor, or a damaged condenser .
Exhaust System Issues: The LX470's exhaust system can develop problems, particularly in the muffler and catalytic converter. These issues can result in a loud exhaust noise, reduced engine performance, or a check engine light. The exhaust system in the LX470 uses a series of pipes, catalytic converters, and a muffler to reduce engine noise and exhaust gases .

In summary, the Lexus LX470 is a capable and luxurious SUV, but it is not without its common problems. These issues include hydraulic suspension failure, AHC suspension problems, check engine light due to EVAP system fault, steering issues, brake issues, electrical issues, fuel system issues, transmission issues, air conditioning issues, and exhaust system issues. Regular maintenance and inspections can help prevent many of these issues, but some may require more extensive repairs or replacement of components.

2005 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:

Structure problems
Suspension problems
Power train problems
Air bags problems
Fuel/propulsion system problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 2005 Lexus Lx470 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

2005 Lexus Lx470 complaints

The NHTSA has received 9 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2005 Lexus Lx470.

2020-06-21

STRUCTURE PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2020-06-20
VIN: JTJHT00W254
Components: STRUCTURE
Summary: JUNE 18, 2020, I PURCHASED MY 2005 LEXUS LX 470 FROM A DEALER SHIP LOCATED AT MARYLAND. THERE WAS NO INDICATION OF ROTTING FRAME. WHEN I RECEIVED MY VEHICLE, I LOOKED UNDER IT AND KNOTICE THERE WAS REALLY BAD RUST ON THE FRAME. I TOUCHED AND AND MY FINGER POKED THROUGH IT. I TRIED CALL THE DEALER RIGHT AWAY, BUT UNFORTUNATELY THEY WERE CLOSING AND SAID I HAD TO CALL BACK MONDAY 6/22/2020. I HAVE KIDS AND THE FRAME IS UNSAFE FOR ME TO DRIVE IT. I LOOKED UP FRAME RECALLS ONLINE BUT THERE WAS NON. BUT THERE WAS PLENTY OF COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE FRAME RUST.

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2017-09-20

AIR BAGS PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2016-02-02
VIN: JTJHT00W653
Components: AIR BAGS
Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 LEXUS LX470. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V065000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.

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2016-11-01

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2016-06-09
VIN: JTJHT00W053
Components: FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Summary: VEHICLE WAS TOPPED OF WITH A FULL TANK OF GAS PRIOR TO GOING ON A OFF ROAD DRIVE. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN MODESTLY UP SILVER CANYON TRAIL WITH NO MECHANICAL ISSUES UNTIL GAS FUMES BECAME APPARENT. I INITIALLY THOUGHT THE RIG WAS RUNNING RICH IN FUEL AND CONTINUED THE CLIMB. THEN ON A BREAK I NOTICED GAS SPEWING FROM THE VEHICLE'S GAS CAP. THERE WAS A TREMENDOUS PRESSURE BUILD UP. ONCE I REACHED THE TOP OF THE TRAIL THE ISSUE WAS PHOTOGRAPHED AND RECORDED. I WAITED TILL THE SPEWING OF GAS STOPPED THEN DROVE BACK DOWN. THE ISSUE WAS BROUGHT TO LEXUS KEARNY MESA AND BECAUSE THE ISSUE COULD NOT BE RECREATED NO REPAIRS WERE MADE. THE CONDITIONS WERE NOT PROPERLY RECREATED TO MAKE THE PROBLEM REAPPEAR. MY CONCERN IS POSSIBLE GAS IGNITION AND EXPLOSION.

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2010-05-02

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2010-04-16
Crash: 1
Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Summary: I HAD A 2005 LEXUS 470 CAR AND IT WAS INVOLVED IN TWO ACCIDENTS THAT NEITHER I NOR THE OTHER DRIVER COULD NEITHER ONE HAS EVER HAD AN ACCIDENT AND I HAVE BEEN DRIVING 35 YEARS. THE CAR IN THE FIRST ACCIDENT I DO NOT EVEN KNOW WHAT HAPPENED THERE WAS A COLLISION ON A ROAD I TAKE EVERY DAY. THE OTHER CAR WAS TOTALED HE HAD NO SKID MARKS AND THE LEXUS TIRE WAS HIT. NO ONE EVER KNEW WHAT HAPPENED. THEN LAST MONTH MY GOD SON WAS DRIVING ON THE LA FREEWAY IN STOP AND GO 5 MILES AN HOUR TRAFFIC. THE CAR ACCELERATED INTO THE FLATBED TRUCK INFRONT OF HIM AND HE WAS OK BUT THE CAR TOTALED. IT IS HARD TO HURT A LEXUS 470 AND THE ONLY EXPLANATION WAS THAT THE CAR ACCELERATED INTO THE FLATBED CRUSHING THE RADIATOR. IT WAS BIZARRE AND THE CAR RUINED. I THINK TOYOTA AND LEXUS HAVE NOT FULLY EXAMINED THE LEXUS CAR FOR THE ACCELERATION PROBLEM AND THEY SHOULD. ANYONE OF THE PEOPLE INVOLVED COULD HAVE BEEN KILLED NO ONE WAS DRIVING FAST AND THERE WAS NO EXPLANATION FOR THE ACCIDENTS EXCEPT THE LEXUS MALFUNCTION. *TR

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2009-04-27

SUSPENSION,STRUCTURE PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2009-04-26
VIN: JTJHT00W054
Components: SUSPENSION,STRUCTURE
Summary: 2005 LEXUS 470 HAS ONGOING HEIGHT CONTROL PROBLEMS. SERVICED 5 TIMES FOR THIS ISSUE, LAST TIME ON 4/20/09. ON 4/26/09, VEHICLE BEGAN TO DRIVE VERY ROUGHLY AND THE REAR OF VEHICLE RAISED ONE INCH HIGHER THAN FRONT OF VEHICLE. ON 4/27/09, SUV RETURNED TO LEXUS DEALER FOR 6TH REPAIR APPOINTMENT FOR HEIGHT CONTROL PROBLEM. BECOMING FEARFUL OF DRIVING SUV. *TR

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2009-04-23

STEERING,SUSPENSION PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2009-03-10
VIN: JTJHT00W054
Components: STEERING,SUSPENSION
Summary: 2005 LEXUS LX 470 HAS ONGOING HEIGHT CONTROL PROBLEM. FIRST APPEARED AT 24, 590 MILES. HAS BEEN SERVICED FOR PROBLEM 5 TIMES. LAST TIME, LEXUS PAID FOR PART ONLY. I HAVE SCHEDULED A 6TH REPAIR APPOINTMENT. VEHICLE ALSO PULLS TO THE LEFT SIGNIFICANTLY, EVEN AFTER 4-20-09 REPAIR. BECOMING FEARFUL OF DRIVING VEHICLE. *TR

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2005-11-11

EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2005-04-01
VIN: JTJHT00W943
Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Summary: HEADLIGHTS COME ON AFTER A PERIOD OF TIME (2 MIN TO 20 MIN) AFTER VEHICLE IS SHUT OFF AND THE KEY BOB BUTTON IS PRESSED TWICE AND TRUCK BEEPS; HEADLIGHTS WILL NOT TURN OFF EVEN IF THE STALK IS ON AUTO/LIGHTS ON/PARKING LIGHTS/OFF; IN ADDITION THE HEAD LIGHT STALK WILL CONTROL THE DOOR LOCKS WHEN THE STALK IS MOVED FROM AUTO TO ON OR PARKING LIGHTS TO ON; USUALLY OCCURS AT NIGHT; USUALLY CLEARS UP BY MORNING; RESULTED IN A DEAD BATTERY TWICE; MAY BE ATTRIBUTED TO RAIN. *JB

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2005-11-11

POWER TRAIN PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2005-09-15
VIN: JTJHT00W943
Components: POWER TRAIN
Summary: VIBRATION OCCURS FROM REAR DIFFERENTIAL WHEN THE RPM ~1900 AND THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION IS SHIFTING FROM 4TH TO DRIVE; DEALER IS SWAPPING OUT REAR DIFFERENTIAL HAVE NOT RECEIVED VEHICLE BACK YET; DEALER NOW SAYS VIBRATIONS ARE COMING FROM TRANSMISSION AND HAS ADVISED TO REPLACE TRANSMISSION; ORIGINAL COMPLAINT DID NOT HAVE NOISE COMING FROM TRANSMISSION. *JB

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2005-06-24

POWER TRAIN PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2005-06-24
Crash: 1
VIN: JTJBT20X850
Components: POWER TRAIN
Summary: DT: CALLER SAYS WHEN 4-WHEEL DRIVE CONTROL IS BUMPED IT KNOCKS VEHICLE INTO NEUTRAL AND THE VEHICLE ROLLS AWAY. WHEN THIS HAPPENS THE 4 WHEEL DRIVE CONTROL OVERRIDES THE PARK GEAR, AND THIS CAN HAPPEN WITH NO ONE IS IN CONTROL OF VEHICLE. CALLER HAS CONCERNS ABOUT HER FAMILY SHOULD THIS HAPPEN WITH CHILDREN IN VEHICLE. THIS CAN HAPPEN WHILE IT IS IN PARK WITHOUT THE KEY IN IT. DEALER SAID ALWAYS USE EMERGENCY BRAKE. MANUFACTURER JUST TOOK NOTES, AND SAID THEY WOULD GET BACK TO HER IN 48 HOURS. CALLER HAS A LEXUS GX470.*AK

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2005 Lexus Lx470 recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 3 recalls for different components of the 2005 Lexus Lx470.

2016-02-05

Manufacturer: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing
Components: AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW
Summary: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2003-2006 Toyota Land Cruiser and Lexus LX470, 2005-2006 Toyota Tundra and Sequoia, 2004-2006 Toyota 4Runner and Lexus GX470 vehicles equipped with side curtain-shield-air bags. The affected vehicles have an air bag control module that may be improperly programmed, causing the side curtain-shield-air bags to deploy inadvertently.
Consequence: If the side curtain-shield-air bags deploy unexpectedly, it can increase the risk of occupant injury.
Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the air bag control module with one that has improved programming, free of charge. The recall began on December 1, 2016. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-271-9371. Toyota's number for this recall is G0C and GLB.

2010-07-29

Manufacturer: TOYOTA MOTOR NORTH AMERICA, INC.
Components: STEERING:GEAR BOX:SHAFT PITMAN
Summary: TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2003-2007 LEXUS LX470 VEHICLES. THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE STEERING SHAFT IS SUCH THAT THE SNAP RING ON THE SHAFT MAY DISENGAGE WHEN THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCES AN UNUSUALLY SEVERE IMPACT TO THE FRONT WHEELS. IF THE SNAP RING BECOMES DISENGAGED AND THE STEERING WHEEL IS THEN REPEATEDLY TURNED TO THE LOCKED POSITION, OVER TIME THE STEERING SHAFT MAY BECOME DISCONNECTED.
Consequence: THIS COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE SNAP RING WITH A NEWLY DESIGNED ONE AND INSTALL AN ADDITIONAL COMPONENT WHICH WILL PREVENT SEPARATION OF THE STEERING SHAFT. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 23, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT LEXUS AT 1-800-255-3987.

2004-09-08

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.