MotorDeets

2003 Lexus LX470: Recalls, Problems & MPG

Here are the deets on the 2003 Lexus LX470: 3 recalls, 18 owner complaints and up to 13 mpg combined.

3vehicle recalls
18owner complaints
1mention a crash
13best combined mpg
2003 Lexus LX470
Photo: Life of Loim · CC BY 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons. Representative photo of this generation; trim may differ.

Recalls

3 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.

Exterior lights Vehicle recall #04V434000 · 2004 · 75,395 vehicles

What's wrong: 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.

Why it matters: This condition could blind the driver of a vehicle driving in the opposite direction, increasing the risk of a crash.

The fix: 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.

Steering Vehicle recall #10V346000 · 2010 · 39,159 vehicles

What's wrong: 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.

Why it matters: This could result in loss of steering control increasing the risk of a crash.

The fix: 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.

Airbags Vehicle recall #16V065000 · 2016 · 320,409 vehicles

What's wrong: The affected vehicles have an air bag control module that May be improperly programmed, causing the side curtain-shield-air bags to deploy inadvertently.

Why it matters: If the side curtain-shield-air bags deploy unexpectedly, it can increase the risk of occupant injury.

The fix: 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.

Most-reported problems

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 0 mention a fire, 2 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.

Steering5
Electrical4
Airbags2
Brakes (hydraulic)2
Brakes2
Engine2
Child seat1
Visibility (wipers, glass)1

What owners describe

The 2003 Lexus LX470 has 18 owner complaints, ranking #1 of 10 LX470 model years for complaints (1.9× the average LX470 year). Complaints peaked in 2016 (5 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 9 years old, at a median of 142,149 miles. Neighboring years: 2002 (5 complaints, 1 recalls), 2004 (12 complaints, 3 recalls).

Engines & fuel economy (EPA)

EngineTransmissionDriveCityHwyComb.Fuel
4.7 L 8-cylAutomatic 5-spd4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive121613Regular

Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.

Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2003 Lexus LX470.

eManualOnline Download (PDF), keep forever

Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.

Most $25–$78, one-time
Check 2003 Lexus LX470 manual
Mitchell 1 DIY Online access, factory-level data

Pro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.

From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yr
Check 2003 Lexus LX470 manual
ALLDATAdiy Online access, factory OEM info

OEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.

From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yr
Check 2003 Lexus LX470 manual
Haynes Print book or AllAccess online

Step-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.

Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/mo
Check 2003 Lexus LX470 manual

Heads up: we may earn a commission if you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you. Prices checked 2026-10 and can change. We never host or link to pirated manuals. Disclosure

FAQ

Does the 2003 Lexus LX470 have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 3 vehicle recalls for the 2003 Lexus LX470. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What are the most common 2003 Lexus LX470 problems?

Owners have filed 18 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are steering (5), electrical (4), airbags (2).

What gas mileage does the 2003 Lexus LX470 get?

EPA ratings run up to 13 mpg combined (4.7 L, Automatic 5-spd), across 1 engine and transmission combos.

Where can I get a 2003 Lexus LX470 repair manual?

eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.

Other LX470 years

1998199920002001200220032004200520062007