2003 Lexus GX470: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2003 Lexus GX470: 2 recalls, 46 owner complaints and up to 15 mpg combined.

Recalls
2 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Equipment Vehicle recall #03V031000 · 2003 · 5,878 vehicles
What's wrong: Certain sport utility vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of part 567, "certification." the incorrect gross vehicle weight rating (gvwr) data was printed on the certification regulation label. The gvwr is incorrectly reflected on the label as 6,100 lbs. The correct gvwr should be 6,000 lbs.
Why it matters: The certification label does not meet the information requirements as described in the regulations.
The fix: As each label is vehicle identification number specific, owners will be requested to contact their local Lexus dealer first to place an order for the corrected label. Once the label has arrived at the dealership, the owner will be contacted for label replacement. Owner began April 10, 2003.
Seats Vehicle recall #03V088000 · 2003 · 3,666 vehicles
What's wrong: On certain vehicles equipped with the Lexus link system, it May be difficult to lock one of the two latches on the bottom of the middle row left rear seat (larger side of the bench seat directly behind the driver). Due to the thickness of the Lexus link system storage case, the stopper on the bottom of the seat is slightly elevated. This elevated position misaligns the latch to the striker.
Why it matters: If the vehicle is operated with only one latch locked, the occupant of the seat May be improperly restrained in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of personal injury.
The fix: Dealers will remove the lls case panels around the seat stopper. Owner notification began April 8, 2003.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 1 mention a fire, 2 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Transmission & drivetrain (11): the most common themes are noise or vibration (3), hard / delayed shifting (2).
- Suspension (7): the most common themes are noise or vibration (4), steering problems (2), rust / corrosion (2).
- Engine & cooling (6): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Body & structure (6): the most common themes are rust / corrosion (3).
The 2003 Lexus GX470 has 46 owner complaints, ranking #2 of 7 GX470 model years for complaints (1.5× the average GX470 year). Complaints peaked in 2003 (12 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 3 years old, at a median of 33,102 miles. Neighboring years: 2004 (65 complaints, 1 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4.7 L 8-cyl | Automatic 5-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 14 | 17 | 15 | Regular |
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 GX470.
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FAQ
Does the 2003 Lexus GX470 have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 2 vehicle recalls for the 2003 Lexus GX470. 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 GX470 problems?
Owners have filed 46 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are transmission & drivetrain (11), suspension (7), engine & cooling (6).
What gas mileage does the 2003 Lexus GX470 get?
EPA ratings run up to 15 mpg combined (4.7 L, Automatic 5-spd), across 1 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2003 Lexus GX470 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.