2003 Lexus GX470 from North America - Comments

Whoever wrote this review saying how terrible the Gx 470 is wrong.

First, the GX 470 is probably the best luxury SUV on the market. It never breaks down and will last a life time.

Also, what features does the Ford Expedition have that this vehicle doesn't? I have owned two Expeditions in my lifetime, and they were the worst vehicles that I have ever owned.

Technically, they weren't mine because the company I work for bought them for me. It was the only SUV they could buy me. Apparently the two Expeditions were left over 2000 models and were being sold for like $9,000 off sticker to get them off the lot.

During the 20,000 miles that had been put on both vehicles during the 2 years I drove them, they both left us stranded at least 3 times. The whole damn transmission had to be replaced in the one my wife drove.

We bought a 2004 GX470 and it began clunking at 10,000 miles. We mentioned it to our services person, during 15k and 20k mile maintenance and they replaced a brake part at 20k miles. The problem continued.

The vehicle just went in for the 25k mile maintenance and our service person was out sick. We talked to another one and mentioned the clunking and he immediately knew what was wrong. The services person said is has been a problem, but not a recall. They ordered 2 drive line parts and were waiting for them to come in.

I have also notice a very slight, slight vibration in the steering wheel at speeds above 60 mph. The only time it doesn't vibrate at that speed and above, is when the road is completely smooth. Otherwise the vehicle is great.

I'm considering an extended warranty and am looking for other problems the vehicle has had after 50k miles. This would help me determine if I need the warranty. Thanks.

I have the same "clunking problem" with my 2005 GX470. I told the service manager about it, and he said that there had been a recall, and that the majority of them did have this problem. He ordered the parts for me, and is fixing it free of charge. I don't know where whoever posted that it wasn't a problem got their information, but maybe you should ask the service department again.

I have a 2003 GX 470 with mostly all the problems mentioned in this forum. As far as the clunking or getting tap in the rear feeling my local dealer has told me that there has not been a recall to fix this problem. My biggest problem is the vibration when applying the brakes and at speeds over 60mph. The dealer has said the rotors had been warped and replaced them under warranty. The problem has returned twice with no explanation as to why this happens. I don't see the quality that this company has been noted for. This has been the most disappointing new car purchase I have ever made.

If you could please post any information on the recall it would be appreciated.

My 2006 GX470 has the same "clunking" noise problem I brought it in for the 5K mile check up and was told that the drive shaft needs to be replaced. 3 months later, I am still waiting for the "back-ordered" part. When you purchase a "luxury" vehicle, you should expect great customer service & response time. So far, I am very disappointed.

A Lexus GX470 is actually a Toyota, sold as either the Prado or Land Cruiser LC depending on the market, but kitted out with lots of toys.

Tough car in terms of chassis & engine, but not really an on road SUV: underneath it all is primarily a ladder chassis 4x4 designed for unmade roads and off road where it is excellent. Copes with highway use OK, but that is not what it was designed for so cannot and should not be compared to a BMW X5 or a Mercedes M Class. Really it should be sold as a Toyota, not a Lexus, just like everywhere else in the world.

Third row of seats are just about OK, but really best to take them out (very easy) because they just get in the way. Install the OEM Dog Guard and you have a really big & secure space.

Ditch the Dunlop AT20 tires it come with: useless. B F Goodrich All Terrain K/O 265/70 R17 fit a treat, look the business and are really good.

Once you have done that, you will have a tough, capable and really useful 4X4 that will take you anywhere.

I own a 2004 GX 470 and noticed the clunking defect in the transmission right away. It doesn't happen all the time and the dealership back in 2005 couldn't duplicate it so they said "oh well". Now after 25,000 miles my brake rotors are warped and the service rep on the phone, after again complaining about the clunk sound, commented that he wasn't supposed to say anything, but there is a problem with GX 470 transmissions. I have owned two other Lexus cars RX 300 and ES 300 with little or no problems, so these problems are suprising. I wouldn't recommend the GX 470 at this point. The brakes also feel like I'm driving a heavy truck, not an SUV.

Hello all GX470 owners out there with the hesitation or clunking problem after coming to a complete stop and than accelerating. Everyone keeps mentioning that there dealership recommends replacing parts -- I've got some simple advice. I have a Toyota 1994 4Runner and 2004 GX470 and love them both. My Toyota has 355,000 miles on it and still has original motor and tranny going strong. I do all my own service and do not take it into dealership for any repairs. My Lexus GX470 had same problem as all of yours and I found that Lexus did not have ample grease in the zerk at the drive-shaft spline near the transmission. All of your drive-shafts have three zerks to grease. The universal joint zerks (one at each joint) need to be done regularly (I do mine every 5000 miles). All you have to do to eliminate the clunk problem is to add grease to spline zerk till you see outward movement of the yoke shaft from the drive-shaft. Add grease slowly and watch for shaft movement closely. When you see shaft move - stop adding grease. It may take quite a bit of grease and only add more if clunk returns. I fixed mine with about 3000 miles on it and haven't needed more - currently have 24,000 miles on my Gx470. No more clunk or hesitation.

Most service writers are salesmen not mechanics - they know only what they are told and probably don't wrench on there own vehicles. If you find a good one, hang on to him or her cause they are rare in this day and age.

Thanks Don't worry it will fix the problem.

Hey everybody, there is a Technical Service Bulletin out there for the clunk, ask for it at your Lexus dealer and they will take care of it. They know it is a huge problem with this car! I had the TSB done on mine with over 60k miles and Lexus covered it, it is covered up to the 70k mile drive-train warranty. My vehicle's clunk is completely gone, mine was really bad! Had to wait about 4 weeks for the parts.

My A/C doesn't work great though! I had the AC TSB also done at Lexus and it still doesn't cool well at all, I am very disappointed with this A/C, this is the most expensive car I have ever owned and the A/C is terrible! It cools for 30 seconds and then blows warm air for 30 seconds, there is nothing more Lexus can do, they said, been there three times for this. The shop foreman even sat with me in 2 other GXs, another 03 and an 07 and they both did the same thing as mine, he said he'd write to Lexus about it. I think it is a vehicle defect!

My RX had great A/C!

Lexus dealer has been great, but the A/C is no good.

I love my GX 470; the ride on the highway is so smooth it seems like you are floating above the pavement. But on city streets the ride isn't as smooth; it's soft, but you feel every single bump in the road.

The interior is sexy; I fell in love with the leather right away. I love the exterior as well. I love my Lexus GX 470.

I purchased a 2007 GX470 about 6 months ago, it has 2700 miles on it and I noticed the clunking noise when you accelerate after a stop. I brought it into the dealership for a mechanics test drive and they notice the same clunking noise. They knew immediately what the issue was and stated it was an issue with all Toyota's 4WD trucks/SUVs. They didn't call it a design flaw, but typical of Toyota's 4WD driveshaft with a body on frame design capable of off-roading. They replaced the drive shaft and control arms today, so let's see what happens. On my invoice they refer to a TSIB DL002-07 which could be the bulletin.

I own a 2004 Lexus Gx470, recently I have been experiencing the most bumpiest ride in my lexus. It almost seems as if the air-suspension in there rear is really hard or something, anybody know why?

OK. I am late to getting my 2003 GX470. I bought it used about 2 months ago with 80,000 miles on it. I love it. I had a 2005 Acura TL so I had to get used to the squishy ride (had to trade in the acura to accomodate more kids and now I work from home so no commute). I like to put GX470. I put the suspension in the sport mode so its not so bouncy. I wish the 2003 had the backup camera.

I have to say that I do notice the clunk when I come to a stop. I see a lot written about it. My question is, does the clunk (although annoying) create any safety or wear issues? Is it just an inconvenience? So what is the final word? Was their a recall or not? Does the zerk greasing really work for others?

Thanks.

-Jon.