2002 Lexus Lx470 recalls & complaints
Source: NHTSA, updated daily. Last checked 2026-10-18. Recalls apply to specific VINs — run your VIN to confirm.
1 safety recall, most serious first
1. Lights
What's wrong, in plain English: Headlights, tail lights or turn signals may not work, making the car hard to see. 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.
What could happen: 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.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 2002 LX470.
- Book a repair at any authorized Lexus dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 04V434000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Manufacturer hotline: 1-800-255-3987.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: 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.
Notes: LEXUS RECALL NO. SSC 5LB. CUSTOMERS CAN ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236.
Useful for owners
- OBD2 code reader — see what the car's computer is reporting
- Compact car fire extinguisher
- 2002 Lexus Lx470 owner's manual
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Lights (4), Brakes (3), Electrical system (1), Transmission / drivetrain (1), Body / structure (1).
Complaints are unverified reports from owners. A pattern (many complaints about the same part) matters more than any single one.
Read recent complaints (8)
08/22/2019 · Electrical system
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 PACIF…
04/17/2012 · Transmission / drivetrain · fire
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
06/14/2004 · Body / structure
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…
02/11/2004 · Brakes
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…
09/30/2003 · Brakes
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?
08/04/2003 · Lights
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
12/29/2002 · Lights
THE NEW BLUE LIGHTS IN NEW CARS CREATE BLINDNESS WHEN APPROACHING AT NIGHT. EVEN FROM BEHIND IN REAR VIEW MIRROR THEY CREATE BLINDING DISTRACTION.
05/15/2002 · Lights
ALL XENON HEADLIGHTS SHOULD BE BANNED. THEY BLIND ONCOMING DRIVERS !!!