2004 Lexus GX
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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These records cover every 2004 Lexus GX. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Owner complaints
20 complaints1 involved a crash4 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Air bags · Unknown or other
I am writing to formally request an investigation into a safety defect affecting the dashboard on my 2004 Lexus GX470. Over the past several months, I have observed significant cracking along the top of the instrument panel. I believe this defect poses a serious safety hazard: if the dashboard…
I am writing to formally request an investigation into a safety defect affecting the dashboard on my 2004 Lexus GX470. Over the past several months, I have observed significant cracking along the top of the instrument panel. I believe this defect poses a serious safety hazard: if the dashboard material fractures or delaminates, it could interfere with proper expansion and deployment of the front passenger airbag in the event of a collision. Despite the severity of this condition, Lexus has only issued a “limited-service campaign” rather than a full safety recall. Under that campaign, Lexus offers repair assistance only to owners located within certain regions and only if they pay a service fee. I contacted Lexus Headquarters, and requested a complete, no-cost replacement of the defective dashboard assembly, and was declined without satisfactory justification. I consider this response inadequate because: 1.Safety Risk to Occupants oThe dashboard crack traverses the airbag deployment zone. oIf the material fails, the passenger airbag may not be deployed correctly or on time. 2.Insufficient Remedy oA limited-service campaign does not guarantee replacement or cover all affected vehicles. oOwners outside specified regions or who have previously paid for dashboard repairs receive no assistance. 3.Regulatory Precedent oFederal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 208 mandates reliable airbag deployment. oA comprehensive recall would ensure all affected vehicles receive robust, no-cost repairs. I respectfully request that NHTSA open an investigation under 49 U.S.C. § 30162(a) to determine whether this dashboard cracking constitutes a safety-related defect warranting a nationwide recall. I am prepared to provide photographs, service records, and any additional information needed.
- Structure › Body · Suspension · Unknown or other
Rusted out frame, missing entire sections of it in the rear end, body mounts are floating, Lexus inspected the car at 144,000~ miles and deemed it unsafe to drive, was owned by a friend of mine and now it is up for sale at morse road auto sales inc in columbus ohio.
- Structure › Body
2004 Lexus GX470 factory-installed Blizzard White paint is peeling off in sheets. Was told by certified body shop that there is a clear defect with the primer. The areas affected are the hood, roof, and near back windows - no impact or other damage is present. This is unsafe as it will lead to the…
2004 Lexus GX470 factory-installed Blizzard White paint is peeling off in sheets. Was told by certified body shop that there is a clear defect with the primer. The areas affected are the hood, roof, and near back windows - no impact or other damage is present. This is unsafe as it will lead to the corrosion of the body of the car. There was a recall for the 2008-2009 models with this paint color, but this needs to be extended to the 2004 model year as well. There were no warning messages and the car is available for inspection.
- Structure › Body
Vehicle maintained per manual. Frame rusted thru in numerous places, viable holes obvious. Vehicle deemed unsafe from Pep Body service personnel. Attached a frame picture from passenger side.
- Tires › Sidewall
BL 265/65R17 110S THIS TIRE EXPLODED AS I was existing the Harbor Fwy going south at Adams Blvd. The Lexus has an automatic system that prevents instant breaking when the tire pressure exceptionally low tire pressure or wet pavements due to weather conditions and or slippery pavements. Therefore…
BL 265/65R17 110S THIS TIRE EXPLODED AS I was existing the Harbor Fwy going south at Adams Blvd. The Lexus has an automatic system that prevents instant breaking when the tire pressure exceptionally low tire pressure or wet pavements due to weather conditions and or slippery pavements. Therefore as I was existing the Lexus did not allow me to stop as I normal did for over 17 years. The Lexus then hit the rear of the car stop at the stop light. These defective tires must be recalled so other life's will be spared. Many folks have loss there life in USA and many foreign countries. I have purchased new tires from Firestone for over 16 years. Firestone is the only tires company we allowed to replace all our tires. This is for our 2004 gx 470. Please assist the American consumers to stop these defective tires that could kill someone while you are reading this complaint.
- Tires › Sidewall
Once existing the car the Officernoticed that my rear driver tire had expolded. This is what caused the accident and caused me tremendously back pain problems. The tires were purchase new from Firestone Complete Auto Care as we only purchased Firestone tires beginning with our first replacement…
Once existing the car the Officernoticed that my rear driver tire had expolded. This is what caused the accident and caused me tremendously back pain problems. The tires were purchase new from Firestone Complete Auto Care as we only purchased Firestone tires beginning with our first replacement tires until present.Thank God my life was spared. Unfortunately this is the second major conflict with Firestone and there defective products and maintenance schedules. Lexus rear automatic lowering up and down rear end system has product defects also. The brakes systems would not stop the Lexus 2004 GX 470. They would not stop as many times of previous stops.
- Structure › Body
Vehicle maintained per manual. frame rusted thru in numerous places, viable holes obvious. Vehicle deemed unsafe upon inspection. Lexus hdqtrs in plano, tx and parsippany nj refused any responsibility for loss of vehicle. I mailed a package of correspondence and photographs to your address via…
Vehicle maintained per manual. frame rusted thru in numerous places, viable holes obvious. Vehicle deemed unsafe upon inspection. Lexus hdqtrs in plano, tx and parsippany nj refused any responsibility for loss of vehicle. I mailed a package of correspondence and photographs to your address via certified mail oct 7,2020, return receipt not rec'd. Frustrated with lack of response.. Toyota replaced or repurchased truck w/same frame, lexus refused received case # 11362013, youragency.
- Structure › Body
Dicscovered during minor repair,frame of vehicle IS completely deteriorated due to rust t.frame perforated in numerous places. Rated unfit to drive ,lexus denies any responsibility. vehicle IS in need of complete frame replacement . vehicle available for inspection. Rust appears at box frame and…
Dicscovered during minor repair,frame of vehicle IS completely deteriorated due to rust t.frame perforated in numerous places. Rated unfit to drive ,lexus denies any responsibility. vehicle IS in need of complete frame replacement . vehicle available for inspection. Rust appears at box frame and welds the consumer stated the manufacturer was contacted and did not offer any assistance due to the vehicle being out of warranty. *Js
- Suspension
Vehicle has extensive rust through in many portions of the frame. vehicle said to be unsafe to drive . vehicle was in shop for other service when damage was detected.
- Unknown or other
Toyota has a rusty frame recall and now the dealership stated that I have a rust on my frame that IS unsafe to drive and needs to be fixed. when I obtained my vin on the side of my vehicle, it says mfd by toyota motor corporation. the rust has lead to me having to change out the entire suspension and this was told to me now when I service my car every 5K miles with the dealership.
- Structure › Body
2004 lexus GX 470. Has frame rot due to the condinsation hose released on top of the passanger side frame. It runs down the passanger side frame and put holes in it due to inproper placement. Now the passanger side door IS slighly out of alignment when closed. I have had to wrapp steel around the…
2004 lexus GX 470. Has frame rot due to the condinsation hose released on top of the passanger side frame. It runs down the passanger side frame and put holes in it due to inproper placement. Now the passanger side door IS slighly out of alignment when closed. I have had to wrapp steel around the frame. From front door to front of back wheel. Contacted lexus at 1800-255-3987 in plano texas for case number [xxx]. Then said only a minor warranty for corresion and it IS not covered. Also the person on the phone refused to give me toyota headquarters mailing address. This rust IS on top of the frame and I believe would take 10-15 years to show up. There IS now many holes in only the passanger side frame. Here are pictures picture 6100 shows the hose over the frame. IS it possiable the car could brake when driving. information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(B)(6). *Tt
- Structure › Body
The paint on the plastic fenders, bumpers, and the metal roof has been fading for the past several years. the fading started when the vehicle was about 1-2 years old, even when the vehicle was parked in a garage overnight. the vehicle was purchased in va and has been used in ca since 2006. we…
The paint on the plastic fenders, bumpers, and the metal roof has been fading for the past several years. the fading started when the vehicle was about 1-2 years old, even when the vehicle was parked in a garage overnight. the vehicle was purchased in va and has been used in ca since 2006. we have about 110,000 miles on the vehicle. we have seen similar make/model lexus GX 470S that appear to have the same faded paint in the same ares on the vehicle as ours. in addition, the paint appears to be deteriorating and disappearing from the roof and on the edges of the doors. this could lead to rust problems. our efforts to address this with the lexus dealers have not met with success; the dealers more or less dismissed our complaint. our body shop mechanic told us he believes the paint IS defective.
- Unknown or other · Visibility/wiper
Dashboard has become sticky, cracked, and IS now so shiny we have to drape a towel over the dash as headlight glare makes driving at night very dangerous. lexus acknowledges they had a bad batch of dashboards and no longer uses that vendor. Lexus corporate has respectfully declined repair claiming the issue did not surface until limited window expired. Previous class action lawsuit.
- Air bags
TL* the contact owns a 2004 lexus GX. The contact stated that while driving approximately 50 mph, another vehicle crashed into the rear of the vehicle. The air bags did not deploy. The contact had to be taken to the hospital by ambulance. The contact had neck injuries and was treated. The vehicle…
TL* the contact owns a 2004 lexus GX. The contact stated that while driving approximately 50 mph, another vehicle crashed into the rear of the vehicle. The air bags did not deploy. The contact had to be taken to the hospital by ambulance. The contact had neck injuries and was treated. The vehicle was repaired for the body damages. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was not available. the vin was not available.
- Electronic stability control (esc) · Vehicle speed control
I own a 2004 lexus gx470. in june 2016, I was turning into a driveway and the car vehicle stability control system kicked in and caused the car to jerk back and forth, almost causing an accident. I was driving at a low speed and in ideal road conditions, no reason for the vsc to kick in. the vsc…
I own a 2004 lexus gx470. in june 2016, I was turning into a driveway and the car vehicle stability control system kicked in and caused the car to jerk back and forth, almost causing an accident. I was driving at a low speed and in ideal road conditions, no reason for the vsc to kick in. the vsc light came on and has since remained on. since that event, the vehicle stability control system has kicked in for no reason numerous times. Just a few examples, in july, while I was traveling 25 mph on an exit ramp, suddenly the vsc took over and it caused the car to swerve back and forth, almost causing me to run off the ramp into an embankment and while going over a speed bump, it kicked in and almost caused me to swerve into oncoming traffic. in each case, the road and weather conditions were not an issue. the car does not feel stable, as it did before. I have to drive slower, take turns slower, and adjust how I approach standard driving.i took the car to the lexus dealership and after $2500 worth of repairs, the vsc control light IS still on and the car IS still unstable. they claimed they fixed a height control issue and replaced a sensor, however it did not fix the vsc issue. this IS a very serious issue and can cause a life threatening accident. I have researched and it appears that this IS a problem with this specific car and model year, from other complaints. it should be a recall issue and receive priority. please address this matter, it IS vitally important! this problem can cause a fatality if left unaddressed. thank you! *tr
- Suspension
At start up the rear height goes up and stays up. took it to the shop and they manually bled the air. said sensor go out all the time and cost a lot to replace. currently staying level but rides a little tight. definitely don't want to pay $3000 for a fix.
- Air bags · Structure
The dash IS cracking all over the place(between 20-30 paces). The most cracking has occurred in front of and around the passengers airbag. This IS particularly concerning because I fear it the airbag needed to deploy, it would not properly do so, and also that it may be extra dangerous if the…
The dash IS cracking all over the place(between 20-30 paces). The most cracking has occurred in front of and around the passengers airbag. This IS particularly concerning because I fear it the airbag needed to deploy, it would not properly do so, and also that it may be extra dangerous if the cracked pieces of the dash go flying in all directions upon airbag deployment. There are thousands of such conditions reported throughout the us here: http://www.clublexus.com/forums/gx-first-generation/427349-cracked-dashboard.html it doesn't seem to matter if the vehicle was garage kept, or parked in the sun. Also climate temperature doesn't seem to be a factor. This condition IS being reports all over the us. *tr
- Structure
The dashboard on my 2004 lexus GX 470 started to show a few cracks back in 2011. it has progressively gotten worse. the vehicle IS always garage-stored. this appears to be a real problem that lexus refuses to take responsibility for. *tr
- Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system · Power train › Driveline · Suspension
A clunking noise happens almost all times when come to a complete stop. My wife reported problem to different dealers and problem has not been resolved excessive odors smell like rear brake pads burned. Reported to different lexus without being fixed until now. recently hearing popping noise when air conditioner used. Will report to lexus dealer next service time. *Jb
- Power train › Automatic transmission
When downhill, vehicle shifts downward from d to 4. must wait a few seconds before accelerating, then vehicle shifts back to d. if I accelerate while in 4TH gear, vehicle will not shift to d. I have seen an identical complaint filed in this service. *nm
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 11003650To prevent brake rotor rust from forming during transportation and storage, wheel film will be used instead of a cardboard type of anti-rust cover. The purpose of the wheel film is to shield the disc brake rotor from weather elements and initial rust before the vehicle is delivered to the customer. Consequently, the film should remain on the wheel for as long as possible.
- 11003648The condition known as acid rain is caused by airborne chemicals or particles in the atmosphere, which mix with rainwater, nighttime dew, or high humidity to form acidic compounds. If these contaminants settle and remain on a painted vehicle surface, especially the horizonal areas of the hood, roof, and decklid, significant damage can occur. This damage is the result of actual etching of the paint and appears as pitting or water spots. As acid rain droplets on the vehicle surface evaporate, the concentration strength of the acid increases, causing deeper and more rapid damage. This evaporation and corrosive action also occur more rapidly on dark colored cars as direct sun heat increases. While Lexus paint quality, durability, and resistance to environmental factors is continuously being improved, it remains the responsibility of the dealer to protect and maintain the vehicles paint finish from the time of arrival at the dealership until retail delivery to the customer. In areas known for high frequency and/or concentration of acid rain, frequent vehicle washing during high heat or humidity periods will minimize the potential for paint damage caused by acid rain. It is further recommended that either reverse osmosis or deionized water be used to prevent water spotting. SUPERSESSION NOTICE The information contained in this bulletin supersedes Service Bulletin No. BO029-91. The entire bulletin has been updated. Service Bulletin No. BO029-91 is obsolete
- 11003643Acid rain results from rainwater or other airborne moisture that become acidic due to industrial chemical impurities in the atmosphere. If these acidic compounds settle on an exposed vehicle, especially the horizontal areas such as the hood, roof, and decklid, significant damage to the painted surfaces can occur. Acid rain damage can typically be identified on vehicles by the presence of stains on the paint surface that resemble hard water spots. Unlike water spots however, acid rain damage cannot be removed by regular washing procedures. Also, because acid rain can etch and soften the paint, normal buffing or polishing repair procedures should not be attempted. This can cause further damage and result in visible depressions in the paint surface. The following are the three major categories of acid rain damage: Minor damage: requires only buffing to repair. Moderate damage: usually requires neutralizing, color sanding, and buffing. Severe damage: extending beyond 1/2 mil of clearcoat on a pearl, metallic, or solid color, requires neutralization, sanding, and repainting. In cases where acid rain damage is minor, neutralization and buffing with a liquid-type paint finessing product may provide an adequate repair. Only specially formulated products outlined in this bulletin should be used for that purpose. Unfortunately, other than minor damage, there is no simple method of determining the actual extent (depth) of acid penetration other than color sanding a representative affected area until there is no visible etching or depressions, followed by measuring the amount of paint removed with either a magnetic or digital-type film thickness gauge. The procedures in this bulletin are intended for use by qualified body/paint technicians and should not be attempted by inexperienced personnel. While the quality and durability of paint on Lexus vehicles is continuously being improved, it remains the dealers responsibility to protect and maintain the quality of the vehicles paint finish after receipt at the dealership prior to the first sale. Perform frequent vehicle washing, as often as daily, during high heat and humidity periods to minimize the potential for paint damage due to acid rain exposure. This is especially important in geographical areas known for high frequency and concentration of acid rain and industrial fallout.
- 11003642Lexus vehicles are currently protected with RapgardTM protective film designed to protect the horizontal painted surfaces. This material protects from acid rain, environmental fallout, and rail contamination. Follow the Removal Procedure in this bulletin to remove the RapgardTM protective film within 90 days from initial application. SUPERSESSION NOTICE The information contained in this bulletin supersedes Service Bulletin No. L-PG004-94. The entire bulletin has been updated.
- 11003641Vehicles may occasionally be subjected to contamination by airborne iron particles shed from railroad tracks, train wheels, exposure to heavy machinery facilities, grinding, welding, etc. This type of contamination can be identified by the presence of small, red or brown particles on the paint surface. These particles are often difficult to see on dark color paints but can be easily felt when brushing a hand across horizontal body surfaces such as the hood, roof, or deck lid. Follow the Repair Procedure in this bulletin to clean vehicles that may have been subjected to contamination by airborne iron particles such as rail dust during rail transportation or extended storage near industrial areas.
- 11003595To prevent brake rotor rust from forming during transportation and storage, wheel film will be used instead of a cardboard type of anti-rust cover. The purpose of the wheel film is to shield the disc brake rotor from weather elements and initial rust before the vehicle is delivered to the customer. Consequently, the film should remain on the wheel for as long as possible.
- 11003593The condition known as acid rain is caused by airborne chemicals or particles in the atmosphere, which mix with rainwater, nighttime dew, or high humidity to form acidic compounds. If these contaminants settle and remain on a painted vehicle surface, especially the horizonal areas of the hood, roof, and decklid, significant damage can occur. This damage is the result of actual etching of the paint and appears as pitting or water spots. As acid rain droplets on the vehicle surface evaporate, the concentration strength of the acid increases, causing deeper and more rapid damage. This evaporation and corrosive action also occur more rapidly on dark colored cars as direct sun heat increases. While Lexus paint quality, durability, and resistance to environmental factors is continuously being improved, it remains the responsibility of the dealer to protect and maintain the vehicles paint finish from the time of arrival at the dealership until retail delivery to the customer. In areas known for high frequency and/or concentration of acid rain, frequent vehicle washing during high heat or humidity periods will minimize the potential for paint damage caused by acid rain. It is further recommended that either reverse osmosis or deionized water be used to prevent water spotting. SUPERSESSION NOTICE The information contained in this bulletin supersedes Service Bulletin No. BO029-91. The entire bulletin has been updated. Service Bulletin No. BO029-91 is obsolete
- 11003588Acid rain results from rainwater or other airborne moisture that become acidic due to industrial chemical impurities in the atmosphere. If these acidic compounds settle on an exposed vehicle, especially the horizontal areas such as the hood, roof, and decklid, significant damage to the painted surfaces can occur. Acid rain damage can typically be identified on vehicles by the presence of stains on the paint surface that resemble hard water spots. Unlike water spots however, acid rain damage cannot be removed by regular washing procedures. Also, because acid rain can etch and soften the paint, normal buffing or polishing repair procedures should not be attempted. This can cause further damage and result in visible depressions in the paint surface. The following are the three major categories of acid rain damage: Minor damage: requires only buffing to repair. Moderate damage: usually requires neutralizing, color sanding, and buffing. Severe damage: extending beyond 1/2 mil of clearcoat on a pearl, metallic, or solid color, requires neutralization, sanding, and repainting. In cases where acid rain damage is minor, neutralization and buffing with a liquid-type paint finessing product may provide an adequate repair. Only specially formulated products outlined in this bulletin should be used for that purpose. Unfortunately, other than minor damage, there is no simple method of determining the actual extent (depth) of acid penetration other than color sanding a representative affected area until there is no visible etching or depressions, followed by measuring the amount of paint removed with either a magnetic or digital-type film thickness gauge. The procedures in this bulletin are intended for use by qualified body/paint technicians and should not be attempted by inexperienced personnel. While the quality and durability of paint on Lexus vehicles is continuously being improved, it remains the dealers responsibility to protect and maintain the quality of the vehicles paint finish after receipt at the dealership prior to the first sale. Perform frequent vehicle washing, as often as daily, during high heat and humidity periods to minimize the potential for paint damage due to acid rain exposure. This is especially important in geographical areas known for high frequency and concentration of acid rain and industrial fallout.
- 11003587Lexus vehicles are currently protected with RapgardTM protective film designed to protect the horizontal painted surfaces. This material protects from acid rain, environmental fallout, and rail contamination. Follow the Removal Procedure in this bulletin to remove the RapgardTM protective film within 90 days from initial application. SUPERSESSION NOTICE The information contained in this bulletin supersedes Service Bulletin No. L-PG004-94. The entire bulletin has been updated.
- 11003586Vehicles may occasionally be subjected to contamination by airborne iron particles shed from railroad tracks, train wheels, exposure to heavy machinery facilities, grinding, welding, etc. This type of contamination can be identified by the presence of small, red or brown particles on the paint surface. These particles are often difficult to see on dark color paints but can be easily felt when brushing a hand across horizontal body surfaces such as the hood, roof, or deck lid. Follow the Repair Procedure in this bulletin to clean vehicles that may have been subjected to contamination by airborne iron particles such as rail dust during rail transportation or extended storage near industrial areas.
- 10214355Lexus Safety Recall and Service Campaign - Technician Certification Requirements 4.13.2022
- 10207945POL: This consolidated Tire Warranty Guide contains the complete warranty terms for all brands of ground and spare tires currently in use by Lexus. This information must be kept near the point of vehicle sale and be available to any customer that requests it. Customers can find this information on the Owner?s section of Lexus.com. Dealers can locate a copy of this guide on the Claims Processing & Resource Center in Dealer Daily as well.
- 10205383Spots in Window Glass - vehicle exterior
- 10176283Safety Recall and Service Campaign - Technician Certification Requirements
- 10045639Lexus: precaution information on removal, inspection, installation of accelerator pedal sensor assembly, which requires no lubrication. Models 2001-13 ct200h, es300, 300H, 330, 350, gs300, 350, 450, 450H, 460, gx460, 470, hs250h, IS f, is250, 250C, 350, 350C, lfa, ls430, 460, 600H, lx470, 570, rx330, 350, 400H, 450H, sc430.
- 10039124Toyota: transmission or park/neutral switch installation information.
- 10037625Lexus: information on an improved transmission fluid.
Every Lexus GX model year
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