2008 Lexus GX470

Owner complaints

What owners report most

1. Service brakes, hydraulic4
2. Vehicle speed control3
3. Air bags2
4. Service brakes, electric2
5. Service brakes1
6. Electrical system1
7. Equipment1
8. Suspension1
9. Power train1

Latest complaints

• Jun 13, 2019MD150,000 mi
  Suspension

  TL* the contact owns a 2008 lexus gx470. While driving various speeds, the vehicle became unstable and swayed back and forth. The vehicle was taken to towson lexus (1040 york rd, towson, md) to be diagnosed, but the cause of the failure was undetermined. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 150,000.

• Jun 5, 2019MD158,000 mi
  Air bags

  Takata recall car ride was like riding a wild bronco

• Nov 15, 2017MA85,000 mi
  Power train
  TL* the contact owns a 2008 lexus gx470. While driving, the contact heard a clunking noise coming from the rear of the vehicle. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was taken to herb chambers lexus of hingham (141 derby st, hingham, ma 02043 (781) 210-5200) where it was…

  TL* the contact owns a 2008 lexus gx470. While driving, the contact heard a clunking noise coming from the rear of the vehicle. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was taken to herb chambers lexus of hingham (141 derby st, hingham, ma 02043 (781) 210-5200) where it was diagnosed that the rear drivetrain and drive shaft needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 85,000.

• Mar 23, 2014MD58,000 miCrash
  Air bags · Service brakes · Vehicle speed control
  I was driving and merging from the local lanes on maryland I-270 sb to the main lanes. In order to move slowly from one lane to another, I applied the brakes to slow down and move to the lane on my left. When I applied the brake, I heard a strange sound and the vehicle jerked violently. The vehicle…

  I was driving and merging from the local lanes on maryland I-270 sb to the main lanes. In order to move slowly from one lane to another, I applied the brakes to slow down and move to the lane on my left. When I applied the brake, I heard a strange sound and the vehicle jerked violently. The vehicle failed to decelerate, therefore I attempted to re-apply the brakes once more. At this point, the brakes did not seem to be working and the vehicle continued to accelerate beyond my control. I was unable to control the speed using the brakes and the vehicle hit several cars to my left and right. Afterwards, my vehicle hit a large tractor trailer at which point the vehicle finally came to a stop. Throughout all of this, my airbags did not deploy at all. My vehicle has been declared a total loss due to the damages by my insurance, liberty mutual. *tr

• Apr 29, 2013CA59,475 mi
  Electrical system
  I tried to start my car and the key would not turn in the key ignition, I noticed that the steering wheel hadn't locked in place. I tried two other keys and finally the ignition turned and the car started. I drove to my destination and turned off the car and locked the doors. I went out to…

  I tried to start my car and the key would not turn in the key ignition, I noticed that the steering wheel hadn't locked in place. I tried two other keys and finally the ignition turned and the car started. I drove to my destination and turned off the car and locked the doors. I went out to restart the car and the key would not turn in the ignition again. I called lexus of concord and they advised me to bring it in. I finally got it started and drove it the 15 miles to the dealership, at the end of the day I received a call saying that I needed a new ignition starter cylinder and all the keys needed to be reprogrammed to match the new cylinder they would install. it would take a days labor and cost of the cylinder and reprogramming. cost was $616.00. they informed me that the warranty was out at 50,000 miles or 5 years. I am 4.5 years and 59,500 miles. they informed me that there was a history of this part going out but usually it happened before the warranty was up. my question IS if there IS a history, shouldn't there be a recall on this part??!! I am extremely upset with a luxury car haven't problems at such low mileage. what else do I look forward to in breaking and how much will it be? this does not meet the lexus standards I was expecting when I purchased this car. *tr

• May 10, 2011NJ35,000 mi
  Service brakes, hydraulic

  For the third time, the brakes on our 2008 lexus GX failed. this time, when put in reverse in the garage, the car immediately started moving--hitting our garage door as it was going up. the car then continued another 40 feet, into a retaining wall--repeated pressing of the brakes did nothing--as in earlier times. *tr

• Oct 29, 2010CA1 injury
  Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
  2008 lexus gx470. S10 appropriate handling- email to the secretary from re toyota lexus problems *tgw the consumer stated while driving 65 mph he suddenly came upon other vehicles ahead of him. He was able to stop in time, but something misfired in the ABS and the vehicle went into a bucking mode.…

  2008 lexus gx470. S10 appropriate handling- email to the secretary from re toyota lexus problems *tgw the consumer stated while driving 65 mph he suddenly came upon other vehicles ahead of him. He was able to stop in time, but something misfired in the ABS and the vehicle went into a bucking mode. The brakes on the vehicle would seize and then release and the vehicle would coast for 2-3 seconds. the consumer stated his son received a mild whiplash from the severe lurching of the vehicle. The consumer stated he has experienced the seizing and releasing of the brakes on several other occasions. The consumer took the vehicle to the dealer, but they were unable to duplicate the problem. *Jb

• Jun 1, 2010NJ
  Service brakes, electric
  On march 22, 2010, while backing out of our garage, our lexus gx470 experienced a brake failure. the driver, [xxx], even opened the driver's side door and put her foot down to try to stop the car. instead the door was also damaged when the car hit a retaining wall. later that same day, the…

  On march 22, 2010, while backing out of our garage, our lexus gx470 experienced a brake failure. the driver, [xxx], even opened the driver's side door and put her foot down to try to stop the car. instead the door was also damaged when the car hit a retaining wall. later that same day, the brakes failed again, but the car was able to be stopped with the parking brake. information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(B)(6). *Tr

• Apr 27, 2010NYCrash1 injury
  Vehicle speed control

  TL* the contact owns a 2008 lexus gx470. While parking the vehicle and applying the brakes, the vehicle abnormally surged forward resulting in a crash. The vehicle was towed to an authorized lexus dealer to be examined. The failure and current mileages were unknown.

• Feb 23, 2010CA
  Service brakes, electric

  Lexus GX 470 one occurrence a hesitance between the time the brake was applied and actual braking occurred under normal braking circumstances on a curvy road. *Tr

• Feb 10, 2010FL30,000 mi
  Service brakes, hydraulic

  I own a 2008 lexus GX 470, there IS a problem with the brakes. the vehicle had to be taken to the shop and the braking system worked on two separate times, because the brakes had warped. at speeds exceeding 50 miles an hour the steering wheel would start shaking uncontrollably. *Tr

• Nov 30, 2009FL2,000 miCrash
  Service brakes, hydraulic · Vehicle speed control › Accelerator pedal
  TL* the contact owns a 2008 lexus GX 470. he had to use great force to the brake pedal, in order for the vehicle to stop. The vehicle was taken to the dealership and he was advised that there was nothing wrong with the vehicle. A couple months later, an identical failure occurred. Consequently he…

  TL* the contact owns a 2008 lexus GX 470. he had to use great force to the brake pedal, in order for the vehicle to stop. The vehicle was taken to the dealership and he was advised that there was nothing wrong with the vehicle. A couple months later, an identical failure occurred. Consequently he rear-ended another vehicle. a police report was filed. he had the vehicle towed to the dealership but the technician could not locate the cause of the failure. the vehicle was repaired by the insurance company. The current mileage was approximately 6,000. The failure mileage was approximately 2,000. the consumer stated as he exited a parking lot, he realized he could not stop the vehicle, so he made a sharp turn into a landscape of an establishment and hit a parked car. The consumer stated he experienced a similar incident six months prior. Updated 04/23/10.*jb

• May 10, 2008NC3 injuries
  Equipment › Appliance › Air conditioner
  I purchased a new lexus GX 470 in november 2007. it always smelled musty. I took it to dealer two times and a 3RD party mechanic once. lexus told me it was mold build up in ac unit. they said it occurred because I put the air flow on interior air flow only. me and my 2 children have had asthma…

  I purchased a new lexus GX 470 in november 2007. it always smelled musty. I took it to dealer two times and a 3RD party mechanic once. lexus told me it was mold build up in ac unit. they said it occurred because I put the air flow on interior air flow only. me and my 2 children have had asthma attacks and allergic reactions since the vehicle was purchased. they have had to increase their allergy medication and I have been put on a prescription. *tr

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.

• 10214355Lexus Safety Recall and Service Campaign - Technician Certification Requirements 4.13.2022
• 10210374TSB: This Service Bulletin includes procedures to replace damaged or loose front carpet floor retainer(s) without replacing the carpet assembly. Follow the Repair Procedure in this bulletin to replace the loose or damaged carpet floor retainer(s).
• 10209023TSB: Some 2005 ? 2022 model year Lexus vehicles that have undergone water intrusion may exhibit a condition in which a musty smell is present. Follow the procedures in this bulletin to remediate the odor and address this condition. The purpose of this service bulletin is to provide general guidelines and procedures for odor remediation. This service bulletin provides a guide on how to prepare the interior of the vehicle prior to an odor remediation being performed, as well as contact information for an approved vendor who will arrange the remediation, and instructions on how to prepare the interior of the vehicle for reassembly once the remediation has been completed. Refer to all model and model year specific Repair Manuals and the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) website for the most up-to-date safety and precautionary guidelines. This service bulletin is to provide a general overview and direction for the odor remediation process.
• 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
• 10205362Rear Seat Entertainment Parental Control Password Reset/Initialization
• 10205352Windshield Wiper Blade Maintenance and cleaning
• 10205346Auto matic Transmission Replacement kPrecautions
• 10205340HVAC Odor Maintenance
• 10205339Wiper Blade Maintenance and Cleaning
• 10205331Immobilizer and Smart Key Reset
• 10205330Immobilizer and Smart Key Reset
• 10205329Immobilizer and Smart Key Reset.
• 10205327Techstream ECU Flash Reprogramming Procedure.
• 10205319Brake Pedal Force Gauge SST for Parking Brake Inspection.
• 10205297World Standard Automatic Transmission Fluid
• 10205136Warranty Enhancement Program - ZLD Phase 2,3 & 4 Part Replacement Available for all Models - Extention of Warranty Coverage for Cracked and/or Sticky/Melting Dashboards ( Inst krukment Panels) as a Result of Heat or Humidity.
• 10205134Warranty Enhancement Program - ZLD Phase 2,3 & 4 Part Replacement Available for all Models.
• 10204548DL: Lexus has received reports of paint peeling on certain vehicles with the original factory-applied Blizzard Pearl paint color. These reports indicate that vehicles with this specific paint color, applied during the vehicle manufacturing process, may experience paint peeling on exterior metal body panels. Although the original factory paint is covered by Lexus? New Vehicle Limited Warranty for 4 years or 50,000 miles (whichever comes first), we at Lexus care about the customers? ownership experience. Lexus is providing coverage for repairs related to the condition described above.
• 10190468Lexus Safety Recall and Service Campaign - Technician Certification Requirements
• 10182961TT: HVAC drain tube is found to blocked/clogged.
• 10179697TSB: Vehicles may display evidence of a fluid leak or fluid seep from powertrain components. This bulletin explains how to determine the differences between a fluid leak versus a fluid seep. Cases that are determined to be a ?leak? should be repaired accordingly and will be covered under warranty if applicable. Cases that are determined to be a ?seep? should be documented on the repair order and inspected at the next service interval. Follow the Repair Information in this bulletin to determine if the concern in question is a fluid leak or fluid seep and review the Repair Procedure section to address this condition.
• 10179694TT: HVAC drain tube is found to blocked/clogged.
• 10179601TSB: Vehicles may display evidence of a fluid leak or fluid seep from powertrain components. This bulletin explains how to determine the differences between a fluid leak versus a fluid seep. Cases that are determined to be a ?leak? should be repaired accordingly and will be covered under warranty if applicable. Cases that are determined to be a ?seep? should be documented on the repair order and inspected at the next service interval. Follow the Repair Information in this bulletin to determine if the concern in question is a fluid leak or fluid seep and review the Repair Procedure section to address this condition.
• 10179598TT: HVAC drain tube is found to blocked/clogged.
• 10177783TSB: OBSOLETE NOTICE June 23, 2020: This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see L-SB-0023-20.
• 10177780TSB: SUPERSESSION NOTICE The information contained in this bulletin supersedes Service Bulletin Nos. ST004-01, SU001-08, and L-SB-0174-08. The aforementioned bulletins are obsolete, and any printed versions should be discarded. Be sure to review the entire content of this service bulletin before proceeding. This Service Bulletin provides best practice procedures for vehicle pulling complaint, diagnosis, and repair for 2002 ? 2021 model year Lexus vehicles. This information supplements Repair Manual procedures when the symptoms are: ?Vehicle Pulling: The vehicle moves to the right or left when the driver holds the steering wheel while driving straight ahead without exerting steering effort. ?Steering Wheel Off Center: The vehicle travels straight, but the steering wheel is not pointed straight ahead. The vehicle is not pulling. Before repairing a vehicle pulling to one side, it is necessary to clearly identify the cause of the pulling condition. Frequently, pulling to one side is diagnosed as a wheel alignment concern. However, the actual cause may be related to the lateral force generated by the tires, vehicle damage, road crown or worn components. Performing a wheel alignment when tire force is the cause could result in the wheel alignment being set at a value outside of specifications. This could then cause other problems such as uneven tire wear, etc. A customer may notice a pull to the left when in the left lanes of travel and notice a pull to the right or no pull when traveling in the right lanes of travel on the very same section of roadway. This road crown effect is environmental and cannot be corrected with suspension adjustments or any other wheel or tire modification discussed in this bulletin.
• 10176283Safety Recall and Service Campaign - Technician Certification Requirements
• 10174889TSB: OBSOLETE NOTICE April 06, 2020: This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see L-SB-0008-20. Replacement Certification Labels and VIN Plates
• 10174888TSB: SUPERSESSION NOTICE The information contained in this bulletin supersedes Service Bulletin Nos. L-SB-0048-08, PG007-07, PG016-01, PG015-01, PG004-97, PG003-97, PG003-93, PG002-90, L-SB-0048-08, PG007-07, PG016-01, PG015-01, PG004-97, PG003-97, PG003 93, and PG002-90. The aforementioned bulletins are obsolete, and any printed versions should be discarded. Replacement certification labels (the vinyl label installed on the driver door or door post) and VIN plates (the metal plate riveted to dashboard) (see Figure 1) for most 1990 ? 2020 model year vehicles may be available provided the requests meet the criteria listed in this Service Bulletin.
• 10172827TSB: February 06, 2020: This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see L-SB-0003-20.
• 10172825TSB: Some 2006 ? 2020 model year Lexus vehicles may exhibit odors that naturally occur from the HVAC system and/or related environmental factors. Although there is no way to eliminate these odors, follow the General Procedure in this bulletin to minimize the odors experienced.
• 10170716TSB: Some 2008 ? 2009 model year GX470 vehicles painted with 070 Blizzard Pearl may exhibit peeling paint on one or more metal body panels. The paint may peel between the primer and Ecoat layer, exposing the gray or brownish-green E-coat. The affected panel(s) will require prepping and repainting to address this condition. The paint repair may need to be sublet to a body shop.
• 10164892Dealer Package: Phase 1 - Customer Notification Phase Repair Not Yet Available. Lexus has received reports of paint peeling on certain vehicles with the original factory-applied Blizzard Pearl paint color. These reports indicate that vehicles with this specific paint color, applied during the vehicle manufacturing process, may experience paint peeling on exterior metal body panels. Although the original factory paint is covered by Lexus? New Vehicle Limited Warranty for 4 years or 50,000 miles (whichever comes first), we at Lexus care about the customers? ownership experience. Lexus is providing coverage for repairs related to the condition described above.
• 10164891Region Letter: Phase 1 - Customer Notification Phase Repair Not Yet Available. Lexus has received reports of paint peeling on certain vehicles with the original factory-applied Blizzard Pearl paint color. These reports indicate that vehicles with this specific paint color, applied during the vehicle manufacturing process, may experience paint peeling on exterior metal body panels. Although the original factory paint is covered by Lexus? New Vehicle Limited Warranty for 4 years or 50,000 miles (whichever comes first), we at Lexus care about the customers? ownership experience. Lexus is providing coverage for repairs related to the condition described above. The following information is provided to inform you and your staff of the program notification schedule and your degree of involvement.
• 10164890Dealer Email: Phase 1 - Customer Notification Phase Repair Not Yet Available. Lexus has received reports of paint peeling on certain vehicles with the original factory-applied Blizzard Pearl color. These reports indicate that vehicles with this specific paint color, applied during the vehicle manufacturing process, may experience paint peeling on exterior metal body panels. Although the original factory paint is covered by Lexus? New Vehicle Limited Warranty for 4 years or 50,000 miles (whichever comes first), we at Lexus care about the customers? ownership experience. Lexus is providing coverage for repairs related to the condition described above. The following information is provided to inform you and your staff of the program notification schedule and your degree of involvement.
• 10164889Region Email: Phase 1 - Customer Notification Phase Repair Not Yet Available. Lexus has received reports of paint peeling on certain vehicles with the original factory-applied Blizzard Pearl color. These reports indicate that vehicles with this specific paint color, applied during the vehicle manufacturing process, may experience paint peeling on exterior metal body panels. Although the original factory paint is covered by Lexus? New Vehicle Limited Warranty for 4 years or 50,000 miles (whichever comes first), we at Lexus care about the customers? ownership experience. Lexus is providing coverage for repairs related to the condition described above. The following information is provided to inform you and your staff of the program notification schedule and your degree of involvement.
• 10152565TT: HVAC drain tube is found to blocked/clogged.
• 10134493DL: In our continuing efforts to ensure the best in customer satisfaction, Lexus is announcing a Warranty Enhancement Program (the ?Program?). This Program extends the warranty coverage for repairs related to cracked and/or sticky/melting Dashboards (Instrument Panels) as a result of heat or humidity on 2007-2008 model year ES 350, 2003-2008 model year GX 470, 2006-2008 model year IS 250/350, 2007 model year LS 460, 2004-2006 model year RX 330, 2007-2009 model year RX 350, and 2005-2008 model year RX 400h vehicles.
• 10134488RL: In our continuing efforts to ensure the best in customer satisfaction, Lexus is announcing a Warranty Enhancement Program (the ?Program?). This Program extends the warranty coverage for repairs related to cracked and/or sticky/melting Dashboards (Instrument Panels) as a result of heat or humidity on 2007-2008 model year ES 350, 2003-2008 model year GX 470, 2006-2008 model year IS 250/350, 2007 model year LS 460, 2004-2006 model year RX 330, 2007-2009 model year RX 350, and 2005-2008 model year RX 400h vehicles.

Every Lexus GX470 model year

Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.