What are the common problems for an LX470?

Typically, the LX470’s most common problems are air suspension failures, electrical/ABS issues, engine oil leaks, cooling system wear, transmission/drive-train concerns, and rust. These issues tend to appear as the vehicle ages and accumulates miles, but diligent maintenance can mitigate many of them.

Below is a detailed look at the issues most frequently reported by LX470 owners, how they manifest, and what to watch for when buying or maintaining one. The LX470 is built on Toyota’s reliable 2UZ-FE 4.7-liter V8 platform, but like any aging SUV, it develops common fatigue-related problems that buyers and owners should understand.

Mechanical and drivetrain issues

Common drivetrain and mechanical faults LX470 owners encounter as the miles add up.

• Air suspension/Active Height Control (AHC) failures: Leaking rear air springs, a failing compressor, or sensor problems can cause sagging, uneven ride height, or a ride that won’t adjust as intended.


• Transmission and torque converter concerns: Rough or delayed shifts, occasional slipping, or unusual shuddering at certain speeds are reported at higher mileage, often linked to fluid condition or wear in internal components.


• Rear differential and axle seals: Leaks from the pinion seal or differential cover, plus worn bearings, can produce gear whine or oil seepage that’s noticeable on a jack-down inspection.


• Engine oil leaks and gasket failures: Valve cover gaskets, oil pan gaskets, and front main seal leaks are common symptoms of aging seals and gasket materials in the 2UZ-FE engine.


• Cooling system wear: Radiator leaks, water pump failure, deteriorating hoses, or thermostat housing leaks can lead to overheating if not addressed promptly.


• Fuel system and emissions: Oxygen sensors and other sensors can fail over time; dirty or failing injectors and catalytic converter degradation may trigger check engine codes.


• Drivetrain noises and wear: Worn driveshaft components, center support bearing, or universal joints can produce clunking or vibration, especially at highway speeds or during acceleration.

Regular maintenance—especially monitoring for leaks, replacing aging hoses, and servicing the air suspension when symptoms appear—can reduce the likelihood of sudden failures and improve ride quality.

Electrical and electronics issues

Electrical gremlins tend to show up as LX470s age, affecting visibility, convenience features, and braking-related systems.

• ABS/traction control sensor failures: Wheel speed sensors or ABS module faults can illuminate warning lights and affect braking performance or stability control operation.


• Instrument cluster and gauge problems: Flickering, slow or non-working gauges, or failed digital displays can occur from age-related PCB issues or solder fatigue.


• Power accessories and switches: Faulty power windows, door locks, or sunroof drain-related leaks can degrade usability and comfort.


• Battery and charging system: Weak batteries, corroded terminals, or failing alternators can lead to intermittent electrical faults and no-start conditions.


• Body control module (BCM) and related electronics: Intermittent faults or slow responses from various body electronics can complicate diagnostics.


• Lighting reliability: Headlights, taillights, or interior lighting can degrade due to aging wiring or connector corrosion.

Addressing corrosion-prone grounds, ensuring clean connections, and keeping the battery and alternator in good condition helps keep electrical systems dependable as the LX470 ages.

Suspension, steering, and braking

With higher mileage, components in the suspension, steering, and braking systems wear and affect handling and comfort.

• Suspension bushings and ball joints: Worn bushings, control arm wear, or ball joint play can cause clunking, poor alignment, and degraded ride quality.


• Steering components: Tie rods, steering rack wear, or power steering hose leaks can create play, noise, or stiffness in steering effort.


• Brake system wear: Pad and rotor wear, caliper sticking, or brake fluid leaks can compromise stopping power and require timely service.


• Wheel bearings and related issues: Front and rear wheel bearing wear may produce grinding or humming noises and should be checked at regular intervals.

Proactive inspection of suspension links, ball joints, and steering components—plus timely brake service—helps maintain safe handling and comfortable rides as the LX470 ages.

Body, frame, and corrosion

Older LX470s are susceptible to rust and corrosion in areas exposed to road salts, moisture, and wear from use off-road or in marina climates.

• Frame and underbody rust: Rust on frame rails, cross-members, or underbody components can threaten structural integrity if left unaddressed.


• Rock chips and paint wear: Chipping and corrosion around wheel arches and lower panels are common in older vehicles, especially in regions with corrosive road treatments.


• Water intrusion and leaks: Clogged sunroof drains, worn weatherstripping, or door seals can lead to interior moisture and potential mold concerns.

Regular underbody inspections, rust mitigation, and addressing leaks early can extend the LX470’s life and preserve resale value in climates prone to corrosion.

Maintenance and diagnosis: how to approach common LX470 issues

Proactive care and informed inspection are essential when addressing LX470 problems. The following checklist helps prioritize what to verify during ownership or a pre-purchase inspection.

• Pre-purchase checks: Look for signs of air suspension leaks, check for oil leaks around the engine, inspect cooling system components, and review service history for transmission and differential services.


• Test drive indicators: Be alert for rough or delayed transmission shifts, abnormal suspension sag, ABS warning lights, and unusual noises from the drivetrain or brakes.


• Maintenance priorities: Replace aging hoses and cooling system parts, service the air suspension components if sagging is evident, and keep up with regular transmission and differential fluid changes.


• Diagnostics: Use an OBD-II scanner to pull codes, especially for check engine, ABS, or SRS warnings, and consult a technician familiar with Toyota/Lexus platforms for interpretation.

Staying ahead with routine inspections, prompt leak repair, and timely part replacement can dramatically reduce the chance of sudden failures and keep an LX470 running smoothly longer.

Summary

The Lexus LX470 remains a capable and dependable SUV when well maintained, but its aging design surfaces several recurring issues: air suspension along with related ride-height controls, electrical and ABS-related faults, engine and cooling-system leaks, transmission/drivetrain concerns, suspension wear, and rust or corrosion risks. By focusing on preventative maintenance, paying attention to warning signs, and keeping a thorough service history, owners can address problems before they escalate and preserve the vehicle’s reliability and comfort for years to come.

Is the Lexus LX 470 reliable?

The Lexus LX470 is a very reliable SUV, known for its long-lasting 4.7L V8 engine and overall durability, often achieving 300,000 to 500,000 miles with proper maintenance. Its reliability is largely due to its shared foundation with the Toyota Land Cruiser, although common issues can arise, including problems with the Automatic Height Control (AHC) suspension, the EVAP system, and the oxygen sensors. Regular maintenance, such as timing belt replacement at 90,000-100,000 miles and fluid changes, is crucial for longevity.
 
Key reliability factors

• Engine: The 4.7L 2UZ-FE V8 engine is known for being extremely durable and reliable, with some examples reaching over a million miles. 
• Powertrain: The overall powertrain is considered "bulletproof," contributing to the vehicle's strong reputation for build quality and longevity. 
• Longevity: Many owners report achieving high mileage, with some vehicles lasting well over 300,000 miles, often with only routine maintenance and fluids replaced besides the timing belt. 
• Interior: The interior materials are generally durable and hold up well over time, especially compared to other vehicles of the same age. 

This video discusses the reliability of the Lexus LX470, including its strengths and potential weaknesses: 1mBuilt Different GarageYouTube · Feb 28, 2025
Potential issues to be aware of

• Automatic Height Control (AHC) suspension: This hydraulic suspension system can be prone to issues over time and is considered less reliable than the standard Land Cruiser suspension. Many owners choose to replace it with a Land Cruiser suspension or a lift kit. 
• EVAP System: The evaporative emissions system is a common source for the "check engine" light. 
• Oxygen Sensors: Faulty oxygen sensors can trigger the check engine light. 
• Timing Belt: The engine uses a timing belt that requires replacement every 90,000 to 100,000 miles or every 10 years, which is a significant maintenance item. 

This video discusses common problems and how to fix them on the Lexus LX470: 57sHilson Luxury MotorsYouTube · Jun 4, 2024
Maintenance and longevity

• Routine maintenance is key: To achieve high mileage, regular oil changes, timing belt replacements, and other fluid changes are essential. 
• AHC system maintenance: Keeping the Automatic Height Control system in good working order is preferable to removal, unless it becomes excessively damaged and costly to repair. 
• Rust: Inspect the vehicle for rust, particularly on the undercarriage, which can be an issue on these older vehicles. 

Is the 1998 LX470 reliable?

The 1998 Lexus LX 470 has an average reliability rating of 5.0 out of 5 according to cars.com consumers.

How many miles will a Lexus LX 470 last?

LEXUS LX 470 2001 -- FANTASTIC VEHICLE
Lexus LX 470, or any other car, in an accident? Need I say more? It not only delivers unique safety, but with simple proper maintenance will last between 300,000 and 500,000 miles.

Is LX470 expensive to maintain?

The estimated cost to maintain and repair a Lexus LX470 ranges from $105 to $5606, with an average of $423.