Frame is rotting from inside out, excessive corrosion. This is a known issue that was common to the early/mid 2000's toyota tundra, tacoma, and 4runner, the latter of which shares frame components. Toyota, for whatever reason, covered the tundra and tacoma through recalls, but so far has not done a recall on the 4runner or gx470.
The worst 2003 Lexus GX problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
- Acceleration1
- Driver assistance1
- Suspension1
- Transmission1
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Acceleration1
- Driver assistance1
- Suspension1
- Transmission1
Recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
Technical service bulletins for the 2003 Lexus GX 37
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- Vehicles may occasionally be subjected to contamination by airborne iron particles shed from railroad...
- Lexus vehicles are currently protected with RapgardTM protective film designed to protect the horizontal...
- Acid rain results from rainwater or other airborne moisture that become acidic due to industrial chemical...
- The condition known as acid rain is caused by airborne chemicals or particles in the atmosphere, which mix...
- Lexus Safety Recall and Service Campaign
- POL: This consolidated Tire Warranty Guide contains the complete warranty terms for all brands of ground...
- Vehicles may display evidence of a fluid leak or fluid seep from powertrain components
- Supersession notice
- Safety Recall and Service Campaign
- Supersession notice
What 2003 Lexus GX owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
Structure problem. Went to the mechanic for a routine oil change. He said the frame is rotted, rusted away so bad he could stick his finger through the frame. They said it was unsafe, couldn’t even hoist it up on the lift. The body, exterior looks fine, no rust at all, but the frame is evidently rotted away. Faulty metal or treatment??
Took my 2003 gx470 to dealership for oil change and tire rotation. It has 128,000 miles on it. They advised after reviewing frame structure that the vehicle can no longer be put on a lift because the frame is crumbling and also advised vehicle is not safe to be driven. Took it to another dealership and a frame shop for their opinion. They were amazed how the body didn't have any rust yet the frame was totally falling apart. Frame shop also agreed only way to make it safe was total frame replacement. Following up with lexus dealer on filing a claim with lexus.
We were proceeding to make a r.h. Turn from on two lane road to another in a 2003 lexus gx when the accelerator stuck and ESC completely failed . Although I pushed transmission's lever in neutral . The rear end skidded outward and no ESC or ABS was evident. I steered into skid and then steered into ditch to avoid offset collision with oncoming traffic. And skidded into ditch on opposite side of road . Severe concussion and amnesia for driver as dead slammed into driver's window . Passenger suffered left leg injury. I reported two prior incidents to the federal safety agency jan 9 , 2010 , etc and no response . Now I am going public and to senator rockerfeller that the federal safety agency is totally unresponsive.
Tl*the contact owns a 2003 lexus gx470. While the vehicle was parked in the garage, the contact's mother-in-law accidentally activated the four wheel drive button. As a result, the vehicle backed out of the garage and crashed into a parked vehicle in the driveway. The purchase date was unknown. The current and failure mileages were 85,000.
Compare the 2003 Lexus GX
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Questions about the 2003 Lexus GX
Is the 2003 Lexus GX reliable?
Owners have filed 5 complaints about the 2003 Lexus GX, fewer than a typical GX model year.
What is the most common problem with the 2003 Lexus GX?
Acceleration and speed control, with 1 complaint. Next is driver assistance (1).
How many recalls does the 2003 Lexus GX have?
No recalls on record.
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