1998 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 1998 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
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Brakes (4), Hydraulic (2), Visibility (wipers / glass) (1).
Complaints are unverified reports from owners. A pattern (many complaints about the same part) matters more than any single one.
Read recent complaints (5)
04/10/2018 · Brakes
SAFETY ISSUE: INTERMITTENT SUDDEN COMPLETE ABS BRAKING SYSTEM FAILURE. THE VEHICLE HAVE A SUDDEN COMPLETELY ABS BRAKING SYSTEM FAILURE ON APRIL 06, 2018. THE VEHICLE CAN NOT STOP WHILE DRIVING ON APRIL 6, 2018. THE DASHBOARD ABS LIGHT AND BRAKE LIGHT PLUS THE ANNOYING ALARM OUT OF THE BLUE ON APRIL 06, 2018. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO BUTLER LEXUS DEALERSH…
04/08/2018 · Brakes
SUDDEN COMPLETE ABS BRAKING SYSTEM FAILURE. NO BRAKE AT ALL. VEHICLE CAN NOT STOP WHILE DRIVING.VERY SERIOUS PROBLEM AND DANGEROUS. THE DASHBOARD ABS LIGHT AND BRAKE LIGHT ABS LIGHT AND BRAKE LIGHT ON DASH PLUS THE ANNOYING ALARM OUT OF THE BLUE.
07/19/2011 · Brakes · crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 LEXUS LX470. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AN AUDIBLE BRAKE ALARM BEGUN TO SOUND. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER, WHO STATED THAT THEY WOULD REPLACE THE ANTI LOCK BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER SYSTEM, WHICH CAUSED THE ALARM TO SOUND. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. APPROXIMATELY THREE MONTHS LATER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED TH…
05/11/2000 · Brakes
THE BRAKE PEDAL NEEDS TO BE "PUMPED" TO OBTAIN SATISFACTORY PEDAL HEIGHT. UPON FIRST APPLICATION AT A STOP THE PEDAL TRAVELS FURTHER THAT YOU WOULD EXPECT, IF A SECOND APPLICATION IS GIVEN THE PEDAL HEIGHT WILL BE MUCH HIGHER FOR THE SAME AMOUNT OF BRAKING FORCE. THIS CAN CAUSE ABRUPT STOPS FOR ONE NOT FAMILIAR WITH THE CAR. DEALER AND MANUFACTURER SAYS "…
02/01/1999 · Visibility (wipers / glass)
AUTOMATIC HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT FAILED. MJS