NHTSA lists 1 safety recall and 39 owner complaints for the 2006 Lexus GX470. Most complaints involve structure (13) and air bags (10). The EPA rates it 15 mpg combined.
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2003-2006 Toyota Land Cruiser and Lexus LX470, 2005-2006 Toyota Tundra and Sequoia, 2004-2006 Toyota 4Runner and Lexus GX470 vehicles equipped with side curtain-shield-air bags. The affected vehicles have an air bag control module that may be improperly programmed, causing the side curtain-shield-air bags to deploy inadvertently.
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
“I am reporting a serious paint peeling and delamination issue on my 2006 Lexus GX470, painted in Blizzard Pearl (paint code 070). The clear coat and base coat are separating from the body, especially on the hood, roof, and other exposed panels. The paint is flaking off in large sections and continues to deteriorate. Lexus and Toyota have acknowledged this as a known manufacturing defect for several vehicles painted in Blizzard Pearl under Customer Support Program ZKG. However, my vehicle was not included in the recall or program despite showing the exact same failure pattern and paint code. This paint issue significantly affects the safety of the vehicle’s structure (exposing metal to the elements) and visibility, and may impact resale and long-term durability. This is clearly a widespread issue that should be addressed for all affected vehicles, regardless of production year.”
“The contact owns a 2006 Lexus GX470. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was depressed while attempting to switch lanes and the rear of the vehicle slid sideways before there was a loud boom coming from the vehicle. The vehicle became airborne and rolled approximately four times before landing upside down. While upside down another vehicle crashed into the vehicle and the vehicle rolled four more times. After the was struck by the second vehicle, the contact was able to exit the vehicle through the sunroof. The contact stated the front windshield had detached and separated from the vehicle. The contact sustained four fractured ribs, a fractured pelvis, a hemothorax, acute kidney and liver injuries, shoulder damage, head swelling on the left and right sides, an abrasion over the right abdomen, and a concussion. Medical attention was sought. A Police report was filed. The contact stated that the rear end of the vehicle had snapped. The failure mileage was 200,000.”
“I HAVE AN 2006 LEXUS GX470 AND THESE LIGHTS CAME ON: ABS, VSC TRAC, VSC OFF, SKID, AND CHECK ENGINE. THE VEHICLE STARTED MAKING A HUMMING NOISE AT START UP AND NOW DRIVES IN STALLED MODE. HAD CODES CHECK AND IT TURNS OUT I HAVE THE DREADED SECONDARY AIR INJECTION SYSTEM (EMISSIONS) DEFECT P0412, P0418 ,P1440/P1443, P1441/P1444, P2440, P2445, P1442/P1145 , WHICH IS A RECURRING PROBLEM. REPLACEMENT IS A NIGHTMARE FOR SELF REPAIR OR A $2000+ REPAIR.”
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GX 470 Auto 5-spd, 8 cyl, 4.7 L · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 14 | 18 | 15 | $5,300 | 592 |
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
1 safety recall as of Oct 28, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.
Owners filed 39 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are structure (13), air bags (10), engine (3). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 2006 Lexus GX470 at 15 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (1 version rated).