Research · Sport Utility Vehicle - 4WD

2000 Lexus LX470Recalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 1 safety recall and 17 owner complaints for the 2000 Lexus LX470. Most complaints involve electronic stability control (esc) (4) and structure (3). The EPA rates it 13 mpg combined.

Combined MPG
13mpg
EPA · 1 version
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
1campaigns
Latest Sep 2004
Owner complaints
17
Top: electronic stability control (esc)
Fuel cost / yr
$4,950est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

1 NHTSA campaign · applies to some vehicles, check your VIN

Exterior lighting: headlights

Free remedy

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.

Exterior lightingReported Sep 8, 2004NHTSA 04V434000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Oct 28, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

17 complaints filed with NHTSA · Jan 2003 – Feb 2019
  1. Electronic stability control (esc)4
  2. Structure3
  3. Vehicle speed control3
  4. Suspension2
  5. Tires2
  6. Electrical system1
  7. Exterior lighting1
  8. Other / unknown1

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

By model year

Complaints for each LX470 model year we’ve synced.

View as table
Model yearNHTSA complaints
19985
199914
200017
20015
200210
200321
200418
20059
200615
20074
Crashes reported
2
Fires reported
0
Injuries reported
0
Deaths reported
0
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Oct 28, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

What owners report most

Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component

Electronic stability control (esc)

4 reports
“VEHICLE LOCKS UP ON RIGHT HAND CURVES OVER 30 MPH CAUSING VEHICLE TO SLIDE INTO OTHER LANES. VERY DANGEROUS CONDITION WHICH INTERMITTENT AND UNPREDICTABLE. SIMILAR PROBLEMS WITH SAME MAKE, MODEL AND YEAR ACROSS THE WEB.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Feb 25, 2019Electronic stability control (esc)ODI 11182396

Structure

3 reports
“PAINT DEFECT ON 1999 AND 2000 LEXUS LX 470. EXCEEDINGLY BAD FADING PAINT ON MANY PANELS OF THE CAR.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 9, 2016StructureODI 10905095

Vehicle speed control

3 reports2 crashes
“SUDDEN ACCELERATION CAUSING VEHICLE & PROPERTY DAMAGE. VEHICLE ACTED ON OWN AND ACCELERATED, HAD APPLIED BRAKE HARD WITH NO EFFECT TO ACCELERATION (LIKE CRUISE CONTROL WAS APPLYING MAXIMUM ACCELERATION) AND WAS ABLE TO TURN KEY OFF BUT NOT BEFORE DAMAGING VEHICLE BUMPER, FENDER, TURN SIGNAL, ANTENNA, AND REAR BUMPER. *TR”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Feb 4, 2010Vehicle speed controlCrash reportedODI 10305498
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Oct 28, 2026
04 —Key specs

Engines, transmissions & drive

1 version rated by the EPA
EPA class
Sport Utility Vehicle - 4WD
Engines
4.7L 6-cyl
Transmissions
Automatic 4-spd
Drive
4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Regular Gasoline

Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.

Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Oct 28, 2026EPA listing
05 —Fuel economy

EPA fuel economy by version

City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
VersionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
LX 470
Auto 4-spd, 6 cyl, 4.7 L · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive
121513$4,950684
  • LX 470
    Auto 4-spd, 6 cyl, 4.7 L
    12 city · 15 hwy · $4,950/yr
    13
    mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Oct 28, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
06 —Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

New Car Assessment Program
NHTSA has not published 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2000 Lexus LX470 as of Oct 28, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Oct 28, 2026
07 —Maintenance

Maintenance basics

General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
ItemMilesTimeNote
Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi6–12 monthsFollow the oil-life monitor if fitted
Tire rotation5,000–7,500 miEvery oil changeCheck pressure monthly
Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi1–2 yearsSooner in dusty areas
Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi1–2 years
Brake fluid—2–3 yearsAbsorbs moisture over time
Coolant60,000–100,000 mi5–10 yearsLong-life coolants last longer
Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi—Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end
12V battery—3–5 yearsHeat shortens battery life
  • Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
    6–12 months
  • Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
    Every oil change
  • Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Brake fluid—
    2–3 years
  • Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
    5–10 years
  • Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
    —
  • 12V battery—
    3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
09 —FAQ

2000 LX470 questions

How many recalls does the 2000 Lexus LX470 have?

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.

What are the most common 2000 Lexus LX470 problems?

Owners filed 17 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are electronic stability control (esc) (4), structure (3), vehicle speed control (3). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

What MPG does the 2000 Lexus LX470 get?

The EPA rates the 2000 Lexus LX470 at 13 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (1 version rated).

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Oct 28, 2026