NHTSA lists 1 safety recall and 5 owner complaints for the 2001 Lexus LX470. Most complaints involve vehicle speed control (3) and electronic stability control (esc) (1). The EPA rates it 13 mpg combined.
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.
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
“I HAVE A 2001 LEXUS LX 470 ON THREE DIFFERENT OCCASIONS THE VSC HAS ACTIVATED AT A HIGH RATE OF SPEED CAUSING LOSS OF CONTROL AND ALMOST AN ACCIDENT. EVERY TIME IT WAS ON DRY ROADS WITH NICE WEATHER. THE VSC LIGHT WOULD COME ON FOR A BRIEF SECOND AND THE VSC OFF LIGHT AND CENTER DIFFERENTIAL LIGHT WOULD STAY ON UNTIL THE VEHICLE WAS PUT IN REVERSE AND A LOUD POP THEN THE LIGHTS WOULD GO OFF. DURING THIS TIME THE STEERING WOULD BE TIGHT. *TR”
“WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH WHEELS LOCKED, CAUSING VEHICLE TO JERK HARD TO THE RIGHT. TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER FOR SERVICE, AND IT WAS DETERMINED TO BE DUE TO SKID CONTROL.*AK”
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LX 470 Auto 4-spd, 8 cyl, 4.7 L · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 12 | 15 | 13 | $4,800 | 684 |
| 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 Nov 11, 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 5 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are vehicle speed control (3), electronic stability control (esc) (1), service brakes, hydraulic (1). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 2001 Lexus LX470 at 13 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (1 version rated).