2004 Lexus GX problems

AIR BAGS

I am writing to formally request an investigation into a safety defect affecting the dashboard on my 2004 Lexus GX470. Over the past several months, I have observed significant cracking along the top of the instrument panel. I believe this defect poses a serious safety hazard: if the dashboard material fractures or delaminates, it could interfere with proper expansion and deployment of the front passenger airbag in the event of a collision. Despite the severity of this condition, Lexus has only issued a “limited-service campaign” rather than a full safety recall. Under that campaign, Lexus offers repair assistance only to owners located within certain regions and only if they pay a service fee. I contacted Lexus Headquarters, and requested a complete, no-cost replacement of the defective dashboard assembly, and was declined without satisfactory justification. I consider this response inadequate because: 1.Safety Risk to Occupants oThe dashboard crack traverses the airbag deployment zone. oIf the material fails, the passenger airbag may not be deployed correctly or on time. 2.Insufficient Remedy oA limited-service campaign does not guarantee replacement or cover all affected vehicles. oOwners outside specified regions or who have previously paid for dashboard repairs receive no assistance. 3.Regulatory Precedent oFederal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 208 mandates reliable airbag deployment. oA comprehensive recall would ensure all affected vehicles receive robust, no-cost repairs. I respectfully request that NHTSA open an investigation under 49 U.S.C. § 30162(a) to determine whether this dashboard cracking constitutes a safety-related defect warranting a nationwide recall. I am prepared to provide photographs, service records, and any additional information needed.

NHTSA complaint #11666410 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

I am writing to formally request an investigation into a safety defect affecting the dashboard on my 2004 Lexus GX470. Over the past several months, I have observed significant cracking along the top of the instrument panel. I believe this defect poses a serious safety hazard: if the dashboard material fractures or delaminates, it could interfere with proper expansion and deployment of the front passenger airbag in the event of a collision. Despite the severity of this condition, Lexus has only issued a “limited-service campaign” rather than a full safety recall. Under that campaign, Lexus offers repair assistance only to owners located within certain regions and only if they pay a service fee. I contacted Lexus Headquarters, and requested a complete, no-cost replacement of the defective dashboard assembly, and was declined without satisfactory justification. I consider this response inadequate because: 1.Safety Risk to Occupants oThe dashboard crack traverses the airbag deployment zone. oIf the material fails, the passenger airbag may not be deployed correctly or on time. 2.Insufficient Remedy oA limited-service campaign does not guarantee replacement or cover all affected vehicles. oOwners outside specified regions or who have previously paid for dashboard repairs receive no assistance. 3.Regulatory Precedent oFederal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 208 mandates reliable airbag deployment. oA comprehensive recall would ensure all affected vehicles receive robust, no-cost repairs. I respectfully request that NHTSA open an investigation under 49 U.S.C. § 30162(a) to determine whether this dashboard cracking constitutes a safety-related defect warranting a nationwide recall. I am prepared to provide photographs, service records, and any additional information needed.

NHTSA complaint #11666410 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Rusted out frame, missing entire sections of it in the rear end, body mounts are floating, Lexus inspected the car at 144,000~ miles and deemed it unsafe to drive, was owned by a friend of mine and now it is up for sale at morse road auto sales inc in columbus ohio.

NHTSA complaint #11656859 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SUSPENSION

Rusted out frame, missing entire sections of it in the rear end, body mounts are floating, Lexus inspected the car at 144,000~ miles and deemed it unsafe to drive, was owned by a friend of mine and now it is up for sale at morse road auto sales inc in columbus ohio.

NHTSA complaint #11656859 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STRUCTURE:BODY

Rusted out frame, missing entire sections of it in the rear end, body mounts are floating, Lexus inspected the car at 144,000~ miles and deemed it unsafe to drive, was owned by a friend of mine and now it is up for sale at morse road auto sales inc in columbus ohio.

NHTSA complaint #11656859 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STRUCTURE:BODY

2004 Lexus GX470 factory-installed Blizzard White paint is peeling off in sheets. Was told by certified body shop that there is a clear defect with the primer. The areas affected are the hood, roof, and near back windows - no impact or other damage is present. This is unsafe as it will lead to the corrosion of the body of the car. There was a recall for the 2008-2009 models with this paint color, but this needs to be extended to the 2004 model year as well. There were no warning messages and the car is available for inspection.

NHTSA complaint #11521836 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STRUCTURE:BODY

Vehicle maintained per manual. Frame rusted thru in numerous places, viable holes obvious. Vehicle deemed unsafe from Pep Body service personnel. Attached a frame picture from passenger side.

NHTSA complaint #11438407 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STRUCTURE:BODY

VEHICLE MAINTAINED PER MANUAL. FRAME RUSTED THRU IN NUMEROUS PLACES, VIABLE HOLES OBVIOUS. VEHICLE DEEMED UNSAFE UPON INSPECTION. LEXUS HDQTRS IN PLANO, TX AND PARSIPPANY NJ REFUSED ANY RESPONSIBILITY FOR LOSS OF VEHICLE. I MAILED A PACKAGE OF CORRESPONDENCE AND PHOTOGRAPHS TO YOUR ADDRESS VIA CERTIFIED MAIL OCT 7,2020, RETURN RECEIPT NOT REC'D. FRUSTRATED WITH LACK OF RESPONSE.. TOYOTA REPLACED OR REPURCHASED TRUCK W/SAME FRAME, LEXUS REFUSED RECEIVED CASE # 11362013, YOURAGENCY.

NHTSA complaint #11366987 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STRUCTURE:BODY

DICSCOVERED DURING MINOR REPAIR,FRAME OF VEHICLE IS COMPLETELY DETERIORATED DUE TO RUST T.FRAME PERFORATED IN NUMEROUS PLACES. RATED UNFIT TO DRIVE ,LEXUS DENIES ANY RESPONSIBILITY. VEHICLE IS IN NEED OF COMPLETE FRAME REPLACEMENT . VEHICLE AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION. RUST APPEARS AT BOX FRAME AND WELDS THE CONSUMER STATED THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE DUE TO THE VEHICLE BEING OUT OF WARRANTY.

NHTSA complaint #11362013 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SUSPENSION

VEHICLE HAS EXTENSIVE RUST THROUGH IN MANY PORTIONS OF THE FRAME. VEHICLE SAID TO BE UNSAFE TO DRIVE . VEHICLE WAS IN SHOP FOR OTHER SERVICE WHEN DAMAGE WAS DETECTED.

NHTSA complaint #11339358 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

TOYOTA HAS A RUSTY FRAME RECALL AND NOW THE DEALERSHIP STATED THAT I HAVE A RUST ON MY FRAME THAT IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE AND NEEDS TO BE FIXED. WHEN I OBTAINED MY VIN ON THE SIDE OF MY VEHICLE, IT SAYS MFD BY TOYOTA MOTOR CORPORATION. THE RUST HAS LEAD TO ME HAVING TO CHANGE OUT THE ENTIRE SUSPENSION AND THIS WAS TOLD TO ME NOW WHEN I SERVICE MY CAR EVERY 5K MILES WITH THE DEALERSHIP.

NHTSA complaint #11322694 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STRUCTURE:BODY

2004 LEXUS GX 470. HAS FRAME ROT DUE TO THE CONDINSATION HOSE RELEASED ON TOP OF THE PASSANGER SIDE FRAME. IT RUNS DOWN THE PASSANGER SIDE FRAME AND PUT HOLES IN IT DUE TO INPROPER PLACEMENT. NOW THE PASSANGER SIDE DOOR IS SLIGHLY OUT OF ALIGNMENT WHEN CLOSED. I HAVE HAD TO WRAPP STEEL AROUND THE FRAME. FROM FRONT DOOR TO FRONT OF BACK WHEEL. CONTACTED LEXUS AT 1800-255-3987 IN PLANO TEXAS FOR CASE NUMBER [XXX]. THEN SAID ONLY A MINOR WARRANTY FOR CORRESION AND IT IS NOT COVERED. ALSO THE PERSON ON THE PHONE REFUSED TO GIVE ME TOYOTA HEADQUARTERS MAILING ADDRESS. THIS RUST IS ON TOP OF THE FRAME AND I BELIEVE WOULD TAKE 10-15 YEARS TO SHOW UP. THERE IS NOW MANY HOLES IN ONLY THE PASSANGER SIDE FRAME. HERE ARE PICTURES PICTURE 6100 SHOWS THE HOSE OVER THE FRAME. IS IT POSSIABLE THE CAR COULD BRAKE WHEN DRIVING. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

NHTSA complaint #11257785 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STRUCTURE:BODY

THE PAINT ON THE PLASTIC FENDERS, BUMPERS, AND THE METAL ROOF HAS BEEN FADING FOR THE PAST SEVERAL YEARS. THE FADING STARTED WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS ABOUT 1-2 YEARS OLD, EVEN WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN A GARAGE OVERNIGHT. THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED IN VA AND HAS BEEN USED IN CA SINCE 2006. WE HAVE ABOUT 110,000 MILES ON THE VEHICLE. WE HAVE SEEN SIMILAR MAKE/MODEL LEXUS GX 470S THAT APPEAR TO HAVE THE SAME FADED PAINT IN THE SAME ARES ON THE VEHICLE AS OURS. IN ADDITION, THE PAINT APPEARS TO BE DETERIORATING AND DISAPPEARING FROM THE ROOF AND ON THE EDGES OF THE DOORS. THIS COULD LEAD TO RUST PROBLEMS. OUR EFFORTS TO ADDRESS THIS WITH THE LEXUS DEALERS HAVE NOT MET WITH SUCCESS; THE DEALERS MORE OR LESS DISMISSED OUR COMPLAINT. OUR BODY SHOP MECHANIC TOLD US HE BELIEVES THE PAINT IS DEFECTIVE.

NHTSA complaint #11240345 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

DASHBOARD HAS BECOME STICKY, CRACKED, AND IS NOW SO SHINY WE HAVE TO DRAPE A TOWEL OVER THE DASH AS HEADLIGHT GLARE MAKES DRIVING AT NIGHT VERY DANGEROUS. LEXUS ACKNOWLEDGES THEY HAD A BAD BATCH OF DASHBOARDS AND NO LONGER USES THAT VENDOR. LEXUS CORPORATE HAS RESPECTFULLY DECLINED REPAIR CLAIMING THE ISSUE DID NOT SURFACE UNTIL LIMITED WINDOW EXPIRED. PREVIOUS CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT.

NHTSA complaint #11082666 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

VISIBILITY/WIPER

DASHBOARD HAS BECOME STICKY, CRACKED, AND IS NOW SO SHINY WE HAVE TO DRAPE A TOWEL OVER THE DASH AS HEADLIGHT GLARE MAKES DRIVING AT NIGHT VERY DANGEROUS. LEXUS ACKNOWLEDGES THEY HAD A BAD BATCH OF DASHBOARDS AND NO LONGER USES THAT VENDOR. LEXUS CORPORATE HAS RESPECTFULLY DECLINED REPAIR CLAIMING THE ISSUE DID NOT SURFACE UNTIL LIMITED WINDOW EXPIRED. PREVIOUS CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT.

NHTSA complaint #11082666 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

AIR BAGS

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 LEXUS GX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH, ANOTHER VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CONTACT HAD TO BE TAKEN TO THE HOSPITAL BY AMBULANCE. THE CONTACT HAD NECK INJURIES AND WAS TREATED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED FOR THE BODY DAMAGES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA complaint #10937667 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

I OWN A 2004 LEXUS GX470. IN JUNE 2016, I WAS TURNING INTO A DRIVEWAY AND THE CAR VEHICLE STABILITY CONTROL SYSTEM KICKED IN AND CAUSED THE CAR TO JERK BACK AND FORTH, ALMOST CAUSING AN ACCIDENT. I WAS DRIVING AT A LOW SPEED AND IN IDEAL ROAD CONDITIONS, NO REASON FOR THE VSC TO KICK IN. THE VSC LIGHT CAME ON AND HAS SINCE REMAINED ON. SINCE THAT EVENT, THE VEHICLE STABILITY CONTROL SYSTEM HAS KICKED IN FOR NO REASON NUMEROUS TIMES. JUST A FEW EXAMPLES, IN JULY, WHILE I WAS TRAVELING 25 MPH ON AN EXIT RAMP, SUDDENLY THE VSC TOOK OVER AND IT CAUSED THE CAR TO SWERVE BACK AND FORTH, ALMOST CAUSING ME TO RUN OFF THE RAMP INTO AN EMBANKMENT AND WHILE GOING OVER A SPEED BUMP, IT KICKED IN AND ALMOST CAUSED ME TO SWERVE INTO ONCOMING TRAFFIC. IN EACH CASE, THE ROAD AND WEATHER CONDITIONS WERE NOT AN ISSUE. THE CAR DOES NOT FEEL STABLE, AS IT DID BEFORE. I HAVE TO DRIVE SLOWER, TAKE TURNS SLOWER, AND ADJUST HOW I APPROACH STANDARD DRIVING.I TOOK THE CAR TO THE LEXUS DEALERSHIP AND AFTER $2500 WORTH OF REPAIRS, THE VSC CONTROL LIGHT IS STILL ON AND THE CAR IS STILL UNSTABLE. THEY CLAIMED THEY FIXED A HEIGHT CONTROL ISSUE AND REPLACED A SENSOR, HOWEVER IT DID NOT FIX THE VSC ISSUE. THIS IS A VERY SERIOUS ISSUE AND CAN CAUSE A LIFE THREATENING ACCIDENT. I HAVE RESEARCHED AND IT APPEARS THAT THIS IS A PROBLEM WITH THIS SPECIFIC CAR AND MODEL YEAR, FROM OTHER COMPLAINTS. IT SHOULD BE A RECALL ISSUE AND RECEIVE PRIORITY. PLEASE ADDRESS THIS MATTER, IT IS VITALLY IMPORTANT! THIS PROBLEM CAN CAUSE A FATALITY IF LEFT UNADDRESSED. THANK YOU!

NHTSA complaint #10894264 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)

I OWN A 2004 LEXUS GX470. IN JUNE 2016, I WAS TURNING INTO A DRIVEWAY AND THE CAR VEHICLE STABILITY CONTROL SYSTEM KICKED IN AND CAUSED THE CAR TO JERK BACK AND FORTH, ALMOST CAUSING AN ACCIDENT. I WAS DRIVING AT A LOW SPEED AND IN IDEAL ROAD CONDITIONS, NO REASON FOR THE VSC TO KICK IN. THE VSC LIGHT CAME ON AND HAS SINCE REMAINED ON. SINCE THAT EVENT, THE VEHICLE STABILITY CONTROL SYSTEM HAS KICKED IN FOR NO REASON NUMEROUS TIMES. JUST A FEW EXAMPLES, IN JULY, WHILE I WAS TRAVELING 25 MPH ON AN EXIT RAMP, SUDDENLY THE VSC TOOK OVER AND IT CAUSED THE CAR TO SWERVE BACK AND FORTH, ALMOST CAUSING ME TO RUN OFF THE RAMP INTO AN EMBANKMENT AND WHILE GOING OVER A SPEED BUMP, IT KICKED IN AND ALMOST CAUSED ME TO SWERVE INTO ONCOMING TRAFFIC. IN EACH CASE, THE ROAD AND WEATHER CONDITIONS WERE NOT AN ISSUE. THE CAR DOES NOT FEEL STABLE, AS IT DID BEFORE. I HAVE TO DRIVE SLOWER, TAKE TURNS SLOWER, AND ADJUST HOW I APPROACH STANDARD DRIVING.I TOOK THE CAR TO THE LEXUS DEALERSHIP AND AFTER $2500 WORTH OF REPAIRS, THE VSC CONTROL LIGHT IS STILL ON AND THE CAR IS STILL UNSTABLE. THEY CLAIMED THEY FIXED A HEIGHT CONTROL ISSUE AND REPLACED A SENSOR, HOWEVER IT DID NOT FIX THE VSC ISSUE. THIS IS A VERY SERIOUS ISSUE AND CAN CAUSE A LIFE THREATENING ACCIDENT. I HAVE RESEARCHED AND IT APPEARS THAT THIS IS A PROBLEM WITH THIS SPECIFIC CAR AND MODEL YEAR, FROM OTHER COMPLAINTS. IT SHOULD BE A RECALL ISSUE AND RECEIVE PRIORITY. PLEASE ADDRESS THIS MATTER, IT IS VITALLY IMPORTANT! THIS PROBLEM CAN CAUSE A FATALITY IF LEFT UNADDRESSED. THANK YOU!

NHTSA complaint #10894264 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SUSPENSION

AT START UP THE REAR HEIGHT GOES UP AND STAYS UP. TOOK IT TO THE SHOP AND THEY MANUALLY BLED THE AIR. SAID SENSOR GO OUT ALL THE TIME AND COST A LOT TO REPLACE. CURRENTLY STAYING LEVEL BUT RIDES A LITTLE TIGHT. DEFINITELY DON'T WANT TO PAY $3000 FOR A FIX.

NHTSA complaint #10783874 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

AIR BAGS

THE DASH IS CRACKING ALL OVER THE PLACE(BETWEEN 20-30 PACES). THE MOST CRACKING HAS OCCURRED IN FRONT OF AND AROUND THE PASSENGERS AIRBAG. THIS IS PARTICULARLY CONCERNING BECAUSE I FEAR IT THE AIRBAG NEEDED TO DEPLOY, IT WOULD NOT PROPERLY DO SO, AND ALSO THAT IT MAY BE EXTRA DANGEROUS IF THE CRACKED PIECES OF THE DASH GO FLYING IN ALL DIRECTIONS UPON AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT. THERE ARE THOUSANDS OF SUCH CONDITIONS REPORTED THROUGHOUT THE US HERE: HTTP://WWW.CLUBLEXUS.COM/FORUMS/GX-FIRST-GENERATION/427349-CRACKED-DASHBOARD.HTML IT DOESN'T SEEM TO MATTER IF THE VEHICLE WAS GARAGE KEPT, OR PARKED IN THE SUN. ALSO CLIMATE TEMPERATURE DOESN'T SEEM TO BE A FACTOR. THIS CONDITION IS BEING REPORTS ALL OVER THE US.

NHTSA complaint #10595631 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STRUCTURE

THE DASH IS CRACKING ALL OVER THE PLACE(BETWEEN 20-30 PACES). THE MOST CRACKING HAS OCCURRED IN FRONT OF AND AROUND THE PASSENGERS AIRBAG. THIS IS PARTICULARLY CONCERNING BECAUSE I FEAR IT THE AIRBAG NEEDED TO DEPLOY, IT WOULD NOT PROPERLY DO SO, AND ALSO THAT IT MAY BE EXTRA DANGEROUS IF THE CRACKED PIECES OF THE DASH GO FLYING IN ALL DIRECTIONS UPON AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT. THERE ARE THOUSANDS OF SUCH CONDITIONS REPORTED THROUGHOUT THE US HERE: HTTP://WWW.CLUBLEXUS.COM/FORUMS/GX-FIRST-GENERATION/427349-CRACKED-DASHBOARD.HTML IT DOESN'T SEEM TO MATTER IF THE VEHICLE WAS GARAGE KEPT, OR PARKED IN THE SUN. ALSO CLIMATE TEMPERATURE DOESN'T SEEM TO BE A FACTOR. THIS CONDITION IS BEING REPORTS ALL OVER THE US.

NHTSA complaint #10595631 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STRUCTURE

THE DASHBOARD ON MY 2004 LEXUS GX 470 STARTED TO SHOW A FEW CRACKS BACK IN 2011. IT HAS PROGRESSIVELY GOTTEN WORSE. THE VEHICLE IS ALWAYS GARAGE-STORED. THIS APPEARS TO BE A REAL PROBLEM THAT LEXUS REFUSES TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR.

NHTSA complaint #10572772 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SUSPENSION

A CLUNKING NOISE HAPPENS ALMOST ALL TIMES WHEN COME TO A COMPLETE STOP. MY WIFE REPORTED PROBLEM TO DIFFERENT DEALERS AND PROBLEM HAS NOT BEEN RESOLVED EXCESSIVE ODORS SMELL LIKE REAR BRAKE PADS BURNED. REPORTED TO DIFFERENT LEXUS WITHOUT BEING FIXED UNTIL NOW. RECENTLY HEARING POPPING NOISE WHEN AIR CONDITIONER USED. WILL REPORT TO LEXUS DEALER NEXT SERVICE TIME.

NHTSA complaint #10159499 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.