Model year guide

2002 Lexus lx470

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2002 Lexus lx470 is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 2 on record.

2002 Lexus lx470 — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

2002 Lexus lx470 at a glance

Safety recalls1
Owner complaints10
Combined13 mpg

Included: that car's specs and build sheet, model-year recall campaigns and a fair price.

2002 Lexus lx470 recalls 1

Exterior Lighting:headlights NHTSA Campaign #04V434000 · manufacturer #SSC 5LB · 08/09/2004

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.

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.

Source: U.S. NHTSA, checked 4 Nov 2026. A campaign covers the model year; to see whether a particular car still needs the repair, check its VIN on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer.

2002 Lexus lx470 common problems

The most-reported problem areas across all 10 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Exterior Lighting
Confirm all headlights, brake lights, turn signals and reverse lights work, with no moisture inside the housings.
Service Brakes
Brakes should feel firm and quiet — no grinding, pulsing or pulling. Check for an ABS light and uneven pad/rotor wear.
Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Power Train
Drive through every gear: watch for slipping, hard or delayed shifts, and shudder. Check for transmission/driveline leaks and noises.
Structure
Inspect for rust, fresh undercoating, mismatched paint, uneven panel gaps and any sign of prior collision or frame repair.
Hydraulic
Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.

2002 Lexus lx470 MPG & running costs

Combined13 mpg
City12 mpg
Highway15 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$5,150
EPA size classSport Utility Vehicle - 4WD
TransmissionAutomatic 4-spd
5-yr fuel cost vs average new car$13,750 more

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 2002 Lexus lx470 costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$25,750
Fuel only$25,750
Per mile$0.34

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. There aren't enough comparable listings to estimate depreciation for this model, so it is left out. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

Investigations & service bulletins

Manufacturer service bulletins 82

Technical notes the manufacturer sent to dealers about known issues and fixes. Useful to mention to a mechanic — they are not recalls and repairs may not be covered. Showing the 10 most recent of 82.

Vehicles may occasionally be subjected to contamination by airborne iron particles shed from railroad tracks, train wheels, exposure to heavy machinery facilities, grinding, welding, etc. This type of contamination can be identified by the presence of small, r…

Bulletin L-SB-0020-24 · Structure · Apr 2024

Lexus vehicles are currently protected with RapgardTM protective film designed to protect the horizontal painted surfaces. This material protects from acid rain, environmental fallout, and rail contamination. Follow the Removal Procedure in this bulletin to re…

Bulletin L-SB-0021-24 · Structure · Apr 2024

Acid rain results from rainwater or other airborne moisture that become acidic due to industrial chemical impurities in the atmosphere. If these acidic compounds settle on an exposed vehicle, especially the horizontal areas such as the hood, roof, and decklid,…

Bulletin L-SB-0022-24 · Structure · Apr 2024

The condition known as acid rain is caused by airborne chemicals or particles in the atmosphere, which mix with rainwater, nighttime dew, or high humidity to form acidic compounds. If these contaminants settle and remain on a painted vehicle surface, especiall…

Bulletin L-SB-0024-24 · Structure · Apr 2024

Vehicles may occasionally be subjected to contamination by airborne iron particles shed from railroad tracks, train wheels, exposure to heavy machinery facilities, grinding, welding, etc. This type of contamination can be identified by the presence of small, r…

Bulletin L-SB-0020-24 · Structure · Apr 2024

Lexus vehicles are currently protected with RapgardTM protective film designed to protect the horizontal painted surfaces. This material protects from acid rain, environmental fallout, and rail contamination. Follow the Removal Procedure in this bulletin to re…

Bulletin L-SB-0021-24 · Structure · Apr 2024

Acid rain results from rainwater or other airborne moisture that become acidic due to industrial chemical impurities in the atmosphere. If these acidic compounds settle on an exposed vehicle, especially the horizontal areas such as the hood, roof, and decklid,…

Bulletin L-SB-0022-24 · Structure · Apr 2024

The condition known as acid rain is caused by airborne chemicals or particles in the atmosphere, which mix with rainwater, nighttime dew, or high humidity to form acidic compounds. If these contaminants settle and remain on a painted vehicle surface, especiall…

Bulletin L-SB-0024-24 · Structure · Apr 2024

Lexus Safety Recall and Service Campaign - Technician Certification Requirements 4.13.2022

Bulletin Safety Recall 22 · Equipment · Apr 2022

POL: This consolidated Tire Warranty Guide contains the complete warranty terms for all brands of ground and spare tires currently in use by Lexus. This information must be kept near the point of vehicle sale and be available to any customer that requests it.…

Bulletin Lexus PRO19-02 - · Tires, Wheels, Equipment · Jan 2022

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, listed for the LX470. Model-year data, not specific to one car.

2002 Lexus lx470 trims & engines on record

Trims
470
Engines
4.7L 8-cyl 230 hp

2002 Lexus lx470 vehicles on record

Other Lexus lx470 model years

2002 Lexus lx470 — frequently asked questions

Does the 2002 Lexus lx470 have any safety recalls?

NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for the 2002 Lexus lx470. Whether an individual car still needs a recall repair depends on its VIN — check it on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer. Recall repairs are done at no charge.

What are the most common problems with the 2002 Lexus lx470?

Across all 10 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are exterior lighting, service brakes, electrical system.

What gas mileage does the 2002 Lexus lx470 get?

The 2002 Lexus lx470 has a U.S. EPA estimate of 13 mpg combined (12 city / 15 highway).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.