Lexus GX470 Transmission Problems: Why Does It Keep Failing?

Even though Lexus doesn't produce the GX470 anymore, it's still a popular choice for car owners. This luxury car had a successful run from 2003 to 2009 before making way for the remodeled GX460 version in the market today.

A750F transmission highlights

• Average lifespan:250,000-280,000 miles
• Reliability Score:High
• Prone to minor issues:No
• Price for repair after failure:$1,200-$1,900
• Price for replacement:$2,900-$5,000
• Availability of parts:Bad
• Common problems: Friction plates issues, fluid contamination, fluid pump issues, leaks.

Lexus GX470 Transmission Symptoms

There are numerous complaints about the Lexus GX470 with regard to the transmission. The most common transmission problems for the vehicle include:

• Lack of Response
• Low Fluid
• Whining, Humming, or Clunking
• Burning and foul Smell
• Leaking Fluid
• Gear issues
• Car Shaking
• Valve Body Problems
• Torque Converter Problems
• Gears Slipping
• Noisy Transmission when in Neutral
• Absent Gears
• No Reverse
• Check Engine Light/Trouble Codes
• Dragging Clutch
• Problems with performance
• Dark transmission fluid

Is It Safe to Drive with Transmission Problems?

Sometimes, you may have a faulty transmission on your Lexus GX470, but because you can still drive it around town, you think it's okay to postpone the visit to your auto dealer so that they can fix it. However, we both know that it's a bad idea.

The automobile transmission system consists of several parts that work in tandem to make your Lexus GX470 move. These individual parts are expensive. Therefore, when you notice any slight problems, you should fix them as soon as possible. Don't continue driving it that way, as you'll cause more damage to the transmission system.

How Often Should You Repair or Replace Your Lexus GX470 Transmission?

The lifespan of your Lexus GX470 transmission depends on your level of maintenance, and other factors include factory designs and how you drive. However, the Lexus GX470 transmission can generally stay for around 130,000 miles to 180,000 miles.

Common Transmission Problems Drivers Encountered

"When you go downhill at about 40 to 45 mph and press the brake pedal gently to maintain the speed, the transmission adjusts to 4 and sometimes 3"- one user said.

Another user complained that when driving his Lexus GX470 to the bottom of a hill and attempting to activate the top Gear, he must either lower the gas pedal halfway or release it. He must also move the shift lever manually from "D" to "4" and take it back. He said that the downshifting was somewhat unpredictable and sudden. He expressed concerns over his car losing traction inappropriately and sliding if that happens on ice or snow.

Another problem owners of the Lexus GX470 had with the transmission was vibration, clunk, and thump in the transmission.

When you hit your gas pedal with the transmission in drive mode, the expectation is that your Lexus GX470 should accelerate seamlessly. That's what is supposed to happen if your transmission is working correctly. 

However, if you observe that when you're accelerating, your gears are slipping, then that is a severe transmission issue. It would be best if you fixed it immediately when you noticed it.

Lexus GX470 Transmission Problems - How to Diagnose?

Diagnosing Lexus GX470 transmission problems isn't difficult. However, you need to have the required experience and the right tools to do that.

A decent transmission repair hub or mechanic can connect a computer to your Lexus GX470 and discover what's wrong with your transmission. They can verify the transmission issue through a visual inspection as they know what to check.

How to Replace a Bad Lexus GX470 Transmission

The transmission replacement is a really complicated process that can only be carried out in a specialized shop or at a dealer's service station. You shouldn't rely on any DIY repairs when it comes to the Lexus transmission.

Also, we should say that repairing a GX470 transmission is not cheap at all. This will cost you a fortune because getting parts is a challenge and finding someone who can do all the labor is another challenge.

The good news is that the transmission is pretty durable and can last long if maintained thoroughly.

Lexus GX470 Transmission Issues - Possible Solutions

Here are a few tips on how to solve transmission problems on your Lexus GX470:

Option 1 - Get a Second-Hand Lexus GX470 Transmission

This method is one of the quickest and easiest ways to fix Lexus GX470 transmission problems - buy and install a used one.

You can find a used transmission in most junkyards and get a 30 to 90-day warranty on them. However, one downside to this route is that you cannot guarantee the actual condition of the transmission's internal parts.

For that reason, you can spend significant money on a faulty transmission only to have repeat problems. Additionally, the warranty covers only the transmission, and it doesn't cover the costs of labor.

Option 2 - Get a Rebuilt Transmission for Your Lexus GX470 

This option is another way to fix your bad transmission. You acquire a rebuilt transmission from a local repair shop. This is a repaired transmission with a more solid warranty that comes with it.

The challenge with this approach is that the experience and skills of the transmission rebuilder differ from one auto mechanic shop to the other. Therefore, you may have issues with the new transmission if the transmission rebuilder doesn't correctly adjust it.

Using this approach provides you with a 1 to 2 years warranty which covers only some repair shops in a given location.

Option 3 - Get a Remanufactured Transmission for Your Lexus GX470 

It will be a challenge to find a remanufactured transmission, so this option is not that good for your GX470. Be careful and never buy a transmission that comes without warranty.

Option 4 - Repair

This is the less expensive option, but finding good parts and mechanics can be a challenge, too. Though, we recommend this way because in the end you will get a fully rebuilt transmission with $1,000-$2,500 of investments. This is not bad even of you compare it with buying a used transmission with short warranty.

Why does Your GX470 Transmission Keep Failing?

Of course, your Lexus transmission may just go bad because of its age and wear. But sometimes, we as drivers catalyze this process and it leads to sooner death of the transmission. To keep your GX470 running for a few more years, you should know the reasons why the transmission may keep failing.

The common reasons why this happens include:

• Transmission Fluid Is Low

Low transmission fluid is the most common cause of transmission damage, ranging from abnormal sounds to slipping. If your car has insufficient transmission fluid, you're opening yourself up to many transmission problems like slippage and overheating.

• Burnt Fluid

Besides having the right amounts of transmission fluid, the fluid has to be in good condition. You need to change it regularly, just like the engine oil. Otherwise, it'll burn, and the impurities in the transmission fluid can increase to unsafe levels.

• Leakage of Transmission Fluid

This problem can give rise to low transmission fluid levels. Transmission fluid leakage can vary from small amounts to large quantities, which can cause serious problems.

• Gear Wear

If you put some serious mileage on your Lexus GX470, you'll likely have worn-out gears. That also applies even if you've regularly taken care of your transmission.

Car manufacturers design gears to tolerate certain mileage limits. If you don't change them after that limit, they may get worn out and won't function properly, leading to slippage problems.

• Broken Transmission Bands

Transmission bands function to link all the components of the transmission system together. Over the years, they get worn out, mainly when you don't regularly service the transmission or drive around with low transmission fluids. Therefore, when the bands wear out, they'll break, and your car's transmission will slip.

• Bad Torque Converter

This part of your car converts energy into a form that your vehicle's transmission can utilize. They need the transmission fluid to function correctly. As a result, low transmission fluid levels will cause damage to the torque converter. When the torque converter is bad, transmission slippage will occur.

Conclusion

The Lexus GX470 had several problems, but the transmission problem stood out amongst car owners. If you own one, you need to keep your eye out for the tell-tale signs that a faulty transmission gives, so you don't put yourself and your family in harm's way. Once you spot any of the above symptoms, report to an auto mechanic. That way, the mechanic will resolve the problem as soon as possible.