Common problems · 2008–21
Lexus LX 570 problems: 8 things to check
The problems owners and specialists flag most on the Lexus LX 570, the repairs they end up doing and what those cost, plus the years and recalls to watch. Sourced, not scraped.
Lexus LX 570 problems to check before you buy
- AHC leaks and behaviorCycle the truck through Low, Normal and High and make sure it levels evenly. The IH8MUD AHC sticky includes a Toyota diagram of leak-prone junctions. Fluid at those points means you're about to learn a lot about hydraulics. A healthy system also lifts an extra inch or so in some low-range recovery situations, one owner reports.
- Radiator (2008–2010)Owners of early trucks report cracks in the top plastic tank, next to the molded platform. Look for a wet line or dried pink coolant along the top. Later radiators carry a different part number.
- Water pumpForum members say 2008 trucks had water-pump problems that have since been fixed. Look for pink crust at the pump weep hole and ask whether it's been replaced. One high-mileage owner paid about $700.
- Valley coolant leakPink coolant dripping from the top of the transmission hump at the back of the engine usually means the valley leak: the heat-exchanger cover and union pipe under the intake. It's not hard to fix, but it takes a lot of labor.
- Driveshaft clunkA 'thunk' when taking off or stopping often points to dry slip yokes and U-joints. Ask when the driveshafts were last greased. One owner paid about $780 for a propeller-shaft assembly to cure it.
- StarterSeveral owners have had the starter solenoid fail with no warning and leave them stranded. On a high-mileage truck, proactive replacement is common.
- Records by VINThe IH8MUD FAQ points out that the Toyota and Lexus owner sites show dealer service history once you enter the VIN, which is a good check before buying.
- HVAC recirculation doorIH8MUD members warn that the recirculation door hinge can be broken by a careless cabin-filter change. Check that the recirc control actually changes the airflow.
The repairs Lexus LX 570 owners end up doing
| REPAIR | SYMPTOMS | DIFFICULTY | TIME | COST |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Radiator replacement (cracked top tank) | A wet line or pink crust along the top plastic tank next to the molded platform, slow coolant loss and a sweet smell after a drive. It's most often reported on 2008–2010 trucks. | 3 / 5 | Parts plus labor. The FSM procedure is posted on IH8MUD. | Parts plus labor. Some owners have had Toyota cover it out of warranty. |
| Water pump replacement | Pink crust or drips around the water pump weep hole at the front of the engine. It's commonly reported on 2008 trucks. | 3 / 5 | Most of a day | About $700 at a shop (owner report) |
| Valley coolant leak (heat-exchanger cover) | Pink coolant dripping from the top of the transmission hump at the back of the engine, with the water pump area dry. | 4 / 5 | A long weekend | FIPG sealant and two union-pipe O-rings, plus a lot of labor if a shop does it |
| Driveshaft service (grease and re-index) | A clunk or 'thunk' when pulling away or stopping, driveline vibration and dry slip yokes. | 2 / 5 | An afternoon | A tube of MP grease |
| Starter replacement | A sudden no-crank, usually with no warning. The failure is typically in the solenoid, the high-current relay built onto the back of the starter. | 3 / 5 | Parts plus labor | Parts plus labor (the replacement starter is noticeably smaller than the original) |
| Spark plugs | Service interval due (one high-mileage owner did his at 120k miles), misfires or rough idle. | 3 / 5 | An afternoon | 8 plugs plus any intake hardware |
| AHC leak inspection | Wet hydraulic fluid at line junctions or actuators, uneven leveling, a sagging corner or a harsh ride. | 2 / 5 | ≈ 1 hour to inspect | Inspection is free. Leaking actuators, accumulators or lines are parts plus labor. |
Each repair links to a step-by-step guide with tools, part numbers and where to buy the parts.
Years with known problems
| YEARS | FLAG | WHAT TO KNOW |
|---|---|---|
| 2008–2010 | Beware | Most of the radiator-crack reports come from these years (the radiator part number changed after 2010), and owners say 2008s had water-pump issues. |
Lexus LX 570 recalls and service bulletins
- Seat-belt tension sensor harness ↗ 2008–2019 · NHTSA 18V-887The harness can break and switch off the front passenger, knee and seat-mounted side airbags. Dealers modify or replace the belt assembly.
- Incorrect airbag fitted ↗ 2008–2013 · NHTSA 17V-548Some trucks may have the wrong driver or passenger airbag. Dealers replace the affected assemblies.
- Accelerator pedal entrapment by floor mat ↗ 2008–2011 · NHTSA 11V-113The pedal can stick wide open if trapped by an unsecured or incompatible mat. Dealers modify or replace the pedal and the mats.
- Low-pressure fuel pump ↗ 2014–2015 · NHTSA 20V-012The fuel pump may fail and stall the engine. Dealers replace it.
- Low-pressure fuel pump (expansion) ↗ 2018–2019 · NHTSA 20V-682Same pump failure on later trucks. Dealers fit an improved assembly.
Check any VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls ↗, or see the recall tracker.
Take the printable Lexus LX 570 inspection checklist: every check on this page plus the model-specific ones, on one sheet. Get the checklist →
Sourced from owners, specialists and factory documents; full sources are on the Lexus LX 570 guide. Verify torque figures and procedures against the factory service manual (disclaimer).