Frame Rust Problems of Lexus GX470

Vehicle failed inspection due to rust hole in frame and transmission support. The mechanic said that the rest of the frame is in good condition which leads me to believe that it must be a defect with materials used for the frame, I would expect same type of damage to the rest of the frame. The car was well maintained, and it is in great condition otherwise, after close to 103,000 miles. This may be related to the Toyota frame rust issues that were reported since, to my knowledge the GX shares the same frame as other Toyota suvs/trucks. Lexus refused to help w/ the repair etc. And they deemed the vehicle unsafe to drive, I have to tow it out of their dealership. Attached, my shop review, Lexus review and pictures from my mechanic. I am asking Lexus for the pictures they took while the car was in shop.

See all problems of the 2004 Lexus GX470 🔎.

We took it to a dealership service center to have brakes and rotors replaced. It was reported to us by the shop that when they raised the truck, it made noises and they felt it was unsafe to continue. They reported to us that the frame was rusted or rotted, especially near the right rearend, and that it was unsafe to drive, that the wherl or the back end could collapse. Last night, I did extensive research online and it appears this is a long-standing issue with Toyota frames on their trucks, with manufacturing defects in steel production and subsequent chemical treatment errors before truck assembly. Evidently there have been massive recalls of tacoma trucks which have the same frames made by a company in ohio called dana. We are waiting to hear back from Toyota today who assigned us a case manager yesterday while we were at the dealership repair shop. Many of these trucks needed a frame swap. The extent of the frame rust and rot is unbelievable for the age of the vehicle.

See all problems of the 2003 Lexus GX470 🔎.

Entire frame of the car is rusted to the point that almost nothing is holding the car together and we've been told it's not safe to drive. Has been maintained on regular basis and has always been parked in garage at night and on most weekdays. Car shouldn't be rusted out when cared for meticulously (documentation available).