Must read: Recalls and tax implications for 2003 Lexus GX470

If you were beginning to think that only Mercedes, BMW and Porsche cars got recalled, think again.

The 2003 Lexus GX470 has alreadty had three recalls since its November 2002 introduction.

Here are the three items:

1. Possible air suspension pin problem

2. Middle seats latching problem

3. Improper GVWR rating sticker (Text from recall letter below)

CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF PART 567, “CERTIFICATION.” THE INCORRECT GROSS VEHICLE WEIGHT RATING (GVWR) DATA WAS PRINTED ON THE CERTIFICATION REGULATION LABEL. THE GVWR IS INCORRECTLY REFLECTED ON THE LABEL AS 6,100 LBS. THE CORRECT GVWR SHOULD BE 6,000 LBS.
Consequence:

THE CERTIFICATION LABEL DOES NOT MEET THE INFORMATION REQUIREMENTS AS DESCRIBED IN THE REGULATIONS.
Remedy:

AS EACH LABEL IS VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER SPECIFIC, OWNERS WILL BE REQUESTED TO CONTACT THEIR LOCAL LEXUS DEALER FIRST TO PLACE AN ORDER FOR THE CORRECTED LABEL. ONCE THE LABEL HAS ARRIVED AT THE DEALERSHIP, THE OWNER WILL BE CONTACTED FOR LABEL REPLACEMENT. OWNER NOTIFICATION IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING APRIL 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT LEXUS AT 1-800-255-3987.
Notes:

CUSTOMERS CAN ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION’S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).

The third item has the most implications for most people because the GX470 no longer qualifies for the section 179 tax deduction.

Here's what Lexus is doing to compensate customers:

1. Lexus will reimburse additional state and local vehicle registration and title fees. They will also help you retitle the SUV.

2. They will give you a $1000 Visa Debit Card for Lexus services.

This is only good for GX 470s purchased after 12/31/2003.

AMAZING!