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Campaign 10V346 Posted July 29, 2010 39,159 units

2003-2007 Lexus LX470 Recall 10V346: Steering Shaft

Recall 10V346 affects 39,159 2003-2007 Lexus LX470 SUVs for a steering-shaft snap ring defect. Repair is free at any franchised Lexus dealer.

Lexus is recalling 39,159 2003-2007 LX470 SUVs because a snap ring in the steering shaft can disengage after an unusually severe impact to the front wheels. If the shaft disconnects after repeated turns to the locked position, the driver can lose steering control, and the dealer repair will be free once available.

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What's wrong?

The steering shaft in the 2003-2007 Lexus LX470 is the metal link that carries your steering-wheel input down toward the steering gear. When you turn the wheel, the shaft helps pass that motion to the steering system so the front wheels respond.

On affected LX470 vehicles, the shaft uses a snap ring, a small retaining ring that holds the shaft assembly in place. After an unusually severe impact to the front wheels, that snap ring can disengage. If the steering wheel is then turned repeatedly all the way to the locked position, the shaft can work loose over time and become disconnected.

The recall record does not identify a sound, warning light, or steering feel change that alerts the owner first. There is no warning sign before failure.

Who's affected?

Each listed model year points to the same steering gear component.

2004 Lexus LX470 steering gear
2005 Lexus LX470 steering gear
2003 Lexus LX470 steering gear
2007 Lexus LX470 steering gear
2006 Lexus LX470 steering gear
Units affected39,159

A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific SUV is included.

What's the safety risk?

A steering shaft separation can cause loss of steering control and increase the risk of a crash. Do not ignore the recall after your VIN is confirmed, since the defect affects steering control. Repair will be free at any franchised Lexus dealer once available.

What should I do?

  1. Check your VIN to confirm your 2003-2007 Lexus LX470 is included in this recall.
  2. Check for the Lexus owner letter mailed on August 23, 2010, and keep it with your service records.
  3. Contact a franchised Lexus dealer with recall number 10V346 to ask whether the free steering-shaft snap-ring repair is ready for your VIN.
  4. Schedule the snap-ring replacement and added steering-shaft component that prevents the steering shaft from separating after severe front-wheel impact.
  5. Drive carefully until the repair is complete, and avoid repeated full-lock steering turns after a hard front-wheel impact.

What happens at the repair

At the dealer, a Lexus technician replaces the steering shaft snap ring with a redesigned snap ring and installs an additional part that keeps the steering shaft from separating. The dealer repair is free under the recall once available. This work is meant to secure the shaft after the snap ring has disengaged from a severe front wheel impact and repeated steering to the locked position. Contact a Lexus dealer with your VIN so the service desk can confirm the open repair.

Timeline

July 29, 2010 NHTSA published the recall
August 23, 2010 Owner notification mailed

Frequently asked questions

What is recall 10V346?

Recall 10V346 covers 39,159 2003-2007 Lexus LX470 vehicles with a steering shaft snap ring that can disengage after an unusually severe front-wheel impact. If the shaft separates after repeated steering-wheel lock turns, the vehicle can lose steering control. Lexus dealers replace the snap ring and add a separation-prevention component for free.

What should I do if my 2003-2007 Lexus LX470 is on this recall?

Check your VIN to confirm your specific LX470 is included in recall 10V346. If it is, contact a franchised Lexus dealer to schedule the steering shaft repair. Reference recall number 10V346 when you call, or contact Lexus at 1-800-255-3987.

Is the recall repair free?

Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost, and the Lexus remedy states this service is free. A franchised Lexus dealer will replace the snap ring and install the added steering shaft separation-prevention component.

What is the safety risk?

The safety risk is loss of steering control, which increases crash risk. The defect involves the steering shaft snap ring. After a severe front-wheel impact and repeated steering-wheel lock turns, the steering shaft can disconnect. The dealer repair addresses that separation risk for free.

When did Lexus start the recall repair?

Lexus began the safety recall repair on August 23, 2010. If your 2003-2007 Lexus LX470 is included and has not had the repair completed, a franchised Lexus dealer can perform the free steering shaft repair now.

More information

NHTSA campaign pagenhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/10V346000
Lexus customer service1-800-255-3987
NHTSA recall #10V346
NHTSA recall # (full)10V346000

Source documents

This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on June 3, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →