2004 Lexus IS 300
Only 19 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
Only 19 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
- Complaints
- 19
- Recalls
- 0
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
None on file
None on file
Not enough data
Complaints per year
2004: 19 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2001 | 27 |
| 2002 | 28 |
| 2003 | 21 |
| 2004 | 19 |
| 2005 | 4 |
| 2006 | 1 |
| 2016 | 3 |
| 2017 | 2 |
| 2018 | 6 |
| 2019 | 7 |
| 2020 | 2 |
| 2021 | 1 |
| 2022 | 1 |
Known problem areas
Only 19 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Vehicle speed control
4 of 19 total reports mention: vehicle speed control, most commonly citing accelerator pedal.
Show complaint excerpts
Tl*the contact leased a 2004 Lexus IS300. The contact stated that while driving 5 MPH, the vehicle unintentionally accelerated, drove over a curb, and crashed into the steps on a railing of a building.
NHTSA ODI report, 2010-04-19
Structure
4 of 19 total reports mention: structure, most commonly citing body.
Show complaint excerpts
The dash board is melting since 2007, Lexus did not do any more than change passenger air bag cover that after a wile starter melting again, they blame at sun exposure, the car is always in the garage and is used very little today the mileage is...
NHTSA ODI report, 2014-08-02
My 2004 Lexus IS 300 has a melting dashboard. The dashboard has become sticky to the touch and leaves marks when you touch it.
NHTSA ODI report, 2014-06-23
Air bags
3 of 19 total reports mention: air bags, most commonly citing frontal.
Show complaint excerpts
On July 18, 2008, I was driving my Lexus IS-300. My wife and I exited the highway and stopped at a stop light on the off ramp.
NHTSA ODI report, 2008-07-20
Tires
2 of 19 total reports mention: tires.
Show complaint excerpts
While driving in inclement weather the vehicle rear traction malfunctioned which resulted in frequent spinouts and a subsequent collision with another vehicle.
NHTSA ODI report, 2005-02-22
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 Lexus is-300 equipped with nexen n-5000 tires (N.a), line size 215/45/17. The contact stated that he noticed large circular cracks on the sidewall of three of the four tires.
NHTSA ODI report, 2013-06-24
Engine
2 of 19 total reports mention: engine.
Show complaint excerpts
Engine quit on highway at 65 MPH coasted of shoulder of road. Wrecker dropped at dealer. They mis diagnosed a bad coil. Approximately 6 hours later the car quit in same way again.
NHTSA ODI report, 2018-05-22
Safety timeline
No recalls on file for this model year.
0 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
Buy-smart checklist
2004 Lexus IS 300 — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Vehicle speed control: 4 reports on file for this year.
- Structure: 4 reports on file for this year.
- Air bags: 3 reports on file for this year.
FAQ
- Is the 2004 Lexus IS 300 reliable?
- There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
- What are the most common problems with the 2004 Lexus IS 300?
- The most-reported component is vehicle speed control, accounting for 21% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2004 Lexus IS 300 have?
- No recalls are on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.