MYRModel Year Report

2004 Lexus RX

● Typical for this model
2004 Lexus RX
RENDERED 2026-11-01T16:54:24.376Z

This year's complaint volume is within 30% of this model's typical year.

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.

How is this computed?

Complaints
40
Recalls
1

Campaigns on file for 2004

Investigations
1

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
Structure

30% of complaints

Complaints per year

1999: 35 complaints 1999 2000: 29 complaints 2001: 19 complaints 2002: 12 complaints 2003: 4 complaints 2004: 40 complaints 2004 40 2005: 27 complaints 2006: 32 complaints 2007: 58 complaints 2008: 70 complaints 2009: 34 complaints 2010: 77 complaints 2011: 29 complaints 2011 2012: 12 complaints 2013: 18 complaints 2014: 12 complaints 2015: 20 complaints 2015 2016: 28 complaints 2017: 47 complaints 2018: 26 complaints 2019: 34 complaints 2019 2020: 48 complaints 2021: 70 complaints 2022: 29 complaints 2023: 60 complaints 2023 2024: 60 complaints 2025: 23 complaints 2026: 10 complaints
1999: 35 complaints 1999 2000: 29 complaints 2001: 19 complaints 2001 2002: 12 complaints 2003: 4 complaints 2004: 40 complaints 2004 40 2005: 27 complaints 2006: 32 complaints 2007: 58 complaints 2007 2008: 70 complaints 2009: 34 complaints 2009 2010: 77 complaints 2011: 29 complaints 2011 2012: 12 complaints 2013: 18 complaints 2013 2014: 12 complaints 2015: 20 complaints 2015 2016: 28 complaints 2017: 47 complaints 2017 2018: 26 complaints 2019: 34 complaints 2019 2020: 48 complaints 2021: 70 complaints 2021 2022: 29 complaints 2023: 60 complaints 2023 2024: 60 complaints 2025: 23 complaints 2025 2026: 10 complaints
1999: 35 complaints 1999 2000: 29 complaints 2001: 19 complaints 2001 2002: 12 complaints 2003: 4 complaints 2004: 40 complaints 2004 40 2005: 27 complaints 2006: 32 complaints 2007: 58 complaints 2007 2008: 70 complaints 2009: 34 complaints 2009 2010: 77 complaints 2011: 29 complaints 2011 2012: 12 complaints 2013: 18 complaints 2013 2014: 12 complaints 2015: 20 complaints 2015 2016: 28 complaints 2017: 47 complaints 2017 2018: 26 complaints 2019: 34 complaints 2019 2020: 48 complaints 2021: 70 complaints 2021 2022: 29 complaints 2023: 60 complaints 2023 2024: 60 complaints 2025: 23 complaints 2025 2026: 10 complaints

2004: 40 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
199935
200029
200119
200212
20034
200440
200527
200632
200758
200870
200934
201077
201129
201212
201318
201412
201520
201628
201747
201826
201934
202048
202170
202229
202360
202460
202523
202610

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Structure

30% · 12 reports

Most commonly citing body.

Show complaint excerpts

After purchasing used vehicle noticed small cracks in dash appear above the glove compartment. Was brought into dealership for inspection and told could not be repaired.

NHTSA ODI report, 2013-06-02

Air bags

15% · 6 reports

Power train

15% · 6 reports

Most commonly citing automatic transmission and control module (tcm/pcm/tecm).

Show complaint excerpts

I leased a 2004 RX330 in January, 04. Immediately I began having difficulty predicting what the transmission was going to do next. Shift points all over the place. The "Upgrade" Was performed, provided temporary adjustment. Merging is deadly.

NHTSA ODI report, 2006-10-04

I'm encountering the same transmission hesitation , jumping and revving when shifting in the lower gears as many others have reported. I have had the software update without effect.

NHTSA ODI report, 2006-08-02

Exterior lighting

10% · 4 reports
Show complaint excerpts

Power steering very stiff and difficult to steer vsc light on and air bags light goes on and off and unknown cause.

NHTSA ODI report, 2023-12-18

Also filed under Steering and vehicle speed control

My left headlight went out while driving and I found water and condensation in headlight assembly compartment. Entire compartment needs to be replaced at cost of $1650.00.

NHTSA ODI report, 2012-11-17

Dt*: the contact stated that the exterior headlights would not illuminate far enough while driving in the evening at a speed of 70 MPH.

NHTSA ODI report, 2006-07-14

Service brakes

8% · 3 reports

Most commonly citing hydraulic.

CRASHINJURY
Show complaint excerpts

Daughter was driving, conditions were dry, sunny fall weather.

NHTSA ODI report, 2020-10-05

Safety timeline

1 recall · 1 investigation · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. I
    2010-02-16Recall queryClosed 2011-03-01 Unintended and Uncontrolled Acceleration
  2. R
    2010-11-15Service brakes, hydraulic10V499000 Toyota is recalling certain model year 2005-2006 avalon, model year 2004-2006 highlander, model year 2004-2006 Lexus RX, and model year 2006 Lexus gs and is vehicles. Brake fluid containing…

    Remedy: Dealers will replace the seal with a newly designed one. This service will be performed free of charge. The safety recall began on November 15, 2010. Owners may contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331…

    Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

2004 Lexus RX — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Structure: 12 reports on file for this year.
  • Air bags: 6 reports on file for this year.
  • Power train: 6 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 10V499000 · Service brakes, hydraulic
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 2004 Lexus RX reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2004 Lexus RX is rated "typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2004 Lexus RX?
The most-reported component is structure, accounting for 30% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2004 Lexus RX have?
1 recall on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.