2004 Lexus RX
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.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1999 | 35 |
| 2000 | 29 |
| 2001 | 19 |
| 2002 | 12 |
| 2003 | 4 |
| 2004 | 40 |
| 2005 | 27 |
| 2006 | 31 |
| 2007 | 58 |
| 2008 | 69 |
| 2009 | 34 |
| 2010 | 75 |
| 2011 | 29 |
| 2012 | 11 |
| 2013 | 18 |
| 2014 | 11 |
| 2015 | 20 |
| 2016 | 27 |
| 2017 | 45 |
| 2018 | 24 |
| 2019 | 33 |
| 2020 | 44 |
| 2021 | 69 |
| 2022 | 26 |
| 2023 | 53 |
| 2024 | 52 |
| 2025 | 17 |
| 2026 | 1 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
25% of complaints: structure — 10 distinct reports on file.
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, 20130602
15% of complaints: air bags — 6 distinct reports on file.
10% of complaints: power train — 4 distinct reports on file.
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, 20061004
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, 20060802
10% of complaints: exterior lighting — 4 distinct reports on file.
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, 20231218
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, 20121117
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, 20060714
5% of complaints: wheels — 2 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
WHILE DRIVING ON A CITY STREET, THE CABLE HOLDING THE SPARE TIRE (SPARE TIRE CARRIER PART #51900-0E012) UNDER THE CAR, BROKE AND SPARE TIRE AND ACCESSORIES FOR IT FELL INTO STREET INTO TRAFFIC CREATING A HAZZARD
NHTSA ODI report, 20190628
SAFETY TIMELINE
Unintended and Uncontrolled Acceleration
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 POLYMERS
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 AND
Campaign 10V499000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2004 Lexus RX — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for structure issues (10 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (6 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (4 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 10V499000 (service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST 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 25% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2004 Lexus RX have?
1 recall on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.