VehicleVerdict

2004 Lexus Es 330 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 2004 Lexus Es 330 sits mid-pack among Es 330 years: 188 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 188, with a single recall and one closed investigation. Complainants reported 26 injuries in total across these filings.

Transmission leads the complaint categories with 62 reports (33% of the total).

188

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

1

Investigations

38

Crash-involved

5

Fires reported

26

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

What are the most common 2004 Lexus Es 330 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Transmission6233%
Speed Control4926%
Brakes169%
Airbags147%
Engine105%
Electrical System84%
Other53%
Visibility & Wipers42%
Seat Belts42%
Body & Structure32%
Fuel System32%
Lighting32%
Suspension21%
Steering21%
Seats21%
Tires & Wheels11%

Does the 2004 Lexus Es 330 have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

04V595000Seat BeltsDecember 15, 2004 · 150,061 units

Defect

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A FRONT PASSENGER POWER SEAT, WHEN INSTALLING CERTAIN REAR-FACING INFANT CHILD SEAT BASES ONTO THE SEAT WITH AN EXCESSIVELY HIGH SEATBELT TENSION, IT MAY BE POSSIBLE TO UNSEAT A COMPONENT CALLED THE BUCKLE STATUS SWITCH FROM THE SEAT BELT BUCKLE.

Consequence

IF THE SWITCH BECOMES UNSEATED, THE FRONT PASSENGER OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM MAY MISTAKE THE REAR-FACING CHILD RESTRAINT FOR AN UNBELTED ADULT OCCUPANT, AND MAY NOT SUPPRESS THE DEPLOYMENT OF THE FRONT PASSENGER AIRBAG.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FRONT PASSENGER SEATBELT BUCKLE STATUS SWITCH. THIS SAFETY IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN (SSC 40M) BEGAN ON DECEMBER 20, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331 OR LEXUS AT 1-800-255-3987..

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“I WAS IN A GROCERY STORE PARKING LOT WHEN I STARTED MY CAR AND AS I PUT IT IN GEAR THE CAR SPED OUT OF CONTROL. I WAS LUCKY TO HAVE AVOIDED THE OTHER CARS IN THE LOT BECAUSE THE BRAKES DID NOTHING BUT SQUEAL. UPON HITTING A CURB ON THE FAR END OF THE PARKING LOT, THE CAR SPUN AROUND AND CAME TO A…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · June 25, 2006 · crash

“DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE EXITING THE DRIVE WAY THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED WITHOUT WARNING. THERE WAS A CRASH WITH AN ONCOMING VEHICLE BEFORE IT STALLED IN THE YARD ACROSS THE STREET. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND THERE WAS PROPERTY DAMAGE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · June 3, 2006 · crash

“WHEN I TRIED TO STOP AND TURNED RIGHT ON A SIDE STREET THE CAR'S BRAKE DIDN'T WORK AND THE CAR EVEN ACCELERATED ITSELF. IT DIDN'T STOP EVEN I PRESSED THE BRAKE UNTIL IT HIT A STREET SIGN AND KNOCKED THE TREE DOWN ON THE SIDEWALK. THE AIR BAG DIDN'T COME OUT AFTER THE CRASH NEITHER. THE CAR WAS A…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · March 5, 2010 · crash

“WHEN I TRIED TO STOP AND TURNED RIGHT ON A SIDE STREET THE CAR'S BRAKE DIDN'T WORK AND THE CAR EVEN ACCELERATED ITSELF. IT DIDN'T STOP EVEN I PRESSED THE BRAKE UNTIL IT HIT A STREET SIGN AND KNOCKED THE TREE DOWN ON THE SIDEWALK. THE AIR BAG DIDN'T COME OUT AFTER THE CRASH NEITHER. THE CAR WAS A…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · March 5, 2010 · crash

“THE JENCI'S CONTEND THAT MRS. JENCI PUT THE VEHICLE IN REVERSE, IT THEN SURGED, MADE A LOUD SOUND AND LUNGED FORWARD OUT OF CONTROL. *NM”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · October 24, 2005 · crash

2004 Lexus Es 330 — common questions

Is the 2004 Lexus Es 330 reliable?

It is close to typical for the Es 330: 188 NHTSA complaints, 1 recall, and 1 investigation on file.

What are the most common 2004 Es 330 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are transmission (62 complaints), speed control (49 complaints), brakes (16 complaints).

Does the 2004 Lexus Es 330 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2004 Lexus Es 330. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2004 Lexus Es 330 under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.