VehicleVerdict

2004 Lexus Es330 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 26 complaints on file for the 2004 Lexus Es330 — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but one recall campaign applies to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

26

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

9

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

6

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2004 compare to other Es330 years?

Es330 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2004 highlighted176 complaints2004: 26 complaints2005: 176 complaints2006: 79 complaints2010: 1 complaints
Es330 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2004 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Es330 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2004 Lexus Es330 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Airbags1246%
Speed Control415%
Electrical System28%
Engine28%
Steering14%
Body & Structure14%
Suspension14%
Brakes14%
Fuel System14%
Other14%

Does the 2004 Lexus Es330 have recalls?

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

11V539000EngineNovember 9, 2011 · 420,326 units

Defect

TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2004 AVALON VEHICLES; 2004 AND 2005 CAMRY, CAMRY SOLARA, HIGHLANDER, AND SIENNA VEHICLES, 2006 HIGHLANDER HYBRID; 2004 AND 2005 LEXUS ES330 AND RX330; AND 2006 LEXUS RX400H VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM JUNE 1, 2004 THROUGH MARCH 31, 2005, EQUIPPED WITH THE 1MZ-FE OR 3MZ-FE ENGINE. THE AMOUNT OF ADHESIVE AGENT APPLIED BETWEEN THE OUTER RING AND THE TORSIONAL RUBBER DAMPER (INNER RING) IN THE CRANKSHAFT PULLEY MAY BE INADEQUATE. IF THE ADHESIVE IS INSUFFICIENT, THERE IS A POSSIBILITY THAT THE OUTER RING MAY BECOME MISALIGNED AND IT MAY NOT PROPERLY ROTATE WITH THE INNER RING, CAUSING NOISE AND/OR ILLUMINATION OF THE BATTERY DISCHARGE INDICATOR LIGHT.

Consequence

IN SOME CASES, THE BELT FOR THE POWER STEERING PUMP MAY BECOME DETACHED FROM THE PULLEY WHICH COULD RESULT IN A LOSS OF POWER STEERING AND A SUDDEN INCREASE IN STEERING EFFORT, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy

TOYOTA WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL CHECK THE CRANKSHAFT PULLEY TO IDENTIFY WHETHER IT WAS PRODUCED BY THE U.S. SUPPLIER. IF SO, THE DEALER WILL REPLACE THE PULLEY WITH A NEW ONE AT NO CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING EARLY JANUARY 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“I WAS IN 3 ACCIDENTS AND MY AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOYED. 1 ACCIDENT I WAS HIT IN THE BACK, I WAS NOT MOVING WHEN THE CAR HIT ME FROM BEHIND (ON THE FWY), HE MUST OF BEEN DRIVING AT A SPEED OF 45 MPH. I T-BONED A CAR GOING AT A SPEED OF APPROX. 35 MPH.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · August 11, 2017 · crash

“I WAS PARKING MY CAR IN THE PARKING LOT OF A GARAGE WHEN MY CAR LEXUS 330 SUDDENLY PICKED UP HIGH SPEED (FULL THROTTLE) UNINTENTIONALLY. THE VEHICLE WENT FORWARD AND FELL APPROXIMATELY ABOUT 5 FEET TO THE OTHER PARKING LEVEL AND VIOLENTLY HIT THE BACK OF A PICKUP TRUCK WHICH WAS PARKED. I HAD MY…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · March 10, 2014 · crash

“I WAS PARKING MY CAR IN THE PARKING LOT OF A GARAGE WHEN MY CAR LEXUS 330 SUDDENLY PICKED UP HIGH SPEED (FULL THROTTLE) UNINTENTIONALLY. THE VEHICLE WENT FORWARD AND FELL APPROXIMATELY ABOUT 5 FEET TO THE OTHER PARKING LEVEL AND VIOLENTLY HIT THE BACK OF A PICKUP TRUCK WHICH WAS PARKED. I HAD MY…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · March 10, 2014 · crash

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 LEXUS ES330. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED, AND THE CRUISE CONTROL, FUEL GAUGE, AND HORN FAILED TO FUNCTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ENTIRE ELECTRICAL HOUSING SYSTEM OF THE FRONT PASSENGER…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · April 14, 2016

“I CONTINUALLY HAVE TO REPLACE THE DISC BRAKES ON THIS VEHICLE. THE PADS DON'T WEAR DOWN VERY MUCH, BUT THE BRAKE PEDAL GETS LOW AND SPONGY. THIS IS AFTER NORMAL DRIVING. *TR”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · May 15, 2009

2004 Lexus Es330 — common questions

Is the 2004 Lexus Es330 reliable?

The record is thin — 26 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.

What are the most common 2004 Es330 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are airbags (12 complaints), speed control (4 complaints), electrical system (2 complaints).

Does the 2004 Lexus Es330 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2004 Lexus Es330. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Lexus Es330 years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Es330 years to avoid are 2005, 2006. The cleanest record among Es330 years belongs to 2010.

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.