VehicleVerdict

2004 Lexus IS problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 12 complaints on file for the 2004 Lexus IS — 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.

12

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

1

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

2

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2004 compare to other IS years?

IS NHTSA complaints by model year, 2004 highlighted185 complaints1998: 0 complaints1999: 1 complaints2000: 0 complaints2001: 1 complaints2002: 17 complaints2003: 18 complaints2004: 12 complaints2005: 13 complaints2006: 185 complaints2007: 171 complaints2008: 143 complaints2009: 55 complaints2010: 51 complaints2011: 22 complaints2012: 26 complaints2013: 12 complaints2014: 15 complaints2015: 14 complaints2016: 2 complaints2017: 14 complaints2018: 3 complaints2019: 3 complaints2020: 7 complaints2021: 2 complaints2022: 6 complaints2023: 3 complaints2024: 1 complaints2025: 1 complaints
IS NHTSA complaints by model year, 2004 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all IS years to avoid →

What are the most common 2004 Lexus IS problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Other542%
Airbags325%
Body & Structure325%
Tires & Wheels18%

Does the 2004 Lexus IS have recalls?

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

09E012000LightingApril 7, 2009 · 16,270 units

Defect

SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.

Consequence

DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy

SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“I HAVE A 2004 LEXUS IS300 AND HAVE THE SAME DASH MELTING ISSUE THAT OTHER PEOPLE IS HAVING. STARTING FROM 2007 THE DASH STARTED TO MELT AND TOOK TO DEAL BACK THEN AND THEY REFUSE TO DO ANYTHING. RECENTLY GOT A LETTER FOR WARRANTY ENHANCEMENT NOTICE FOR MY OTHER 2007 LEXUS ES350 WITH SAME ISSUE OF…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · July 2, 2007

“MY 2004 IS300 WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT AT APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH AND NO AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THE OTHER VEHICLE (SATURN) HIT MY CAR ON THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE, DAMAGING THE SUSPENSION, FENDER, BUMPER, AND SURROUNDING PARTS. AFTER IMPACT MY CAR WENT UP THE CURB, OVER SOME LARGE ROCKS AND RESTED ON AN…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · June 17, 2013 · crash

“DASHBOARD HAS BEEN DETERIORATING FOR SEVERAL YEARS. CONTACTED DEALER AND LEXUS HEADQUARTERS AND WAS TOLD THEY DID NOT HAVE TO DO ANYTHING AS CAR WAS NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY. I EXPECT BETTER FROM A SO-CALLED LUXURY VEHICLE. MY DAUGHTER'S 1998 ACURA'S DASHBOARD IS STILL PRISTINE. NOT ONLY DOES THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · August 21, 2014

“THERE IS A DANGEROUS POTHOLE EASTBOUND ON LIE NEAR FRESH MEADOWS EXIT. DUE TO HEAVY TRAFFIC, THE POTHOLE WAS UNAVOIDABLE AS WE WERE LESS THAN 20 FEET BETWEEN THE CAR AHEAD OF US. THE POTHOLE WAS ON THE MIDDLE LANE. IT RESULTED IN A FLAT, A TOW, AND A BRAND NEW TIRE REPLACEMENT.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · May 12, 2012

2004 Lexus IS — common questions

Is the 2004 Lexus IS reliable?

The record is thin — 12 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 IS problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are other (5 complaints), body & structure (3 complaints), airbags (3 complaints).

Does the 2004 Lexus IS have recalls?

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

Which Lexus IS years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the IS years to avoid are 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010. The cleanest record among IS years belongs to 2000.

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.