VehicleVerdict

2004 Lexus RX problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Worth extra scrutiny

The 2004 Lexus RX sits mid-pack among RX years: 56 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 39, with a single recall and one closed investigation.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across body & structure (12), other (9), and airbags (6), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

56

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

1

Investigations

1

Crash-involved

1

Fires reported

1

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2004 compare to other RX years?

RX NHTSA complaints by model year, 2004 highlighted106 complaints1999: 41 complaints2000: 30 complaints2001: 25 complaints2002: 13 complaints2003: 4 complaints2004: 56 complaints2005: 39 complaints2006: 52 complaints2007: 79 complaints2008: 86 complaints2009: 42 complaints2010: 106 complaints2011: 36 complaints2012: 18 complaints2013: 24 complaints2014: 13 complaints2015: 27 complaints2016: 32 complaints2017: 58 complaints2018: 33 complaints2019: 62 complaints2020: 56 complaints2021: 87 complaints2022: 39 complaints2023: 70 complaints2024: 73 complaints2025: 27 complaints2026: 1 complaints
RX NHTSA complaints by model year, 2004 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all RX years to avoid →

What are the most common 2004 Lexus RX problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Body & Structure1221%
Other916%
Airbags611%
Transmission611%
Lighting47%
Engine35%
Brakes35%
Seats24%
Fuel System24%
Speed Control24%
Tires & Wheels24%
Electrical System12%
Suspension12%
Visibility & Wipers12%
Child Seat12%
Steering12%

Does the 2004 Lexus RX have recalls?

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

10V499000BrakesOctober 21, 2010 · 728,544 units

Defect

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 IS USED THAT ACTS AS LUBRICANTS FOR CERTAIN BRAKE SYSTEM COMPONENTS. IF REPLACEMENT BRAKE FLUID IS USED THAT DOES NOT CONTAIN SUCH POLYMERS, OR THAT CONTAINS ONLY SMALL AMOUNTS, A PART OF THE RUBBER SEAL LOCATED AT THE REAR OF THE BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER MAY BECOME DRY, AND THE SEAL MAY CURL DURING MOVEMENT OF THE PISTON. IF THIS OCCURS, A SMALL AMOUNT OF BRAKE FLUID COULD SLOWLY LEAK FROM THE SEAL INTO THE BRAKE BOOSTER.

Consequence

A LEAK OF BRAKE FLUID COULD LEAD TO A CHANGE IN BRAKE PEDAL FEEL AND OVERTIME A DEGRADATION IN BRAKING PERFORMANCE INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

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 LEXUS AT 1-800-255-3987.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“THE DASHBOARD IS DISINTEGRATING. THE CAR HAS BEEN PREDOMINANTLY KEPT COVERED AND WELL MAINTAINED. INITIALLY A LARGE PIECE (CREDIT CARD SIZE) BROKE OFF DASH. WE REPAIRED WITH VINYL RESTORATION COMPANY, AND ANOTHER AREA ABOUT A YEAR LATER. SINCE THEN, NUMEROUS CRACKS ARE PRESENT - TOO MANY TO REPAIR.…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · May 15, 2013

“THE DASHBOARD BEGAN TO MELT. LITERALLY. I TRIED TO WIPE IT OFF AND THE TOWEL MELTED INTO THE DASHBOARD THE DEALERSHIP BLAMED IT ON ARMOR-ALL. THE CAR WAS ABOUT 7 Y/O AT THE TIME. I AM THE SECOND OWNER. I DID NOT RESEARCH THIS UNTIL I SAW A PROGRAM THAT SUGGESTED THE AIRBAGS MAY BE AFFECTED. THANK…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · May 3, 2010

“MELTING/CRACKED DASHBOARD PASSENGER SIDE - SMELLS OF CHEMICALS - DOES THIS AFFECT PASSENGER AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT? I HAVE OWNED THIS VEHICLE FOR 4 YEARS AND WAS NEVER NOTIFIED OF ANY PROGRAMS - DASH FIRST STARTED MELTING/CRACKING ABOUT 6-8 MONTHS AGO LONG AFTER THEIR CONSUMER ENHANCEMENT PROGRAM WENT…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · January 1, 2019

“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. THE DEALER NOW IS INSULTING ME BY CLAIMING THE USE OF REGULAR GAS MAY BE THE CAUSE. *NM”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · February 20, 2004

“DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE EXTERIOR HEADLIGHTS WOULD NOT ILLUMINATE FAR ENOUGH WHILE DRIVING IN THE EVENING AT A SPEED OF 70 MPH. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERS WHO ADJUSTED THE HEADLIGHTS BUT WERE UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM. THE VEHICLE IS STILL EXPERIENCING THE SAME…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Lighting · July 4, 2006

2004 Lexus RX — common questions

Is the 2004 Lexus RX reliable?

It is close to typical for the RX: 56 NHTSA complaints, 1 recall, and 1 investigation on file.

What are the most common 2004 RX problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are body & structure (12 complaints), other (9 complaints), airbags (6 complaints).

Does the 2004 Lexus RX have recalls?

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

Is the 2004 Lexus RX under NHTSA investigation?

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

Which Lexus RX years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the RX years to avoid are 2010, 2021, 2008, 2007, 2024, 2023, 2019. The cleanest record among RX years belongs to 2026.

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.