Most common 2004 Lexus ES problems
Share of the 16 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Lexus ES complaints by model year
Best ES years: 2015, 2016, 2018. Years to avoid: 2021, 2019, 2011, 2020, 2010. Compare all years →
What 2004 Lexus ES owners say
Speed control & acceleration
Dt*: the contact stated while driving 5 MPH in a parking lot, the vehicle accelerated forward crashing into the front window of a credit union. There were no injuries; there was property damage and a police report was filed. Prior to the incident, the transmission was hesitating and lurching forward. In 2004, the dealership determined that the vehicle's computer was trying to adjust to the way he drove. Updated 8/30/2006.
My wife was pulling into a parking spot at a very low rate od speed. Accelerator stuck and could not be released. Car sped up and hit four other cars. Total damage to all cars exceeded $40,000.00 and my wife was injured when air bag inflated.
Air bags
The passenger side airbag is shrinking and seems to be collapsing into the dashboard. There is an indicator light on the passenger side that is lit up noting that "airbag off," so apparently there is no airbag protection for passenger. Three days ago, the right side of the windshield - passenger side, and the passenger window and passenger side back seat window, were all moist and foggy in the morning. There were no windows opened. I think the airbag situation is causing the airbag to leak moisture into the surrounding windows and the passenger side of the car. I don't know what this fluid/moisture is composed of, but I can only imagine it must be some type of chemical - something that you do not want to be leaking into the car on a daily basis.
Vehicle was parked overnight in garage. Though not noticed immediately, sometime during the morning I noticed my dashboard vinyl around the passenger side airbag looked swollen , and upon examination, it showed a split in the vinyl also. I took it to a reputable auto repair shop and was told it would cost thousands to fix, but that a dealership might be able to help. So I went to the local Toyota deal who said some vehicles had recalls but mine did not. As time goes on, the vinyl seems to have pressure building behind it, and the split is more obvious. I am afraid to allow passengers to sit in that seat. I am afraid if the airbag burst out while I am driving, I May overreact and wreck. This is not safe at all. Please help.
2004 Lexus ES engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.3L 6-cyl | 5-speed automatic | FWD | 18 / 27 / 21 |
EPA ratings. Class: Midsize car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2004 Lexus ES a good car?
Based on 16 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2004 ES rates better than average: 56% fewer complaints than a typical year of the ES at the same age. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2004 Lexus ES?
The speed control & acceleration — 5 complaints, 31% of all complaints for this model year, most often about accelerator pedal. Next are the air bags (4) and transmission & drivetrain (2).
How many recalls does the 2004 Lexus ES have?
NHTSA lists no recalls for the 2004 Lexus ES. You can still confirm with your VIN using our VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Lexus ES?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2015, 2016 and 2018. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2021, 2019, 2011, 2020 and 2010. See the full Lexus ES years comparison.
At what mileage do 2004 Lexus ES problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 89,000 miles; 45% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.