Most common 2004 Lexus IS 300 problems
Share of the 19 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Lexus IS 300 complaints by model year
Best IS 300 years: 2018, 2004, 2019. Years to avoid: 2001, 2002. Compare all years →
What 2004 Lexus IS 300 owners say
Speed control & acceleration
Tl contact leased a 2004 Lexus is300. The contact stated that while driving 5 MPH, the vehicle unintentionally accelerated, drove over a curb, and crashed into the steps on a railing of a building. The contact continued to apply pressure to the brake pedal in order to gain control of the vehicle. A police report was filed, but she did not receive a copy. The vehicle was repaired at the insurance companies expense. The weather was not a factor. The approximate failure mileage was 34,527. Updated 06/03/10.
Car failed to stop at a red light under normal braking because engine failed to decelerate when pressure was removed from the pedal. Maximum force was applied to the brake pedal. The brake anti lock feature was activated and a collision with the stopped car ahead was barely averted. When stopped, the engine reverted to normal idle. The problem did not recur. Examination by a mechanic at the dealers shop failed to identify a computer fault or other cause. The car was returned without repair. I am not satisfied that a stuck throttle IS not a repairable or abnormal condition. It seems to me be highly dangerous and merits more than a "well, its working now so come back when if it happens again." sort of response.
Body & structure
The dash board IS melting since 2007, Lexus did not do any more than change passenger air bag cover that after a wile starter melting again, they blame at sun exposure, the car IS always in the garage and IS used very little today the mileage IS 48,000, we complained to Lexus a little after the warranty was over with no result. We are afraid of toxicity that can affect our health we express this to Lexus and they dismissed our concern.
Dashboard IS melting and has become sticky and rubs off on clothing. This includes the passenger side airbag surface. This happens when vehicle IS parked in the sun.
Wheels & tires
Tl contact owns a 2004 Lexus IS 300. The contact experienced two tire failures, in which they spontaneously flattened. She has low profile chrome-plated wheels. She took the vehicle to a tire repair shop and was informed that the inside of the chrome wheels was corroded and did not seal properly during inflation. As a result, air inevitably leaked from the tires. The technician also stated that she needed to replace all four wheels. The contact IS in the process of notifying the manufacturer. The failure mileage was 40,000 and current mileage was 44,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 Lexus IS-300 equipped with nexen n-5000 tires (n.a), line size 215/45/17. The contact stated that he noticed large circular cracks on the sidewall of three of the four tires. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. The technician verified the failure and advised the contact that the problem was a manufacturing defect. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The tires were replaced. The dot number was not available. The failure mileage on the vehicle was 91,000. The failure mileage of the tires was 15,000.
2004 Lexus IS 300 engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.0L 6-cyl | 5-speed manual | RWD | 16 / 23 / 18 |
| 3.0L 6-cyl | 5-speed automatic | RWD | 16 / 22 / 18 |
EPA ratings. Class: Compact car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2004 Lexus IS 300 a good car?
Based on 19 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2004 IS 300 rates better than average: 50% fewer complaints than a typical year of the IS 300 at the same age. It is one of the best IS 300 years by this measure. 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 IS 300?
The speed control & acceleration — 4 complaints, 21% of all complaints for this model year, most often about accelerator pedal. Next are the body & structure (4) and wheels & tires (3).
How many recalls does the 2004 Lexus IS 300 have?
NHTSA lists no recalls for the 2004 Lexus IS 300. You can still confirm with your VIN using our VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Lexus IS 300?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2018, 2004 and 2019. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2001 and 2002. See the full Lexus IS 300 years comparison.
At what mileage do 2004 Lexus IS 300 problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 58,000 miles; 36% 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.