Most common 2004 Lexus IS problems
Share of the 10 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Lexus IS complaints by model year
Best IS years: 2014, 2013, 2015. Years to avoid: 2008, 2009, 2010, 2012, 2007. Compare all years →
What 2004 Lexus IS owners say
Body & structure
The dashboard on my 2004 Lexus is300 IS melting; feels sticky to the tough, fingerprints can occur, scratches very easily, as time goes by it becomes less and less attractive, have to be extremely careful with it, and while cleaning it. I contacted Lexus and there IS no remediation on their part.
My dashboard IS melting. The plastic IS sticky and leaves a black film on anything that touches it including fingers and clothing. The black residue IS very difficult to get off once it IS on something. Just washing hands multiple times with soap and water IS not enough to remove it.
Air bags
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 incline. I suffered neck, shoulder, and back pain and was treated by a chiropractor. No air bags deployed at any time. My car was repaired and I am currently driving it.
2004 Lexus is300 purchased from the original owner in 2008. As evidenced by many claims on different Lexus/Toyota vehicles the dashboard and center console IS "melting." 2006 and up Lexus IS models have an existing recall. 2002-2005 Lexus IS models do not have this recall although the issue IS exactly the same. Being a father of a 5-year old daughter who rides in this vehicle my safety concerns are threefold... 1. Fumes and/or vapors being released into the air and being inhaled by myself and/or daughter. 2. Airbag panel IS affected and worries me that deployment might be affected. 3. Glare on the inside of my windshield from melting plastic.
2004 Lexus IS 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 a good car?
Based on 10 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2004 IS rates better than average: 70% fewer complaints than a typical year of the IS 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 IS?
The body & structure — 3 complaints, 30% of all complaints for this model year. Next are the air bags (3) and wheels & tires (1).
How many recalls does the 2004 Lexus IS have?
NHTSA lists no recalls for the 2004 Lexus IS. You can still confirm with your VIN using our VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Lexus IS?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2014, 2013 and 2015. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2008, 2009, 2010, 2012 and 2007. See the full Lexus IS years comparison.
At what mileage do 2004 Lexus IS problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 80,000 miles; 25% 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.