2004 Lexus LS Problems & Complaints

Average1.2× as many complaints as a typical year of the LS at the same age

Owners have filed 8 complaints about the 2004 Lexus LS with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. That is about average for the LS at the same age. The most reported problem area is the air bags (2 complaints, typically around 37,000 miles). One recall covers this model year.

8complaints
1recalls
1crashes
0fires
0injuries
0deaths

Most common 2004 Lexus LS problems

  • Air bags~37,000 miles
    225%
  • Fuel & propulsion system~150,000 miles
    225%
  • Engine & cooling~44,000 miles
    225%
  • Wheels & tires~24,000 miles
    113%
  • Speed control & acceleration~12,000 miles
    113%
  • Windows, wipers & sunroof~79,000 miles
    113%
  • Transmission & drivetrain~150,000 miles
    113%
  • Lights~150,000 miles
    113%

Share of the 8 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.

Lexus LS complaints by model year

’02’04’05’06’07’08’09’10’11’12’13’16’18’21’23’24’25785174543138956515511
Owner complaints per model year, Lexus LS. Colour = our verdict for that year (red: avoid, orange: caution, green: better than average, blue: too new).

Best LS years: 2013, 2012, 2011. Years to avoid: 2018, 2006. Compare all years →

2004 Lexus LS recalls (1)

Air bags

NHTSA recall 06V-096 · Apr 3, 2006 · 133 vehicles

On certain vehicles, due to improper assembly of the air bag inflator, which is used in the side air bag, the curtain shield air bag, and the knee air bag assembly, some inflators were produced with an insufficient amount of the heating agents necessary for proper air bag deployment.

Remedy: Dealers will replace the specific SRS air bag. The recall began on April 6, 2006. Owners May contact Toyota at 1-888-270-9371, Scion at 1-866-548-1851, or Lexus at 1-800-255-3987.

2004 Lexus LS engines & fuel economy

EngineTransmissionDriveMPG city / hwy / combined
4.3L 8-cyl6-speed automaticRWD16 / 23 / 18

EPA ratings. Class: Large car.

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2004 Lexus LS a good car?

Based on 8 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2004 LS rates average: 1.2× as many complaints as a typical year of the LS 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 LS?

The air bags — 2 complaints, 25% of all complaints for this model year, most often about on-off switch assembly. Next are the fuel & propulsion system (2) and engine & cooling (2).

How many recalls does the 2004 Lexus LS have?

There is 1 recall for the 2004 Lexus LS, the most recent from April 3, 2006 (air bags). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.

What are the best and worst years of the Lexus LS?

The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2013, 2012 and 2011. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2018 and 2006. See the full Lexus LS years comparison.

At what mileage do 2004 Lexus LS problems happen?

The median mileage reported in complaints is about 38,000 miles; 71% 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.