Most common 2004 Lexus RX problems
Share of the 40 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Lexus RX complaints by model year
Best RX years: 2012, 2013, 2014. Years to avoid: 2023, 2024, 2021, 2022, 2025. Compare all years →
2004 Lexus RX recalls (1)
Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Master cylinder
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.
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.
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into a possible defect involving the 2004 Lexus RX:
Unintended and Uncontrolled Acceleration
On February 16, 2010, NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened RQ10-003 to determine whether the scope of prior Toyota recalls relating to potential unintended acceleration were sufficiently broad, including, among others, Toyota recalls 07E-082, 09V-388, 10V-017, and 10V-023.NHTSA also requested information regarding potential electronic causes of unintended acceleration in Toyota and Lexus vehicles.I.
What 2004 Lexus RX owners say
Body & structure
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 Lexus RX. The contact stated that the dashboard was crumbling and melting. The failure was present near the passenger side airbag housing of the dashboard. The cause of the failure was not determined. The local dealer (butler Lexus located at 4025 jonesboro rd, union city ga) and the manufacturer were notified but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 140,000.
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. This is not normal wear!
Air bags
Dashboard crack in 2024, that started on passenger side near air vent, expanded recently causing the "passenger air bag off" alert to light up and stay on continually. If I were to have a passenger at the time of an accident, the air bag might not deploy, which would be a safety issue. This could possibly lead to a liability issue, so I have not had any passengers but that isn't sustainable, so I contacted the dealer. I was told that the previous recall for cracked dashboards ended in 2017 and that it was cosmetic only, not safety related, but that the part was available for $964.50, not including labor, tax, etc. …
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 away.
Transmission & drivetrain
Dt*: the contact stated while driving 10 MPH on normal road conditions, the automatic transmission hesitated when making the shift from first to second gear and from second to third gear as well. There were no warning lights indicating a failure in the automatic transmission. The vehicle had been taken seven times to the dealership where the software had been reset several times however, the defect was not corrected. The manufacturer was not alerted. The contact was very concerned because there was no satisfactory resolution.
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.
2004 Lexus RX engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.3L 6-cyl | 5-speed automatic | FWD | 17 / 24 / 20 |
| 3.3L 6-cyl | 5-speed automatic | 4WD/AWD | 16 / 22 / 19 |
EPA ratings. Class: SUV.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2004 Lexus RX a good car?
Based on 40 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2004 RX rates average: 1.3× as many complaints as a typical year of the RX 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 RX?
The body & structure — 12 complaints, 30% of all complaints for this model year, most often about body. Next are the air bags (6) and transmission & drivetrain (5).
How many recalls does the 2004 Lexus RX have?
There is 1 recall for the 2004 Lexus RX, the most recent from October 21, 2010 (master cylinder). 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 RX?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2012, 2013 and 2014. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2023, 2024, 2021, 2022 and 2025. See the full Lexus RX years comparison.
At what mileage do 2004 Lexus RX problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 68,000 miles; 27% 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.