Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (doors, hood, frame, rust, paint and trim).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2004 Lexus RX330 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 Lexus RX330. The contact stated that the dashboard experienced melting and cracking. Also, several sections of the dashboard separated and fell off. In addition, while driving, a glare from the sunlight was present on the melted dashboard, which caused a visibility hazard. The cause of the failures was not determined. The manufacturer and local dealer( Lexus of cool springs, 1636 westgate cir, brentwood, tn) were both notified of the failures. The failure mileage was 92,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 Lexus RX330. The contact stated that while inspecting the interior of the vehicle, he noticed that the dashboard on the driver's and passenger's side air bag enclosure area was cracked. Pohanka Lexus (13909 lee jackson memorial highway, chantilly, va 20151, [phone]) was informed of the failure. The contact was informed that the VIN was not under recall. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure however, no further assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 103,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 Lexus RX330. The contact stated that the dashboard experienced severe cracking. The contact was concerned that the debris from the cracking could potentially become shrapnel that could cause injury in the event of an air bag deployment. The vehicle was not diagnosed. The manufacturer was contacted and did not assist since it was considered a cosmetic failure. The failure mileage was 116,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 Lexus RX330. The contact stated that the dashboard was defective and exhibited fractures near the passenger side air bag area. The dealer stated that the manufacturer did not provide the replacement dashboard; therefore, they were unable to perform the replacement. The manufacturer was notified. The VIN was not available. The approximate failure mileage was 60,000.
Front end collision in 2004 Lexus rx 330 with 206,000 miles going approximately 55 MPH. Car is totaled per insurance adjuster. Driver and three children in car. No serious injuries. No airbags deployed. Have contacted Lexus and am awaiting answer. Car has been to dealership several times since purchased and nothing mentioned about airbag issue.
My dashboard has been recalled and mine is split and keeps getting larger especially where the passenger airbag is located. Lexus told me in July 2015 that the "dashboards will be released at the end of this month." that did not happen. The response that I received as to whether my airbags were Takata, Lexus responded, "unfortunately we do not have data on the manufacturer....but can assure you that ...the airbags...are not under any recall at this time." I am suppose to feel good driving my car with that statement? They have always known every part in my car by VIN #. I am also driving around with the headlights' excessive moisture after they finally could replace those. Alluding me that I would be able to get the dashboard fixed at the end of July, I held off get that repaired until I could do all three. Now, I believe that the headlights' repair will be at my expense. …
I was driving southbound on the 405 in los angeles. I was beginning to change lanes and was looking into my driver's side rear view mirror when I observed the molding come off of the left rear quarter panel window and strike the hood and windshield of the car behind me. It occurred to me how dangerous this could have been if a motorcyclist had been following me. It could have easily hit him or her directly in the face. In researching the internet for a price on the molding, I have since learned a large number of RX330 owners have had this issue. Additionally, I have learned that Lexus does not sell the molding separately. Instead, they sell the entire window assembly, and I have seen postings of some owners paying as much as $400.00 to have a dealer replace the window. This item should not be regularly launching itself off of these vehicles endangering others on the roadway. …
I own a 2004 Lexus rx 330. As has been widely reported on the internet, the dashboard in these cars has a tendency to crack and peal, particularly around the area above the passenger airbag. At the outset this appears to be a cosmetic issue. However, when I recently went to an auto upholstery shop to inquire about repair, the technician became alarmed because I -- like presumably many others -- had sought to initiate a temporary repair by placing heavy-duty duct tape over the cracked area. The technician advised me to immediately remove the duct tape because of his concern that it would interfere with the deployment of the airbag. Thus, in this instance, while the actual problem May only be cosmetic, the tendency of consumers to seek to temporarily repair the issue particularly given the prohibitive cost of dashboard replacement as a proper repair?? …
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 Lexus RX330. The contact received a recall notification for an unknown recall. The contact referenced technical service bulletin number: pol14-03 (cracked dashboard). The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. West side Lexus (12000 katy fwy, houston, tx 77079, [phone]) was contacted and confirmed that the parts were not available for the recall remedy. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and was not able to confirm when the parts were to become available. The contact stated that the vehicle was also included in NHTSA campaign number: 11V112000 (vehicle speed control). The contact had not experienced a failure.
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 Lexus RX330. The contact received a recall notification for an unknown recall. The contact referenced technical service bulletin number: pol14-03 (cracked dashboard). The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. West side Lexus (12000 katy fwy, houston, tx 77079, [phone]) was contacted and confirmed that the parts were not available for the recall remedy. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and was not able to confirm when the parts were to become available. The contact stated that the vehicle was also included in NHTSA campaign number: 11V112000 (vehicle speed control). The contact had not experienced a failure.
Body complaints in other RX330 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are body problems on the 2004 Lexus RX330?
NHTSA has 34 complaints about the body & structure of the 2004 Lexus RX330, 12% of the model year's 287 complaints. The component named most often is body (13 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2004 Lexus RX330 body problems?
No. NHTSA lists no body & structure recall for the 2004 Lexus RX330, though it has 5 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2004 Lexus RX330 body problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 92,000 miles, and 5% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 1 fire and 1 injury to body & structure problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
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.