RoadVitals

2004 Lexus RX

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
40
Latest Feb 28, 2026
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
1
Latest Oct 21, 2010
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
1
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
2
1 injuries, 0 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 40 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2004 Lexus RX, most frequently naming the body & structure, airbags and exterior lighting categories. 1 safety recall has been issued covering this model year; 1 NHTSA investigation names it; and 43 manufacturer communications are on file.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

  • Airbags612.8%
  • Exterior lighting48.5%
  • Transmission48.5%
  • Engine36.4%
  • Brakes36.4%
  • Other / unspecified36.4%
  • Fuel system24.3%

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

1 campaign cover this model year

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER

Oct 21, 2010
728,544 units potentially affected
The defect: 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. IF REPLACEMENT BRAKE FLUID IS USED THAT DOES NOT CONTAIN SUCH POLYMERS, OR THAT CONTAINS ONLY SMALL AMOUNTS, A PART OF THE RUBBER SEAL LOCATED AT THE REAR OF THE BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER MAY BECOME DRY, AND THE SEAL MAY CURL DURING MOVEMENT OF THE PISTON. IF THIS OCCURS, A SMALL AMOUNT OF BRAKE FLUID COULD SLOWLY LEAK FROM THE SEAL INTO THE BRAKE BOOSTER.
The risk: A LEAK OF BRAKE FLUID COULD LEAD TO A CHANGE IN BRAKE PEDAL FEEL AND OVERTIME A DEGRADATION IN BRAKING PERFORMANCE INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
The 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. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331 AND LEXUS AT 1-800-255-3987.
TOYOTA MOTOR NORTH AMERICA, INC.View on NHTSA.gov

Safety investigations

NHTSA inquiries naming this vehicle. An investigation is not a finding of a defect.

RQ10003ClosedRecall Query

Unintended and Uncontrolled Acceleration

Opened Feb 16, 2010
Closed Mar 1, 2011

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. Pedal Interference from Floor mats, Carpet Covers and Plastic Pads in Carpets.During the RQ10-003 investigation, ODI reviewed a large volume of documents to assess whether additional vehicles should be recalled.Following the agency's analysis, NHTSA requested that Toyota recall additional vehicles.Toyota complied with the agency's request.The details of these recalls are set forth more fully in Toyota's reports to NHTSA pursuant to 49 CFR Part 573.These recalls are as follows:Recall 11V-112: (1) model year (MY) 2004-2006 Toyota Highlander and Highlander Hybrid; and, (2) MY 2004-2007 Lexus RX330,RX350, and RX400h (hybrid model). The total estimated population under this recall is 769,379 vehicles.This recall remedies potential accelerator pedal entrapment caused by a loose floor carpet cover (trim panel). Recall 11V-113: (1) MY 2003-2009 through 2009 Toyota 4Runner; (2) MY 2006-2010 Toyota RAV4; and, (3) MY 2008-2011 Lexus LX570.The total estimated population under this recall is 1,381,000 vehicles.This recall supplements recall 09V-388 and remedies potential accelerator pedal entrapment by an unsecured floor mat.Recall 11V-115: (1) MY 2006-2007 Lexus GS300 (all wheel drive vehicles); and, (2) MY 2006-2007 Lexus GS350 (all wheel drive vehicles). The total estimated population under this recall is 19,647 vehicles.This recall remedies potential accelerator pedal entrapment caused by inadequate clearance between the pedal linkage and a plastic pad embedded in the vehicle's carpet.II. Potential Electronic Causes of Unintended Acceleration.After NHTSA opened RQ10-003, NHTSA launched a ten-month study of potential electronic causes of unintended acceleration in Toyota vehicles.NHTSA launched the study in the spring of 2010 in light of concerns aired in Congressional hearings.NHTSA enlisted engineers at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) with expertise in areas such as computer controlled electronic systems, electromagnetic interference and software integrity to assess whether electronic systems or electromagnetic interference played a role in incidents of unintended acceleration in Toyota vehicles.That study has concluded.Two reports are associated with the study and are available on NHTSA's website.NASA's report is entitled Technical Support to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) on the Reported Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) Unintended Acceleration (UA) Investigation, NESC Assessment No. TI-10-00618 (Jan. 18, 2011).NHTSA's report is entitled Technical Assessment of Toyota Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) Systems (Feb. 2011).Both reports should be read in conjunction with each other. As stated in its report, NASA did not find an electronic cause of large throttle openings that can result in unintended acceleration incidents. NHTSA did not find a vehicle-based cause of unintended acceleration incidents other than the physical pedal interference causes that are being addressed by Toyota's recalls. This RQ is closed.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARELed to recall 11V112000

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

Filed Feb 28, 2026

Odometer reading in vehicle doesn't match information on carfax, zilocar, or title reading. Also sellers may have titled jumped vehicle. Recieved call from owner on title I recieved and she said that she had sold vehicle on 2/4/2026 to couple. I purchased vehicle on 2/13/2026 with her name on title. Odometer was correct mileage to carfax when she sold to buyers, yet changed when I purchased vehicle with about 150,000 mile differebce.

NHTSA ID
11721140
Incident
Feb 13, 2026
Airbags
Filed Dec 2, 2025

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. I feel that a safety related recall should be issued, the previously known dash cracking problem didn't end when their recall did, the fact that my vehicle is primarily garaged preserved the interior integrity, I don't believe I should be penalized for my dash not cracking 8 years earlier. Thank you for your consideration.

NHTSA ID
11702447
Incident
Oct 8, 2025
Driver assistanceExterior lightingSteering
Filed Dec 18, 2023

Power steering very stiff and difficult to steer vsc light on and air bags light goes on and off and unknown cause.

NHTSA ID
11560594
Incident
Nov 15, 2023
Interior & seats
Filed Feb 15, 2022
Fire reported

I was driving with the driver’s seat heater turned on. While I were traveling, I noticed that the seat heater was very hot, so I turned it off. I arrived at my destination and parked the vehicle for about two hours. I did not turn the seat heater back on when you returned to the vehicle. I was removing snow from the vehicle with the driver’s door open and some of the snow landed on the driver’s seat. When I brushed the snow off the seat, I noticed a burn mark in the seat cushion. I called Lexus USA to report this 2 days later and showed my local dealer (Lexus of Portland) and they had never seen this before. Here is the response from Lexus today: "In response to your concerns, a vehicle inspection was conducted by a Lexus Field Technical Specialist (FTS) on January 19, 2022 at Bud Clary Toyota of Yakima. A visual inspection confirmed there was a small 6mm x 7mm burn hole in the driver’s seat leather cover on the bottom cushion. The hole was in the outer bolster portion of the bottom cushion. Resistance was checked through the seat warmer grid. The seat back was recorded at .7 ohms and the seat bottom had an open circuit. The seat cover was removed to examine the seat heater grid. Two wires were found near each other at the burn area. One wire was broken at the location. Our FTS disconnected the seat heater switch after the inspection was completed." They left me with now 2 non functioning seat heaters by disconnecting it during a cold winter. They did not offer any sort of assistance or recommendations for next steps, I feel like they hung me out to dry.

NHTSA ID
11452141
Incident
Dec 27, 2021
Filed Jul 10, 2021

I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE ON 17TH OF JUNE 2021. I NOTICED THE DASHBOARD IS CRACKED REALLY BAD. I DID RESEARCH ON THE LEXUS DASHBOARDS AND FOUND PREVIOUS RECALLS ON THE LEXUS DASHBAORDS INCLUDING THE 2004 RX330 MODELS. HOW CAN I GET THIS FIXED IF THE RECALL IS NOT LISTED FOR THE VIN NUMBER ON MY VEGICLE?

NHTSA ID
11424206
Incident
Jun 17, 2021
Filed May 5, 2021

DASHBOARD CRACKING EVEN THOUGH WINDSHIELD SCREEN USED WHEN NOT IN GARAGE. VEHICLE KEPT IN HOME GARAGE AS WELL AS GARAGE AT HOSPITAL WHILE I WORKED.

NHTSA ID
11415303
Incident
Jan 1, 2019
Mileage
103,000 mi
Visibility
Filed Oct 20, 2020

WAS ON FREEWAY, HEARD A LOUD POP , LOOKED AROUND AND EVERYTHING LOOKED OK, SAW SOMETHING FLY OFF VEHICLE IN REARVIEW MIRROR. NOW THERE IS A SOUND OF WIND RUSHING, CHECK WINDOWS ALL CLOSED, DECIDED TO PULL OF FREEWAY TO SEE IF THERE WAS DAMAGED TO VEHICLE . STOPPED GOT OUT DID NOT NOTICE ANYTHING UP TILL WE LOOKED AT THE ROOF AN SAW A HOLE. LOOKED LIKE IT BLOW OUT NOT IN , DID NOT NOTICE IN THE CAR BECAUSE SUNROOF COVER WAS CLOSED.

NHTSA ID
11365331
Incident
Oct 19, 2020
Mileage
113,210 mi
Brakes
Filed Oct 5, 2020
Crash reported1 injury reported

DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING, CONDITIONS WERE DRY, SUNNY FALL WEATHER. AVG SPEED 45 MPH, LIGHT TURNED YELLOW, VEHICLE IN FRONT STARTED TO SLOW DOWN, DAUGHTER APPLIED BRAKES, PEDAL WENT TO FLOOR, NO SLOWING DOWN, REPEATEDLY PUSHED BRAKE AND APPLIED FULL FORCE, CAR DID NOT SLOW DOWN, HIT OTHER VEHICLE, TOTALING THE LEXUS. AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY UNTIL AFTER MY DAUGHTER HIT THE STEERING WHEEL. WITNESS REPORTED SEEING MY DAUGHTER TRYING TO BRAKE BUT THE CAR NOT RESPONDING. NO EVIDENCE OF TIRE MARKS ON THE ROAD

NHTSA ID
11362754
Incident
Oct 2, 2020
Mileage
140,000 mi

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

L-SB-0023-24

STRUCTURE:BODY

To prevent brake rotor rust from forming during transportation and storage, wheel film will be used instead of a cardboard type of anti-rust cover. The purpose of the wheel film is to shield the disc brake rotor from weather elements and initial rust before the vehicle is delivered to the customer. Consequently, the film should remain on the wheel for as long as possible.

L-SB-0024-24

STRUCTURE:BODY

The condition known as acid rain is caused by airborne chemicals or particles in the atmosphere, which mix with rainwater, nighttime dew, or high humidity to form acidic compounds. If these contaminants settle and remain on a painted vehicle surface, especially the horizonal areas of the hood, roof, and decklid, significant damage can occur. This damage is the result of actual etching of the paint and appears as pitting or water spots. As acid rain droplets on the vehicle surface evaporate, the concentration strength of the acid increases, causing deeper and more rapid damage. This evaporation and corrosive action also occur more rapidly on dark colored cars as direct sun heat increases. While Lexus paint quality, durability, and resistance to environmental factors is continuously being improved, it remains the responsibility of the dealer to protect and maintain the vehicle’s paint finish from the time of arrival at the dealership until retail delivery to the customer. In areas known for high frequency and/or concentration of acid rain, frequent vehicle washing during high heat or humidity periods will minimize the potential for paint damage caused by acid rain. It is further recommended that either reverse osmosis or deionized water be used to prevent water spotting. SUPERSESSION NOTICE The information contained in this bulletin supersedes Service Bulletin No. BO029-91. •The entire bulletin has been updated. Service Bulletin No. BO029-91 is obsolete

L-SB-0022-24

STRUCTURE:BODY

Acid rain results from rainwater or other airborne moisture that become acidic due to industrial chemical impurities in the atmosphere. If these acidic compounds settle on an exposed vehicle, especially the horizontal areas such as the hood, roof, and decklid, significant damage to the painted surfaces can occur. Acid rain damage can typically be identified on vehicles by the presence of stains on the paint surface that resemble hard water spots. Unlike water spots however, acid rain damage cannot be removed by regular washing procedures. Also, because acid rain can etch and soften the paint, normal buffing or polishing repair procedures should not be attempted. This can cause further damage and result in visible depressions in the paint surface. The following are the three major categories of acid rain damage: •Minor damage: requires only buffing to repair. •Moderate damage: usually requires neutralizing, color sanding, and buffing. •Severe damage: extending beyond 1/2 mil of clearcoat on a pearl, metallic, or solid color, requires neutralization, sanding, and repainting. In cases where acid rain damage is minor, neutralization and buffing with a liquid-type paint finessing product may provide an adequate repair. Only specially formulated products outlined in this bulletin should be used for that purpose. Unfortunately, other than minor damage, there is no simple method of determining the actual extent (depth) of acid penetration other than color sanding a representative affected area until there is no visible etching or depressions, followed by measuring the amount of paint removed with either a magnetic or digital-type film thickness gauge. The procedures in this bulletin are intended for use by qualified body/paint technicians and should not be attempted by inexperienced personnel. While the quality and durability of paint on Lexus vehicles is continuously being improved, it remains the dealer’s responsibility to protect and maintain the quality of the vehicle’s paint finish after receipt at the dealership prior to the first sale. Perform frequent vehicle washing, as often as daily, during high heat and humidity periods to minimize the potential for paint damage due to acid rain exposure. This is especially important in geographical areas known for high frequency and concentration of acid rain and industrial fallout.

L-SB-0021-24

STRUCTURE:BODY

Lexus vehicles are currently protected with RapgardTM protective film designed to protect the horizontal painted surfaces. This material protects from acid rain, environmental fallout, and rail contamination. Follow the Removal Procedure in this bulletin to remove the RapgardTM protective film within 90 days from initial application. SUPERSESSION NOTICE The information contained in this bulletin supersedes Service Bulletin No. L-PG004-94. •The entire bulletin has been updated.

L-SB-0020-24

STRUCTURE:BODY

Vehicles may occasionally be subjected to contamination by airborne iron particles shed from railroad tracks, train wheels, exposure to heavy machinery facilities, grinding, welding, etc. This type of contamination can be identified by the presence of small, red or brown particles on the paint surface. These particles are often difficult to see on dark color paints but can be easily felt when brushing a hand across horizontal body surfaces such as the hood, roof, or deck lid. Follow the Repair Procedure in this bulletin to clean vehicles that may have been subjected to contamination by airborne iron particles such as rail dust during rail transportation or extended storage near industrial areas.

L-SB-0020-24

STRUCTURE:BODY

Vehicles may occasionally be subjected to contamination by airborne iron particles shed from railroad tracks, train wheels, exposure to heavy machinery facilities, grinding, welding, etc. This type of contamination can be identified by the presence of small, red or brown particles on the paint surface. These particles are often difficult to see on dark color paints but can be easily felt when brushing a hand across horizontal body surfaces such as the hood, roof, or deck lid. Follow the Repair Procedure in this bulletin to clean vehicles that may have been subjected to contamination by airborne iron particles such as rail dust during rail transportation or extended storage near industrial areas.

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

Lexus RX by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2026320
2025184066.9
2024544058.2
2023553058.8
2022280050.5
2021691054.7
2020441054.9
2019331056.6
2018240045.5
2017460051.0
2016280042.2
2015200053.8
2014110050.6
2013190057.2
2012110041.8
2011290055.4
2010760048.0
2009340040.9
2008700044.6
2007580140.6
2006311152.3
2005271157.4
2004Viewing401148.1
2003400
2002120052.3
2001190032.3
2000290034.1
1999350033.0

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.