Skip to Main Content
Close Button

Menu

Cars
Cars
SUVs
Hybrids/EVs
Luxury Cars & SUVs
Sedans & Hatchbacks
Minivans & 3-Row SUVs
Pickup Trucks
Used Cars
Electric Bikes
Bike Racks
All Car Research
New Car Buying Guide
Used Car Buying Guide
Build and Buy
Used Car Marketplace
All Car Buying & Pricing
Tires
Tire Retailers
Car Batteries
Car Insurance
Car Repair Shops
Car Reliability Guide
All Tires, Maintenance & Repair
Car Recalls
Car Safety
Car Seats
Talking Cars Podcast
All Key Topics & News
All Cars
Appliances
Appliances
Cooktops
Countertops
Dishwashers
Freezers
Microwave Ovens
Wall Ovens
Ranges
Refrigerators
All Kitchen Appliances
Air Fryers
Blenders
Breadmakers
Coffee Makers
Electric Kettles
Food Steamers
Food Processors
Rice Cookers
Knives
All Small Appliances
Vacuums
Robotic Vacuums
Washing Machines
Clothes Dryers
Washer/Dryer Pairs
Pressure Washers
Steam Mops
Laundry Detergents
All Laundry & Cleaning
Air Conditioners
Air Filters
Air Purifiers
Central Air Conditioning
Dehumidifiers
Thermostats
Water Heaters
Space Heaters
All Heating, Cooling, & Air
All Appliances
Home & Garden
Home & Garden
Mattresses
Pillows
Sheets
Bidets
Toilets
All Bed & Bath
Grills
Lawn Mowers & Tractors
Leaf Blowers
Pressure Washers
Snow Blowers
String Trimmers
Floodlight Cameras
Chainsaws
All Lawn & Garden
Decking
Door Locks
Flooring
Generators
Paints
Security Cameras
Security Systems
Wood Stains
Windows
All Home Improvement
Door Locks & Smart Locks
Home Security Cameras
Home Security System Services
Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Storm Emergency Guide
Indoor Air Quality
All Home Safety & Security
Cat Litter
Dog Beds
Dog Food
Dog Harnesses & Carriers
GPS Pet Trackers
Pet Cameras
Pet Insurance
All Pet Products
Bakeware
Cookware
Food Storage
Water Filters
All Kitchen
All Home & Garden
Electronics
Electronics
TVs
Wireless & Bluetooth Speakers
Soundbars
Streaming Media Players
Headphones
Streaming Services Guide
All Home Entertainment
Laptops
Desktop Computers
Printers
Computer Monitors
Tablets
Wireless Routers
All Home Office
Smartphones
Smartwatches
Headphones
Cameras
All Smartphones & Wearables
All Electronics
Health
Health
Curling Irons
Electric Razors
Hair Dryers
Insect Repellents
Sunscreens
Toothbrushes
All Beauty & Personal Care
Bike Helmets
Electric Bikes
Ellipticals
Exercise Bikes
Fitness Trackers
Rowing Machines
Treadmills
All Exercise & Fitness
Bread
Coffee
Frozen Pizza
Ice Cream
Milk & Milk Alternatives
Pasta Sauce
Salad Dressing
Veggie Burgers
Yogurts
All Food
Hearing Aids
Blood Glucose Meters
Blood Pressure Monitors
Heart-Rate Monitors
All Home Medical Supplies
All Health
Babies & Kids
Babies & Kids
Car Seats
Strollers
Cribs
Bassinets
Diapers
Baby Monitors
High Chairs
Safety gates
All Babies & Toddlers
Thermometers
Babies & Kids Safety
All Children's Health
Water Beads
Backpacks
All School-Age Kids
All Babies & Kids
Money
Money
Banks & Credit Unions
All Banking & Credit
Investment Companies
Credit Cards
Rewards Cards
All Personal Finance
Car Insurance
Homeowners Insurance
Pet Insurance
All Insurance
Coolers
Insulated Cups
Luggage
Plasma Lighters
Sleeping Bags
Car Rental Companies
All Travel
All Money
Everyday Essentials
Deals
Best Time to Buy
Bill Negotiator
Car Savings
Car Recall Tracker
Food Safety Alerts
Security Planner
Permission Slip
Repair or Replace
CR App
Issues & Advocacy
Issues & Advocacy
Car Safety & Sustainability Food Safety Financial Fairness Digital Security & Privacy All Issues & Advocacy
Take Action
Take Action
Volunteer with Us Add Your Voice Join a Research Project Attend an Event More Ways to Take Action
Support Our Work
Support Our Work
Donate Other Ways to Give
About Us
About Us
What We Do How We Do It Our People Our Partners Policies & Financials Media Room
Close Button
Home & Garden Food Safety Cars Best Time To Buy Repair or Replace Home & Garden
AskCR Try AskCR

Suggested Searches

Recent Searches

Suggested Searches

Product Ratings

Resources

Chat With AskCR

Resources

All Products A-Z
Your membership has expired

The payment for your account couldn't be processed or you've canceled your account with us.

Re-activate
Join Now Upgrade Donate
2004
New 2026
Used 2025 2024 2023 2022 2021 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000

Lexus RX

EPA MPG: 20 mpg
RECALL ALERT:
There are 6 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.
Slide #1 Thumbnail Slide #2 Thumbnail
Slide #1 Thumbnail

Reliability

Overall Reliability

The 2004 RX has about average reliability compared to other cars from the same model year.

The 2004 Lexus RX has been recalled 6 times by NHTSA. View Recalls
Most Common Trouble Spots
Common Trouble Spot
Common Trouble Spot
See all 2004 Potential Trouble Spots

Owner Reported Trouble Spots

The Reliability score is based on our latest subscriber survey of 2004 Lexus RX owners. The owner comments describe problems respondents experienced with this vehicle.

Suspension/Steering

Shocks or struts, ball joints, tie rods, wheel bearings, alignment, steering linkage (includes rack and pinion), power steering (pumps and hoses, leaks), wheel balance, springs or torsion bars, bushings, electronic or air suspension.

What Owners Say

Shocks or struts

"I drove on a very rough road one night and realized the vehicle was bouncing like a carnival ride. The struts need replacing but my kids think its fun."

Anonymous, FL (2004 Lexus RX 330 3.3-L V6)

"Has to replace both struts due to leaks and cracks"

Anonymous, CO (2004 Lexus RX 330 3.3-L V6)

"Worn mechanical struts - affected steering pinion and seal"

Anonymous, CA (2004 Lexus RX 330 3.3-L V6)

"Front air struts had to be replaced."

Anonymous, BC (2004 Lexus RX 330 3.3-L V6)
Steering linkage (includes rack and pinion)

"Rattling from struts when parking or unparking car and using steering at same time."

Anonymous, CA (2004 Lexus RX 330 3.3-L V6)
Load more

Climate System

AC compressor, blower (fan) motor, condenser, evaporator, heater system, automatic climate system, electrical failure, refrigerant leakage.

What Owners Say

Condenser

""There was a small hole in the condenser, so it was leaking refrigerant. Needed to replace condenser. Since the car is 21 years old and has 200000 miles I accept this as normal maintenance. These items were never replaced since I purchased the car new in 2004. I am the original owner.""

Anonymous, NJ (2004 Lexus RX 330 3.3-L V6)
Heater system

"Heat used to blow on the passenger side while the cool a/c was turned on. I dont know what changed but now both sides blow cold with a/c and rarely the heat will work when its turned on. Luckily, I live in Florida."

Anonymous, FL (2004 Lexus RX 330 3.3-L V6)
Other climate system problem

"Radiator leak that was quickly replaced and resolved"

Anonymous A., NC (2004 Lexus RX 330 3.3-L V6)
Refrigerant leaks

"Has to be recharged at least twice a year"

Anonymous, UT (2004 Lexus RX 330 3.3-L V6)
Load more

Engine Major

Engine rebuild or replacement, cylinder head, head gasket, turbocharger or supercharger, timing chain or belt.

What Owners Say

Other major engine problem

"A few weeks ago I noticed the car being sluggish going up the mountain. Took it into the repair shop this week and they said they needed to replace two knock sensors."

Anonymous A., NC (2004 Lexus RX 330 3.3-L V6)

Fuel System/Emissions

Sensors (O₂, or oxygen, sensor), emission-control devices (includes EGR), fuel-injection system, fuel gauge/sender, fuel pump, problems filling up the tank.

What Owners Say

Sensors (includes O2 or oxygen sensor)

"o2 sensor aged out and replaced"

Anonymous A., MO (2004 Lexus RX 330 3.3-L V6)

Engine Cooling

Radiator, cooling fan, water pump, thermostat, antifreeze leaks, overheating.

What Owners Say

Radiator

"Leaky radiator needed replacing"

Anonymous, CO (2004 Lexus RX 330 3.3-L V6)

In-car Electronics

Infotainment system (audio, GPS, phone), rear entertainment system, backup or other camera/sensors, head-up display.

What Owners Say

Steering wheel controls

"Its. Really confusing to operate all the infotainment systems its rediculosr"

Anonymous, OK (2004 Lexus RX 330 3.3-L V6)

Exhaust

Muffler, pipes, catalytic converter, exhaust manifold, heat shields, leaks.

Drive System

Driveshaft or axle, CV joint, differential, transfer case, four-wheel-drive/all-wheel-drive components, driveline vibration, electrical failure, traction control, electronic stability control.

Engine Minor

Accessory belts and pulleys, engine computer, engine mounts, engine knock or ping, fuel leaks, oil leaks.

Engine Electrical

Alternator, starter, hybrid battery replacement, hybrid battery related systems, regular battery, battery cables, engine harness, coil, ignition switch, electronic ignition, spark plugs and wires failure, auto stop/start.

Transmission Major

Transmission rebuild or replacement, torque converter, premature clutch replacement.

Brakes

Premature pad/rotor wear, pulsation or vibration, antilock system, parking brake, master cylinder, calipers, squeaking, brake failure, regenerative braking.

Transmission Minor

Gear selector and linkage, transmission computer, transmission sensor or solenoid, clutch adjustment, rough shifting, slipping transmission, leaks.

Noises/Leaks

Squeaks, rattles, wind noises, seals and/or weather stripping, air and water leaks.

Electrical Accessories

Cruise control, clock, warning lights, body control module, keyless entry, wiper motor or washer, tire pressure monitor, interior or exterior lights, horn, gauges, 12V power plug, USB ports, alarm or security system, remote engine start, heated or cooled seats, heated steering wheel, headlights, automatic headlights, automatic wipers, wireless charging pad.

Paint/Trim

Paint (fading, chalking, peeling, or cracking), loose interior or exterior trim or moldings, rust.

Body Hardware

Windows, locks and latches, doors or sliding doors, tailgate, trunk or hatch, mirrors, seat controls (power or manual), seat belts, sunroof, convertible top, glass defect.

2004 SUVs Reliability

No Data Available

Lexus vs. Other New Car Brands Reliability

See How Other Brands Stack up
Reliability History
* Redesign year
00
01
02
03
04*
05
06
07
08
09
10*
11
12
13
14
15
16*
17
18
19
20
21
22
23*
24
25
Overall Reliability Verdict
POTENTIAL TROUBLE SPOTS
Powertrain
Engine Major
Engine Minor
Engine Cooling
Engine Electrical
Transmission Major
Transmission Minor
Drive System
Fuel System/Emissions
Exhaust
Suspension/Steering
Brakes
Climate System
Build Quality
Electrical Accessories
Body Hardware
Paint/Trim
Noises/Leaks
In-car Electronics
Reliability indicates how models have performed in the past, providing the basis for predicting how the vehicles will hold up in the year ahead. These charts provide the most comprehensive reliability information available to consumers. Based on information received from our latest subscriber survey for about 380,000 vehicles, our reliability history charts give you a rundown on how 2000 through 2025 vehicles are holding up in 20 potential trouble spots, ranging from the engine, transmission, electric motor, EV charging, and brakes, to power equipment and the electrical accessories.

Learn more about car Reliability.

Recalls
PROVIDED BY
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Nov 09, 2011
IN SOME CASES, THE BELT FOR THE POWER STEERING PUMP MAY BECOME DETACHED FROM THE PULLEY WHICH COULD RESULT IN A LOSS OF POWER STEERING AND A SUDDEN INCREASE IN STEERING EFFORT, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Read Recall Details
Summary:
TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2004 AVALON VEHICLES; 2004 AND 2005 CAMRY, CAMRY SOLARA, HIGHLANDER, AND SIENNA VEHICLES, 2006 HIGHLANDER HYBRID; 2004 AND 2005 LEXUS ES330 AND RX330; AND 2006 LEXUS RX400H VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM JUNE 1, 2004 THROUGH MARCH 31, 2005, EQUIPPED WITH THE 1MZ-FE OR 3MZ-FE ENGINE. THE AMOUNT OF ADHESIVE AGENT APPLIED BETWEEN THE OUTER RING AND THE TORSIONAL RUBBER DAMPER (INNER RING) IN THE CRANKSHAFT PULLEY MAY BE INADEQUATE. IF THE ADHESIVE IS INSUFFICIENT, THERE IS A POSSIBILITY THAT THE OUTER RING MAY BECOME MISALIGNED AND IT MAY NOT PROPERLY ROTATE WITH THE INNER RING, CAUSING NOISE AND/OR ILLUMINATION OF THE BATTERY DISCHARGE INDICATOR LIGHT.
What should you do:
TOYOTA WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL CHECK THE CRANKSHAFT PULLEY TO IDENTIFY WHETHER IT WAS PRODUCED BY THE U.S. SUPPLIER. IF SO, THE DEALER WILL REPLACE THE PULLEY WITH A NEW ONE AT NO CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING EARLY JANUARY 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331.
For more information:
OWNERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO <A HREF=HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV>HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV</A> .
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 11V539000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 420326
Hide Recall Details
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Feb 24, 2011
IF THIS OCCURS, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL MAY TEMPORARILY BECOME STUCK IN A PARTIALLY DEPRESSED POSITION RATHER THAN RETURN TO THE IDLE POSITION. A STUCK ACCELERATOR PEDAL MAY RESULT IN UNINTENDED AND SUSTAINED VEHICLE SPEEDS AND MAKE IT DIFFICULT TO STOP, INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH.
Read Recall Details
Summary:
TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2004-2006 HIGHLANDER, HIGHLANDER HYBRID, AND MODEL YEAR 2004-2007 LEXUS RX330, RX350, AND RX400H VEHICLES. IF THE FORWARD RETENTION CLIP USED TO SECURE THE FLOOR CARPET COVER, WHICH IS LOCATED IN FRONT OF THE CENTER CONSOLE, IS NOT INSTALLED PROPERLY THE COVER MAY LEAN TOWARD THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL AND INTERFERE WITH THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL ARM.
What should you do:
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FLOOR CARPET COVER WITH A NEWLY DESIGNED ONE FREE OR CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING MARCH 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331.
For more information:
TOYOTA SAFETY RECALL BOA LEXUS SAFETY RECALL NO. BLC.OWNERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO <A HREF=HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV>HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV</A> .
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 11V112000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 769379
Hide Recall Details
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Oct 21, 2010
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.
Read Recall Details
Summary:
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.
What should you do:
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.
For more information:
OWNERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO <A HREF=HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV>HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV</A> .
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 10V499000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 728544
Hide Recall Details
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Jul 13, 2006
THIS CONDITION MAY INTERFERE WITH THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL RETURNING TO THE IDLE POSITION INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Read Recall Details
Summary:
ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY AND HYBRID VEHICLES, THE TWO RETAINING CLIPS FOR THE DRIVER'S SIDE FORWARD CENTER CONSOLE CAN BECOME LOOSE. IF BOTH CLIPS SEPARATE FROM THE FLOOR CARPET COVER, THE COVER MAY LEAN TOWARD THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL, CAUSING INTERFERENCE WITH THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL ROD.
What should you do:
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE TWO FLOOR CARPET COVER RETAINING CLIPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 24, 2006, AND SHOULD BE COMPLETED BY EARLY SEPTEMBER 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331 OR LEXUS AT 1-800-255-3987.
For more information:
TOYOTA RECALL NO. 60F AND LEXUS RECALL NO. 6LD.CUSTOMERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 06V253000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 367594
Hide Recall Details
SEAT BELTS
Jan 27, 2006
THE REAR SEAT OCCUPANT MAY NOT BE PROPERLY RESTRAINED IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH.
Read Recall Details
Summary:
CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 210, "SEAT BELT ASSEMBLY ANCHORAGES." THE ANCHOR BOLT FOR THE REAR, LEFT-HAND SIDE SEAT BELT BUCKLE DIRECTLY BEHIND THE DRIVER'S SEAT DOES NOT HAVE SUFFICIENT STRENGTH.
What should you do:
DEALERS WILL REPLACE FREE OF CHARGE THE REAR, LEFT-HAND SIDE SEAT BELT BUCKLE ANCHOR BOLT WITH AN IMPROVED ONE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 3, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT LEXUS AT 800-255-3987.
For more information:
LEXUS RECALL NO. 6LA.CUSTOMERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 06V023000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 3851
Hide Recall Details
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Nov 22, 2004
IF THE SWITCH IS INOPERABLE, THE BRAKE LIGHTS WILL NOT ILLUMINATE AND CAN INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Read Recall Details
Summary:
CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES MAY BE EQUIPPED WITH AN IMPROPERLY DESIGNED BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH. A SILICON OXIDE BUILD-UP OCCURS ON THE CONTACTS INSIDE THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH, WHICH CAN MAKE IT INOPERABLE.
What should you do:
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH. THE RECALL BEGAN DURING DECEMBER 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331.
For more information:
TOYOTA RECALL NO. SSC 40/LEXUS RECALL NO. SSC 4LH.CUSTOMERS CAN ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 04V558000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 183090
Hide Recall Details
Check Vehicle for Unrepaired Recalls
Enter a valid 17-character VIN
Enter a valid 17-character VIN
Change Vehicle