2004 Lexus Rx Problems

Typical for Model

Real NHTSA owner complaints for the 2004 Lexus Rx. Part of Generation 2 (XU30) — 2004–2008.

20032005
Complaints
56
Crashes
1
Fires
1
Injuries
1
Fatalities
Recalls
1

Worst 2004 Lexus Rx Problems

Top 3 most-reported issues with average mileage at failure.

#110 complaints

Structural Problems

Avg mileage:80,470 mi
#26 complaints

Airbags

Avg mileage:132,000 mi
#34 complaints

Headlight/Taillight Failures

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All Problems by Category

Every NHTSA complaint category for the 2004 Lexus Rx.

Structural Problems
10
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
80,470
Airbags
6
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
132,000
Headlight/Taillight Failures
4
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Automatic Transmission
4
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Engine Problems
2
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Seat-Related Issues
2
complaints
Crashes
Fires
1
Avg Miles
Brakes
2
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
Avg Miles
Body Structure
2
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Unintended Acceleration
2
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Wheel Issues
2
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Child Seat
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Electrical System:12v/24v/48v Battery
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Equipment Adaptive/Mobility
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Fuel System, Other
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Fuel System
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Transmission / Drivetrain
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Power Train:Automatic Transmission:Control Module (Tcm/Pcm/Tecm)
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Hydraulic Brakes
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Steering Defects
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Suspension Failures
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Wipers & Visibility
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles

Search Owner Complaints

Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2004 Lexus Rx. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.

Recalls for 2004 Lexus Rx

1 NHTSA recall campaign affecting ~728,544 vehicles.

10V499000Brake Master Cylinder
~728,544 affected

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.

Other Lexus Rx Years

2004 Lexus Rx — FAQ

Answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this specific model year.

Is the 2004 Lexus Rx reliable?
Verdict: Typical for Model. The 2004 Lexus Rx has 56 NHTSA complaints, 1 crash-related, and 1 recall campaign. The most common issue is Structural Problems with 10 complaints. Source: NHTSA via VinItel.
What are common problems with the 2004 Lexus Rx?
Top reported problems: Structural Problems (10 complaints, avg 80,470 mi); Airbags (6 complaints, avg 132,000 mi); Headlight/Taillight Failures (4 complaints). Every complaint is filed by an owner with NHTSA — this is raw reported data, not editorial opinion.
At what mileage do problems start on the 2004 Lexus Rx?
The weighted average mileage at time of complaint is about 99,794 miles. Some components fail earlier, some later — check the "All Problems by Category" table above for per-issue averages.
How safe is the 2004 Lexus Rx?
NHTSA complaints for the 2004 Lexus Rx include 1 crash-related reports, 1 fire reports, 1 injuries, and 0 fatalities. These are owner-reported incidents, not official crash-test ratings — a complaint being filed doesn't confirm a defect, but clusters around specific components are worth investigating.
Does the 2004 Lexus Rx have any recalls?
Yes — 1 NHTSA recall campaign affecting an estimated 728,544 vehicles. Recalls are free to fix at the dealer. Always verify by VIN whether the specific car you're looking at has had its recalls addressed.
Should I buy a 2004 Lexus Rx?
Complaint levels are in line with what's expected. Normal used-car due diligence applies — check the specific VIN for accident history, open recalls, and title brands.

Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinItel.

Wider context: See the full Lexus Rx reliability report with year-by-year comparison and generation analysis.

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