2004 Lexus ES: common problems and reliability

The 2004 Lexus ES has 190 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 1 recall on record. The most-reported areas are power train and vehicle speed control. Owners most often flag infotainment touchpad interface — described as annoying, difficult to use; preference for post-2022 touchscreen models. frequency: recurrent.

Safety record for the 2004 model year

190
Owner complaints
1
Recalls
40
Crash reports
2
Fire reports

Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2004 Lexus ES vehicles (US, public record).

Where owners report problems

power train
63
vehicle speed control
58
air bags
28
service brakes
17
hydraulic
12

Recalls affecting the 2004 ES

engine and engine cooling

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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…

What owners say across generations

Overwhelmingly positive sentiment centered on exceptional long-term reliability, low operating costs, and a comfortable, quiet, and refined driving experience. The ES is consistently praised as a durable, low-stress luxury sedan ideal for high-mileage commutin

  • Infotainment touchpad interface — described as annoying, difficult to use; preference for post-2022 touchscreen models. Frequency: recurrent.
  • Steering rack leaks — noted on higher-mileage examples (e.g., 2010 model with 137k miles). Frequency: isolated.
  • CV axle boot leaks — reported after extended high-speed driving. Frequency: isolated.
  • Strut and engine mount wear — expected high-mileage maintenance items (e.g., on a 2010 model with 137k miles). Frequency: isolated.
  • Intermittent electrical/starting issues — clicking relays, failure to start (e.g., 2019 model). Frequency: isolated.

Owner insights cover all generations of the ES.

Typical used price

Used ES listings typically run $51,553–$56,216 across 2025 to 2026 model years.

Other ES model years

2025 ES2024 ES2021 ES2018 ES2015 ES2012 ES2006 ES2001 ES1997 ES
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