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2004 Lexus ES: common problems and reliability
One of the worst ES years.
One of the Lexus ES years to avoid. All ES years
190 owner complaints, most about power train. 1 recall.
Should I buy a 2004 ES?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.
Safety record for the 2004 model year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2004 Lexus ES vehicles (US, public record).
The Year Score compares this year with other ES years only. How we score it
Is 2004 a good year for the ES?
Across the 29 ES model years we track, complaint volume runs from 15 (2018) to 664 (2007). With 190 complaints, the 2004 ES sits above the model's median of 56.
These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.
Where owners report problems
Recalls affecting the 2004 ES
engine and engine cooling
Campaign 11V539000TOYOTA 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 owners say across generations
Overwhelmingly positive sentiment centered on exceptional long-term reliability, low operating costs, and a comfortable, quiet, and refined driving experience.
Owner insights cover all generations of the ES. See the full ES owner picture and every model year.
Typical used price
Used ES listings typically run $43,225–$47,448.
Other ES model years
Compare every ES year side by side to see how 2004 ranks against the rest.
Compare the ES against its rivals
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