2004 Lexus LS: common problems and reliability
One of the weaker LS years.
36 owner complaints, most about vehicle speed control. 2 recalls.
Should I buy a 2004 LS?The 2004 Lexus LS has 36 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 2 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are vehicle speed control and exterior lighting.
Safety record for the 2004 model year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2004 Lexus LS vehicles (US, public record).
The Year Score compares this year with other LS years only. How we score it
Is 2004 a good year for the LS?
Across the 27 LS model years we track, complaint volume runs from 1 (2023) to 182 (2008). With 36 complaints, the 2004 LS sits above the model's median of 23.
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 LS
exterior lighting
Campaign 09E012000SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
air bags
Campaign 06V096000ON CERTAIN VEHICLES, DUE TO IMPROPER ASSEMBLY OF THE AIR BAG INFLATOR, WHICH IS USED IN THE SIDE AIR BAG, THE CURTAIN SHIELD AIR BAG, AND THE KNEE AIR BAG ASSEMBLY, SOME INFLATORS WERE PRODUCED WITH AN INSUFFICIENT AMOUNT OF THE HEATING AGENTS NECESSARY FOR PROPER AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT. IN THIS CONDITION, THE EXPANSION FORCE OF THE GAS MAY BE INSUFFICIENT TO PROPERLY INFLATE THE AIR BAG WHEN THE SRS SYSTEM IS ACTIVATED DURING A CRASH.
What owners say across generations
The sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, characterized by deep owner loyalty and satisfaction with the vehicle's core mission of providing unparalleled long-term comfort, refinement, and reliability.
Owner insights cover all generations of the LS. See the full LS owner picture and every model year.
Typical used price
Used LS listings typically run $35,857–$43,700.
Other LS model years
Compare every LS year side by side to see how 2004 ranks against the rest.
Compare the LS against its rivals
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