2004 Lexus RX: common problems and reliability

The 2004 Lexus RX has 327 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 5 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are power train and service brakes. Owners most often flag requires premium fuel (non-hybrid v6 models): noted as an ongoing ownership cost negative. frequency: recurrent.

Safety record for the 2004 model year

327
Owner complaints
5
Recalls
38
Crash reports
2
Fire reports

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

Is 2004 a good year for the RX?

Across the 10 RX model years we track, complaint volume runs from 30 (2003) to 327 (2004). With 327 complaints, the 2004 RX sits abovethe model's median of 119.

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

power train
74
service brakes
65
hydraulic
59
structure
46
vehicle speed control
36

Recalls affecting the 2004 RX

engine and engine cooling

Campaign 11V539000

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

vehicle speed control:accelerator pedal

Campaign 11V112000

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

seat belts:rear/other

Campaign 06V023000

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 DIRECTL

vehicle speed control:accelerator pedal

Campaign 06V253000

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 ACCEL

What owners say across generations

Overwhelmingly positive sentiment centered on exceptional long-term reliability, comfort, and low ownership costs. The RX is consistently described as a "bombproof," comfortable, and quiet vehicle built to last well over 150,000 miles…

  • Dated infotainment system (pre-2023 models): described as outdated, with inferior connectivity and interface. Frequency: very frequent.
  • Interior material quality concerns (2023+ redesign): perceptions of cheaper-feeling materials, hard plastics, and a less luxurious feel compared to previous RX generations and some competitors. Frequency: recurrent.

Owner insights cover all generations of the RX. See the full RX owner picture and every model year.

Typical used price

Used RX listings typically run $52,776–$60,333 across 2025 to 2026 model years.

Other RX model years

Compare every RX year side by side to see how 2004 ranks against the rest.

Compare the RX against its rivals