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 Owners most often flag dated infotainment system (pre-2023 models) — described as outdated, with inferior connectivity and interface. frequency: very frequent.

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).

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 with minimal issues. Owne

  • Dated infotainment system (pre-2023 models) — described as outdated, with inferior connectivity and interface.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.
  • 12V battery issues (2025 RX 450h+) — multiple reports of 12V auxiliary battery failures or draining at low mileage, suspected to be a manufacturing defect. Frequency: recurrent.
  • Requires premium fuel (non-hybrid V6 models) — noted as an ongoing ownership cost negative. Frequency: recurrent.
  • Sloped rear design compromises cargo space — noted as a practical drawback compared to more boxy competitors. Frequency: recurrent.

Owner insights cover all generations of the RX.

Typical used price

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

Other RX model years

2022 RX2019 RX2018 RX2016 RX2015 RX2012 RX2009 RX2006 RX2003 RX
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