2004 Lexus RX recalls and problems

The 2004 Lexus RX has 1 safety recall and 40 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Lexus dealer.

Recalls

Complaints

Crashes / fires

1 / 1

Injuries / deaths

1 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2004 Lexus RX vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2004 Lexus RX recalls

Recall 10V-499: Service Brakes, Hydraulic

Reported Oct 21, 2010 · 728,544 vehicles affected · TOYOTA MOTOR NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Problem: Toyota is recalling certain model year 2005-2006 avalon, model year 2004-2006 highlander, model year 2004-2006 lexus rx, and model year 2006 lexus gs and is vehicles. Brake fluid containing polymers is used that acts as lubricants for certain brake system components. If replacement brake fluid is used that does not contain such polymers, or that contains only small amounts, a part of the rubber seal located at the rear of the brake master cylinder may become dry, and the seal may curl during movement of the piston. If this occurs, a small amount of brake fluid could slowly leak from the seal into the brake booster.

Risk: A leak of brake fluid could lead to a change in brake pedal feel and overtime a degradation in braking performance increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will replace the seal with a newly designed one. This service will be performed free of charge. The safety recall began on november 15, 2010. Owners may contact toyota at 1-800-331-4331 and lexus at 1-800-255-3987.

2004 Lexus RX problems reported by owners

Problem area	Reports
Structure	12
Unknown or Other	8
Power Train	6
Air Bags	6
Exterior Lighting	4
Vehicle Speed Control	2
Engine	2
Wheels	2
Seats	2
Service Brakes	2
Electrical System	1
Child Seat	1

Most reported parts

Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 4
Structure › Body — 2
Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Control Module (Tcm/Pcm/Tecm) — 1
Electrical System › 12v/24v/48v Battery — 1
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 68,000 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2004 Lexus RX complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Unknown or Other · reported Feb 28, 2026

Odometer reading in vehicle doesn't match information on carfax, zilocar, or title reading. Also sellers may have titled jumped vehicle. Recieved call from owner on title I recieved and she said that she had sold vehicle on 2/4/2026 to couple. I purchased vehicle on 2/13/2026 with her name on title. Odometer was correct mileage to carfax when she sold to buyers, yet changed when I purchased vehicle with about 150,000 mile differebce.

Air Bags · reported Dec 2, 2025

Dashboard crack in 2024, that started on passenger side near air vent, expanded recently causing the "passenger air bag off" alert to light up and stay on continually. If I were to have a passenger at the time of an accident, the air bag might not deploy, which would be a safety issue. This could possibly lead to a liability issue, so I have not had any passengers but that isn't sustainable, so I contacted the dealer. I was told that the previous recall for cracked dashboards ended in 2017 and that it was cosmetic only, not safety related, but that the part was available for $964.50, not…

Seats · reported Feb 15, 2022

I was driving with the driverâs seat heater turned on. While I were traveling, I noticed that the seat heater was very hot, so I turned it off. I arrived at my destination and parked the vehicle for about two hours. I did not turn the seat heater back on when you returned to the vehicle. I was removing snow from the vehicle with the driverâs door open and some of the snow landed on the driverâs seat. When I brushed the snow off the seat, I noticed a burn mark in the seat cushion. I called Lexus USA to report this 2 days later and showed my local dealer (Lexus of Portland) and they had…

Unknown or Other · reported Jul 10, 2021

I purchased the vehicle on 17th of june 2021. I noticed the dashboard is cracked really bad. I did research on the lexus dashboards and found previous recalls on the lexus dashbaords including the 2004 rx330 models. How can I get this fixed if the recall is not listed for the VIN number on my vegicle?

Unknown or Other · at 103,000 miles · reported May 5, 2021

Dashboard cracking even though windshield screen used when not in garage. Vehicle kept in home garage as well as garage at hospital while I worked.

Other Lexus RX years

2026 2025 2024 2023 2022 2021 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 200520042003 2002 2001 2000

Compare all Lexus RX years · All Lexus models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2004 Lexus RX have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2004 Lexus RX: 10V-499 (service brakes, hydraulic). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2004 Lexus RX?

Owners report structure problems most often (12 reports), followed by unknown or other (8). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 68,000 miles.

Are Lexus recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Lexus dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.