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2004 Lexus ES330 Problems, complaints & recalls

Owners have filed 190 complaints about the 2004 Lexus ES330 with NHTSA, most often about the transmission & drivetrain (63) and the acceleration & cruise control (58). Those complaints describe 40 crashes, 2 fires and 24 injuries. It is covered by 1 recall, the latest in November 2011 for the engine and engine cooling. For comparison, the 2005 has 201.

NHTSA data checked

DMore problems than a typical ES330 year, for its age

#74 most complained-about 2004 vehicle

Complaints
190
Recalls
1
Crashes
40
Fires
2
Injuries
24
Deaths
0

Most common 2004 Lexus ES330 problems

Share of all 190 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.

2004 Lexus ES330 recalls 1

Recall repairs are free. Your dealer fixes them whether or not you bought the car there - check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is done. What to do

Engine and engine cooling

11V539000420,326 vehicles affected

The problem
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 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.
The risk
In some cases, the belt for the power steering pump may become detached from the pulley which could result in a loss of power steering and a sudden increase in steering effort, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix
Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will check the crankshaft pulley to identify whether it was produced by the u.S. Supplier. If so, the dealer will replace the pulley with a new one at no charge. The safety recall is expected to begin during early january 2012. Owners may contact toyota at 1-800-331-4331.

What owners say

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190 complaints about the 2004 Lexus ES330

Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners. Page 1 of 8.

Airbags

The passenger side airbag is shrinking and seems to be collapsing into the dashboard. There is an indicator light on the passenger side that is lit up noting that "airbag off," so apparently there is no airbag protection for passenger. Three days ago, the right side of the windshield - passenger side, and the passenger window and passenger side back seat window, were all moist and foggy in the morning. There were no windows opened. I think the airbag situation is causing the airbag to leak moisture into the...

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surrounding windows and the passenger side of the car. I don't know what this fluid/moisture is composed of, but I can only imagine it must be some type of chemical - something that you do not want to be leaking into the car on a daily basis.

Filed Incident Air bagsNHTSA 11450072
AirbagsBody, doors & structure

Vehicle was parked overnight in garage. Though not noticed immediately, sometime during the morning I noticed my dashboard vinyl around the passenger side airbag looked swollen , and upon examination, it showed a split in the vinyl also. I took it to a reputable auto repair shop and was told it would cost thousands to fix, but that a dealership might be able to help. So I went to the local toyota deal who said some vehicles had recalls but mine did not. As time goes on, the vinyl seems to have pressure building...

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behind it, and the split is more obvious. I am afraid to allow passengers to sit in that seat. I am afraid if the airbag burst out while I am driving, I may overreact and wreck. This is not safe at all. Please help.

Filed Incident Air bags · StructureNHTSA 11338671
Electrical system

Every window has stopped working.The first one stopped going up d own ten years ago now they have all stopped.

Filed Incident Electrical systemNHTSA 11325913
Visibility & wipers

INTERMEDIATE WIPERS HAVE NEVER WORKED.

Filed Incident Visibility / wiperNHTSA 11203849
Transmission & drivetrain

Upper right motor mount has been replaced 3 times. Now car is vibrating between 45-60 and has no power and is taking up to 1-2 minute's.

Filed Incident Power trainNHTSA 11203848
Airbags

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 lexus es. While operating the vehicle, the air bag warning indicator remained illuminated. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was 170,000.

Filed Incident Air bagsNHTSA 11193155
Airbags

Air bag light came on when idle and won't go off. Code b1787. Never in an accident. Unplugged and re-plugged all connections; disconnected battery for 15 minutes but did not reset light. Dealer checked and could not reset system. No air bag protection now. Fix requires new seat with sensors est $4500. Can't afford to fix.

Filed Incident Air bagsNHTSA 11172702
Airbags

Passenger air bag light came on about 6 months ago and won't cut off,i haven't been in a car accident nor has my airbag emploded, had it look at by mechanic at auto shop where I get my oil changes and such he didn't recognize any problems,called lexus dealership and they want to charge an arm and a leg just to look at it.

Filed Incident Air bagsNHTSA 11119981
Airbags

I started my car and all of the sudden, air bag light came on. I never had an accident, airbags were never deployed, I checked all the wires and even unplugged the battery for good 10 minutes and the light will not go off. In case of an accident, my car will not deploy air bags and it creates a potential threat that it can be an insta-death, especially with a steering wheel in front of your face.

Filed Incident Air bagsNHTSA 11109562
Airbags

B1650 code - occupancy classification system code displays. Never been in accident and will not go away. Appeared at start up overnight.

Filed Incident Air bagsNHTSA 11104908
Airbags

Passenger side airbag cover is separating from dashboard and appears to have pressure behind it. Vinyl is cracked on top side of airbag cover.

Filed Incident Air bagsNHTSA 11084288
AirbagsCrash1 injury

I was in 3 accidents and my air bags did not deployed. 1 Accident I was hit in the back, I was not moving when the car hit me from behind (on the fwy), he must of been driving at a speed of 45 mph. I t-boned a car going at a speed of approx. 35 Mph.

Filed Incident Air bagsNHTSA 11083868
Airbags

Airbag has partially opened and I am afraid it will explode at any given moment.

Filed Incident Air bagsNHTSA 11060913
Other & unknownCrash

Cruise control doing 5-10mph with the cruise control on the car surged foward and even braking I hit the car in front of me

Filed Incident Unknown or otherNHTSA 11046640
Electrical systemBrakesEngine & coolingCrash

I had a car accident approximately one month ago due to sudden unintended acceleration and loss of steering in a 2004 lexus es330. I am the only owner of the car and I had it serviced regularly over the past 13 years. The night of my accident I lost complete control of my car as I attempted to merge on to the local lanes of an interstate highway in northern, nj. The car accelerated to the left and crossed sped across 8 lanes of the highway, including over a median before it spun around and jerked to a stop in the...

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left lane of the west bound lanes facing east. I was hit head on by another driver. I was not injured, but the car was a total loss. Both of my parents also currently drive lexus vehicles, and both models were noted to have similar issues. Furthermore, my mother recently received a letter indicating her car was being recalled due to the passenger air bag issues, the letter stated while toyota would offer what they considered to be a suitable fix at no charge. The letter further explained that they did not currently possess the parts needed for the repairs and would be in touch in the future, no indication of the expected time frame was provided. Between my accident and knowing both of my parents are currently driving vehicles that are unsafe to drive, by toyota's own admissions, I have been and continue to experience significant distress. I am aware of the significant fines and suits settled against toyota in the past, but they continue to seem unfazed despite their cars putting all of our lives at risk daily. I am also incredibly disgusted by their history of victim blaming and would love to do whatever I can to bring attention to this issue. I feel it is only fair that toyota accept responsibility for their seemingly never ending list of wrongdoing and take immediate steps to correct ongoing issues.

Filed Incident Electrical system · Service brakes · EngineNHTSA 10956681
Seats & seat belts

The seat belt for passenger side and the seat assembly malfunctioned when my passenger buckled his seat belt. There was a popping sound and then the airbag light came on. The system was re calibrated at the dealership but I continue to have sporadic problems with this issue. I cannot have a passenger due to this issue.

Filed Incident Seat belts · SeatsNHTSA 10949317
SuspensionBrakes

I continually have to replace the disc brakes on this vehicle. The pads don't wear down very much, but the brake pedal gets low and spongy. This is after normal driving. *Tr

Filed Incident Suspension · Service brakesNHTSA 10939684
Engine & cooling

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 lexus es330. While driving various speeds, the steering wheel became difficult to maneuver. The vehicle was previously inspected per nhtsa campaign number: 11v539000 (engine and engine cooling), but the repair was never performed. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the crankshaft pulley fractured and would need to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 175,000.

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 10936761
Airbags

Takata recall my 2004 lexus es 330 has a malfunctioning passenger side airbag. There is a light that says passenger airbag off that is illuminated. Also, there is a gap in the housing where the airbag is located on the dash of the passenger side. I am concerned there has been no formal recall on this issue. There are several complaints online from consumers with same issue on the same make/model. Please add this vehicle to the recall.

Filed Incident Air bagsNHTSA 10930040
Airbags

No one has notified me of the recall of my toyota lexus 2004 model 330 to let us know if we need the airbags replaced.

Filed Incident Air bagsNHTSA 10924647
Acceleration & cruise control

I was driving at 9:30am cst on 7/27/16 when my car experience unintentional acceleration for about 1.5 Miles. My car refused to slow down, even while I had the brakes applied. I have had my car sent to lexus headquarters to be investigated.

Filed Incident Vehicle speed controlNHTSA 10892284
Other & unknown

This car -- purchased in 2003 -- has never left florida. It resides in a humid, hot area, parked outdoors. Are the airbags in this car safe? Will they be recalled? If so, when? What should I do in the meantime? Thank you.

Filed Incident Unknown or otherNHTSA 10875024
Electrical system

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 lexus es330. While driving 35 mph, the air bag light illuminated, and the cruise control, fuel gauge, and horn failed to function. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the entire electrical housing system of the front passenger seat failed and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 154,000.

Filed Incident Electrical systemNHTSA 10861363
Engine & coolingFuel system

When starting the lexus es 330 2004 for the first time in the day it makes a horrible sound that lasts about 5 seconds while still parked then when driving it seems like I am forcing it do accelerate. After being warmed up it is fine and after subsequent starts it does not make that noise.

Filed Incident Unknown or other · Engine · Fuel / propulsion systemNHTSA 10854532
Airbags

Without any incidents, our dashboard light for the airbags came on. The dealer says the entire part is in an electrical housing in the passenger seat and it to be replaced as a whole part at a cost of $4000. A separate mechanic we have used long term says it is the entire drivers seat that needs to be replaced not the passenger side and this one is at a cost of $6000. They both state it's not part of the recent airbag recalls. They know the airbags have not inflated, yet cannot guarantee that they will inflate in...

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the event of an accident. The vehicle has been in our possession as original owners and no one else drives this vehicle. It has never been in an accident or fender bender or anything. The light came on one morning after it had been parked in our driveway all night. We don't park on the street.

Filed Incident Air bagsNHTSA 10854475

Lexus ES330: every year compared

YearComplaintsRecallsCrashesFiresTop problemGrade
2006790181AirbagsB
20052012472Transmission & drivetrainD
20041901402Transmission & drivetrainD
All ES330 years

2004 Lexus ES330 vs rivals

More sales usually means more complaints, so compare similar vehicles of the same year. The grade compares each vehicle with its own model's other years.

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Questions about the 2004 Lexus ES330

Does the 2004 Lexus ES330 have any recalls?

Yes - NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2004 Lexus ES330: engine and engine cooling (November 2011). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether yours has been fixed.

What are the most common problems with the 2004 Lexus ES330?

By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the transmission & drivetrain (63), acceleration & cruise control (58), airbags (28).

How many complaints has the 2004 Lexus ES330 had?

190 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on October 10, 2003 and the latest on February 2, 2022. Of these, 40 describe a crash and 2 a fire, and together they report 24 injuries and 0 deaths.

Is the 2004 Lexus ES330 a reliable vehicle?

Its Safety Index is 38 out of 100 (grade D: more problems than a typical Lexus ES330 year, for its age). The index weighs complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and recalls against how long the vehicle has been on the road, compared with the same model's other years. It is not a measure of every repair - read the complaints and owner experiences, and have any used vehicle inspected before you buy.

Which Lexus ES330 years have the most complaints?
What should I do if my 2004 Lexus ES330 has a problem?

If it is a safety problem, stop driving it if it is unsafe and contact your dealer. Report it to NHTSA at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem - enough reports start investigations and recalls - and share your experience here so other owners know what to look for.

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked . Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data

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