2004 Lexus IS Problems, Complaints & Recalls

Source: NHTSA · Updated Oct 12, 2015 · 10 owner complaints analyzed

Compared with other IS years
About as many complaints as other years 13th of 27 for complaints
Safety recalls
None on file
NHTSA crash rating
Not rated

Owners have filed 10 complaints with NHTSA about the 2004 Lexus IS. That ranks 13th out of 27 IS model years for complaints. The most reported problem area is unknown or other (5 complaints, 50%), typically at around 59,000 miles. Complaints mention 1 crash, 2 injuries. There are no safety recalls on file for this model year.

Lexus IS
2026 Lexus IS300h F Sport. Representative photo; appearance varies by model year. Photo: TTTNIS, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons.

Complaints are unverified owner reports and are not adjusted for sales volume.

Compare with another car

Most common 2004 Lexus IS problems

Complaints grouped by the part of the car owners reported, with the median mileage when the problem happened.

Unknown or Other5 · ~59,000 mi
Air Bags3 · ~101,350 mi
Structure3 · ~70,461 mi
Wheels1 · ~103,000 mi
Problem areaComplaintsShareMedian milesOwners mention mostTypical repair cost
Unknown or Other550%59,000——
Air Bags330%101,350——
Structure330%70,461——
Wheels110%103,000——

One complaint can list several problem areas, so shares can add up to more than 100%.

Complaints by year received

Peak: 2015, with 7 complaints
2012: 1201212014: 2201422015: 720157

n = 10 complaints · Source: NHTSA

2004 Lexus IS recalls (0)

No safety recalls are on file for the 2004 Lexus IS.

To see whether a specific car still has an open recall, enter its VIN on NHTSA's official recall lookup. You can also decode a VIN here.

Recent owner reports

Short excerpts of the latest complaints filed with NHTSA, with personal details removed. Full reports can be searched on NHTSA.gov.

Melting dash board to include passenger side airbag cover, leaves residue on your hand when you touch it regardless of where the vehicle is parked in cool or hot areas.

Air Bags · received Oct 12, 2015 · NHTSA complaint 10781367

Dashboard has been melting since i bought the car brand new in 2005. It had 300 miles on it. It has had a stuck vent since 8 bought it on to of the dash and the repaint that now looks like crap. Back to the original issue of the melting dashboard. I have been burnt by the melting whatever it is…

Unknown or Other · received Aug 5, 2015 · NHTSA complaint 10746544

I have a 2004 lexus is300 and have the same dash melting issue that other people is having. Starting from 2007 the dash started to melt and took to deal back then and they refuse to do anything. Recently got a letter for warranty enhancement notice for my other 2007 lexus es350 with same issue of…

Unknown or Other · received Jul 2, 2015 · NHTSA complaint 10731793

The dashboard is melting. When touched it leaves prints and feels sticky. It's been on going for a few years and has gotten worse. I'm concerned it may be toxic.

Unknown or Other · received May 13, 2015 · NHTSA complaint 10716209

2004 lexus is300 purchased from the original owner in 2008. As evidenced by many claims on different lexus/toyota vehicles the dashboard and center console is "melting." 2006 and up lexus is models have an existing recall. 2002-2005 lexus is models do not have this recall although the issue is…

Air Bags · received May 13, 2015 · NHTSA complaint 10716277

Other Lexus IS years

← 2003 IS · 2005 IS →

See all Lexus IS problems by year, every Lexus model, or the Lexus VIN decoder.

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Frequently asked questions

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

Owners most often report unknown or other, air bags, structure problems. The top one, unknown or other, accounts for 5 complaints.

Was there a recall on the 2004 Lexus IS?

No safety recalls are on file for this model year.

Was the 2004 Lexus IS a good year?

Complaint data can't fully answer that, because counts aren't adjusted for sales. Compared with other IS model years, the 2004 has about as many complaints as a typical year. Always get a pre-purchase inspection and check the VIN for open recalls.