Model year record

2004 Lexus RX330 recalls & problems

The 2004 Lexus RX330 has 5 safety recalls and 287 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is power train (71 complaints).

Recalls5safety recalls

Complaints287filed by owners

Crashes · fires37 · 1reported in complaints

Injuries · deaths27 · 3reported in complaints

2004 Lexus RX330 in an NHTSA crash test — NHTSA crash test

Safety recalls

Engine and engine coolingNov 9, 2011

Engine and engine cooling

Recall 11V539000420,326 vehicles

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.
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.
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.

Vehicle speed controlFeb 24, 2011

Accelerator pedal

Recall 11V112000769,379 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (ODI)

Problem: 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 IS LOCATED IN FRONT OF THE CENTER CONSOLE, IS NOT INSTALLED PROPERLY THE COVER MAY LEAN TOWARD THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL AND INTERFERE WITH THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL ARM.
Risk: IF THIS OCCURS, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL MAY TEMPORARILY BECOME STUCK IN A PARTIALLY DEPRESSED POSITION RATHER THAN RETURN TO THE IDLE POSITION. A STUCK ACCELERATOR PEDAL MAY RESULT IN UNINTENDED AND SUSTAINED VEHICLE SPEEDS AND MAKE IT DIFFICULT TO STOP, INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH.
Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FLOOR CARPET COVER WITH A NEWLY DESIGNED ONE FREE OR CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING MARCH 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331.

Vehicle speed controlJul 13, 2006

Accelerator pedal

Recall 06V253000367,594 vehicles

Problem: 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 ACCELERATOR PEDAL, CAUSING INTERFERENCE WITH THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL ROD.
Risk: THIS CONDITION MAY INTERFERE WITH THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL RETURNING TO THE IDLE POSITION INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE TWO FLOOR CARPET COVER RETAINING CLIPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 24, 2006, AND SHOULD BE COMPLETED BY EARLY SEPTEMBER 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331 OR LEXUS AT 1-800-255-3987.

Seat beltsJan 27, 2006

Rear/other

Recall 06V0230003,851 vehicles

Problem: 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 DIRECTLY BEHIND THE DRIVER'S SEAT DOES NOT HAVE SUFFICIENT STRENGTH.
Risk: THE REAR SEAT OCCUPANT MAY NOT BE PROPERLY RESTRAINED IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH.
Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE FREE OF CHARGE THE REAR, LEFT-HAND SIDE SEAT BELT BUCKLE ANCHOR BOLT WITH AN IMPROVED ONE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 3, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT LEXUS AT 800-255-3987.

Exterior lightingNov 22, 2004

Brake lights › Switch

Recall 04V558000183,090 vehicles

Problem: CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES MAY BE EQUIPPED WITH AN IMPROPERLY DESIGNED BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH. A SILICON OXIDE BUILD-UP OCCURS ON THE CONTACTS INSIDE THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH, WHICH CAN MAKE IT INOPERABLE.
Risk: IF THE SWITCH IS INOPERABLE, THE BRAKE LIGHTS WILL NOT ILLUMINATE AND CAN INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH. THE RECALL BEGAN DURING DECEMBER 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331.

Recall repairs are free at any authorised dealer. A recall listed here may already have been fixed on a particular car: enter its 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls.

Crash test ratings

2004 Lexus RX330 4-DR. w/SAB

OverallNot Rated

Frontal crash	Not Rated
Side crash	Not Rated
Rollover	Not Rated

2004 Lexus RX330 NHTSA side crash test — NHTSA side barrier crash test

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (New Car Assessment Program). Ratings are comparable only between vehicles of similar size and weight, and ratings from 2011 on use tougher tests than earlier years. Photos: NHTSA.

Fuel economy

RX 330 2WD

20mpg combined

City / highway	17 / 24 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

3.3 L · 6 cyl · Automatic 5-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $3,350/year to fuel

RX 330 2WD

20mpg combined

City / highway	17 / 24 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

3.3 L · 6 cyl · Automatic (S5) · Front-Wheel Drive · about $3,350/year to fuel

RX 330 4WD

19mpg combined

City / highway	16 / 22 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

3.3 L · 6 cyl · Automatic 5-spd · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive · about $3,550/year to fuel

RX 330 4WD

19mpg combined

City / highway	16 / 22 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

3.3 L · 6 cyl · Automatic (S5) · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive · about $3,550/year to fuel

EPA estimates from fueleconomy.gov for each engine and transmission sold. Annual cost is the EPA's estimate for 15,000 miles a year at its current fuel and electricity price assumptions. Your results will vary.

What owners report

Problem area	Complaints	Crashes	Fires	Injuries	Typical mileage*
Power trainAutomatic transmission; Automatic transmission › Control module (tcm/pcm/tecm)	71	2	0	3	5,700 mi
Service brakes, hydraulicPower assist; Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip	68	13	0	4	7,400 mi
StructureBody; Body › Hatchback/liftgate	34	1	1	1	92,000 mi
Vehicle speed controlAccelerator pedal; Cruise control	34	15	0	10	49,500 mi
Exterior lightingHeadlights; Tail lights	22	0	0	0	74,200 mi
Air bagsSide/window	21	11	0	11	85,000 mi
Unknown or other	20	1	0	1	90,000 mi
VisibilitySun/moon roof assembly; Defroster/defogger/hvac system	19	0	0	1	60,000 mi
Engine and engine coolingEngine; Exhaust system	12	3	0	1	75,000 mi
SuspensionRear › Springs › Coil springs; Front	9	0	0	0	41,000 mi
Steering	9	0	0	0	70,000 mi
Electrical systemWiring; Ignition	7	0	0	0	42,000 mi

*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.

Recent owner complaints

Structure › Interior panels › Dashboard
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 LEXUS RX330. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE INSPECTING THE INTERIOR OF THE VEHICLE, HE NOTICED THAT THE DASHBOARD ON THE DRIVER'S AND PASSENGER'S SIDE AIR BAG ENCLOSURE AREA WAS CRACKED. POHANKA LEXUS (13909 LEE JACKSON MEMORIAL HIGHWAY, CHANTILLY, VA 20151, (703) 968-9100) WAS INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT UNDER RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE HOWEVER, NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE WAS PROVIDED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 103,000.
May 8, 2018 · 103,000 miles
Engine
HAVE HAD TO REPLACE RADIATOR 3 TIMES & WILL NEED A 4TH AT THIS TIME, SINCE 2015, WAS BOUGHT USED IN 2014. !ST REPLACEMENT 2015 2ND) 2016, 3RD) 2017, AND NOW NEEDS AGAIN. MANY WEBSITES STATE MANY DIFFERENT PROBLEMS RELATED TO MY VEHICLE, AS WELL AS OTHERS OF A NEW YEAR IE; 2005, 2006. LEXUS CLAIMS VIN IS THE ONLY SOURCE TO VERIFY IF NEEDS FIXING STATED TO ME, YET A WEBSOURCE CLUBLEXUS.COM/FORUM SHOWS A STATEMENT BY LEXUS STATING THE ISSUE IS NOT BY VIN ALONE BUT BY MAKE MODEL & YEAR. A LOCAL RADIATOR SHOP IN WESTERN STATED TO ME VIA PHONE THAT LEXUS DEALERSHIP SERVICE FOR A WHILE IN PAST HAD ORDERED MANY, MANY RADIATORS BECAUSE AS IT WAS STATED SOME KIND OF ELECTRICAL ISSUE WAS CAUSING THE…
Jul 15, 2019 · 158,000 miles
Structure › Body
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 LEXUS RX330. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTIFICATION FOR AN UNKNOWN RECALL. THE CONTACT REFERENCED TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN NUMBER: POL14-03 (CRACKED DASHBOARD). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. WEST SIDE LEXUS (12000 KATY FWY, HOUSTON, TX 77079, (281) 558-3030) WAS CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE RECALL REMEDY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE AND WAS NOT ABLE TO CONFIRM WHEN THE PARTS WERE TO BECOME AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS ALSO INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 11V112000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL). THE CONTACT HAD NOT…
Jun 13, 2017
Structure › Body
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 LEXUS RX330. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTIFICATION FOR AN UNKNOWN RECALL. THE CONTACT REFERENCED TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN NUMBER: POL14-03 (CRACKED DASHBOARD). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. WEST SIDE LEXUS (12000 KATY FWY, HOUSTON, TX 77079, (281) 558-3030) WAS CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE RECALL REMEDY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE AND WAS NOT ABLE TO CONFIRM WHEN THE PARTS WERE TO BECOME AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS ALSO INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 11V112000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL). THE CONTACT HAD NOT…
Jun 11, 2018
Exterior lighting
THE RED PLASTIC HOUSING THAT THE TAILLIGHT IS IN IS MELTED, THE LIGHTS ARE STILL WORKING, BUT THE RED PLASTIC AROUND THE BULB HAS MELTED ON BOTH THE RIGHT AND LEFT REAR BRAKE LIGHTS
Jan 3, 2019
Unknown or other
SUNROOF EXPLODED ON HIGHWAY GOING 60 MPH TEMPERATURE AT 35 DEGREES.
Mar 12, 2019 · 105,000 miles
Electrical system
CRUISE CONTROL WILL NOT TURN ON, CANNOT OPERATE WHILE CAR IS IN MOTION ON THE HIGHWAY. 12
Dec 14, 2018 · 185,000 miles
Unknown or other
THE DASHBOARD IS CRACKING UP BAD AND WHEN I'M DRIVING I BE HERRING POPING SOUND COMING FROM THE DASHBOARD AND WHEN THE HEAT IS ON IT BE MAKING LOAD SOUND
Nov 8, 2018

Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.

NHTSA defect investigations

Unintended and Uncontrolled AccelerationClosedLed to recall 11V112000
On February 16, 2010, NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened RQ10-003 to determine whether the scope of prior Toyota recalls relating to potential unintended acceleration were sufficiently broad, including, among others, Toyota recalls 07E-082, 09V-388, 10V-017, and 10V-023.NHTSA also requested information regarding potential electronic causes of unintended acceleration in Toyota and Lexus vehicles.I. Pedal Interference from Floor mats, Carpet Covers and Plastic Pads in Carpets.During the RQ10-003 investigation, ODI reviewed a large volume of documents to assess whether additional vehicles should be recalled.Following the agency's analysis, NHTSA requested that Toyota recall additional vehicles.Toyota complied with the agency's request.The details of these recalls are set forth more fully in Toyota's reports to NHTSA pursuant to 49 CFR Part 573.These recalls are as…
RQ10003 · opened Feb 16, 2010 · closed Mar 1, 2011
VACUUM BRAKE BOOSTER FAILUREClosed
ON FEBRUARY 10, 2005, THE OFFICE OF DEFECTS INVESTIGATION (ODI) OPENED A PRELIMINARY EVALUATION TO INVESTIGATE ALLEGED LOSS OF BRAKE POWER-ASSIST IN CERTAIN 2004 MODEL YEAR (MY) LEXUS RX330 VEHICLES BUILT THROUGH APPROXIMATELY JUNE 30, 2004.THE SUBJECT VEHICLES WERE MANUFACTURED AT TOYOTA MOTOR MANUFACTURING CANADA, INC.?S CAMBRIDGE, ONTARIO ASSEMBLY PLANT AND WERE EQUIPPED WITH VACUUM BRAKE BOOSTER ASSEMBLIES SOURCED FROM AISIN SEIKI CO., LTD (AISIN) SUBSIDIARY ADVICS NORTH AMERICA, INC. (ADVICS-NA).TO DATE, ODI IS AWARE OF 146 NON-DUPLICATIVE REPORTS THAT ALLEGE LOSS OF BRAKE POWER-ASSIST AND 6 CRASHES ALLEGEDLY CAUSED BY LOSS OF BRAKE POWER-ASSIST (RESULTING IN 1 MINOR INJURY) ON THE SUBJECT VEHICLES.THE SUBJECT VEHICLES USE A CONVENTIONAL BRAKE BOOSTER ASSEMBLY THAT CONTAINS A RUBBER DIAPHRAGM TO SEPARATE THE FORE AND AFT PRESSURE CHAMBERS.THE OUTER EDGE OF THE RUBBER DIAPHRAGM IS…
PE05009 · opened Feb 10, 2005 · closed Jun 15, 2005