Vehicles / Lexus / Es 330 / 2004

2004 Lexus Es 330

153 federal complaints (188 component records) · 1 recall campaigns on file · 1 federal investigation · 48 service bulletins
See all 3 model years of the Lexus Es 330 →
Engine
3.3L 6-cyl
Fuel
Regular
Drive
FWD
EPA economy
18 city / 27 hwy
Federal complaints
153
Recall campaigns
1
Specifications show one example EPA configuration for this model year; other engines, drivetrains, and trims exist and the records below cover all of them.
How to read this file. Complaint records are unverified owner submissions to the federal safety agency. Counts are raw, not adjusted for sales volume or vehicle age. Recall campaigns apply to the model; only a VIN check shows whether this car is affected or repaired. Parts shown are named by an editorial note or listed as a search directory; none is a diagnosis. Full methodology.

Fault profile

Complaint-component records on this vehicle, grouped by family. A complaint naming two systems counts once in each.

Power train
62
Speed control
49
Brakes
15
Air bags
14
Engine & cooling
10
Electrical system
6
Glass & wipers
4
Seat belts
4
Complaints are owner-reported and not verified by the agency.

Known issues

The component families with the most complaint records against this vehicle. Counts, crash and fire figures belong to the whole family, not to any single named issue. Parts listed are related system parts, not a diagnosis.

Power train

62 complaint records1 crash report
"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...."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse power train parts in the directory →

Speed control

49 complaint records19 crash reports
"THE JENCI'S CONTEND THAT MRS. JENCI PUT THE VEHICLE IN REVERSE, IT THEN SURGED, MADE A LOUD SOUND AND LUNGED FORWARD OUT OF CONTROL. *NM..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse speed control parts in the directory →

Brakes

15 complaint records1 fire report8 crash reports
"2004 LEXUS ES 330 DEVELOPED A PROBLEM WITH BRAKING.*MR THE CONSUMER NOTICED THAT THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS NOISEY WHEN PRESSED AND RELEASED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THEY EXPLAINED THAT THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE AND THAT IT WAS THE WAY IT WAS DESIGNED. *NM..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse brakes parts in the directory →

Federal defect investigations

Formal investigations opened by the federal safety agency into this vehicle. An investigation is the step between a complaint pattern and a recall; not every one results in one.

InvestigationStatusComponentSubject
DP05002
opened Aug 2005
closed Jan 2006Vehicle Speed ControlVEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
IN A LETTER DATED JULY 8, 2005, AND AFTER EXPERIENCING TWO INCIDENTS (AND ONE CRASH) WHERE HE ALLEGES HIS MODEL YEAR (MY) 2002 CAMRY ACCELERATED WITHOUT DRIVER INPUT, MR.

Recall campaigns

Safety-recall remedies are normally provided at no charge. Under US federal law the mandatory free remedy applies when the vehicle was no more than 15 years old at the time the defect was determined; manufacturers often cover older vehicles voluntarily. Canadian rules differ. Confirm eligibility with the manufacturer using the VIN. Each campaign number links to the federal record.

CampaignComponentSummaryRemedy
04V595000Seat BeltsON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A FRONT PASSENGER POWER SEAT, WHEN INSTALLING CERTAIN REAR-FACING INFANT CHILD SEAT BASES ONTO THE SEAT WITH AN EXCESSIVELY HIGH SEATBELT TENSION, IT MAY BE POSSIBLE TO UNSEAT...Normally free

Service bulletins and warranty extensions

Manufacturer communications to dealers on file with the federal agency: repair instructions, service campaigns, and warranty extensions. A warranty extension means the manufacturer may pay for a repair the recall table does not cover.

BulletinTypeComponentSummary
L-SB-0020-24
Apr 2024
StructureVehicles may occasionally be subjected to contamination by airborne iron particles shed from railroad tracks, train wheels, exposure to heavy machinery facilities, grinding, welding, etc.
L-SB-0021-24
Apr 2024
StructureLexus vehicles are currently protected with RapgardTM protective film designed to protect the horizontal painted surfaces. This material protects from acid rain, environmental fallout, and rail contamination.
L-SB-0022-24
Apr 2024
StructureAcid rain results from rainwater or other airborne moisture that become acidic due to industrial chemical impurities in the atmosphere.
L-SB-0024-24
Apr 2024
StructureThe condition known as acid rain is caused by airborne chemicals or particles in the atmosphere, which mix with rainwater, nighttime dew, or high humidity to form acidic compounds.
Safety Recall 22
Apr 2022
EquipmentLexus Safety Recall and Service Campaign - Technician Certification Requirements 4.13.2022
Show 43 more bulletins
BulletinTypeComponentSummary
Lexus PRO19-02 -
Jan 2022
WheelsPOL: This consolidated Tire Warranty Guide contains the complete warranty terms for all brands of ground and spare tires currently in use by Lexus. This information must be kept near the point of vehicle sale and be available to any customer that requests it.
L-SB-0002-20 Rev
Aug 2020
Power TrainTSB: Vehicles may display evidence of a fluid leak or fluid seep from powertrain components. This bulletin explains how to determine the differences between a fluid leak versus a fluid seep. Cases that are determined to be a ?leak?
L-SB-0023-20
Jun 2020
WheelsTSB: SUPERSESSION NOTICE The information contained in this bulletin supersedes Service Bulletin Nos. ST004-01, SU001-08, and L-SB-0174-08. The aforementioned bulletins are obsolete, and any printed versions should be discarded.
Lexus Safety Re
May 2020
EquipmentSafety Recall and Service Campaign - Technician Certification Requirements
L-SB-0008-20
Apr 2020
EquipmentTSB: SUPERSESSION NOTICE The information contained in this bulletin supersedes Service Bulletin Nos. L-SB-0048-08, PG007-07, PG016-01, PG015-01, PG004-97, PG003-97, PG003-93, PG002-90, L-SB-0048-08, PG007-07, PG016-01, PG015-01, PG004-97, PG003-97, PG003 93, and PG002-90.
L-SB-0179-17 Obs
Apr 2020
EquipmentTSB: OBSOLETE NOTICE April 06, 2020: This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see L-SB-0008-20. Replacement Certification Labels and VIN Plates
L-SB-0001-18-Rev
Jul 2019
Equipment Adaptive/MobilityTSB: REVISION NOTICE July 01, 2019 Rev1: G1668 Applicability has been updated to include 2019 ? 2020 model year Lexus vehicles. G2158 The Techstream Preparation and Process Overview sections have been updated. Any previous printed versions of this bulletin should be discarded.
L-SB-0021-14_Obs
Jan 2018
EquipmentTSB: OBSOLETE NOTICE January 22, 2018: This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see L-SB-0001-18.
L-SB-0001-18
Jan 2018
Power TrainTSB: SUPERSESSION NOTICE The information contained in this bulletin supersedes Service Bulletin No. L-SB-0021-14. * Applicability has been updated to include applicable 2018 models and 2016 * 2018 model year RC 300 and 2015 * 2018 model year RC 350 vehicles.
L-SB-0048-08 Obs
Dec 2017
EquipmentTSB: Replacement Certification Labels. OBSOLETE NOTICE November 28, 2017: This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see L-SB-0179-17.
L-SB-0179-17
Nov 2017
EquipmentTSB: SUPERSESSION NOTICE The information contained in this bulletin supersedes SB Nos. L-SB-0048-08, PG007-07, PG016-01, PG015-01, PG004-97, PG003-97, PG003-93, and PG002-90. Service Bulletin Nos.
L-SB-0113-12_Rev
Nov 2017
Electrical SystemTSB: REVISION NOTICE November 22, 2017 Rev1: ? Applicability has been updated to include 2014 ? 2018 model year vehicles. Any previous printed versions of this bulletin should be discarded.
L-SB-0021-14 Rev
Sep 2016
EquipmentTSB: Revision Notice: Applicability section has been updated to include 2016-2017 applicable model year Lexus vehicles. The Repair Procedure section, Required Tools & Equipment section, and the Repair Procedure section has been updated.
L-SB-0025-14
Jul 2015
EquipmentTSB: The Immobilizer and Smart Key Reset is a feature that allows the registration of new keys when all master keys are lost. Once the system is reset, all previously registered keys will be erased.
L-SB-0025-14 Rev
Nov 2014
EquipmentTSB: The Immobilizer and Smart Key Reset is a feature that allows the registration of new keys when all master keys are lost. Once the system is reset, all previously registered keys will be erased.
LSB008214
Oct 2014
Power TrainAuto matic Transmission Replacement kPrecautions
L-SB-0025-14 Rev
Jul 2014
EquipmentTSB: The Immobilizer and Smart Key Reset is a feature that allows the registration of new keys when all master keys are lost. Once the system is reset, all previously registered keys will be erased.
LSB002514A
Jul 2014
Electrical SystemImmobilizer and Smart Key Reset
LSB002514B
Jul 2014
Electrical SystemImmobilizer and Smart Key Reset
LSB002514
Jul 2014
Electrical SystemImmobilizer and Smart Key Reset.
LSB002114
Jun 2014
EquipmentTechstream ECU Flash Reprogramming Procedure.
LSB009213B
Dec 2013
VisibilityWindshield Wiper Blade Maintenance and cleaning
L-SB-0143-11 Rev
Nov 2013
Air BagsBeginning in 1998, Lexus introduced side airbags as optional equipment. Lexus does NOT recommend replacement of original seat covers with non-Lexus leather or other seat cover materials on vehicles due to the following: Seat covers NOT recommended by Lexus may affect side airbag...
LTT014513
Nov 2013
VisibilitySpots in Window Glass - vehicle exterior
LSB001013
Feb 2013
Service BrakesBrake Pedal Force Gauge SST for Parking Brake Inspection.
LTT-0111-13
Jan 2013
Seat BeltsLEXUS: SOME VEHICLES COME WITH THE SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEMS (SRS) AND TO HELP REDUCE INJURIES IN A COLLISION, SEAT BELT PRE-TENSIONERS DEVICES, THAT MAY OR MAY NOT PERFORM AS EXPECTED. MODELS YEARS LISTED 1990-2013. *PE
LSB-0143-11
Nov 2011
Equipment Adaptive/MobilityLEXUS: INFORMATION REGARDING THE SEAT COVER REPLACEMENT, EQUIPPED WITH SIDE AIR BAGS, THE MODIFICATIONS THAT MIGHT NEGATIVELY AFFECT SIDE AIR BAG PERFORMANCE CAN RESULT IN SEVERE INJURIES. *PE
LSB-0015-10
Feb 2010
Electrical SystemLEXUS: TECHSTREAM ECU FLASH REPROGRAMMING PROCEDURE. FLASH REPROGRAMMING ALLOWS THE ECU SOFTWARE TO BE UPDATED WITHOUT REPLACING THE ECU. FLASH CALIBRATION UPDATES FOR SPECIFIC VEHICLE MODELS/ECUS ARE RELEASED AS FIELD FIX PROCEDURES DESCRIBED IN INDIVIDUAL SERVICE BULLETINS. *PE
00705
May 2005
Electrical SystemTHE SRS AND PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF INDICATOR LIGHTS REMAIN ON. OCCUPANT DETECTION DTC B1785 IS FOUND. *TT
00105
Apr 2005
SteeringCLUNK, POP, OR KNOCK TYPE NOISE WHEN TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL LEFT OR RIGHT. *TT
00605
Mar 2005
Engine And Engine CoolingMALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP ON WITH DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE P0346 (CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR A CIRCUIT/RANGE). *TT
00205
Feb 2005
Electrical SystemPASSENGER AIRBAG INDICATOR LAMP MAY SWITCH FROM ON TO OFF FOR FRONT SEAT PASSENGERS WEIGHING APPROXIMATELY LESS THAN 100 POUNDS. LEXUS *TT
00305
Feb 2005
Engine And Engine CoolingMALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP (MIL) ON WITH DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE (DTC) P0031, P0051, P2238, AND/OR P2241. *TT
00604
Sep 2004
SeatsFRONT SEAT SQUEAK. *JB
00804
Jul 2004
Engine And Engine CoolingREPAIR MANUAL SUPPLEMENT. LEV II EVAP SYSTEM CHECK - DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES P0441, P0442, P0446, P0451, P0452, P0453, P0455 & P0456. *TT UPDATE. *TT
00504
May 2004
StructureRATTLE/SQUEAK NOISE CAUSED BY MOON ROOF WEATHERSTRIP STICKING TO THE BODY. *TT
00404
May 2004
StructureREAR DOOR TRIM PANEL LOWER SEAL RATTLE. *TT
00304
Apr 2004
Power TrainTHE PROPER IDENTIFICATION OF THE 7 SOLENOIDS USED IN THE U150E/U151E/U151F TRANSMISSIONS. *TT
000304
Feb 2004
SuspensionVEHICLE PULL IMPROVEMENT PROCEDURE.*MR
00304
Feb 2004
SuspensionVEHICLE PULL/DRIFT IMPROVEMENT PROCEDURE. REVISED VERSION. *TT
EL00703
Aug 2003
Electrical SystemOCCUPANCY CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM CALIBRATION (DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE B1150 & B1650). *TT
TC00403
Aug 2003
Power TrainENGINE CONTROL MODULE (ECM) CALIBRATION - SHIFTING ENHANCEMENT - REVISED. *TT 2ND REVISION. *TT
00401
Dec 2001
SteeringREPAIR MANUAL SUPPLEMENT - VEHICLE PULLING TO ONE SIDE. ALL LEXUS 2002 - 2006 MODELS. *TT ALL '02 - '07 MODELS. LEXUS. *TT

Before you buy this vehicle

A test-drive checklist generated from this vehicle's own complaint and recall record.

  1. Drive it from a dead stop, twice, on a hill if you can.Shudder, hesitation, or a lurch under light throttle is how this vehicle's largest complaint cluster shows itself. Then ask for the transmission service history in writing; repeat repairs are a pattern, not a fluke.
  2. Test the throttle response and the cruise control on an open road.A surge, a hang in engine speed after lifting off, or cruise that will not set or cancel cleanly are the speed-control complaints on this vehicle.
  3. Brake hard once from speed on an empty road.A pull to one side, a pulsing pedal, a pedal that sinks at a stop, or an ABS light that stays lit are the brake complaints on this vehicle presenting themselves.
  4. Run the VIN against open recalls before you negotiate.This vehicle has 1 recall campaign on file. An open recall needs VIN-specific confirmation. Many are quick, no-charge fixes and worth negotiating over; an unresolved do-not-drive advisory, or a remedy the manufacturer has not yet made available, should stop the purchase until it is resolved.
  5. Ask for the service history in writing, then read it against this page.The complaint families above are where owners of this vehicle report trouble. Repairs in exactly those systems are evidence the car had the problem; no such repairs could mean it never developed it, or that it was never fixed. The test-drive items above are how you tell those apart.

Parts search directory

The generic parts list for this vehicle has its own page: a search launcher for every system, filtered by fuel type and era but not by engine, trim, or brake type. It is not a diagnosis and not a fitment guarantee.

Open the parts directory for this Lexus Es 330 →