Is the 2004 Lexus RX 330 a bad year?
286 owner complaints to NHTSA. Engine and transmission complaints are in line with other RX 330 years.
Keep it
Engine and transmission complaints for the 2004 Lexus RX 330 are in line with other RX 330 years. Brakes stands out for this year: see below.
The verdict moves with mileage: the same car reads differently at 30,000 and at 150,000 miles.
What 2004 RX 330 owners report, by mileage
Each system owners named in five or more complaints, with the mileage range where the middle half of those complaints were filed. Read at 8,000 miles.
| SYSTEM | COMPLAINTS | MIDDLE HALF FILED AT | TYPICAL US REPAIR BILLS |
|---|---|---|---|
| BrakesSTANDS OUT | 62 (22%) | 6k–20k miles · around this mileage | Brake pad replacement (one axle) $115–$390 · Brake pads and rotors replacement (one axle) $200–$1,084 |
| Transmission and drivetrain | 69 (24%) | 1k–59k miles · around this mileage | CV axle / CV joint replacement (one side) $300–$1,500 · Automatic transmission replacement $2,500–$7,000 |
| Speed control | 34 (12%) | 23k–111k miles · ahead | — |
| Body structure | 33 (12%) | 52k–105k miles · ahead | — |
| Exterior lighting | 22 (8%) | 40k–91k miles · ahead | — |
| Air bags | 21 (7%) | 58k–100k miles · ahead | — |
| Steering | 9 (3%) | 79k–130k miles · ahead | Steering rack and pinion replacement $700–$2,100 |
| Visibility and wipers | 20 (7%) | too few with a mileage | — |
| Engine | 13 (5%) | too few with a mileage | — |
| Suspension | 8 (3%) | too few with a mileage | — |
| Electrical system | 7 (2%) | too few with a mileage | — |
| Equipment | 5 (2%) | too few with a mileage | — |
Bills are typical US ranges from the sources named in the tool (J.D. Power, Kelley Blue Book, CarParts.com and others), printed only for systems that stand out or sit at or ahead of 8,000 miles. Not a quote.
What owners reported alongside their complaints
Of 286 complaints: 37 mention a crash · 1 mentions a fire · 20 report an injury.
No complaints in the last 12 months; the newest was filed in Mar 2021.
Counts of what owners wrote in their complaints, not verified by anyone.
In owners' own words
Transmission problem: serious lag between gear shifts. If I push the accelerator down to accelerate to get out of a dangerous situation: nothing happens.
2004 Lexus RX-330 awd. Vehicle hesitates when attempting to accelerate. There is a delay, especially when going from a dead stop such as pulling out into traffic.
I own a 2004 Lexus RX330. Since I have owned it, there has been a power "Fade" When I make sudden speed changes usually from a slow down to quick acceleration--say a lane change to avoid slower traffic.
Unedited excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA, chosen by mileage (nearest 8,000 miles), not by content. Unverified.
Recalls for the 2004 Lexus RX 330: 5
The amount of adhesive agent applied between the outer ring and the torsional rubber damper (Inner ring) in the crankshaft pulley may be inadequate. 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.
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. If this occurs, the accelerator pedal may temporarily become stuck in a partially depressed position rather than return to the idle position.
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. This condition may interfere with the accelerator pedal returning to the idle position increasing the risk of a crash.
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. The rear seat occupant may not be properly restrained in the event of a crash.
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. If the switch is inoperable, the brake lights will not illuminate and can increase the risk of a crash.
A recall may cover only some cars of a model year; the campaign size counts every model and year it lists. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls: dealers fix open recalls free.
Service bulletins from Lexus: 52
Repair instructions Lexus sent its dealers for symptoms seen in the shop on the 2004 Lexus RX 330. Ask a dealer or mechanic for a bulletin by its number.
Vehicles may display evidence of a fluid leak or fluid seep from powertrain components
The purpose of this service bulletin is to provide information regarding the installation of the correct torque converter bolts during automatic…
The purpose of this bulletin is to provide precautions to follow when installing an automatic transmission/transaxle assembly to avoid MIL "ON" shifting issues…
Warranty Enhancement Program: Update: Technician requirements and parts order processes have been updated
NHTSA defect investigations: 2
Unintended and Uncontrolled Acceleration
Vacuum brake booster failure
Neighbouring years
2005 RX 330: 165 complaints, keep it.
Every Lexus RX 330 year
2004 · 2005 · 2006 · 2007 · 2009 · 2011 · All RX 330 years side by side
Other Lexus models: Lexus ES · Lexus ES 300 · Lexus ES 330 · Lexus ES 350 · Lexus GS 300 · Lexus GS 350 · Lexus GX · Lexus GX 470 · Lexus IS · Lexus IS 250 · Lexus IS 350 · Lexus LS · Lexus LS 430 · Lexus LS 460 · Lexus NX · Lexus RX · Lexus RX 300 · Lexus RX 350 · Lexus RX Hybrid. All makes and models.
Questions
Is the 2004 Lexus RX 330 a bad year?
286 owner complaints to NHTSA. Engine and transmission complaints are in line with other RX 330 years. At 8,000 miles the tool says: Keep it.
What are the most common problems with the 2004 Lexus RX 330?
By owner complaints to NHTSA: brakes (62), transmission and drivetrain (69), speed control (34), body structure (33), exterior lighting (22).
How many recalls does the 2004 Lexus RX 330 have?
5 recall campaigns list this model year: Engine (NHTSA 11V-539), Speed control (NHTSA 11V-112), Speed control (NHTSA 06V-253), Seat belts (NHTSA 06V-023) and more. A recall may cover only some cars; check by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Method: counts of unverified owner complaints filed with NHTSA, compared only with other years of the same model (sales volumes are unknown, so no failure rate is computed). A system stands out at 40+ complaints and at least twice the model's quiet (lower-quartile) year, or twice the share across every vehicle of that model year. The mileage range is the 25th to 75th percentile of the mileages owners reported. Data received by NHTSA through November 5, 2026. Repair prices are typical US ranges from named sources, not quotes. Not a diagnosis and not financial advice. PulsCar is not affiliated with NHTSA. Check this car at your own mileage.