2004 Lexus IS: problems, recalls and reliability
1 recall and 29 owner complaints on record; most reports concern structure; the 2005 model year looks more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Apr 2009
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 29 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“The gas pedal will intermittently stop working. Forcing one to pull over, restart the car, and/or have the vehicle towed for repair.”Owner report · Electrical System · Sep 2018
“Sticky residue due to the melting material on the dashboard causes fumes. Fumes are toxic and is getting in the ac and ventilation. Melting dashboard. Sticky residue. Clothes will stick to it. Melts when it gets hot in the car. Currently living in california where it is summer weather 9 out of the 12 months. Please help.”Owner report · Air Bags · Mar 2017
“The lexus is300 have the worst dash, I don't understand why lexus didn't have a recall on them as they did for the is250 or the is350. God forbids you park your car at work and at the end of the day when you get in your vehicle and you touch the dash or around the shifter, it feels like it is melting. And sometimes I wonder if there is some type of fume radiating from the dash itself. #2. The throttle body issue-apparently I am not the only one who is having the issue, sometimes it takes off, sometimes it doesn't push air through and there is a 2-3 seconds delay which can cause an accident especially if you are crossing an intersection. I almost got hit twice”Owner report · Engine · Oct 2016
Show 7 more owner reports
“Dashboard is melting and has become sticky and rubs off on clothing. This includes the passenger side airbag surface. This happens when vehicle is parked in the sun.”Owner report · Air Bags · Sep 2015
“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.”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Sep 2015
“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 make of. It has stuck to my hand and left a blister. Would like to know why others models were recalled and not the 2004 is300???? Odviously there are a lot out there that are having this same issue. If you are researching to buy a lexus save your money!”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Aug 2015
“My dashboard is melting. The plastic is sticky and leaves a black film on anything that touches it including fingers and clothing. The black residue is very difficult to get off once it is on something. Just washing hands multiple times with soap and water is not enough to remove it. *tr”Owner report · Structure · Nov 2014
“Dashboard has been deteriorating for several years. Contacted dealer and lexus headquarters and was told they did not have to do anything as car was no longer under warranty. I expect better from a so-called luxury vehicle. My daughter's 1998 acura's dashboard is still pristine. Not only does the melting material leave black marks on anything it touches, but I am concerned about toxicity. *tr”Owner report · Structure · Aug 2014
“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.”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Aug 2013
“My 2004 is300 was involved in an accident at approximately 30 mph and no air bags deployed. The other vehicle (saturn) hit my car on the front driver side, damaging the suspension, fender, bumper, and surrounding parts. After impact my car went up the curb, over some large rocks and rested on an incline. I suffered neck, shoulder, and back pain and was treated by a chiropractor. No air bags deployed at any time. My car was repaired and I am currently driving it. *tr”Owner report · Air Bags · Jun 2013
When filing, owners marked a crash in 4 of these complaints and injuries in 5 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 1 campaign
SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
Remedy: SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.
How other years compare
Check your exact IS by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2004 Lexus IS reliable?
NHTSA has 29 owner complaints and 1 recall campaign on record for the 2004 Lexus IS. The most complained-about area is structure.
Does the 2004 Lexus IS have open recalls?
1 recall campaign has been issued, the latest concerning exterior lighting. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.