2004 Lexus Ls: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2004 Lexus Ls: 1 recall, 8 owner complaints and up to 18 mpg combined.

Recalls
1 vehicle recall from the manufacturer, plus 1 equipment/tire recall that can apply. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Airbags Vehicle recall #06V096000 · 2006 · 133 vehicles
What's wrong: On certain vehicles, due to improper assembly of the air bag inflator, which is used in the side air bag, the curtain shield air bag, and the knee air bag assembly, some inflators were produced with an insufficient amount of the heating agents necessary for proper air bag deployment. In this condition, the expansion force of the gas May be insufficient to properly inflate the air bag when the SRS system is activated…
Why it matters: This May increase the risk of injury to the occupant in the involved seating position in the event of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the specific SRS air bag. The recall began on April 6, 2006.
1 aftermarket equipment / tire recall replacement parts sold to fit this car, not the car itself
Exterior lights Equipment recall #09E012000 · 2009 · 16,270 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: Decreased lighting visibility May result in a vehicle crash.
The fix: Sabersport will notify owners and offer a full refund for the noncompliant combination lamps. The safety recall began on May 11, 2009.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 0 mention a fire, 0 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Airbags (2): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Engine (2): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Tires (1): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Fuel system (1): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
The 2004 Lexus Ls has 8 owner complaints, ranking #7 of 30 Ls model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 7). Complaints peaked in 2007 (3 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 6 years old, at a median of 37,919 miles. Neighboring years: 2003 (1 complaints, 0 recalls), 2005 (5 complaints, 1 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4.3 L 8-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 16 | 23 | 18 | Premium |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2004 Lexus Ls.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
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FAQ
Does the 2004 Lexus Ls have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 1 vehicle recall for the 2004 Lexus Ls, plus 1 equipment or tire recalls that can apply. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2004 Lexus Ls problems?
Owners have filed 8 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are airbags (2), engine (2), tires (1).
What gas mileage does the 2004 Lexus Ls get?
EPA ratings run up to 18 mpg combined (4.3 L, Automatic (S6)), across 1 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2004 Lexus Ls repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.