2004 Lexus LS430: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2004 Lexus LS430: 2 recalls, 28 owner complaints and up to 18 mpg combined.

Recalls
2 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Fuel system Vehicle recall #04V295000 · 2004 · 14,259 vehicles
What's wrong: On certain passenger vehicles, the impeller inside the fuel pump May have been improperly molded due to a manufacturing error. Alcohol in some fuels May deform the impeller and cause it to come into contact with the pump housing.
Why it matters: This condition could increase the rotational resistance of the impeller and, in the worst case, May result in failure of the fuel pump.
The fix: Dealers will replace the fuel pump. Owners will be notified in July, 2004.
Transmission & drivetrain Vehicle recall #04V317000 · 2004 · 13,000 vehicles
What's wrong: On certain vehicles when the accelerator is operated quickly, a small piece of metal May separate from a retaining collar located in the inner part of the automatic transmission. This small piece of metal May become caught in the parking lock mechanism.
Why it matters: This May cause the parking lock system to be inoperative when the transmission shift lever is placed in the park position, thereby increasing the risk of vehicle roll-away, which could result in a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the transmission. Owner notification is expected to begin during July 2004. Owners should contact Lexus at 1-800-255-3987.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 0 mention a fire, 2 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Speed control / throttle (5): the most common themes are sudden acceleration (3).
- Exterior lights (4): the most common themes are warning light on (2).
- Steering (3): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Body & structure (3): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
The 2004 Lexus LS430 has 28 owner complaints, ranking #3 of 5 LS430 model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 31). Complaints peaked in 2010 (6 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 6 years old, at a median of 75,000 miles. Neighboring years: 2003 (23 complaints, 0 recalls), 2005 (21 complaints, 0 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 LS430.
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.
From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yrStep-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.
Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/moHeads up: we may earn a commission if you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you. Prices checked 2026-10 and can change. We never host or link to pirated manuals. Disclosure
FAQ
Does the 2004 Lexus LS430 have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 2 vehicle recalls for the 2004 Lexus LS430. 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 LS430 problems?
Owners have filed 28 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are speed control / throttle (5), exterior lights (4), steering (3).
What gas mileage does the 2004 Lexus LS430 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 LS430 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.