MotorDeets

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.

2vehicle recalls
28owner complaints
4mention a crash
18best combined mpg
2004 Lexus LS430
Photo: Retired electrician · CC0 · Wikimedia Commons. Representative photo of this generation; trim may differ.

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.

Speed control / throttle5
Exterior lights4
Steering3
Body & structure3
Engine & cooling2
Wheels2
Airbags2
Visibility (wipers, glass)2

What owners describe

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)

EngineTransmissionDriveCityHwyComb.Fuel
4.3 L 8-cylAutomatic (S6)Rear-Wheel Drive162318Premium

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.

eManualOnline Download (PDF), keep forever

Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.

Most $25–$78, one-time
Check 2004 Lexus LS430 manual
Mitchell 1 DIY Online access, factory-level data

Pro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.

From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yr
Check 2004 Lexus LS430 manual
ALLDATAdiy Online access, factory OEM info

OEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.

From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yr
Check 2004 Lexus LS430 manual
Haynes Print book or AllAccess online

Step-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.

Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/mo
Check 2004 Lexus LS430 manual

Heads 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.

Other LS430 years

20012002200320042005