2004 Lexus Rx: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2004 Lexus Rx: 1 recall, 40 owner complaints and up to 20 mpg combined.
Recalls
1 vehicle recall from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Brakes (hydraulic) Vehicle recall #10V499000 · 2010 · 728,544 vehicles
What's wrong: Brake fluid containing polymers is used that acts as lubricants for certain brake system components. If replacement brake fluid is used that does not contain such polymers, or that contains only small amounts, a part of the rubber seal located at the rear of the brake master cylinder May become dry, and the seal May curl during movement of the piston. If this occurs, a small amount of brake fluid could slowly leak…
Why it matters: A leak of brake fluid could lead to a change in brake pedal feel and overtime a degradation in braking performance increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the seal with a newly designed one. This service will be performed free of charge. The safety recall began on November 15, 2010.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 1 mention a fire, 1 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Body & structure (12): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Other / unknown (8): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Airbags (6): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Transmission & drivetrain (5): the most common themes are hard / delayed shifting (4), noise or vibration (2).
The 2004 Lexus Rx has 40 owner complaints, ranking #9 of 28 Rx model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 34). Complaints peaked in 2014 (9 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 9 years old, at a median of 66,000 miles. Neighboring years: 2003 (4 complaints, 0 recalls), 2005 (27 complaints, 1 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.3 L 6-cyl | Automatic 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 17 | 24 | 20 | Regular |
| 3.3 L 6-cyl | Automatic (S5) | Front-Wheel Drive | 17 | 24 | 20 | Regular |
| 3.3 L 6-cyl | Automatic 5-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 16 | 22 | 19 | Regular |
| 3.3 L 6-cyl | Automatic (S5) | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 16 | 22 | 19 | Regular |
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 Rx.
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.
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FAQ
Does the 2004 Lexus Rx have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 1 vehicle recall for the 2004 Lexus Rx. 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 Rx problems?
Owners have filed 40 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are body & structure (12), other / unknown (8), airbags (6).
What gas mileage does the 2004 Lexus Rx get?
EPA ratings run up to 20 mpg combined (3.3 L, Automatic 5-spd), across 4 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2004 Lexus Rx 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.