2004 Lexus IS 300
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Lexus › IS 300 › 2004
These records cover every 2004 Lexus IS 300. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Owner complaints
19 complaints3 involved a crash3 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Electrical system
The gas pedal will intermittently stop working. Forcing one to pull over, restart the car, and/or have the vehicle towed for repair.
- Engine
Engine quit on highway at 65 mph coasted of shoulder of road. Wrecker dropped at dealer. They mis diagnosed a bad coil. Approximately 6 hours later the car quit in same way again. Another repair shop properly diagnosed the problem as an ignitor control module. The original repair co.community…
Engine quit on highway at 65 mph coasted of shoulder of road. Wrecker dropped at dealer. They mis diagnosed a bad coil. Approximately 6 hours later the car quit in same way again. Another repair shop properly diagnosed the problem as an ignitor control module. The original repair co.community toyota will not take responsibility for the unsafe condition they put me in. Toyota company says they have no control or say in service problems created by dealers. The first question the 2ND repair service ask was the car running rough. I said no it just quit. This question should have been ask by the toyota dealer that did the first repair. Community toyota, baytown texas. I made a good faith effort to get the dealer and toyota co. To acknowledge they made a mistake and take corrective action so they will not do unsafe work in the future. I believe in the interest of public safety some one should see that the mechanic and service manager were properly trained. So they do not make the same mistake in the future and put drivers their passengers and other vehicles at risk. I sent certified letters to dealer and toyota co. Dealer did not respond toyota co. Said they did not get involved with service complaints. Properly training and supervising mechanics has to be somebody's responsibility. Please advise me if you can help.
- Air bags · Unknown or other
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.
- Engine · Unknown or other
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…
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
- Air bags · Structure › Body
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.
- Unknown or other
The dashboard on my lexus is300 IS melting and reflects off the windshield during the daytime causing a terrible glare that at times affects driving vision. This IS the same problem that lexus has identified in other lexus vehicles (06 and up IS, ls460 etc)and will replace those dashboards. I have…
The dashboard on my lexus is300 IS melting and reflects off the windshield during the daytime causing a terrible glare that at times affects driving vision. This IS the same problem that lexus has identified in other lexus vehicles (06 and up IS, ls460 etc)and will replace those dashboards. I have contacted lexus customer service and took my vehicle to the dealer for inspection. The decision by lexus customer service IS they refused to approve my dashboard due to the age of the vehicle. I'm also worried that there might be chemicals that can effect health coming out of the dash board causing it to melt. Can this melted dashboard effect the passenger airbag by melting ? my vehicle IS in the garage at home and work. please help to get lexus to replace my defective dashboard.
- Structure
Sticky melting dashboard. *tr
- Structure
The dash board IS melting since 2007, lexus did not do any more than change passenger air bag cover that after a wile starter melting again, they blame at sun exposure, the car IS always in the garage and IS used very little today the mileage IS 48,000, we complained to lexus a little after the…
The dash board IS melting since 2007, lexus did not do any more than change passenger air bag cover that after a wile starter melting again, they blame at sun exposure, the car IS always in the garage and IS used very little today the mileage IS 48,000, we complained to lexus a little after the warranty was over with no result. We are afraid of toxicity that can affect our health we express this to lexus and they dismissed our concern. *tr
- Structure
My 2004 lexus IS 300 has a melting dashboard. The dashboard has become sticky to the touch and leaves marks when you touch it. *tr
- Tires
TL* the contact owns a 2004 lexus is-300 equipped with nexen n-5000 tires (n.a), line size 215/45/17. The contact stated that he noticed large circular cracks on the sidewall of three of the four tires. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. The technician verified the failure and…
TL* the contact owns a 2004 lexus is-300 equipped with nexen n-5000 tires (n.a), line size 215/45/17. The contact stated that he noticed large circular cracks on the sidewall of three of the four tires. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. The technician verified the failure and advised the contact that the problem was a manufacturing defect. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The tires were replaced. The dot number was not available. The failure mileage on the vehicle was 91,000. The failure mileage of the tires was 15,000. *Tr
- Vehicle speed control
Tl*the contact leased a 2004 lexus is300. The contact stated that while driving 5 mph, the vehicle unintentionally accelerated, drove over a curb, and crashed into the steps on a railing of a building. The contact continued to apply pressure to the brake pedal in order to gain control of the…
Tl*the contact leased a 2004 lexus is300. The contact stated that while driving 5 mph, the vehicle unintentionally accelerated, drove over a curb, and crashed into the steps on a railing of a building. The contact continued to apply pressure to the brake pedal in order to gain control of the vehicle. A police report was filed, but she did not receive a copy. The vehicle was repaired at the insurance companies expense. The weather was not a factor. The approximate failure mileage was 34,527. updated 06/03/10.*jb
- Vehicle speed control
On the morning of december 22, 2009, at approximately 6:30 am, on the northbound on ramp to I-25 at castle pines north, castle rock, co my 2004 lexus IS 300 accelerated out of control. Stomping the brakes hard did not stop the acceleration. The only thing going through my mind at the time besides…
On the morning of december 22, 2009, at approximately 6:30 am, on the northbound on ramp to I-25 at castle pines north, castle rock, co my 2004 lexus IS 300 accelerated out of control. Stomping the brakes hard did not stop the acceleration. The only thing going through my mind at the time besides stopping the car, was the family of four in california that died in a rented lexus that accelerated out of control. I was about at the end of the on ramp, and I knew I could not merge onto I-25, when standing on the brakes stopped the acceleration, and I was then able to get the car stopped. After calming down, I drove my car into work ( about 20 miles) and called kuni lexus of littleton, co. Kuni lexus informed me at that time I needed to report this incident to toyota headquarters before kuni lexus could do anything, so I called toyota and reported the incident, then called kuni lexus back, told them what happened and arranged to have my car towed to the dealership. Kuni lexus had my car for a week, and did not find anything wrong with the car. They did note that my floor mats were not hooked into place. The floor mats were the first thing I checked, as I had heard the floor mat theory. The mats were in place when I checked them, before I had my car towed to the dealership. *Tr
- Vehicle speed control
Car failed to stop at a red light under normal braking because engine failed to decelerate when pressure was removed from the pedal. maximum force was applied to the brake pedal. the brake anti lock feature was activated and a collision with the stopped car ahead was barely averted. when…
Car failed to stop at a red light under normal braking because engine failed to decelerate when pressure was removed from the pedal. maximum force was applied to the brake pedal. the brake anti lock feature was activated and a collision with the stopped car ahead was barely averted. when stopped, the engine reverted to normal idle. the problem did not recur. examination by a mechanic at the dealers shop failed to identify a computer fault or other cause. the car was returned without repair. I am not satisfied that a stuck throttle IS not a repairable or abnormal condition. it seems to me be highly dangerous and merits more than a "well, its working now so come back when if it happens again." sort of response. *tr
- Wheels
Tl*the contact owns a 2004 lexus IS 300. the contact experienced two tire failures, in which they spontaneously flattened. she has low profile chrome-plated wheels. she took the vehicle to a tire repair shop and was informed that the inside of the chrome wheels was corroded and did not seal…
Tl*the contact owns a 2004 lexus IS 300. the contact experienced two tire failures, in which they spontaneously flattened. she has low profile chrome-plated wheels. she took the vehicle to a tire repair shop and was informed that the inside of the chrome wheels was corroded and did not seal properly during inflation. as a result, air inevitably leaked from the tires. the technician also stated that she needed to replace all four wheels. the contact IS in the process of notifying the manufacturer. the failure mileage was 40,000 and current mileage was 44,000.
- Visibility › Windshield
Front windshield crack with no rocks hitting it on the bottom mid passenger side. Cracked all the way to the bottom mid driver side about 2FT long. Also started to crack from the mid corner of the passenger side. About 6 inches long. I believe its due to body flex stress that the windshield cracked.*tr
- Air bags › Frontal
On july 18, 2008, I was driving my lexus is-300. my wife and I exited the highway and stopped at a stop light on the off ramp. while waiting to proceed through the stoplight, we were struck from behind by another driver going approximately 50 miles an hour estimated by the police officer. the…
On july 18, 2008, I was driving my lexus is-300. my wife and I exited the highway and stopped at a stop light on the off ramp. while waiting to proceed through the stoplight, we were struck from behind by another driver going approximately 50 miles an hour estimated by the police officer. the rear end collision was so forceful we were pushed into the vehicle in front of us. our vehicle (lexus IS 300) IS totaled - the backend completely crushed and front end severely crushed. our front and side impact bags did not deploy. I received a major head contusion and was taken to the hospital. we would like to know why the air bags did not deploy and IS this a common problem with this brand/make. *tr
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Pedals and linkages · Vehicle speed control › Accelerator pedal
Dt*: the contact stated the brake and accelerator pedals were made of chrome plates that caused the driver to slip off the pedals during normal road conditions. The nature of the failure was permanent. The manufacturer refused to repair or replace the chrome plated pedals. updated 11/30/2006 - the…
Dt*: the contact stated the brake and accelerator pedals were made of chrome plates that caused the driver to slip off the pedals during normal road conditions. The nature of the failure was permanent. The manufacturer refused to repair or replace the chrome plated pedals. updated 11/30/2006 - the only shoes the consumer could wear to alleviate the slippage was athletic shoes, like sneakers, which have a rubber sole. *nm
- Suspension › Front
One weekend I checked on my tire wear, and notice the front tires on my car was wearing out unevenly, like the alignment was off, I brought it to the lexus dealer and they told me it was a normal wear. The lexus factory told me it IS how the car IS set up. *jb
- Tires
While driving in inclement weather the vehicle rear traction malfunctioned which resulted in frequent spinouts and a subsequent collision with another vehicle. *nm (2004 lexus is300) the consumer stated the tires on the vehicle performed poorly and should not have been placed on the vehicle.…
While driving in inclement weather the vehicle rear traction malfunctioned which resulted in frequent spinouts and a subsequent collision with another vehicle. *nm (2004 lexus is300) the consumer stated the tires on the vehicle performed poorly and should not have been placed on the vehicle. *jb the consumer stated that even using the snow feature traction and third gear he had no control of the vehicle while driving less than 25 mph. *tc
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 10214355Lexus Safety Recall and Service Campaign - Technician Certification Requirements 4.13.2022
- 10207945POL: This consolidated Tire Warranty Guide contains the complete warranty terms for all brands of ground and spare tires currently in use by Lexus. This information must be kept near the point of vehicle sale and be available to any customer that requests it. Customers can find this information on the Owner?s section of Lexus.com. Dealers can locate a copy of this guide on the Claims Processing & Resource Center in Dealer Daily as well.
- 10205383Spots in Window Glass - vehicle exterior
- 10205352Windshield Wiper Blade Maintenance and cleaning
- 10205346Auto matic Transmission Replacement kPrecautions
- 10205331Immobilizer and Smart Key Reset
- 10205330Immobilizer and Smart Key Reset
- 10205329Immobilizer and Smart Key Reset.
- 10205327Techstream ECU Flash Reprogramming Procedure.
- 10205319Brake Pedal Force Gauge SST for Parking Brake Inspection.
- 10179697TSB: Vehicles may display evidence of a fluid leak or fluid seep from powertrain components. This bulletin explains how to determine the differences between a fluid leak versus a fluid seep. Cases that are determined to be a ?leak? should be repaired accordingly and will be covered under warranty if applicable. Cases that are determined to be a ?seep? should be documented on the repair order and inspected at the next service interval. Follow the Repair Information in this bulletin to determine if the concern in question is a fluid leak or fluid seep and review the Repair Procedure section to address this condition.
- 10179601TSB: Vehicles may display evidence of a fluid leak or fluid seep from powertrain components. This bulletin explains how to determine the differences between a fluid leak versus a fluid seep. Cases that are determined to be a ?leak? should be repaired accordingly and will be covered under warranty if applicable. Cases that are determined to be a ?seep? should be documented on the repair order and inspected at the next service interval. Follow the Repair Information in this bulletin to determine if the concern in question is a fluid leak or fluid seep and review the Repair Procedure section to address this condition.
- 10177783TSB: OBSOLETE NOTICE June 23, 2020: This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see L-SB-0023-20.
- 10177780TSB: SUPERSESSION NOTICE The information contained in this bulletin supersedes Service Bulletin Nos. ST004-01, SU001-08, and L-SB-0174-08. The aforementioned bulletins are obsolete, and any printed versions should be discarded. Be sure to review the entire content of this service bulletin before proceeding. This Service Bulletin provides best practice procedures for vehicle pulling complaint, diagnosis, and repair for 2002 ? 2021 model year Lexus vehicles. This information supplements Repair Manual procedures when the symptoms are: ?Vehicle Pulling: The vehicle moves to the right or left when the driver holds the steering wheel while driving straight ahead without exerting steering effort. ?Steering Wheel Off Center: The vehicle travels straight, but the steering wheel is not pointed straight ahead. The vehicle is not pulling. Before repairing a vehicle pulling to one side, it is necessary to clearly identify the cause of the pulling condition. Frequently, pulling to one side is diagnosed as a wheel alignment concern. However, the actual cause may be related to the lateral force generated by the tires, vehicle damage, road crown or worn components. Performing a wheel alignment when tire force is the cause could result in the wheel alignment being set at a value outside of specifications. This could then cause other problems such as uneven tire wear, etc. A customer may notice a pull to the left when in the left lanes of travel and notice a pull to the right or no pull when traveling in the right lanes of travel on the very same section of roadway. This road crown effect is environmental and cannot be corrected with suspension adjustments or any other wheel or tire modification discussed in this bulletin.
- 10176283Safety Recall and Service Campaign - Technician Certification Requirements
- 10174889TSB: OBSOLETE NOTICE April 06, 2020: This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see L-SB-0008-20. Replacement Certification Labels and VIN Plates
- 10174888TSB: SUPERSESSION NOTICE The information contained in this bulletin supersedes Service Bulletin Nos. L-SB-0048-08, PG007-07, PG016-01, PG015-01, PG004-97, PG003-97, PG003-93, PG002-90, L-SB-0048-08, PG007-07, PG016-01, PG015-01, PG004-97, PG003-97, PG003 93, and PG002-90. The aforementioned bulletins are obsolete, and any printed versions should be discarded. Replacement certification labels (the vinyl label installed on the driver door or door post) and VIN plates (the metal plate riveted to dashboard) (see Figure 1) for most 1990 ? 2020 model year vehicles may be available provided the requests meet the criteria listed in this Service Bulletin.
- 10164328TSB: REVISION NOTICE July 01, 2019 Rev1: G1668 Applicability has been updated to include 2019 ? 2020 model year Lexus vehicles. G2158 The Techstream Preparation and Process Overview sections have been updated. Any previous printed versions of this bulletin should be discarded. SUPERSESSION NOTICE The information contained in this bulletin supersedes Service Bulletin No. L-SB-0021-14. G1765 Applicability has been updated to include applicable 2018 models and 2016 ? 2018 model year RC 300 and 2015 ? 2018 model year RC 350 vehicles. ? Applicability has been updated to exclude 2001 ? 2003 model year ES 300 vehicles. Service Bulletin No. L-SB-0021-14 is obsolete and any printed versions should be discarded. Be sure to review the entire content of this bulletin before proceeding. Flash reprogramming allows the Electronic Control Unit (ECU) software to be updated without replacing the ECU. Flash calibration updates for specific vehicle models/ECUs are released as field-fix procedures described in individual Service Bulletins. This bulletin details the Techstream ECU flash reprogramming process and outlines the use of the Technical Information System (TIS) and the Calibration Update Wizard (CUW). Flash calibration updates can only be applied to the vehicle/ECU combination for which they are intended. ECUs have internal security that will not allow them to be programmed with another ECU?s information. NOTE ECU is a Lexus term used to describe integrated computerized devices responsible for managing the operation of a system or subsystem. For the purposes of this bulletin, the term ECU is used as a generic label for the following SAE J1930 standard references: ? Powertrain Control Module (PCM) ? Engine Control Module (ECM) ? Transmission Control Module (TCM) ? Any other Lexus-specific control unit
- 10133926In the recent Bi-annual Floor Mat reminder letter distributed November, 2012, Lexus indicated that we were developing support materials that will help remind dealership customers and associates of the importance of proper floor mat usage.
- 10133923Lexus vehicles are equipped with SRS, including various airbags and in some models, seat belt pre-tensioners, to help reduce the risk of injury in a collision. If a customer expresses any concerns that the SRS airbags or pretensioner devices did not per
- 10133914Flash reprogramming allows the ECU software to be updated without replacing the ECU. Flash calibration updates for specific vehicle models/ECUs are released as field-fix procedures described in individual Service Bulletins. This bulletin details the Techstream ECU flash reprograming process and outlines use of the TIS and the CUW.
- 10133910When servicing interior electrical switches and components, please note the precautions in this bulletin to avoid damaging electrical components and switches. Many lubricants, cleaners, and automotive chemicals contain silicone or other compounds that may contaminate electrical contacts, and therefore increase electrical resistance and decrease switch performance. The use of any cleaners or fluids may increase the risk of further damage to electrical components.
- 10133866Navigation/ Multi Info Display Day Mode Operation
- 10133849A new Special Service Tool (SST 09709-00002) has been introduced to aid in the inspection procedure for certain vehicles equipped with a floor pedal-type parking brake system. This bulletin references the correct method for installing the Brake Pedal Force Gauge. Refer to the appropriate Repair Manual for parking brake pedal travel inspection and adjustment specification.
- 10133657TSB: SUPERSESSION NOTICE The information contained in this bulletin supersedes SB Nos. L-SB-0048-08, PG007-07, PG016-01, PG015-01, PG004-97, PG003-97, PG003-93, and PG002-90. Service Bulletin Nos. L-SB-0048-08, PG007-07, PG016-01, PG015-01, PG004-97, PG003-97, PG003-93, and PG002-90 are obsolete and any printed versions should be discarded. Be sure to review the entire content of this bulletin before proceeding. Vehicle replacement certification labels (vinyl label installed on driver door or door post) and VIN lates (metal plate riveted to dashboard) may be available from Lexus, provided the request meets one of the criteria listed in this Service Bulletin.
- 10133651TSB: REVISION NOTICE November 22, 2017 Rev1: ? Applicability has been updated to include 2014 ? 2018 model year vehicles. Any previous printed versions of this bulletin should be discarded. In the event that a Lexus vehicle becomes submerged in water, many components may be physically damaged. Electrical and electronic components, including wiring harnesses, are particularly susceptible to corrosion and subsequent malfunction. Although any flooding can be damaging, salt water flooding elevates the potential for abnormal conditions and may increase risks due to its highly corrosive and conductive nature. Salt residue also continues to corrode and remain conductive even after a vehicle dries. This bulletin is intended to assist with safe handling and inspection of flood damaged vehicles and to provide basic guidance on likely needed repairs.
- 10132778TSB: OBSOLETE NOTICE-June 12, 2014: This bulletin is now obsolete.
- 10132777TSB: Flash reprogramming allows the ECU software to be updated without replacing the ECU. Flash calibration updates for specific vehicle models/ECUs are released as field-fix procedures described in individual Service Bulletins. This bulletin details the Techstream ECU flash reprogramming process and outlines use of the Technical Information System (TIS) and the Calibration Update Wizard (CUW). Flash calibration updates can only be applied to the vehicle/ECU combination for which they are intended. ECUs have internal security that will not allow them to be programmed with another ECU?s information.
- 10132739TSB: OBSOLETE NOTICE: July 7, 2014: This bulletin is now obsolete.
- 10132734TSB: The Immobilizer and Smart Key Reset is a feature that allows the registration of new keys when all master keys are lost. Once the system is reset, all previously registered keys will be erased.
- 10132726TSB: The Immobilizer and Smart Key Reset is a feature that allows the registration of new keys when all master keys are lost. Once the system is reset, all previously registered keys will be erased.
- 10132625TSB: Revision Notice: Applicability section has been updated to include 2016-2017 applicable model year Lexus vehicles. The Repair Procedure section, Required Tools & Equipment section, and the Repair Procedure section has been updated. Flash reprogramming allows the ECU software to be updated without replacing the ECU. Flash calibration updates for specific vehicle models/ECUs are released as field-fix procedures described in individual Service Bulletins. This bulletin details the Techstream ECU flash reprogramming process and outlines use of the Technical Information System (TIS) and the Calibration Update Wizard (CUW). Flash calibration updates can only be applied to the vehicle/ECU combination for which they are intended. ECUs have internal security that will not allow them to be programmed with another ECU?s information.
- 10132302If a creak, tick, or rattle noise is heard at the top or bottom of the windshield, the source of the noise may be the two windshield stoppers bonded to the top of the windshield or the windshield retainers bonded to the lower edge of the windshield. This bulletin provides the recommended repair procedure to eliminate these types of noises from the windshield area.
- 10132108This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see L-SB-0082-14.
- 10132083Adhesive & sealant cross reference Information
- 10132082Spots in Window glass
- 10132074Beginning in 1998, Lexus introduced side airbags as optional equipment. Lexus does NOT recommend replacement of original seat covers with non-Lexus leather or other seat cover materials on vehicles due to the following: Seat covers NOT recommended by Lexus may affect side airbag performance, in general or in part, during an accident. Modifications that negatively affect side airbag performance can result in severe occupant injuries. Seat covers are an integral part of this safety system. Replacing fabric seat covers with non-Lexus leather or other seat cover materials may compromise the effectiveness of this safety system. The design of the seat is complex, integrating safety and strength with comfort and luxury. Lexus strongly discourages modifying original equipment seats that have optional side airbags. Additionally, Lexus strongly advises against the installation or use of aftermarket seat covers, which could impair the performance of the side airbags in the event of an accident.
- 10132006This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see L-SB-0092-13.
- 10132004The following procedures are recommended during routine maintenance or in the event of a customer concern for wiper performance.
- 10131964Lexus vehicles are equipped with Supplemental Restraint Systems (SRS), including various airbags and in some models, seat belt pre-tensioners, to help reduce the risk of injury in a collision. If a customer expresses any concerns that the SRS airbags or pre-tensioner devices did not perform as expected (including an unintended deployment event), please follow the steps in the recommendations section below.
Every Lexus IS 300 model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.