Auto Recall Watch
U.S. public vehicle records

2004 Lexus ES 330: complaints, problems and recalls

Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.

Key facts

153 owner complaints analyzed

1 distinct recall campaigns

18,050 mi median reported failure mileage

Scope: 2004 model year. Data updated: . 112 complaints include usable failure mileage. View data status.

Owner-reported patterns

Most common problems

Power Train:Automatic Transmission is the most frequently named component, appearing in 48 of 153 complaints (31.4%). A complaint can name multiple components.

Recurring terms in complaint narratives
TopicMatching reportsShare of complaints
Transmission and shifting5837.9%
Braking behavior3220.9%
Steering behavior53.3%
Engine operation42.6%
Electrical and battery issues32.0%

Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.

Component breakdown

Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.

Power Train:Automatic Transmission
48
Vehicle Speed Control
34
Vehicle Speed Control:Accelerator Pedal
13
Air Bags
12
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
8
Power Train
7
Engine And Engine Cooling
6
Power Train:Automatic Transmission:Control Module (Tcm/Pcm/Tecm)
6
Component breakdown data
CategoryCount
Power Train:Automatic Transmission48
Vehicle Speed Control34
Vehicle Speed Control:Accelerator Pedal13
Air Bags12
Service Brakes, Hydraulic8
Power Train7
Engine And Engine Cooling6
Power Train:Automatic Transmission:Control Module (Tcm/Pcm/Tecm)6

Power Train:Automatic Transmission: 48; Vehicle Speed Control: 34; Vehicle Speed Control:Accelerator Pedal: 13; Air Bags: 12; Service Brakes, Hydraulic: 8; Power Train: 7; Engine And Engine Cooling: 6; Power Train:Automatic Transmission:Control Module (Tcm/Pcm/Tecm): 6

Reported problems by failure mileage

Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.

Under 25,000
59
25,000 to 49,999
18
50,000 to 74,999
17
75,000 to 99,999
7
100,000 to 149,999
4
150,000 and above
7
Reported problems by failure mileage data
CategoryCount
Under 25,00059
25,000 to 49,99918
50,000 to 74,99917
75,000 to 99,9997
100,000 to 149,9994
150,000 and above7

Under 25,000: 59; 25,000 to 49,999: 18; 50,000 to 74,999: 17; 75,000 to 99,999: 7; 100,000 to 149,999: 4; 150,000 and above: 7

Under 25,000 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (59). 41 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.

Complaints over time

Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.

2003
1
2004
49
2005
25
2006
7
2007
3
2008
5
2009
5
2010
30
2011
9
2014
5
2015
5
2016
4
2017
1
2018
3
2019
1
Complaints over time data
CategoryCount
20031
200449
200525
20067
20073
20085
20095
201030
20119
20145
20155
20164
20171
20183
20191

2003: 1; 2004: 49; 2005: 25; 2006: 7; 2007: 3; 2008: 5; 2009: 5; 2010: 30; 2011: 9; 2014: 5; 2015: 5; 2016: 4; 2017: 1; 2018: 3; 2019: 1

Pattern summary

Power Train:Automatic Transmission leads the component reports. Transmission and shifting appears in 58 complaint narratives. Braking behavior appears in 32 complaint narratives. Steering behavior appears in 5 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.

Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.

Examples from the source records

Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.

Owner report 10041601 · 2003-10-10 (October 10, 2003)

AS I WAS PULLING INTO THE GARAGE AT MY PLACE OF EMPLOYMENT, I PRESSED ON THE BRAKES AND THE CAR BEGAN TO ACCELERATE, I CONTINUED TO BOUNCE OFF THE WALL SEVERAL TIMES BEFORE THE CAR WOULD STOP. I FELT THAT THE BRAKES FAILED OR THE THROTTLE WAS STUCK. I HAVE CONTACTED MY DEALER, THEY CALLED ME BACK 30 MINUTES LATER AND SAID THAT THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH CAR AND I COULD PICK IT UP. I FELT AS IF I HAVE BEEN "BLOWN OFF' AND I AM TERRIFIED TO DRIVE THIS VEHICLE AGAIN. I HAVE SINCE CONTACTED THE CORPORATE OFFICES AND PLACED A COMPLAINT, HOWEVER, T…

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10041601 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10054595 · 2004-01-21 (January 21, 2004)

I HAVE A LEXUS 330 MODEL YEAR 2004 4 DOOR SEDAN. THE CAR HAS AN INDICATOR ON THE DASHBOARD ADVISING WHETHER OR NOT THE PASSENGER SEAT AIRBAG IS TURNED "ON" OR "OFF". THIS DIAL INDICATES THE AIRBAG IS ALWAYS TURNED "OFF" IF A PERSON WEIGHING LESS THEN 85 POUNDS IS IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT. WHEN AN 85 POUND FEMALE IS IN THE FRONT SEAT THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT INDICATES THE AIR BAG IS TURNED "OFF". IF THE PASSENGER PLACES A 10 POUND BAG OF POTATOES IN HER LAP, THE AIRBAG INDIDATOR SHOWS THAT THE AIRBAG IS TURNED "ON". I PURCHASED A CAR WITH…

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10054595 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10055129 · 2004-01-29 (January 29, 2004)

FOR THE LAST 3 MONTHS SINCE I PURCHASED MY LEXUS RX330,I HAVE EXPERIENCE EXCESSIVE ENGINE VIBRATIONS IN THE STEERING WHEEL AND THE TRANSMISSION IS SHIFTING IMPROPERLY. THOUGH I HAVE TAKEN MY CAR INTO LEXUS MANY TIMES THEY HAVE NOT FIX THESE PROBLEMS AND I BELIEVE THEY NEED TO BE ADDRESSED.*AK

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10055129 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10055388 · 2004-04-01 (April 1, 2004)

CONSUMER HAD DIFFICULTY STEERING BECAUSE THE VEHICLE PULLED TO THE LEFT. THE DEALER STATED THE VEHICLE WAS WITHIN SPECIFICATIONS. CONSUMER GOT A SECOND OPINION FROM AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO PERFORMED A FRONT END ALIGNMENT. THE VEHICLE PERFORMED BETTER AFTER THE ALIGNMENT. *AK *JB

Owner-reported narrative. 3 miles reported. Look up ODI 10055388 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10060647 · 2004-03-07 (March 7, 2004)

I HAVE A 2004 ES330 WHICH HAS A SIGNIFICANT SHIFTING PROBLEM IN LOW GEARS. I HAVE TAKEN THE CAR BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP TWICE ALREADY AND AM READY FOR THE THIRD VISIT. THE DEALER "RESET" THE MEMORY FOR THE SHIFTING PATTERN AT 200 MILES BECAUSE OF UNPREDICTABLE DRIVING PATTERNS. THE TRANSMISSION DOES NOT ALWAYS SHIFT POORLY, ABOUT 25% OF THE TIME THERE IS A PROBLEM. THERE SEEMS TO BE A HESITATION DURING THE SHIFTING WHICH CAUSES A LACK OF POWER. I HAVE NOTICED THIS WHILE MERGING ONTO HIGHWAY TRAFFIC, AND IT IS VERY DANGEROUS. I HAVE CONTACTED THE…

Owner-reported narrative. 20 miles reported. Look up ODI 10060647 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10061982 · 2004-03-12 (March 12, 2004)

EVER SINCE I PURCHASED BY 2004 LS430, I HAVE NOTICED AN UNACCEPTABLE ENGINE VIBRATION. THIS IS NOTICEABLE DURING IDLE/FIRST START-UP. THE ENGINE VIBRATES AND CAN BE FELT IN TO THE CABIN. THIS HAPPENS WHEN THE ENGINE REVS ARE BETWEEN 1200 -1400 RPMS. THIS IS VERY DISAPPOINTING FOR A $62K LEXUS! I HAVE BROUGHT THIS TO THE ATTENTION OF A LEXUS DEALER AND HAVE GOTTEN THE "IT MUST BE BAD GAS" BS. I TOLD THEM I ONLY USE CHEVRON SUPREME (92), WHICH I ALSO USE IN MY BMW WITH NO PROBLEM. A SECOND TIME, THEY INDICATED THAT IT WAS NORMAL AND NOT A PRO…

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10061982 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10062276 · 2004-03-15 (March 15, 2004)

MY WIFE AND I PURCHASED A NEW 2004 LEXUS ES 330 ON FEBRUARY 7TH, 2004. WE HAD READ MANY GOOD THINGS ABOUT THIS CAR, AND THOUGHT WE WERE BUYING THE BEST.HE SALESMAN REAFFIRMED OUR THOUGHTS. WE BOUGHT THE CAR IN SARASOTA AND DROVE IT HOME TO BRADENTON. I NOTICEDA DIFFERENCE FROM THE DEMONSTRATOR IMMEDIATELY. THE TRANSMISSION WHINED AS IT WENT THROUGH THE GEARS; IT SLIPPED NOTICEABLY IN THE GEAR CHANGES; AND IT FAILED TO DROP INTO LOWER GEARS IMMEDIATELY WHEN I GAVE IT THROTTLE TO PASS. I THOUGHT THEY WOULD FIX IT IN THE 1,000 MILE CHECKUP, B…

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10062276 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10063646 · 2004-03-22 (March 22, 2004)

VEHICLE DOES NOT ALWAYS RESPOND PROPERLY TO DRIVER DEPRESSING ACCELERATOR. IN SOME CASES, WHEN COASTING SLOWLY E.G., UNDER 10 MPH), SUDDENLY PRESSING THE ACCELERATOR SHARPLY WILL HAVE NO EFFECT FOR ABOUT 1.5 SECONDS. DURING THE DELAY, THE ENGINE WILL CONTINUE TO IDLE AND VEHICLE SPEED DO NOT INCREASE. AFTER THE DELAY, THE ENGINE AND VEHICLE SPEED INCREASE IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL POSITION. THIS CAN LEAD TO AN ACCIDENT IF THE DRIVER IS MAKING A LEFT TURN WHEN THERE IS ONCOMING TRAFFIC. THERE IS ANOTHER POSSIBLY RELATED ANOMA…

Owner-reported narrative. 500 miles reported. Look up ODI 10063646 at NHTSA ↗

Recall history

1 distinct campaigns affect this selection. Announcement dates below are different from vehicle model years. A campaign may cover multiple years.

04V595000 · Seat Belts:Front:Buckle Assembly

Reported: 2004-12-15 (December 15, 2004)

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A FRONT PASSENGER POWER SEAT, WHEN INSTALLING CERTAIN REAR-FACING INFANT CHILD SEAT BASES ONTO THE SEAT WITH AN EXCESSIVELY HIGH SEATBELT TENSION, IT MAY BE POSSIBLE TO UNSEAT A COMPONENT CALLED THE BUCKLE STATUS SWITCH FROM THE SEAT BELT BUCKLE.

Consequence: IF THE SWITCH BECOMES UNSEATED, THE FRONT PASSENGER OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM MAY MISTAKE THE REAR-FACING CHILD RESTRAINT FOR AN UNBELTED ADULT OCCUPANT, AND MAY NOT SUPPRESS THE DEPLOYMENT OF THE FRONT PASSENGER AIRBAG.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FRONT PASSENGER SEATBELT BUCKLE STATUS SWITCH. THIS SAFETY IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN (SSC 40M) BEGAN ON DECEMBER 20, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331 OR LEXUS AT 1-800-255-3987..

NHTSA campaign record ↗
Explore the data

Vehicle analysis explorer

Inspect model-year patterns, reported mileage, monthly activity and the evidence behind each signal.

Data completeness

153 unique complaints in this selection. Analysis snapshot: 2026-09-30.

73.2%Usable mileage112 / 153 records
99.3%Valid incident date152 / 153 records
100.0%Valid filing date153 / 153 records
99.3%Ordered incident and filing dates152 / 153 records

Missing, zero and invalid mileage is excluded. Dates after the snapshot are excluded. Examples are limited selections, not a representative sample.

Problems by model year

Model-wide comparison of the eight most reported components across the model. Cells show counts and shares within each model year. Open a cell for source examples.

Component complaint heatmap
Component2004
Power Train:Automatic Transmission
4831.4%
ODI 10055129

FOR THE LAST 3 MONTHS SINCE I PURCHASED MY LEXUS RX330,I HAVE EXPERIENCE EXCESSIVE ENGINE VIBRATIONS IN THE STEERING WHEEL AND THE TRANSMISSION IS SHIFTING IMPROPERLY. THOUGH I HAVE TAKEN MY CAR INTO LEXUS MANY TIMES THEY HAVE NOT FIX THESE PROBLEMS AND I BELIEVE THEY NEED TO BE ADDRESSED.*AK

Look up ODI 10055129 at NHTSA ↗

Vehicle Speed Control
3422.2%
ODI 10064232 · 950 mi

MY LEXUS ES330 WAS LESS THAN TWO MONTHS OLD AND THE MILEAGE READ ABOUT 950 THE TIME WHEN THE ACCIDENT HAPPENED.T OCCURRED ON THE WAY TO WORK AT 8:40 AM MARCH 8TH, 2004. IT WAS A SUNNY WARM DAY. AS I WAS DRIVING ON THE FAR RIGHT LANE OF SOUTH 5 FREEWAY WITH SPEED AROUND 65 TO 70 MPH, A CAR NEXT TO MY LANE WAS TRYING TO CUT IN FRONT OF ME. IN ORDER TO KEEP A SAFE DISTANCE, I TRIED TO SLOW DOWN THE CAR BY PRESSING THE BRAKE. THE MOMENT I PRESSED THE BRAKE THE CAR SWERVED TO THE RIGHT. I COULDN'T CONTROL WHERE THE VEHICLE WAS HEADING AND THE…

Look up ODI 10064232 at NHTSA ↗

Vehicle Speed Control:Accelerator Pedal
138.5%
ODI 10063646 · 500 mi

VEHICLE DOES NOT ALWAYS RESPOND PROPERLY TO DRIVER DEPRESSING ACCELERATOR. IN SOME CASES, WHEN COASTING SLOWLY E.G., UNDER 10 MPH), SUDDENLY PRESSING THE ACCELERATOR SHARPLY WILL HAVE NO EFFECT FOR ABOUT 1.5 SECONDS. DURING THE DELAY, THE ENGINE WILL CONTINUE TO IDLE AND VEHICLE SPEED DO NOT INCREASE. AFTER THE DELAY, THE ENGINE AND VEHICLE SPEED INCREASE IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL POSITION. THIS CAN LEAD TO AN ACCIDENT IF THE DRIVER IS MAKING A LEFT TURN WHEN THERE IS ONCOMING TRAFFIC. THERE IS ANOTHER POSSIBLY RELATED ANOMA…

Look up ODI 10063646 at NHTSA ↗

Air Bags
127.8%
ODI 10262033 · 90,000 mi

I DROVE OFF THE HIGHWAY , ROUTE 50, IN ANNAPOLIS, MD, ONTO AN EXIT RAMP LEADING TO FERGUSON ROAD. I APPLIED THE BRAKES BUT THE CAR DID NOT SLOW DOWN. I AVOIDED A CAR ON THE RAMP IN FRONT OF ME BUT IMMEDIATELY CAME TO THE STOP SIGN AT FERGUSON ROAD. THE CAR HAD NOT SLOWED DOWN AND I ATTEMPTED TO MAKE THE LEFT TURN ONTO FERGUSON ROAD, BUT HIT THE GUARD RAIL AND ANOTHER CAR IN THE INTERSECTION. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. I RECEIVED A CUT ON MY LEFT HAND, A BRUISE ON MY RIGHT HIP FROM THE SEAT BELT BUCKLE AND MY GLASSES WERE KNOCKED OFF. M…

Look up ODI 10262033 at NHTSA ↗

Service Brakes, Hydraulic
85.2%
ODI 10136679

2004 LEXUS ES 330 DEVELOPED A PROBLEM WITH BRAKING.*MR THE CONSUMER NOTICED THAT THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS NOISEY WHEN PRESSED AND RELEASED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THEY EXPLAINED THAT THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE AND THAT IT WAS THE WAY IT WAS DESIGNED. *NM

Look up ODI 10136679 at NHTSA ↗

Power Train
74.6%
ODI 10069473

WHEN YOU ACCELERATE FROM A VERY LOW SPEED THERE IS A HESATATION WHICH I FEEL IS DANGEROUS IF I HAD TO REACT FAST TO GET OUT OF THE WAY OF ANOTHER VEHICLE. I JUST BOUGHT THE CAR IT IS A 2004 ES330 AND WAS NOT AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM. IS LEXUS WORKING ON FIXING THIS PROBLEM IT CAN BE DANGEROUS

Look up ODI 10069473 at NHTSA ↗

Engine And Engine Cooling
63.9%
ODI 10055129

FOR THE LAST 3 MONTHS SINCE I PURCHASED MY LEXUS RX330,I HAVE EXPERIENCE EXCESSIVE ENGINE VIBRATIONS IN THE STEERING WHEEL AND THE TRANSMISSION IS SHIFTING IMPROPERLY. THOUGH I HAVE TAKEN MY CAR INTO LEXUS MANY TIMES THEY HAVE NOT FIX THESE PROBLEMS AND I BELIEVE THEY NEED TO BE ADDRESSED.*AK

Look up ODI 10055129 at NHTSA ↗

Power Train:Automatic Transmission:Control Module (Tcm/Pcm/Tecm)
63.9%
ODI 10080715 · 5 mi

2004 LEXUS ES330 HESITATES AND THAN LUNGES ON ACCELERATION FROM 1ST TO 2ND. EALER UNABLE TO CORRECT; MANUFACTURER WILL NOT ACKNOWLEDGE THAT THERE IS A PROPLEM.*AK

Look up ODI 10080715 at NHTSA ↗

Darker cells indicate a larger share of submitted complaints. Components overlap. This measures complaint composition, not failure probability.

Failure mileage by component

Median and middle 50% of usable owner-reported mileages. Ranges require at least five records.

Component failure mileage distribution
ComponentMileage range (25th–75th percentile)MedianUsable recordsExamples
Power Train:Automatic Transmission31–10,500 mi200 mi36
ODI 10060647 · 20 mi

I HAVE A 2004 ES330 WHICH HAS A SIGNIFICANT SHIFTING PROBLEM IN LOW GEARS. I HAVE TAKEN THE CAR BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP TWICE ALREADY AND AM READY FOR THE THIRD VISIT. THE DEALER "RESET" THE MEMORY FOR THE SHIFTING PATTERN AT 200 MILES BECAUSE OF UNPREDICTABLE DRIVING PATTERNS. THE TRANSMISSION DOES NOT ALWAYS SHIFT POORLY, ABOUT 25% OF THE TIME THERE IS A PROBLEM. THERE SEEMS TO BE A HESITATION DURING THE SHIFTING WHICH CAUSES A LACK OF POWER. I HAVE NOTICED THIS WHILE MERGING ONTO HIGHWAY TRAFFIC, AND IT IS VERY DANGEROUS. I HAVE CONTACTED THE…

Look up ODI 10060647 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10065736 · 20 mi

AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION PRODUCES UNPREDICTABLE AND ERRATIC BEHAVIOR, INCLUDING VEHICLE HESITATION, TRANSMISSION SLIPPING, AND LURCHING ON ACCELERATION. I FEEL THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY CONCERN FOR WHICH THE PUBLIC SHOULD BE MADE AWARE. I HAVE HAD THE VEHICLE SERVICED ON FOUR OCCASIONS WITHOUT SUCCESSFUL REMEDIATION. THE DEALER CLAIMS AWARENESS OF THE ISSUES AND INSISTS THAT THERE IS NO IMMEDIATE REPAIR AVAILABLE.*AK

Look up ODI 10065736 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10068323 · 1,610 mi

TRANSMISSION FAILED TO ACCELERATE WHEN STEPPING ON GAS. TRANSMISSION ONLY WHINED AND FAILED TO GET A GEAR FOR A COUPLE OF MOMENTS. (BIG HESITATION) VERY DANGEROUS WHEN TRYING TO PASS AT LOW SPEEDS. THE TRANSMISSION ONLY DOES THIS INTERMITTENTLY, DEALER STATES ITS DRIVE BY WIRE AND IS NORMAL. I GUESS UNTIL SOMEBODY DIES THEY (LEXUS) ARE NOT GOING TO DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT. HELP, THIS HAS BEEN AN ONGOING PROBLEM AND THE CAR ONLY HAS 1600 MILES ON IT.*AK

Look up ODI 10068323 at NHTSA ↗

Vehicle Speed Control4,900–52,763 mi34,000 mi30
ODI 10064232 · 950 mi

MY LEXUS ES330 WAS LESS THAN TWO MONTHS OLD AND THE MILEAGE READ ABOUT 950 THE TIME WHEN THE ACCIDENT HAPPENED.T OCCURRED ON THE WAY TO WORK AT 8:40 AM MARCH 8TH, 2004. IT WAS A SUNNY WARM DAY. AS I WAS DRIVING ON THE FAR RIGHT LANE OF SOUTH 5 FREEWAY WITH SPEED AROUND 65 TO 70 MPH, A CAR NEXT TO MY LANE WAS TRYING TO CUT IN FRONT OF ME. IN ORDER TO KEEP A SAFE DISTANCE, I TRIED TO SLOW DOWN THE CAR BY PRESSING THE BRAKE. THE MOMENT I PRESSED THE BRAKE THE CAR SWERVED TO THE RIGHT. I COULDN'T CONTROL WHERE THE VEHICLE WAS HEADING AND THE…

Look up ODI 10064232 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10080153 · 3,480 mi

WHILE DRIVING AT LOW SPEEDS VEHICLE HESITATED THEN SURGED FORWARD. NO IMPACT REPORTED. *AK THE VEHICLE HESITATED WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS APPLIED THEN SUDDENLY AFTER SEVERAL SECONDS THE VEHICLE WOULD ACCELERATED SUDDENLY. *NM

Look up ODI 10080153 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10081606 · 2,200 mi

WHEN ACCELERATING FROM AN IDLE POSITION VEHICLE HESITATES. *AK

Look up ODI 10081606 at NHTSA ↗

Vehicle Speed Control:Accelerator Pedal300–6,808 mi2,000 mi7
ODI 10063646 · 500 mi

VEHICLE DOES NOT ALWAYS RESPOND PROPERLY TO DRIVER DEPRESSING ACCELERATOR. IN SOME CASES, WHEN COASTING SLOWLY E.G., UNDER 10 MPH), SUDDENLY PRESSING THE ACCELERATOR SHARPLY WILL HAVE NO EFFECT FOR ABOUT 1.5 SECONDS. DURING THE DELAY, THE ENGINE WILL CONTINUE TO IDLE AND VEHICLE SPEED DO NOT INCREASE. AFTER THE DELAY, THE ENGINE AND VEHICLE SPEED INCREASE IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL POSITION. THIS CAN LEAD TO AN ACCIDENT IF THE DRIVER IS MAKING A LEFT TURN WHEN THERE IS ONCOMING TRAFFIC. THERE IS ANOTHER POSSIBLY RELATED ANOMA…

Look up ODI 10063646 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10075245 · 60 mi

AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION/VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL FAILED. *AK THE VEHICLE HESITATES WHEN THE THROTTLE IS APPLIED WHILE DRINING AT 30 TO 40 MPH DUE TO POOR TRANSMISSION SHIFTING. THE DEALER INSTALLED NEW SOFTWARE WHICH IMPROVED (~50%) BUT DID NOT ELIMINATE THE CONCERN. THE CONSUMER SAYS THIS IS A COMMON CONCERN WITH THESE VEHICLES BASED ON HIS INTERNET RESEARCH. *DSY

Look up ODI 10075245 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10100023 · 100 mi

ELECTRONIC GAS PEDAL - WHEN AT LOW SPEED OR IMMEDIATELY AFTER COMING TO A STOP THE GAS PEDAL IS DEPRESSED THE CAR HESITATES FOR 1.5 SECONDS OR MORE BEFORE RESPONDING AND THEN ACCELERATES VERY FAST. THIS PRESENTS A SERIOUS SAFETY HAZZARD WHEN TRING TO ENTER OR CROSS BUSY HIGHWAYS. THE DEALER SAYS ALL THE 2004 7 2005 MODELS DO IT. IT IS A CONSTANT COMPLAINT. LEXUS CUSTOMER SERVICE SAYS THEY ARE AWARE OF IT BUT HAVE NO CURE. A SAFETY WARNING AND RECALL SHOPULD BE ISSUED.*AK

Look up ODI 10100023 at NHTSA ↗

Air Bags68,562–145,000 mi89,000 mi10
ODI 10262033 · 90,000 mi

I DROVE OFF THE HIGHWAY , ROUTE 50, IN ANNAPOLIS, MD, ONTO AN EXIT RAMP LEADING TO FERGUSON ROAD. I APPLIED THE BRAKES BUT THE CAR DID NOT SLOW DOWN. I AVOIDED A CAR ON THE RAMP IN FRONT OF ME BUT IMMEDIATELY CAME TO THE STOP SIGN AT FERGUSON ROAD. THE CAR HAD NOT SLOWED DOWN AND I ATTEMPTED TO MAKE THE LEFT TURN ONTO FERGUSON ROAD, BUT HIT THE GUARD RAIL AND ANOTHER CAR IN THE INTERSECTION. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. I RECEIVED A CUT ON MY LEFT HAND, A BRUISE ON MY RIGHT HIP FROM THE SEAT BELT BUCKLE AND MY GLASSES WERE KNOCKED OFF. M…

Look up ODI 10262033 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10594323 · 67,083 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 LEXUS ES330. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT SEAT OCCUPANT SENSOR HAD FAILED AND IN ORDER TO REMEDY THE FAILURE THE ENTIRE SEAT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE DEALER RESET THE AIR BAG LIGHT BUT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE PERSISTED AND NOW HAD DEVELOPED A TICKING NOISE THAT CAN BE HEARD COMING FROM THE PASSENGER AIR BAG. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE M…

Look up ODI 10594323 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10628408 · 66,500 mi

WHILE THE CAR WAS GARAGED OVERNIGHT, THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG IN THE DASHBOARD CRACKED AND IS NOW PARTIALLY EXPOSED. I CALLED LEXUS AND THEY ASKED ME TO TAKE THE CAR IN TO MY LOCAL LEXUS DEALERSHIP. I DID. WHILE THEY REVIEWED THE ISSUE, THEY ALSO COMPLETED SERVICE ON A RECALL OF THE PASSENGER SIDE SEAT BELT. I WAS THEN TOLD THAT THE AIRBAG WAS NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY, BUT THEY WOULD SUBMIT A CLAIM TO LEXUS. THE CLAIM WAS DENIED. THEY SAID, THE WARRANTY IS SIX YEARS/70,000 MILES. WHILE THE CAR IS UNDER 70,000 MILES THE CAR IS TEN YEARS OLD. …

Look up ODI 10628408 at NHTSA ↗

Service Brakes, Hydraulic30,000–46,600 mi36,000 mi5
ODI 10261933 · 17,000 mi

MY LEXUS ES330 2004 HAS ABOUT 17K MILES ON IT, AND I HAVE NOTICED SEVERAL INDICATIONS WHERE I TRY AND BRAKE AND IT FEELS LIKE THE BRAKES WILL NOT FULLY ENGAGE, OR THAT THE EBS BRAKING SYSTEM IS ENGAGED, WHEN I DO NOT BELIEVE IT SHOULD BE ENGAGED. THIS HAS HAPPENED MOSTLY IN THE WINTER OR FALL MONTHS WHEN THE ROAD WAS DRY AND THE AIR WAS DRY. IT HAS TAKEN ME WAY TO LONG TO BRAKE AND COME TO A PROPER STOP. IT HAS OCCURRED ABOUT 10 TIMES. I DO NOT DRIVE VERY MUCH AS YOU CAN NOTE FROM THE MILEAGE. A FEW TIMES IT OCCURRED WHEN THE ROAD WAS WET…

Look up ODI 10261933 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10315200 · 36,000 mi

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 LEXUS ES 330. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH ON NORMAL ROAD CONDITIONS. THERE WAS PRESSURE APPLIED TO THE BRAKE PEDAL. THE VEHICLE FAILED TO SLOW DOWN AND CRASHED INTO A BUILDING. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED NO PERSONALS INJURY. THE POLICE AND AMBULANCE WERE NOT CALLED TO THE SCENE. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO RESUME OPERATION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND REPAIRED FOR BODY DAMAGES AT AN ESTIMATION OF $1,000. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 36,000.

Look up ODI 10315200 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10319210 · 64,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 LEXUS ES330. UPON STARTING THE VEHICLE, HE FAILED TO DISENGAGE THE EMERGENCY BRAKE. HE TRAVELED APPROXIMATELY 20 MILES WITH THE EMERGENCY BRAKE STILL ENGAGED. IN DOING SO, THE MAIN BRAKES WOULD NOT FUNCTION CORRECTLY. AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC PERFORMED A DIAGNOSTIC TEST AND MADE UNKNOWN REPAIRS TO THE VEHICLE, AT THE OWNER'S EXPENSE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 64,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 65,000.

Look up ODI 10319210 at NHTSA ↗

Power TrainToo few reports for a range30,024 mi4 (sparse)
ODI 10080908 · 10 mi

STANDARD COMPLAINT FOR THIS CAR. ENGINE OR TRANSMISSION DELAY WHEN GAS PEDAL WAS RELEASED THEN SUDDENLY DEPRESSED. THIS OCCURS WHEN MERGING ONTO FREEWAYS, 4 WAY STOPS, A TRAFFIC LIGHT CHANGES, AND WHEN PULLING OUT TO PASS OR IN CERTAIN EMERGENCY MANEUVERS. THE DELAY IS APPROXIMATELY 1 OR 1.5 SECONDS AND DISRUPTS TIMING WHEN YOU DEPEND ON THROTTLE RESPONSE THE MOST! THIS HAS LED TO SEVERAL CLOSE CALLS. DEALER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE DEFECT WHEN CAR WAS 1 WEEK OLD AND I WAS TOLD THE ADAPTIVE SYSTEM NEEDS 1,000 MILES TO LEARN MY DRIVING HABITS…

Look up ODI 10080908 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10314578 · 10,047 mi

ONE MONTH AFTER PURCHASING MY CERTIFIED/PREVIOUSLY OWNED 2004 LEXUS ES330 ON 9/30/05, I HAD THE DEALER CHECK VEHICLE'S SLOW TO SHIFT, SLIPPING THROUGH GEARS WHILE ACCELERATING, AND 'SURGING' WHILE ATTEMPTING TO STOP, AS IF GEARS/TRANSMISSION WERE SLOW TO GET THE MESSAGE. I HAVE HAD THIS ISSUE CHECKED 5 TIMES (2005-2009), AND EACH TIME, THEY EITHER SAY THEY DID NOT FIND A PROBLEM OR, TWICE, RESET THE COMPUTER. I FEEL AS THOUGH I'M 'AN ACCIDENT WAITING TO HAPPEN,' HOWEVER, HAVE SEEN NO REPORTS/ INVESTIGATIONS/RECALLS ADDRESSING THESE LEXUS/TOY…

Look up ODI 10314578 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10426920 · 50,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 LEXUS ES330. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH AND ATTEMPTING TO SHIFT FROM SECOND TO THIRD, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT ACCELERATE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE ELECTRONIC CONTROL SYSTEM HESITATED AND AS A RESULT, THE COMPUTER MODULE WOULD NEED TO BE UPDATED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE WHO DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS OPERATING UP TO THEIR STANDARDS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 70…

Look up ODI 10426920 at NHTSA ↗

Engine And Engine CoolingToo few reports for a range100 mi3 (sparse)
ODI 10073448 · 100 mi

WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED AND WHEN TRYING TO PASS OTHER VEHICLES IT HESITATED FOR SEVERAL SECONDS. AFTER ACCELERATING THE VEHICLE WILL NOT GO INTO ANY PARTICULAR GEAR. ALSO, ENGINE WOULD WHINE DURING THIS PROCESS. DEALER CLAIMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS DESIGNED TO ADAPT TO THE DRIVERS HABITS.*AK

Look up ODI 10073448 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10080908 · 10 mi

STANDARD COMPLAINT FOR THIS CAR. ENGINE OR TRANSMISSION DELAY WHEN GAS PEDAL WAS RELEASED THEN SUDDENLY DEPRESSED. THIS OCCURS WHEN MERGING ONTO FREEWAYS, 4 WAY STOPS, A TRAFFIC LIGHT CHANGES, AND WHEN PULLING OUT TO PASS OR IN CERTAIN EMERGENCY MANEUVERS. THE DELAY IS APPROXIMATELY 1 OR 1.5 SECONDS AND DISRUPTS TIMING WHEN YOU DEPEND ON THROTTLE RESPONSE THE MOST! THIS HAS LED TO SEVERAL CLOSE CALLS. DEALER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE DEFECT WHEN CAR WAS 1 WEEK OLD AND I WAS TOLD THE ADAPTIVE SYSTEM NEEDS 1,000 MILES TO LEARN MY DRIVING HABITS…

Look up ODI 10080908 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10089427 · 20,600 mi

WHEN DRIVING VEHICLE HESITATED AND STALLED AT LOW SPEED. DEALER STATED THAT THERE WAS NOTHING THAT COULD BE DONE. MANUFACTURER INSISTED THERE IWASNOTHING DEFECTIVE ON THE VEHICLE.*AK

Look up ODI 10089427 at NHTSA ↗

Power Train:Automatic Transmission:Control Module (Tcm/Pcm/Tecm)Too few reports for a range1,750 mi4 (sparse)
ODI 10080715 · 5 mi

2004 LEXUS ES330 HESITATES AND THAN LUNGES ON ACCELERATION FROM 1ST TO 2ND. EALER UNABLE TO CORRECT; MANUFACTURER WILL NOT ACKNOWLEDGE THAT THERE IS A PROPLEM.*AK

Look up ODI 10080715 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10082696 · 2,500 mi

TRANSMISSION SHIFT DELAY. THE SHIFTING DELAY CAN GO AS LONG AS 3 - 4 SECONDS AND HAVE CAUSED SEVERAL LIFE THREATENING CLOSE CALLS ACCIDENT. LEXUS WAS AWARE OF THE SHIFT DELAY PROBLEM BUT CLAIMS THAT THIS IS NORMAL AND DONE BY DESIGN. *AK

Look up ODI 10082696 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10121789 · 1,000 mi

SEVERE HESITATION WHEN MERGING ON TO A HIGWAY AT BETWEEN 20 AND 30 MPH. DEALER SERVICE HAS CHECKED VEHICLE PREVIOUSLY AND "ITS NORMAL FOR A LEXUS"

Look up ODI 10121789 at NHTSA ↗

Complaint and recall timeline

Explore monthly filing activity alongside recall announcements. Up to ten years of monthly history is available.

1 reports2024-102026-09

Solid line: filed complaints. Dashed amber lines: recall announcement dates for this vehicle selection; markers include all recall components. The latest month is partial. Temporal proximity does not establish causation.

Monthly counts, recall campaigns and complaint examples
Monthly complaint and recall timeline
MonthComplaintsCampaigns announcedExamples
2024-100None

No examples available for this selection.

2024-110None

No examples available for this selection.

2024-120None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-010None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-020None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-030None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-040None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-050None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-060None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-070None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-080None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-090None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-100None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-110None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-120None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-010None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-020None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-030None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-040None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-050None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-060None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-070None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-080None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-09 (partial)0None

No examples available for this selection.

Emerging complaint spikes

Complete months in the latest six months with at least 10 complaints, at least twice the preceding 12-month average, and at least three square-root deviations above that average.

This is a descriptive screening rule, not a statistical defect finding. Publicity and reporting changes can increase submissions.

No complete months meet the spike thresholds for this selection.

Equal-age model-year comparison

Model-wide cumulative reports during the first three or five calendar years, starting with the model year (age 0). Only fully elapsed windows are compared.

Age 0Age 1Age 276 reports

2004: 76 complaints

Equal observation windows
Model yearThrough age 0Through age 1Through age 2
2004526776
Date coverage across each selected cohort
Date basis for all complaints in selected model years
YearIncident dates usedFiling date fallbacksExcluded dates
2004140112

Incident date is preferred when valid and no later than filing; otherwise filing date is used. Model year approximates age. Equal observation time does not adjust for sales, distance driven or reporting delays. One complaint linked to multiple model years can appear in each cohort.

Components reported together

Each cell counts unique complaints naming both components. Open a nonzero cell for examples.

Component co-occurrence matrix
ComponentPower Train:Automatic TransmissionVehicle Speed ControlVehicle Speed Control:Accelerator PedalAir BagsService Brakes, HydraulicPower TrainEngine And Engine CoolingPower Train:Automatic Transmission:Control Module (Tcm/Pcm/Tecm)
Power Train:Automatic Transmission—0
1
ODI 10075245 · 60 mi

AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION/VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL FAILED. *AK THE VEHICLE HESITATES WHEN THE THROTTLE IS APPLIED WHILE DRINING AT 30 TO 40 MPH DUE TO POOR TRANSMISSION SHIFTING. THE DEALER INSTALLED NEW SOFTWARE WHICH IMPROVED (~50%) BUT DID NOT ELIMINATE THE CONCERN. THE CONSUMER SAYS THIS IS A COMMON CONCERN WITH THESE VEHICLES BASED ON HIS INTERNET RESEARCH. *DSY

Look up ODI 10075245 at NHTSA ↗

000
1
ODI 10055129

FOR THE LAST 3 MONTHS SINCE I PURCHASED MY LEXUS RX330,I HAVE EXPERIENCE EXCESSIVE ENGINE VIBRATIONS IN THE STEERING WHEEL AND THE TRANSMISSION IS SHIFTING IMPROPERLY. THOUGH I HAVE TAKEN MY CAR INTO LEXUS MANY TIMES THEY HAVE NOT FIX THESE PROBLEMS AND I BELIEVE THEY NEED TO BE ADDRESSED.*AK

Look up ODI 10055129 at NHTSA ↗

1
ODI 10082696 · 2,500 mi

TRANSMISSION SHIFT DELAY. THE SHIFTING DELAY CAN GO AS LONG AS 3 - 4 SECONDS AND HAVE CAUSED SEVERAL LIFE THREATENING CLOSE CALLS ACCIDENT. LEXUS WAS AWARE OF THE SHIFT DELAY PROBLEM BUT CLAIMS THAT THIS IS NORMAL AND DONE BY DESIGN. *AK

Look up ODI 10082696 at NHTSA ↗

Vehicle Speed Control0—00
1
ODI 10383855 · 30,000 mi

WHEN BRAKING AND SLOWLY TURNING LEFT TO COME TO A STOP IN A PARKING SPACE AT A WAL-MART PARKING LOT MY CAR SUDDENLY ACCELERATED UNCONTROLLABLY AT SUCH A FAST SPEED THAT MY CAR CRASHED INTO A METAL POLE AND PUSHED A PARKED STATION WAGON FACING MY CAR BACK FAR INTO ANOTHER ISLE. MY FOOT WAS DEFINITELY BRAKING THE WHOLE TIME.!!!! MY CAR UNEXPECTEDLY ACCELERATED AT A VERY HIGH SPEED WHILE I PRESSED THE BRAKE. I HAVE IN MY POSSESSION A SURVEILLANCE TAPE OF THE ACCIDENT TAKEN BY WAL-MART. AS A RESULT I HURT MY BACK AND NECK AND WAS VERY UPSET THA…

Look up ODI 10383855 at NHTSA ↗

0
1
ODI 10143885

THE JENCI'S CONTEND THAT MRS. JENCI PUT THE VEHICLE IN REVERSE, IT THEN SURGED, MADE A LOUD SOUND AND LUNGED FORWARD OUT OF CONTROL. *NM

Look up ODI 10143885 at NHTSA ↗

0
Vehicle Speed Control:Accelerator Pedal
1
ODI 10075245 · 60 mi

AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION/VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL FAILED. *AK THE VEHICLE HESITATES WHEN THE THROTTLE IS APPLIED WHILE DRINING AT 30 TO 40 MPH DUE TO POOR TRANSMISSION SHIFTING. THE DEALER INSTALLED NEW SOFTWARE WHICH IMPROVED (~50%) BUT DID NOT ELIMINATE THE CONCERN. THE CONSUMER SAYS THIS IS A COMMON CONCERN WITH THESE VEHICLES BASED ON HIS INTERNET RESEARCH. *DSY

Look up ODI 10075245 at NHTSA ↗

0—0000
1
ODI 10080815

MY 2004 LEXUS ES330HAS A PROBLEM WITH SHIFTING. WHEN ATTEMPTING TO ACCELERATE THE CAR HESITATES SIGNIFICANTLY BEFORE DECIDING TO DOWNSHIFT. THIS IS A NOTABLE PROBLEM WHEN TRYING TO AVOID TRAFFIC OR CHANGE LANES FLUIDLY UNDER CROWDED TRAFFIC CONDITIONS. LEXUS SAYS THIS IS NORMAL FOR THE CAR.*AK

Look up ODI 10080815 at NHTSA ↗

Air Bags000—0000
Service Brakes, Hydraulic0
1
ODI 10383855 · 30,000 mi

WHEN BRAKING AND SLOWLY TURNING LEFT TO COME TO A STOP IN A PARKING SPACE AT A WAL-MART PARKING LOT MY CAR SUDDENLY ACCELERATED UNCONTROLLABLY AT SUCH A FAST SPEED THAT MY CAR CRASHED INTO A METAL POLE AND PUSHED A PARKED STATION WAGON FACING MY CAR BACK FAR INTO ANOTHER ISLE. MY FOOT WAS DEFINITELY BRAKING THE WHOLE TIME.!!!! MY CAR UNEXPECTEDLY ACCELERATED AT A VERY HIGH SPEED WHILE I PRESSED THE BRAKE. I HAVE IN MY POSSESSION A SURVEILLANCE TAPE OF THE ACCIDENT TAKEN BY WAL-MART. AS A RESULT I HURT MY BACK AND NECK AND WAS VERY UPSET THA…

Look up ODI 10383855 at NHTSA ↗

00—000
Power Train00000—
1
ODI 10080908 · 10 mi

STANDARD COMPLAINT FOR THIS CAR. ENGINE OR TRANSMISSION DELAY WHEN GAS PEDAL WAS RELEASED THEN SUDDENLY DEPRESSED. THIS OCCURS WHEN MERGING ONTO FREEWAYS, 4 WAY STOPS, A TRAFFIC LIGHT CHANGES, AND WHEN PULLING OUT TO PASS OR IN CERTAIN EMERGENCY MANEUVERS. THE DELAY IS APPROXIMATELY 1 OR 1.5 SECONDS AND DISRUPTS TIMING WHEN YOU DEPEND ON THROTTLE RESPONSE THE MOST! THIS HAS LED TO SEVERAL CLOSE CALLS. DEALER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE DEFECT WHEN CAR WAS 1 WEEK OLD AND I WAS TOLD THE ADAPTIVE SYSTEM NEEDS 1,000 MILES TO LEARN MY DRIVING HABITS…

Look up ODI 10080908 at NHTSA ↗

0
Engine And Engine Cooling
1
ODI 10055129

FOR THE LAST 3 MONTHS SINCE I PURCHASED MY LEXUS RX330,I HAVE EXPERIENCE EXCESSIVE ENGINE VIBRATIONS IN THE STEERING WHEEL AND THE TRANSMISSION IS SHIFTING IMPROPERLY. THOUGH I HAVE TAKEN MY CAR INTO LEXUS MANY TIMES THEY HAVE NOT FIX THESE PROBLEMS AND I BELIEVE THEY NEED TO BE ADDRESSED.*AK

Look up ODI 10055129 at NHTSA ↗

1
ODI 10143885

THE JENCI'S CONTEND THAT MRS. JENCI PUT THE VEHICLE IN REVERSE, IT THEN SURGED, MADE A LOUD SOUND AND LUNGED FORWARD OUT OF CONTROL. *NM

Look up ODI 10143885 at NHTSA ↗

000
1
ODI 10080908 · 10 mi

STANDARD COMPLAINT FOR THIS CAR. ENGINE OR TRANSMISSION DELAY WHEN GAS PEDAL WAS RELEASED THEN SUDDENLY DEPRESSED. THIS OCCURS WHEN MERGING ONTO FREEWAYS, 4 WAY STOPS, A TRAFFIC LIGHT CHANGES, AND WHEN PULLING OUT TO PASS OR IN CERTAIN EMERGENCY MANEUVERS. THE DELAY IS APPROXIMATELY 1 OR 1.5 SECONDS AND DISRUPTS TIMING WHEN YOU DEPEND ON THROTTLE RESPONSE THE MOST! THIS HAS LED TO SEVERAL CLOSE CALLS. DEALER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE DEFECT WHEN CAR WAS 1 WEEK OLD AND I WAS TOLD THE ADAPTIVE SYSTEM NEEDS 1,000 MILES TO LEARN MY DRIVING HABITS…

Look up ODI 10080908 at NHTSA ↗

—0
Power Train:Automatic Transmission:Control Module (Tcm/Pcm/Tecm)
1
ODI 10082696 · 2,500 mi

TRANSMISSION SHIFT DELAY. THE SHIFTING DELAY CAN GO AS LONG AS 3 - 4 SECONDS AND HAVE CAUSED SEVERAL LIFE THREATENING CLOSE CALLS ACCIDENT. LEXUS WAS AWARE OF THE SHIFT DELAY PROBLEM BUT CLAIMS THAT THIS IS NORMAL AND DONE BY DESIGN. *AK

Look up ODI 10082696 at NHTSA ↗

0
1
ODI 10080815

MY 2004 LEXUS ES330HAS A PROBLEM WITH SHIFTING. WHEN ATTEMPTING TO ACCELERATE THE CAR HESITATES SIGNIFICANTLY BEFORE DECIDING TO DOWNSHIFT. THIS IS A NOTABLE PROBLEM WHEN TRYING TO AVOID TRAFFIC OR CHANGE LANES FLUIDLY UNDER CROWDED TRAFFIC CONDITIONS. LEXUS SAYS THIS IS NORMAL FOR THE CAR.*AK

Look up ODI 10080815 at NHTSA ↗

0000—

Co-reporting does not establish that one component caused another concern.

Recurring narrative patterns

Specific keyword mentions beyond broad component labels. Matching includes negations and comparisons and does not confirm a diagnosis.

5 patterns with matching reports.

Hard or delayed shifting

18 mentions · 11.8% of complaints

Median mileage: 9,500 mi (14 usable records).

ODI 10065736 · 20 mi

AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION PRODUCES UNPREDICTABLE AND ERRATIC BEHAVIOR, INCLUDING VEHICLE HESITATION, TRANSMISSION SLIPPING, AND LURCHING ON ACCELERATION. I FEEL THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY CONCERN FOR WHICH THE PUBLIC SHOULD BE MADE AWARE. I HAVE HAD THE VEHICLE SERVICED ON FOUR OCCASIONS WITHOUT SUCCESSFUL REMEDIATION. THE DEALER CLAIMS AWARENESS OF THE ISSUES AND INSISTS THAT THERE IS NO IMMEDIATE REPAIR AVAILABLE.*AK

Look up ODI 10065736 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10068413 · 20 mi

DURING THE FIRST WEEKS, THE TRANSMISSION ACTED ERRATICALLY. DRIVING AT SLOW SPEEDS, WHEN I RELEASE THE ACCELERATOR TO COAST, AND THEN ACCELERATE, THE TRANSMISSION SLIPS OR TAKES TIME TO ENGAGE, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO LURCH FORWARD. (THIS HAS BEEN DESCRIBED AS A "DELAY/HESITATION IN SHIFTING," OR THAT THE TRANSMISSION IS "SEARCHING FOR A GEAR.") THE TRANSMISSION DID NOT SHIFT UP OR DOWN SMOOTHLY. I BROUGHT THE VEHICLE IN. THE SERVICE TECH ACKNOWLEDGED THE PROBLEM. I WAS THEN ASKED TO BRING THE VEHICLE IN AND LEAVE IT FOR A FEW DAYS. NOT HE…

Look up ODI 10068413 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10082739 · 1 mi

I OWN A LEXUS ES 330 AND HAVE BEEN VERY DISPLEASED WITH THE TRANSMISSION. THERE IS A HESITATION OF A SECOND OR TWO WHEN YOU ACCELLERATE AND IT ALSO JERKS THE CAR WHEN YOU TRY TO ACCELLERATE WHEN THE CAR IS SLOWING DOWN. THIS CAN BE VERY DANGEROUS WHEN ATTEMPTING TO PASS ANOTHER VEHICLE OR MERGE ONTO A HIGHWAY. APPARENTLY THE CAR IS OPERATING THE WAY IT WAS DESIGNED. SOMETHING SHOULD BE DONE ABOUT THIS BEFORE SOMEONE LOSES THEIR LIFE! I'VE WANTED A LEXUS FOR YEARS AND NOW THAT I CAN AFFORD ONE I WISH I BOUGHT A BMW. THIS WILL BE THE LAST L…

Look up ODI 10082739 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule\b(hard shift\w*|rough shift\w*|delay\w* shift\w*|shift\w* hard|jerk\w*|lurch\w*)\b

Brake response concerns

6 mentions · 3.9% of complaints

Median mileage: 67,600 mi (4 usable records).

ODI 10041601

AS I WAS PULLING INTO THE GARAGE AT MY PLACE OF EMPLOYMENT, I PRESSED ON THE BRAKES AND THE CAR BEGAN TO ACCELERATE, I CONTINUED TO BOUNCE OFF THE WALL SEVERAL TIMES BEFORE THE CAR WOULD STOP. I FELT THAT THE BRAKES FAILED OR THE THROTTLE WAS STUCK. I HAVE CONTACTED MY DEALER, THEY CALLED ME BACK 30 MINUTES LATER AND SAID THAT THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH CAR AND I COULD PICK IT UP. I FELT AS IF I HAVE BEEN "BLOWN OFF' AND I AM TERRIFIED TO DRIVE THIS VEHICLE AGAIN. I HAVE SINCE CONTACTED THE CORPORATE OFFICES AND PLACED A COMPLAINT, HOWEVER, T…

Look up ODI 10041601 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10136679

2004 LEXUS ES 330 DEVELOPED A PROBLEM WITH BRAKING.*MR THE CONSUMER NOTICED THAT THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS NOISEY WHEN PRESSED AND RELEASED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THEY EXPLAINED THAT THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE AND THAT IT WAS THE WAY IT WAS DESIGNED. *NM

Look up ODI 10136679 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10262033 · 90,000 mi

I DROVE OFF THE HIGHWAY , ROUTE 50, IN ANNAPOLIS, MD, ONTO AN EXIT RAMP LEADING TO FERGUSON ROAD. I APPLIED THE BRAKES BUT THE CAR DID NOT SLOW DOWN. I AVOIDED A CAR ON THE RAMP IN FRONT OF ME BUT IMMEDIATELY CAME TO THE STOP SIGN AT FERGUSON ROAD. THE CAR HAD NOT SLOWED DOWN AND I ATTEMPTED TO MAKE THE LEFT TURN ONTO FERGUSON ROAD, BUT HIT THE GUARD RAIL AND ANOTHER CAR IN THE INTERSECTION. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. I RECEIVED A CUT ON MY LEFT HAND, A BRUISE ON MY RIGHT HIP FROM THE SEAT BELT BUCKLE AND MY GLASSES WERE KNOCKED OFF. M…

Look up ODI 10262033 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule\b(brake fail\w*|brakes fail\w*|brake pedal|braking distance|unintended braking|phantom braking)\b

Stalling or loss of power

4 mentions · 2.6% of complaints

Median mileage: 35,300 mi (4 usable records).

ODI 10089427 · 20,600 mi

WHEN DRIVING VEHICLE HESITATED AND STALLED AT LOW SPEED. DEALER STATED THAT THERE WAS NOTHING THAT COULD BE DONE. MANUFACTURER INSISTED THERE IWASNOTHING DEFECTIVE ON THE VEHICLE.*AK

Look up ODI 10089427 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10164477 · 9,100 mi

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE EXITING THE DRIVE WAY THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED WITHOUT WARNING. THERE WAS A CRASH WITH AN ONCOMING VEHICLE BEFORE IT STALLED IN THE YARD ACROSS THE STREET. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND THERE WAS PROPERTY DAMAGE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP WHO REPAIRED THE DAMAGES TO THE BODY OF THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER HAS NOT BEEN ALERTED.

Look up ODI 10164477 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10325578 · 53,000 mi

2004 LEXUS ES 330 ACCELERATION IS STICKING/STALLING AND JERKING WHEN VEHICLE IS DRIVING AND SLOWING DOWN IN TRAFFIC. CONTACTED LEXUS DEALER AND REPRESENTATIVE AND THEY CLAIM THE CAR COMPUTER IS CONSTANTLY ADJUSTING FEEL LIKE JERKING MOTIONS. *TR

Look up ODI 10325578 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule\b(stall\w*|loss of power|lost power|engine shut\w* off)\b

Battery drain and no-start mentions

2 mentions · 1.3% of complaints

Median mileage: 35,800 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 10341189

S10 APPROPRIATE HANDLING-LETTER FROM REGARDING SAFETY COMPLAINTS REGARDING THE 2004 LEXUS ES 330 *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED THE LEFT UPPER STRUT MOUNT BOLT WAS LOOSE, THE WIRING SYSTEM WAS DEFECTIVE IN WHICH THE HOOD CARPET, OXYGEN SENSOR WIRES AND RADIATOR HOSE CAUGHT ON FIRE, BUT MANAGED TO GO OUT BY ITSELF. THE DEALER CONCLUDED THAT NO CONCLUSIVE CAUSE TO THE UNDER HOOD FIRE WAS FOUND. ALSO THE BRAKES WERE DEFECTIVE. THE CONSUMER HAD DIFFICULTY STOPPING WHEN A VEHICLE IN FRONT OF HIM SLOWED DOWN TO STOP. THE BATTERY HAD TO BE REPLACED BECAUSE…

Look up ODI 10341189 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10427530 · 35,800 mi

IGNITION KEY HOUSING/CASE CONTAINING METAL KEY BLADE AND ELECTRONIC REMOTE TRANSMITTER FOR UNLOCKING/LOCKING DOOR CRACKED ALLOWING TRANSMITTER TO FALL OUT. INQUIRY WAS MADE WITH DEALERSHIP ON REPLACEMENT. INFORMED KEY NOT COVERED BY WARRANTY - CONSIDERED TO BE LIKE TIRES OR WIPER BLADES. REPLACEMENT COST $200.00 PER KEY. USED TAPE TO HOLD KEY AND TRANSMITTER TOGETHER AND USED SECOND REMOTE KEY. SECOND KEY HOUSING CRACKED SEVERAL MONTHS LATER. USED TAPE TO ALSO HOLD TOGETHER. KEY CASE CAME APART IN GROCERY STORE PARKING LOT AND TRANSMITTER…

Look up ODI 10427530 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule\b(parasitic drain|battery drain\w*|dead battery|won.t start|would not start|no.start)\b

Warning lights and dashboard alerts

2 mentions · 1.3% of complaints

Median mileage: 67,083 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 10054595

I HAVE A LEXUS 330 MODEL YEAR 2004 4 DOOR SEDAN. THE CAR HAS AN INDICATOR ON THE DASHBOARD ADVISING WHETHER OR NOT THE PASSENGER SEAT AIRBAG IS TURNED "ON" OR "OFF". THIS DIAL INDICATES THE AIRBAG IS ALWAYS TURNED "OFF" IF A PERSON WEIGHING LESS THEN 85 POUNDS IS IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT. WHEN AN 85 POUND FEMALE IS IN THE FRONT SEAT THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT INDICATES THE AIR BAG IS TURNED "OFF". IF THE PASSENGER PLACES A 10 POUND BAG OF POTATOES IN HER LAP, THE AIRBAG INDIDATOR SHOWS THAT THE AIRBAG IS TURNED "ON". I PURCHASED A CAR WITH…

Look up ODI 10054595 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10594323 · 67,083 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 LEXUS ES330. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT SEAT OCCUPANT SENSOR HAD FAILED AND IN ORDER TO REMEDY THE FAILURE THE ENTIRE SEAT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE DEALER RESET THE AIR BAG LIGHT BUT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE PERSISTED AND NOW HAD DEVELOPED A TICKING NOISE THAT CAN BE HEARD COMING FROM THE PASSENGER AIR BAG. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE M…

Look up ODI 10594323 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule\b(warning light\w*|check engine|dashboard warning\w*|malfunction indicator)\b