Auto Recall Watch
U.S. public vehicle records

2004 Lexus ES330: complaints, problems and recalls

Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.

Key facts

21 owner complaints analyzed

1 distinct recall campaigns

102,000 mi median reported failure mileage

Scope: 2004 model year. Data updated: . 15 complaints include usable failure mileage. View data status.

Owner-reported patterns

Most common problems

Air Bags is the most frequently named component, appearing in 10 of 21 complaints (47.6%). A complaint can name multiple components.

Recurring terms in complaint narratives
TopicMatching reportsShare of complaints
Braking behavior314.3%
Electrical and battery issues29.5%
Steering behavior29.5%

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.

Air Bags
10
Vehicle Speed Control
3
Electrical System
2
Engine
2
Air Bags:Sensor:Occupant Classification
1
Air Bags:Sensor:Occupant Classification:Front Passenger
1
Fuel/Propulsion System
1
Service Brakes
1
Component breakdown data
CategoryCount
Air Bags10
Vehicle Speed Control3
Electrical System2
Engine2
Air Bags:Sensor:Occupant Classification1
Air Bags:Sensor:Occupant Classification:Front Passenger1
Fuel/Propulsion System1
Service Brakes1

Air Bags: 10; Vehicle Speed Control: 3; Electrical System: 2; Engine: 2; Air Bags:Sensor:Occupant Classification: 1; Air Bags:Sensor:Occupant Classification:Front Passenger: 1; Fuel/Propulsion System: 1; Service Brakes: 1

Reported problems by failure mileage

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

Under 25,000
0
25,000 to 49,999
2
50,000 to 74,999
4
75,000 to 99,999
1
100,000 to 149,999
2
150,000 and above
6
Reported problems by failure mileage data
CategoryCount
Under 25,0000
25,000 to 49,9992
50,000 to 74,9994
75,000 to 99,9991
100,000 to 149,9992
150,000 and above6

Under 25,000: 0; 25,000 to 49,999: 2; 50,000 to 74,999: 4; 75,000 to 99,999: 1; 100,000 to 149,999: 2; 150,000 and above: 6

150,000 and above miles has the most reports with usable mileage (6). 6 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.

2012
1
2014
5
2015
4
2016
4
2017
2
2018
3
2019
1
2020
1
Complaints over time data
CategoryCount
20121
20145
20154
20164
20172
20183
20191
20201

2012: 1; 2014: 5; 2015: 4; 2016: 4; 2017: 2; 2018: 3; 2019: 1; 2020: 1

Pattern summary

Air Bags leads the component reports. Braking behavior appears in 3 complaint narratives. Electrical and battery issues appears in 2 complaint narratives. Steering behavior appears in 2 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 10477723 · 2012-09-26 (September 26, 2012)

2004 LEXUS ES330. CONSUMER STATES UNINTENDED ACCELERATION *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED ACROSS THE STREET AND PLUNGED IN HIS NEIGHBOR'S BRICK FENCE COMPLETELY DAMAGING THE CAR, WHICH WAS EVENTUALLY DECLARED TOTALED. THE CONSUMER STATED THE POLICE REPORT INDICATED, THE FLOOR MAT MAY HAVE CAUSED THE SUDDEN ACCELERATION. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED, BUT A CAUSE COULD NOT BE DETERMINED, EVEN THOUGH IT WAS NOTED, THE FLOOR MATS WERE NOT SECURED AND THE HOOKS WERE MISSING. THE CONSUMER STATED WHEN HE PURCHASED THE VEHICLE, …

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10477723 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10607526 · 2014-07-01 (July 1, 2014)

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 LEXUS ES330. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE PULLING INTO A PARKING SPACE, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THE VEHICLE TRAVELED OVER THE SIDE WALK AND WAS ABLE TO AVOID A CRASH. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A MECHANIC. THE TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 122,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 124,528.

Owner-reported narrative. 122,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10607526 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10627254 · 2014-08-21 (August 21, 2014)

I WAS PARKING MY CAR IN THE PARKING LOT OF A GARAGE WHEN MY CAR LEXUS 330 SUDDENLY PICKED UP HIGH SPEED (FULL THROTTLE) UNINTENTIONALLY. THE VEHICLE WENT FORWARD AND FELL APPROXIMATELY ABOUT 5 FEET TO THE OTHER PARKING LEVEL AND VIOLENTLY HIT THE BACK OF A PICKUP TRUCK WHICH WAS PARKED. I HAD MY SEAT BELT ON. MY BODY WENT FORWARD AND BACKWARD VIOLENTLY. FOR THE NEXT FEW DAYS I HAD EXPERIENCED MUSCLE PAIN, STIFFNESS AND POOR NIGHT SLEEP. THE ACCIDENT WAS REPORTED TO THE POLICE. *TR

Owner-reported narrative. 102,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10627254 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10632826 · 2014-09-12 (September 12, 2014)

I WAS RIDING THE BRAKE INTO A PARKING SPACE AND WAS ALMOST FINISHED PARKING (MY FOOT WAS STILL ON THE BRAKE) WHEN THE CAR SUDDENLY ACCELERATED AND TRAVELED THROUGH A SHORT WOODED AREA THEN OVER A 12 FOOT DROP TO A ROAD WITH TRAFFIC BELOW. THE FRONT OF THE CAR CRASHED INTO A STONE WALL, CRASHED BACK INTO THE STONE WALL THAT THE CAR FLEW OVER, AND CAME TO A STOP IN THE MIDDLE OF A BUSY ROAD APPROXIMATELY 100 FEET FROM WHERE IT FLEW OVER THE DROP. AIRBAG DEPLOYED, SEATBELT WAS ON. I WAS TAKEN TO THE ER VIA AMBULANCE WITH A BROKEN NOSE, CONCUSSION,…

Owner-reported narrative. 87,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10632826 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10650570 · 2014-10-28 (October 28, 2014)

AROUND JANUARY 2014 (BUT IT COULD HAVE STARTED SOONER) I NOTICED THE FRONT PASSENGER AIRBAG STARTED LOOKING LIKE THE EDGES ARE PEELING AWAY FROM REST OF THE DASHBOARD. THIS HAS GOTTEN PROGRESSIVELY WORSE. THE AREA AROUND THE AIRBAG IS PULLING AWAY AND THE AIRBAG ITSELF LOOKS SO STRETCHED I FEAR THE AIRBAG IS GOING TO DEPLOY. I AM AFRAID TO HAVE ANYONE SIT IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT. I WORRY THAT ANY BUMP COULD CAUSE AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT INJURING SOMEONE. *TR

Owner-reported narrative. 72,356 miles reported. Look up ODI 10650570 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10652042 · 2014-11-03 (November 3, 2014)

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 LEXUS ES330. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG COVER WAS WARPED. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED FOR HIS SAFETY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000.

Owner-reported narrative. 70,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10652042 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10678551 · 2015-01-23 (January 23, 2015)

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 LEXUS ES330. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ODORLESS FUMES WERE EMITTING INTO THE VEHICLE WITHOUT ANY WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE EXHAUST SYSTEM WAS CORRODED WHICH CAUSED FUMES TO LEAK INTO THE CABIN OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHO DETERMINED THAT THE ENTIRE EXHAUST SYSTEM NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 59,038.

Owner-reported narrative. 59,038 miles reported. Look up ODI 10678551 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10683699 · 2015-02-16 (February 16, 2015)

THE AIR BAGS ON THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE IS PROTRUDING OUT OF THE DASH. THIS COULD BE A HAZARD BECAUSE THE AIR BAG APPEARS THAT IT COULD BE RELEASED AT ANYTIME. *TR

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10683699 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.

11V539000 · Engine And Engine Cooling

Reported: 2011-11-09 (November 9, 2011)

TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2004 AVALON VEHICLES; 2004 AND 2005 CAMRY, CAMRY SOLARA, HIGHLANDER, AND SIENNA VEHICLES, 2006 HIGHLANDER HYBRID; 2004 AND 2005 LEXUS ES330 AND RX330; AND 2006 LEXUS RX400H VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM JUNE 1, 2004 THROUGH MARCH 31, 2005, EQUIPPED WITH THE 1MZ-FE OR 3MZ-FE ENGINE. THE AMOUNT OF ADHESIVE AGENT APPLIED BETWEEN THE OUTER RING AND THE TORSIONAL RUBBER DAMPER (INNER RING) IN THE CRANKSHAFT PULLEY MAY BE INADEQUATE. IF THE ADHESIVE IS INSUFFICIENT, THERE IS A POSSIBILITY THAT THE OUTER RING MAY BECOME MISALIGNED AND IT MAY NOT PROPERLY ROTATE WITH THE INNER RING, CAUSING NOISE AND/OR ILLUMINATION OF THE BATTERY DISCHARGE INDICATOR LIGHT.

Consequence: IN SOME CASES, THE BELT FOR THE POWER STEERING PUMP MAY BECOME DETACHED FROM THE PULLEY WHICH COULD RESULT IN A LOSS OF POWER STEERING AND A SUDDEN INCREASE IN STEERING EFFORT, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy: TOYOTA WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL CHECK THE CRANKSHAFT PULLEY TO IDENTIFY WHETHER IT WAS PRODUCED BY THE U.S. SUPPLIER. IF SO, THE DEALER WILL REPLACE THE PULLEY WITH A NEW ONE AT NO CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING EARLY JANUARY 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331.

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

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

71.4%Usable mileage15 / 21 records
100.0%Valid incident date21 / 21 records
100.0%Valid filing date21 / 21 records
100.0%Ordered incident and filing dates21 / 21 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
Component2004200520062010
Vehicle Speed Control
314.3%
ODI 10607526 · 122,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 LEXUS ES330. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE PULLING INTO A PARKING SPACE, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THE VEHICLE TRAVELED OVER THE SIDE WALK AND WAS ABLE TO AVOID A CRASH. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A MECHANIC. THE TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 122,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 124,528.

Look up ODI 10607526 at NHTSA ↗

4632.6%
ODI 10100445 · 15 mi

I PURCHASED A NEW LEXUS ES330, AND IT HAS 3 PROBLEMS: (I) BUMPY RIDE AT LOW AND HIGH SPEEDS, (II) ACCELERATION LAG AFTER COASTING, (III) HIGH IDLE WHEN COLD (15,000RPMS). *AK

Look up ODI 10100445 at NHTSA ↗

2031.3%
ODI 10240599 · 26,286 mi

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 LEXUS ES330. WHILE MERGING INTO THE RIGHT LANE AT APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO BRAKE AND STRUCK A PEDESTRIAN. THE PEDESTRIAN DIED DUE TO INJURIES. THE CONTACT ALSO REAR ENDED TWO OTHER VEHICLES AND DROVE THROUGH A FENCE. THE VEHICLE CAME TO A STOP WHEN IT CRASHED INTO A GUARD RAIL. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE COULD HAVE BEEN THE FLOORMAT. THE INSURANCE COMPANY CLAIMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE CONTACT RECEIVED INJURIES TO …

Look up ODI 10240599 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Air Bags
1047.6%
ODI 10650570 · 72,356 mi

AROUND JANUARY 2014 (BUT IT COULD HAVE STARTED SOONER) I NOTICED THE FRONT PASSENGER AIRBAG STARTED LOOKING LIKE THE EDGES ARE PEELING AWAY FROM REST OF THE DASHBOARD. THIS HAS GOTTEN PROGRESSIVELY WORSE. THE AREA AROUND THE AIRBAG IS PULLING AWAY AND THE AIRBAG ITSELF LOOKS SO STRETCHED I FEAR THE AIRBAG IS GOING TO DEPLOY. I AM AFRAID TO HAVE ANYONE SIT IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT. I WORRY THAT ANY BUMP COULD CAUSE AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT INJURING SOMEONE. *TR

Look up ODI 10650570 at NHTSA ↗

1712.1%
ODI 10360642 · 74,400 mi

I WAS LEAVING A CAR WASH (AT A BUSY INTERSECTION IN PENFIELD, NY), THE "CAR WASH" LIGHT TURNED GREEN, I PUT IT IN GEAR AND LIGHTLY PRESSED ON THE GAS PEDAL TO APPROACH THE WORKERS FOR THEM TO DRY AND VACUUM THE CAR. THERE WAS NO FLOOR MAT IN THE DRIVERS FRONT SIDE SO THAT THEY COULD VACUUM THAT AREA. THE CAR SPEED FORWARD OUT OF CONTROL I TRIED TO STEER BETWEEN 2 STEEL SAFETY POST, MISSED THE WORKERS, CROSSED THE SIDEWALK AND 5 LANES OF TRAFFIC TOWARD A TELEPHONE POLE, HIT THE CURB, FLIPPED OVER, I LOST CONSCIOUSNESS. THE CAR STOPPED RIGHT S…

Look up ODI 10360642 at NHTSA ↗

1929.7%
ODI 10299168

UNINTENDED ACCELERATION WITH LEXUS VEHICLE. *NJ THE CONSUMER STATED HE SENT A REPORT OF THE VEHICLE ACCIDENT TO NHTSA. THE ACCIDENT WAS DUE TO UNEXPECTED ACCELERATION. THE CONSUMER STATED TOYOTA IS ATTRIBUTING MOST OF THE ACCIDENTS TO FLOOR MAT PROBLEMS WHILE AVOIDING FURTHER INVESTIGATION INTO OTHER POSSIBLE CAUSES. THE CONSUMERS WIFE WAS DRIVING THE VEHICLE, WHEN SUDDENLY, THE ENGINE ROARED AND THE VEHICLE SHOT AHEAD, CRASHING OVER A LOW CEMENT WALL, KNOCKING DOWN A METAL RAIL FENCE, COMING TO REST ON TOP OF THE COLLAPSED FENCE WITH HER RI…

Look up ODI 10299168 at NHTSA ↗

1100.0%
ODI 10980101

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 LEXUS ES350. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V340000 (AIR BAGS) AND STATED THAT THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME FRAME TO SCHEDULE THE RECALL REPAIR. THE DEALER AND THE INTERIM RECALL NOTICE FROM THE MANUFACTURER DID NOT GIVE A SPECIFIC DATE FOR WHEN THE PART WOULD BECOME AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER COULD NOT PROVIDE AN ESTIMATED DATE FOR WHEN THE VEHICLE WOULD RECEIVE THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT WAS NOT EXPERIENCING A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS…

Look up ODI 10980101 at NHTSA ↗

Power Train:Automatic Transmission
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

3122.0%
ODI 10110129 · 5,000 mi

AFTER DECELERATING TO A RANGE OF 5-15 MPH AND UPON TRYING TO ACCELERATE THE CAR EXHIBITS A SIGNIFICANT LAG BEFORE IT ACCELERATES. DEALER STATES PER A TEST DRIVE THAT THIS BEHAVIOR IS PER DESIGN SPECIFICATIONS, AND RECOMMENDED THE USE OF PREMIUM FUEL (PER LEXUS OWNER'S MANUAL, REGULAR UNLEADED FUEL IS RECOMMENDED). THE PROBLEM IS 100% REPRODUCIBLE AT ANY TIME WITHIN THE SPEED RANGES AND SCENARIO DESCRIBED.*AK

Look up ODI 10110129 at NHTSA ↗

57.8%
ODI 10160478 · 4,000 mi

TRANSMISSION LAGS DANGEROUSLY FROM A STOP AND HESITATES FOR A FEW SECONDS UPON ACCELERATION, WHICH IS ESPECIALLY DANGEROUS AT INTERSECTIONS, WHEN PASSING, AND ANYTIME PROMPT RESPONSE FROM ACCELERATOR IS NEEDED. ALSO EXPERIENCING FROM THE TRANSMISSION WHAT I WOULD CALL A SLING-SHOT EFFECT, WHERE THE GEARS EITHER WIND OUT EXCESSIVELY AND SEEM TO CATCH UP WITH ITSELF AT NORMAL ACCELERATION OR A FEELING OF NOT DOWNSHIFTING NORMALLY WHEN SLOWING DOWN, ESPECIALLY AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS.

Look up ODI 10160478 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Power Train
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

107.1%
ODI 10142157

CONSUMER 2005 LEXUS ES 330 TRANSMISSION HESITATES WHEN COMING TO A STOP AT 3-4 MPH. * TS THE CONSUMER NOTICED THAT WHEN SLOWING TO 3-4 MPH OR DOING A ROLL STOP, THE TRANSMISSION WOULD HESITATE ON ACCELERATION THEN LURCH FORWARD WITH ENOUGH FORCE TO JERK THE OCCUPANT HEADS. THE DEALER CLAIMED THAT THE TRANSMISSION WAS FUNCTIONING AS DESIGNED. *NM

Look up ODI 10142157 at NHTSA ↗

69.4%
ODI 10306766

I WAS GIVEN A LEXUS 300 SERIES LOANER BY HIGHLAND PARK LEXUS IN HIGHLAND PARK ILLINOIS IN 2006 WHILE THEY SERVICED MY LEXUS 430...WHILE ON HWY 41 IN HIGHLAND PARK ILLINOIS THE VEHICLE STALLED...I WAS UNABLE TO RESTART IT FOR 15 MINUTES...IT THEN RESTARTED...THE BATTERY WAS FINE...THE ISSUE WAS ELECTRONIC. *TR

Look up ODI 10306766 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Electrical System
29.5%
ODI 10861363 · 154,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 LEXUS ES330. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED, AND THE CRUISE CONTROL, FUEL GAUGE, AND HORN FAILED TO FUNCTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ENTIRE ELECTRICAL HOUSING SYSTEM OF THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 154,000.

Look up ODI 10861363 at NHTSA ↗

75.0%
ODI 10236156 · 58,878 mi

THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM FOR THE AIR CONDITIONER SHUTS DOWN, AND I CAN SMELL A BURNING COMING THROUGH THE VENTS ; THE CAR ALSO JERKS WHILE IN MOVEMENT. *TR

Look up ODI 10236156 at NHTSA ↗

11.6%
ODI 10327690 · 30,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 LEXUS ES330. WHILE ENGAGING THE POWER LOCKS, THE SUN ROOF, REAR TRUNK AND ALL 4 WINDOWS OPENED SIMULTANEOUSLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR A DIAGNOSIS OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE RECURRED ONCE MORE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 30,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 43,000.

Look up ODI 10327690 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Service Brakes
14.8%
ODI 10939684 · 49,000 mi

I CONTINUALLY HAVE TO REPLACE THE DISC BRAKES ON THIS VEHICLE. THE PADS DON'T WEAR DOWN VERY MUCH, BUT THE BRAKE PEDAL GETS LOW AND SPONGY. THIS IS AFTER NORMAL DRIVING. *TR

Look up ODI 10939684 at NHTSA ↗

75.0%
ODI 10495985 · 78,557 mi

CONTACT OWNS A 2005 LEXUS ES330. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 TO 15 MPH TWO BLOCKS AWAY FROM HOME. WHILE APPROACHING AND PREPARING TO STOP AT A STOP SIGN, NOTICED THE INABILITY OF THE BRAKE SYSTEM WHEN APPLIED PRESSURE TO THE BRAKE PADDLE, VEHICLE WOULD NOT STOP. AT THIS POINT, VEHICLE BEGAN TO ACCELERATE UNINTENDED (WITHOUT INPUT ON ACCELERATOR), CAUSING TO RAPIDLY SURGE AND LAUNCH STRAIGHT AHEAD UNCONTROLLABLE AT A HIGH SPEED OF APPROXIMATELY 55 TO 60 MPH, WHICH RESULTED THE CONTACT TO CRASH THOUGH A CUL-DE-SAC BLOCK (BRICK) WALL…

Look up ODI 10495985 at NHTSA ↗

23.1%
ODI 10689508 · 66,534 mi

WHEN TURNING INTO A PARKING SPACE ON A PRIVATE PARKING LOT, THE VEHICLE SPEED UP AND BRAKES DID NOT STOP IT. THE VEHICLE JUMPED A CURB AND CONTINUED UNTIL IT HIT TWO TREES THAT STOPPED IT. DAMAGE WAS ESTIMATED AT $9000. *TR

Look up ODI 10689508 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Steering
14.8%
ODI 10689504

WAS DRIVING 2004ES 330 LEXUS ON INTERSTATE, TRAFFIC WAS LIGHT, CLOUDY DAY @1:20PM. HAD BEEN ON INTERSTATE FOR MAYBE 15-18 MINS OF DRIVING BEFORE ACCIDENT OCCURRED. ALL OF A SUDDEN STEERING SEEM TO LOCK AND CAR JUST STARTED SPINNING UNCONTROLLABLE. HIT ONE BRICK OVERPASS THEN SPRUNG INTO THE OPPOSITE SIDE, HITTING ANOTHER BRICK WALL,CONTINUED TO SPIN UNTIL IT REST AGAINST THE BRICK WALL AGAIN. AFTER HELP CAME TO PULL ME OUT, CAR WAS SMOKING. WE COULD NOT GET IT INTO PARK TO PREVENT FROM CONTINUE TO ROLL BACKWARDS. WE JUST LEFT DOOR OPEN...REST …

Look up ODI 10689504 at NHTSA ↗

42.8%
ODI 10222153 · 300 mi

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 LEXUS ES300. WHILE DRIVING ANY RATE SPEED, THE VEHICLE WOULD PULL TO THE RIGHT. THE DEALER ALIGNED AND BALANCED THE WHEELS ON TWO OCCASIONS. APPROXIMATELY TWO DAYS LATER THE FAILURE OCCURRED AGAIN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 37,200 AND THE FAILURE 300.

Look up ODI 10222153 at NHTSA ↗

57.8%
ODI 10316098 · 20 mi

VEHICLE PULLING TO ONE SIDE LEXUS 2006 STEERING WHEEL NHTSA 10017720; ALSO INDICATOR LIGHT ON ENGINE NHTSA ITEM NUMBER 10017720 SERVICE BULLETIN 00401 ES330 MODEL YEAR 2006 MFG COMPONENT CODE 010000 STEERING DATE OF BULLETIN 12/21/2001. *TR

Look up ODI 10316098 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Unknown Or Other
14.8%
ODI 11046640 · 166,000 mi

CRUISE CONTROL DOING 5-10MPH WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL ON THE CAR SURGED FOWARD AND EVEN BRAKING I HIT THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME

Look up ODI 11046640 at NHTSA ↗

53.5%
ODI 10318133 · 28,250 mi

INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6) 2005 LEXUS MODEL ES330(VIN#[XXX] ). AFTER ENTERING A PARKING SPACE AT A SHOPPING MALL AT VERY SLOW SPEED. MY LEXUS ACCELERATED FORWARD WITH MY FOOT HARD PRESSED ON THE BRAKE, JUMPING AN ISLAND IMPACTING HEAD ON WITH THE CAR PARKED IN FRONT. THIS ACCIDENT CAUSED EXTENSIVE DAMAGE ON BOTH CARS. REPLACED THE HOOD, GRID, BOTH HEAD LAMPS, AND FRONT BUMPER ON MY CAR. THE PASSENGER OF THE OTHER CAR WAS NOT IN THE CAR AND WAS SHOPPING IN THE MALL. FORTUNATELY …

Look up ODI 10318133 at NHTSA ↗

23.1%
ODI 10201546

2006 LEXUS 330 FLOOR MAT GOT LODGED UNDER THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. CUSTOMER STATES THE FLOOR MAT GOT STUCK UNDER THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO SPEED UP AND BRAKES NOT BEING ABLE TO WORK. *KB THE CONSUMER STATED THE CLIPS WHICH ARE INTENDED TO HOLD THE FLOOR MATS INTO TO PLACE ARE WORTHLESS. THEY HAVE SHARP EDGES AND ARE ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE TO GET INTO PLACE. *JB

Look up ODI 10201546 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

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
Air Bags65,987–176,500 mi72,356 mi7
ODI 10650570 · 72,356 mi

AROUND JANUARY 2014 (BUT IT COULD HAVE STARTED SOONER) I NOTICED THE FRONT PASSENGER AIRBAG STARTED LOOKING LIKE THE EDGES ARE PEELING AWAY FROM REST OF THE DASHBOARD. THIS HAS GOTTEN PROGRESSIVELY WORSE. THE AREA AROUND THE AIRBAG IS PULLING AWAY AND THE AIRBAG ITSELF LOOKS SO STRETCHED I FEAR THE AIRBAG IS GOING TO DEPLOY. I AM AFRAID TO HAVE ANYONE SIT IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT. I WORRY THAT ANY BUMP COULD CAUSE AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT INJURING SOMEONE. *TR

Look up ODI 10650570 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10652042 · 70,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 LEXUS ES330. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG COVER WAS WARPED. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED FOR HIS SAFETY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000.

Look up ODI 10652042 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10809136 · 61,973 mi

PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG COVER IS SEPARATING FROM THE DASH. I APPEARS TO BE RISING UP FROM ITS FLAT POSITION ON THE DASH AND I'M AFRAID IT MIGHT DEPLOY AND INJURE A PASSENGER. IS THIS A TAKATA AIRBAG?

Look up ODI 10809136 at NHTSA ↗

Vehicle Speed ControlToo few reports for a range102,000 mi3 (sparse)
ODI 10607526 · 122,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 LEXUS ES330. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE PULLING INTO A PARKING SPACE, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THE VEHICLE TRAVELED OVER THE SIDE WALK AND WAS ABLE TO AVOID A CRASH. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A MECHANIC. THE TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 122,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 124,528.

Look up ODI 10607526 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10627254 · 102,000 mi

I WAS PARKING MY CAR IN THE PARKING LOT OF A GARAGE WHEN MY CAR LEXUS 330 SUDDENLY PICKED UP HIGH SPEED (FULL THROTTLE) UNINTENTIONALLY. THE VEHICLE WENT FORWARD AND FELL APPROXIMATELY ABOUT 5 FEET TO THE OTHER PARKING LEVEL AND VIOLENTLY HIT THE BACK OF A PICKUP TRUCK WHICH WAS PARKED. I HAD MY SEAT BELT ON. MY BODY WENT FORWARD AND BACKWARD VIOLENTLY. FOR THE NEXT FEW DAYS I HAD EXPERIENCED MUSCLE PAIN, STIFFNESS AND POOR NIGHT SLEEP. THE ACCIDENT WAS REPORTED TO THE POLICE. *TR

Look up ODI 10627254 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10632826 · 87,000 mi

I WAS RIDING THE BRAKE INTO A PARKING SPACE AND WAS ALMOST FINISHED PARKING (MY FOOT WAS STILL ON THE BRAKE) WHEN THE CAR SUDDENLY ACCELERATED AND TRAVELED THROUGH A SHORT WOODED AREA THEN OVER A 12 FOOT DROP TO A ROAD WITH TRAFFIC BELOW. THE FRONT OF THE CAR CRASHED INTO A STONE WALL, CRASHED BACK INTO THE STONE WALL THAT THE CAR FLEW OVER, AND CAME TO A STOP IN THE MIDDLE OF A BUSY ROAD APPROXIMATELY 100 FEET FROM WHERE IT FLEW OVER THE DROP. AIRBAG DEPLOYED, SEATBELT WAS ON. I WAS TAKEN TO THE ER VIA AMBULANCE WITH A BROKEN NOSE, CONCUSSION,…

Look up ODI 10632826 at NHTSA ↗

Electrical SystemToo few reports for a range154,000 mi1 (sparse)
ODI 10861363 · 154,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 LEXUS ES330. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED, AND THE CRUISE CONTROL, FUEL GAUGE, AND HORN FAILED TO FUNCTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ENTIRE ELECTRICAL HOUSING SYSTEM OF THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 154,000.

Look up ODI 10861363 at NHTSA ↗

EngineToo few reports for a range138,500 mi2 (sparse)
ODI 10627254 · 102,000 mi

I WAS PARKING MY CAR IN THE PARKING LOT OF A GARAGE WHEN MY CAR LEXUS 330 SUDDENLY PICKED UP HIGH SPEED (FULL THROTTLE) UNINTENTIONALLY. THE VEHICLE WENT FORWARD AND FELL APPROXIMATELY ABOUT 5 FEET TO THE OTHER PARKING LEVEL AND VIOLENTLY HIT THE BACK OF A PICKUP TRUCK WHICH WAS PARKED. I HAD MY SEAT BELT ON. MY BODY WENT FORWARD AND BACKWARD VIOLENTLY. FOR THE NEXT FEW DAYS I HAD EXPERIENCED MUSCLE PAIN, STIFFNESS AND POOR NIGHT SLEEP. THE ACCIDENT WAS REPORTED TO THE POLICE. *TR

Look up ODI 10627254 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10936761 · 175,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 LEXUS ES330. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER. THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY INSPECTED PER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 11V539000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING), BUT THE REPAIR WAS NEVER PERFORMED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE CRANKSHAFT PULLEY FRACTURED AND WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 175,000.

Look up ODI 10936761 at NHTSA ↗

Fuel/Propulsion SystemToo few reports for a range59,038 mi1 (sparse)
ODI 10678551 · 59,038 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 LEXUS ES330. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ODORLESS FUMES WERE EMITTING INTO THE VEHICLE WITHOUT ANY WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE EXHAUST SYSTEM WAS CORRODED WHICH CAUSED FUMES TO LEAK INTO THE CABIN OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHO DETERMINED THAT THE ENTIRE EXHAUST SYSTEM NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 59,038.

Look up ODI 10678551 at NHTSA ↗

Service BrakesToo few reports for a range49,000 mi1 (sparse)
ODI 10939684 · 49,000 mi

I CONTINUALLY HAVE TO REPLACE THE DISC BRAKES ON THIS VEHICLE. THE PADS DON'T WEAR DOWN VERY MUCH, BUT THE BRAKE PEDAL GETS LOW AND SPONGY. THIS IS AFTER NORMAL DRIVING. *TR

Look up ODI 10939684 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 213 reports

2006: 13 complaints · 2010: 0 complaints

Equal observation windows
Model yearThrough age 0Through age 1Through age 2
200681013
2010000
Date coverage across each selected cohort
Date basis for all complaints in selected model years
YearIncident dates usedFiling date fallbacksExcluded dates
20066103
2010100

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
ComponentAir BagsVehicle Speed ControlElectrical SystemEngineAir Bags:Sensor:Occupant ClassificationAir Bags:Sensor:Occupant Classification:Front PassengerFuel/Propulsion SystemService Brakes
Air Bags—000
1
ODI 11104908

B1650 CODE - OCCUPANCY CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM CODE DISPLAYS. NEVER BEEN IN ACCIDENT AND WILL NOT GO AWAY. APPEARED AT START UP OVERNIGHT.

Look up ODI 11104908 at NHTSA ↗

1
ODI 11104908

B1650 CODE - OCCUPANCY CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM CODE DISPLAYS. NEVER BEEN IN ACCIDENT AND WILL NOT GO AWAY. APPEARED AT START UP OVERNIGHT.

Look up ODI 11104908 at NHTSA ↗

00
Vehicle Speed Control0—0
1
ODI 10627254 · 102,000 mi

I WAS PARKING MY CAR IN THE PARKING LOT OF A GARAGE WHEN MY CAR LEXUS 330 SUDDENLY PICKED UP HIGH SPEED (FULL THROTTLE) UNINTENTIONALLY. THE VEHICLE WENT FORWARD AND FELL APPROXIMATELY ABOUT 5 FEET TO THE OTHER PARKING LEVEL AND VIOLENTLY HIT THE BACK OF A PICKUP TRUCK WHICH WAS PARKED. I HAD MY SEAT BELT ON. MY BODY WENT FORWARD AND BACKWARD VIOLENTLY. FOR THE NEXT FEW DAYS I HAD EXPERIENCED MUSCLE PAIN, STIFFNESS AND POOR NIGHT SLEEP. THE ACCIDENT WAS REPORTED TO THE POLICE. *TR

Look up ODI 10627254 at NHTSA ↗

0000
Electrical System00—00000
Engine0
1
ODI 10627254 · 102,000 mi

I WAS PARKING MY CAR IN THE PARKING LOT OF A GARAGE WHEN MY CAR LEXUS 330 SUDDENLY PICKED UP HIGH SPEED (FULL THROTTLE) UNINTENTIONALLY. THE VEHICLE WENT FORWARD AND FELL APPROXIMATELY ABOUT 5 FEET TO THE OTHER PARKING LEVEL AND VIOLENTLY HIT THE BACK OF A PICKUP TRUCK WHICH WAS PARKED. I HAD MY SEAT BELT ON. MY BODY WENT FORWARD AND BACKWARD VIOLENTLY. FOR THE NEXT FEW DAYS I HAD EXPERIENCED MUSCLE PAIN, STIFFNESS AND POOR NIGHT SLEEP. THE ACCIDENT WAS REPORTED TO THE POLICE. *TR

Look up ODI 10627254 at NHTSA ↗

0—0000
Air Bags:Sensor:Occupant Classification
1
ODI 11104908

B1650 CODE - OCCUPANCY CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM CODE DISPLAYS. NEVER BEEN IN ACCIDENT AND WILL NOT GO AWAY. APPEARED AT START UP OVERNIGHT.

Look up ODI 11104908 at NHTSA ↗

000—
1
ODI 11104908

B1650 CODE - OCCUPANCY CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM CODE DISPLAYS. NEVER BEEN IN ACCIDENT AND WILL NOT GO AWAY. APPEARED AT START UP OVERNIGHT.

Look up ODI 11104908 at NHTSA ↗

00
Air Bags:Sensor:Occupant Classification:Front Passenger
1
ODI 11104908

B1650 CODE - OCCUPANCY CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM CODE DISPLAYS. NEVER BEEN IN ACCIDENT AND WILL NOT GO AWAY. APPEARED AT START UP OVERNIGHT.

Look up ODI 11104908 at NHTSA ↗

000
1
ODI 11104908

B1650 CODE - OCCUPANCY CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM CODE DISPLAYS. NEVER BEEN IN ACCIDENT AND WILL NOT GO AWAY. APPEARED AT START UP OVERNIGHT.

Look up ODI 11104908 at NHTSA ↗

—00
Fuel/Propulsion System000000—0
Service Brakes0000000—

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.

1 patterns with matching reports.

Brake response concerns

1 mentions · 4.8% of complaints

Median mileage: 49,000 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 10939684 · 49,000 mi

I CONTINUALLY HAVE TO REPLACE THE DISC BRAKES ON THIS VEHICLE. THE PADS DON'T WEAR DOWN VERY MUCH, BUT THE BRAKE PEDAL GETS LOW AND SPONGY. THIS IS AFTER NORMAL DRIVING. *TR

Look up ODI 10939684 at NHTSA ↗

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