Model year

2004 Lexus IS

Sedan, gasoline, 4x2, built in Japan. Owner complaints on file from May 16, 2012 to Oct 12, 2015.

Recall campaigns covering this model year116k vehicles or units across those campaigns
Owner complaints10Below the median 2004 sedan
Severity index20.02004 sedans average 11.2
First 24 months0Complaints in its first two years
Complaints over time

Complaints about the 2004 Lexus IS peaked in 2015, with 7 filed

Owner complaints about this model year, by the year they were filed with NHTSA.

02468201220147201620182020202220242026
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file. The lighter column runs through October.
Components

30% of complaints about the 2004 Lexus IS name airbags

Owner complaints by component. Hover or focus a bar for the crash, fire, injury or death count.

Airbags
3
Structure
3
Wheels
1
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file. A complaint can name more than one component; it is counted under the first.
Recalls

One recall campaign covers the 2004 Lexus IS

Check a specific vehicle by VIN on NHTSA's site: a campaign may cover only part of a model year's production.

Recall campaigns for the 2004 Lexus IS
CampaignFiledSubjectComponentVehiclesRemedy
09E-012Apr 7, 2009These headlamps fail to conform to the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated…Lighting16,270Refund or buyback
Source: NHTSA ODI recalls file.
Owner complaints

What owners reported about the 2004 Lexus IS

The full text of every complaint filed with NHTSA about this model year, newest first. Complaints are filed by owners and are not verified by NHTSA; NHTSA removes personal details before publishing.

10 complaints on file, page 1 of 1.

  1. Filed Oct 12, 2015Failure Sep 20, 2015120,000 milesLawton, OKAir bags, Unknown or other

    MELTING DASH BOARD TO INCLUDE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG COVER, LEAVES RESIDUE ON YOUR HAND WHEN YOU TOUCH IT REGARDLESS OF WHERE THE VEHICLE IS PARKED IN COOL OR HOT AREAS.

    NHTSA complaint 10781367
  2. Filed Aug 5, 2015Failure Aug 5, 201540,000 milesOrlando, FLUnknown or other1 injured

    DASHBOARD HAS BEEN MELTING SINCE I BOUGHT THE CAR BRAND NEW IN 2005. IT HAD 300 MILES ON IT. IT HAS HAD A STUCK VENT SINCE 8 BOUGHT IT ON TO OF THE DASH AND THE REPAINT THAT NOW LOOKS LIKE CRAP. BACK TO THE ORIGINAL ISSUE OF THE MELTING DASHBOARD. I HAVE BEEN BURNT BY THE MELTING WHATEVER IT IS MAKE OF. IT HAS STUCK TO MY HAND AND LEFT A BLISTER. WOULD LIKE TO KNOW WHY OTHERS MODELS WERE RECALLED AND NOT THE 2004 IS300???? ODVIOUSLY THERE ARE A LOT OUT THERE THAT ARE HAVING THIS SAME ISSUE. IF YOU ARE RESEARCHING TO BUY A LEXUS SAVE YOUR MONEY!

    NHTSA complaint 10746544
  3. Filed Jul 2, 2015Failure Jul 2, 200748,000 milesIrvine, CAUnknown or other

    I HAVE A 2004 LEXUS IS300 AND HAVE THE SAME DASH MELTING ISSUE THAT OTHER PEOPLE IS HAVING. STARTING FROM 2007 THE DASH STARTED TO MELT AND TOOK TO DEAL BACK THEN AND THEY REFUSE TO DO ANYTHING. RECENTLY GOT A LETTER FOR WARRANTY ENHANCEMENT NOTICE FOR MY OTHER 2007 LEXUS ES350 WITH SAME ISSUE OF MELTING DASH. I THINK LEXUS SHOULD ALSO DO A REPLACEMENT FOR ALL 2004 IS300 FOR DASH PROBLEM.

    NHTSA complaint 10731793
  4. Filed May 13, 2015Failure Dec 1, 200870,000 milesAurora, ILAir bags, Unknown or other

    2004 LEXUS IS300 PURCHASED FROM THE ORIGINAL OWNER IN 2008. AS EVIDENCED BY MANY CLAIMS ON DIFFERENT LEXUS/TOYOTA VEHICLES THE DASHBOARD AND CENTER CONSOLE IS "MELTING." 2006 AND UP LEXUS IS MODELS HAVE AN EXISTING RECALL. 2002-2005 LEXUS IS MODELS DO NOT HAVE THIS RECALL ALTHOUGH THE ISSUE IS EXACTLY THE SAME. BEING A FATHER OF A 5-YEAR OLD DAUGHTER WHO RIDES IN THIS VEHICLE MY SAFETY CONCERNS ARE THREEFOLD... 1. FUMES AND/OR VAPORS BEING RELEASED INTO THE AIR AND BEING INHALED BY MYSELF AND/OR DAUGHTER. 2. AIRBAG PANEL IS AFFECTED AND WORRIES ME THAT DEPLOYMENT MIGHT BE AFFECTED. 3. GLARE ON THE INSIDE OF MY WINDSHIELD FROM MELTING PLASTIC.

    NHTSA complaint 10716277
  5. Filed May 13, 2015Failure Aug 1, 2013Cerritos, CAUnknown or other

    THE DASHBOARD IS MELTING. WHEN TOUCHED IT LEAVES PRINTS AND FEELS STICKY. IT'S BEEN ON GOING FOR A FEW YEARS AND HAS GOTTEN WORSE. I'M CONCERNED IT MAY BE TOXIC.

    NHTSA complaint 10716209
  6. Filed Jan 4, 2015Failure Feb 13, 201279,675 milesEL Paso, TXStructure

    THE DASHBOARD ON MY 2004 LEXUS IS300 IS MELTING; FEELS STICKY TO THE TOUGH, FINGERPRINTS CAN OCCUR, SCRATCHES VERY EASILY, AS TIME GOES BY IT BECOMES LESS AND LESS ATTRACTIVE, HAVE TO BE EXTREMELY CAREFUL WITH IT, AND WHILE CLEANING IT. I CONTACTED LEXUS AND THERE IS NO REMEDIATION ON THEIR PART. *TR

    NHTSA complaint 10669951
  7. Filed Jan 4, 2015Failure Jun 17, 2013101,350 milesEL Paso, TXAir bagsCrash1 injured

    MY 2004 IS300 WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT AT APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH AND NO AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THE OTHER VEHICLE (SATURN) HIT MY CAR ON THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE, DAMAGING THE SUSPENSION, FENDER, BUMPER, AND SURROUNDING PARTS. AFTER IMPACT MY CAR WENT UP THE CURB, OVER SOME LARGE ROCKS AND RESTED ON AN INCLINE. I SUFFERED NECK, SHOULDER, AND BACK PAIN AND WAS TREATED BY A CHIROPRACTOR. NO AIR BAGS DEPLOYED AT ANY TIME. MY CAR WAS REPAIRED AND I AM CURRENTLY DRIVING IT. *TR

    NHTSA complaint 10669938
  8. Filed Nov 5, 2014Failure Nov 5, 201461,247 milesIndialantic, FLStructure

    MY DASHBOARD IS MELTING. THE PLASTIC IS STICKY AND LEAVES A BLACK FILM ON ANYTHING THAT TOUCHES IT INCLUDING FINGERS AND CLOTHING. THE BLACK RESIDUE IS VERY DIFFICULT TO GET OFF ONCE IT IS ON SOMETHING. JUST WASHING HANDS MULTIPLE TIMES WITH SOAP AND WATER IS NOT ENOUGH TO REMOVE IT. *TR

    NHTSA complaint 10652898
  9. Filed Aug 21, 2014Failure Aug 21, 2014Orlando, FLStructure

    DASHBOARD HAS BEEN DETERIORATING FOR SEVERAL YEARS. CONTACTED DEALER AND LEXUS HEADQUARTERS AND WAS TOLD THEY DID NOT HAVE TO DO ANYTHING AS CAR WAS NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY. I EXPECT BETTER FROM A SO-CALLED LUXURY VEHICLE. MY DAUGHTER'S 1998 ACURA'S DASHBOARD IS STILL PRISTINE. NOT ONLY DOES THE MELTING MATERIAL LEAVE BLACK MARKS ON ANYTHING IT TOUCHES, BUT I AM CONCERNED ABOUT TOXICITY. *TR

    NHTSA complaint 10627142
  10. Filed May 16, 2012Failure May 12, 2012103,000 milesPhiladelphia, PAWheels

    THERE IS A DANGEROUS POTHOLE EASTBOUND ON LIE NEAR FRESH MEADOWS EXIT. DUE TO HEAVY TRAFFIC, THE POTHOLE WAS UNAVOIDABLE AS WE WERE LESS THAN 20 FEET BETWEEN THE CAR AHEAD OF US. THE POTHOLE WAS ON THE MIDDLE LANE. IT RESULTED IN A FLAT, A TOW, AND A BRAND NEW TIRE REPLACEMENT.

    NHTSA complaint 10458729
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file.
Investigations

NHTSA has not opened an investigation on this model year

Source: NHTSA ODI investigations file.
Service bulletins

30 manufacturer communications cover this model year

Technical service bulletins and other notices the manufacturer sent to dealers. A bulletin is not a recall.

  • L-SB-0023-24 Apr 19, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    To prevent brake rotor rust from forming during transportation and storage, wheel film will be used instead of a cardboard type of anti-rust cover. The purpose of the wheel film is to shield the disc brake rotor from weather elements and initial rust before…
  • L-SB-0024-24 Apr 19, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    The condition known as acid rain is caused by airborne chemicals or particles in the atmosphere, which mix with rainwater, nighttime dew, or high humidity to form acidic compounds. If these contaminants settle and remain on a painted vehicle surface, especi…
  • L-SB-0022-24 Apr 19, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Acid rain results from rainwater or other airborne moisture that become acidic due to industrial chemical impurities in the atmosphere. If these acidic compounds settle on an exposed vehicle, especially the horizontal areas such as the hood, roof, and deckl…
  • L-SB-0021-24 Apr 19, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Lexus vehicles are currently protected with RapgardTM protective film designed to protect the horizontal painted surfaces. This material protects from acid rain, environmental fallout, and rail contamination. Follow the Removal Procedure in this bulletin to…
  • L-SB-0020-24 Apr 19, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Vehicles may occasionally be subjected to contamination by airborne iron particles shed from railroad tracks, train wheels, exposure to heavy machinery facilities, grinding, welding, etc. This type of contamination can be identified by the presence of small…
  • L-SB-0023-24 Apr 19, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    To prevent brake rotor rust from forming during transportation and storage, wheel film will be used instead of a cardboard type of anti-rust cover. The purpose of the wheel film is to shield the disc brake rotor from weather elements and initial rust before…
  • L-SB-0024-24 Apr 19, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    The condition known as acid rain is caused by airborne chemicals or particles in the atmosphere, which mix with rainwater, nighttime dew, or high humidity to form acidic compounds. If these contaminants settle and remain on a painted vehicle surface, especi…
  • L-SB-0022-24 Apr 19, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Acid rain results from rainwater or other airborne moisture that become acidic due to industrial chemical impurities in the atmosphere. If these acidic compounds settle on an exposed vehicle, especially the horizontal areas such as the hood, roof, and deckl…
  • L-SB-0021-24 Apr 19, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Lexus vehicles are currently protected with RapgardTM protective film designed to protect the horizontal painted surfaces. This material protects from acid rain, environmental fallout, and rail contamination. Follow the Removal Procedure in this bulletin to…
  • L-SB-0020-24 Apr 19, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Vehicles may occasionally be subjected to contamination by airborne iron particles shed from railroad tracks, train wheels, exposure to heavy machinery facilities, grinding, welding, etc. This type of contamination can be identified by the presence of small…
  • Safety Recall 22 Apr 13, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Lexus Safety Recall and Service Campaign - Technician Certification Requirements 4.13.2022
  • Lexus PRO19-02 - Jan 12, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    POL: 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 i…
  • LTT014513 Nov 2, 2013 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Spots in Window Glass - vehicle exterior
  • LSB009213B Dec 19, 2013 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Windshield Wiper Blade Maintenance and cleaning
  • LSB008214 Oct 16, 2014 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Auto matic Transmission Replacement kPrecautions
  • LSB002514B Jul 7, 2014 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Immobilizer and Smart Key Reset
  • LSB002514 Jul 4, 2014 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Immobilizer and Smart Key Reset.
  • LSB002114 Jun 12, 2014 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Techstream ECU Flash Reprogramming Procedure.
  • L-SB-0002-20 Rev Aug 5, 2020 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    TSB: 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 acco…
  • L-SB-0002-20 Rev Aug 5, 2020 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    TSB: 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 acco…
  • L-SB-0023-20 Jun 23, 2020 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    TSB: 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 ent…
  • Lexus Safety Re May 1, 2020 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Safety Recall and Service Campaign - Technician Certification Requirements
  • L-SB-0179-17 Obs Apr 6, 2020 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    TSB: OBSOLETE NOTICE April 06, 2020: This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see L-SB-0008-20. Replacement Certification Labels and VIN Plates
  • L-SB-0008-20 Apr 6, 2020 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    TSB: 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 9…
  • L-SB-0001-18-Rev Jul 1, 2019 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    TSB: 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 …
  • L-SB-0179-17 Nov 28, 2017 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    TSB: 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-…
  • L-SB-0113-12_Rev Nov 21, 2017 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    TSB: 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 …
  • L-SB-0021-14 Rev Sep 19, 2016 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    TSB: 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 reprogramm…
  • L-SB-0143-11 Rev Nov 10, 2013 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Beginning 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…
  • LSB-0059-12 Jul 10, 2012 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    LEXUS: PRECAUTION INFORMATION ON REMOVAL, INSPECTION, INSTALLATION OF ACCELERATOR PEDAL SENSOR ASSEMBLY, WHICH REQUIRES NO LUBRICATION. MODELS 2001-13 CT200H, ES300, 300H, 330, 350, GS300, 350, 450, 450H, 460, GX460, 470, HS250H, IS F, IS250, 250C, 350, 3…
Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications files.