2004 Lexus Is problems, complaints & recalls
Most-reported problem areas: Structure (3) · Wheels (1) · Air Bags (1)
🧭 Reliability snapshot
Compared against other Lexus Is model years — complaint volume vs the model's median year, recalls and severity. How we score →
Safety recalls (0)
No recalls on record for this model year (campaigns announced since 2010).
Service bulletins (30)
Technical service bulletins are repair instructions manufacturers send dealers for known issues. Unlike recalls, the fix is not automatically free — but naming the bulletin at the service desk can save diagnosis time and support goodwill repairs.
Structure:body 2024-04-19 · L-SB-0023-24 · 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 the vehicle is delivered to the customer.
Structure:body 2024-04-19 · L-SB-0024-24 · 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, especially the horizonal areas of the hood, roof,
Structure:body 2024-04-19 · L-SB-0022-24 · 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 decklid, significant damage to the painted surfa
Structure:body 2024-04-19 · L-SB-0021-24 · 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 remove the rapgardtm protective film withi
Structure:body 2024-04-19 · L-SB-0020-24 · 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, red or brown particles on the paint surfa
Structure:body 2024-04-19 · L-SB-0023-24 · 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 the vehicle is delivered to the customer.
Showing the 6 most recent of 30 bulletins. Search all of them free at nhtsa.gov.
What owners report
2015-10-12 · Unknown Or Other · 120,000 mi“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.…”
2015-08-05 · Unknown Or Other · 40,000 mi“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. …”
2015-07-02 · Unknown Or Other · 48,000 mi“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 replace…”
2015-05-13 · Unknown 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.…”
2015-05-13 · Unknown Or Other · 70,000 mi“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 da…”
2015-01-04 · Structure · 79,675 mi“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…”
2015-01-04 · Air Bags · 101,350 mi · 💥 crash“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 a…”
2014-11-05 · Structure · 61,247 mi“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…”
2014-08-21 · Structure“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 …”
2012-05-16 · Wheels · 103,000 mi“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.…”
Excerpts of consumer complaints filed with NHTSA, lightly truncated. They are owner statements, not verified findings.