The vehicle dossier US · 2004
2004 Lexus
RX330Problems & recalls
287 distinct owner reports in the NHTSA snapshot. Other components appears in 92 of them. Explore what was reported—and which official actions are on file.
01 / Owner-reported evidence
What owners reported.
Categories attached to 287 distinct reports. A report can mention more than one component, so category totals can overlap.
See original component labels
These are reports made to NHTSA, not verified diagnoses. More reports can reflect more vehicles, more time on the road, or greater reporting activity.
The reporting timeline
When reports arrived.
Reports by year filed, not by the year a problem occurred. Showing the latest 15 years with reports.
40,500 miles is the median among 188 reports with usable mileage. The middle half spans 7,400–85,000 miles.
This describes the submitted reports. It does not predict when a vehicle will fail.
02 / Official safety campaigns
5 recall campaigns on file.
A campaign can cover only certain production dates or configurations. The count does not tell you whether an individual car has an open recall.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGCampaign 11V539000
Reported concern
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.
Manufacturer’s stated response
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.
Read campaign 11V539000 at NHTSAVEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDALCampaign 11V112000
Reported concern
TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2004-2006 HIGHLANDER, HIGHLANDER HYBRID, AND MODEL YEAR 2004-2007 LEXUS RX330, RX350, AND RX400H VEHICLES. IF THE FORWARD RETENTION CLIP USED TO SECURE THE FLOOR CARPET COVER, WHICH IS LOCATED IN FRONT OF THE CENTER CONSOLE, IS NOT INSTALLED PROPERLY THE COVER MAY LEAN TOWARD THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL AND INTERFERE WITH THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL ARM.
Manufacturer’s stated response
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FLOOR CARPET COVER WITH A NEWLY DESIGNED ONE FREE OR CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING MARCH 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331.
Manufacturer campaign: BOA/BLC
Read campaign 11V112000 at NHTSAVEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDALCampaign 06V253000
Reported concern
ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY AND HYBRID VEHICLES, THE TWO RETAINING CLIPS FOR THE DRIVER'S SIDE FORWARD CENTER CONSOLE CAN BECOME LOOSE. IF BOTH CLIPS SEPARATE FROM THE FLOOR CARPET COVER, THE COVER MAY LEAN TOWARD THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL, CAUSING INTERFERENCE WITH THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL ROD.
Manufacturer’s stated response
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE TWO FLOOR CARPET COVER RETAINING CLIPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 24, 2006, AND SHOULD BE COMPLETED BY EARLY SEPTEMBER 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331 OR LEXUS AT 1-800-255-3987.
Manufacturer campaign: 6LD 60F
Read campaign 06V253000 at NHTSASEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHERCampaign 06V023000
Reported concern
CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 210, "SEAT BELT ASSEMBLY ANCHORAGES." THE ANCHOR BOLT FOR THE REAR, LEFT-HAND SIDE SEAT BELT BUCKLE DIRECTLY BEHIND THE DRIVER'S SEAT DOES NOT HAVE SUFFICIENT STRENGTH.
Manufacturer’s stated response
DEALERS WILL REPLACE FREE OF CHARGE THE REAR, LEFT-HAND SIDE SEAT BELT BUCKLE ANCHOR BOLT WITH AN IMPROVED ONE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 3, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT LEXUS AT 800-255-3987.
Manufacturer campaign: 6LA
Read campaign 06V023000 at NHTSAEXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCHCampaign 04V558000
Reported concern
CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES MAY BE EQUIPPED WITH AN IMPROPERLY DESIGNED BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH. A SILICON OXIDE BUILD-UP OCCURS ON THE CONTACTS INSIDE THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH, WHICH CAN MAKE IT INOPERABLE.
Manufacturer’s stated response
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH. THE RECALL BEGAN DURING DECEMBER 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331.
Manufacturer campaign: SSC 40L/SSC 4LH
Read campaign 04V558000 at NHTSA03 / The manufacturer’s record
Instructions. Updates. Responses.
151 distinct communications list this model-year. Showing the latest 12. A matching model-year does not establish that every engine, trim or reported symptom is covered.
Safety Recall 22Lexus Safety Recall and Service Campaign - Technician Certification Requirements 4.13.2022NHTSA ID 10214355
Lexus Safety Recall and Service Campaign - Technician Certification Requirements 4.13.2022
Components: EQUIPMENT. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.
Source record 10214355 at NHTSAL-SB-0006-22TSB: This Service Bulletin includes procedures to replace damaged or loose front carpet floor retainer(s) without replacing the carpet assembly. Follow the Repair Procedure in this bulletin to replace the loose or damaged carpe…NHTSA ID 10210374
TSB: This Service Bulletin includes procedures to replace damaged or loose front carpet floor retainer(s) without replacing the carpet assembly. Follow the Repair Procedure in this bulletin to replace the loose or damaged carpet floor retainer(s).
Components: EQUIPMENT. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.
Source record 10210374 at NHTSALexus PRO19-02 -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 t…NHTSA ID 10207945
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 it. Customers can find this information on the Owner?s section of Lexus.com. Dealers can locate a copy of this guide on the Claims Processing & Resource Center in Dealer Daily as well.
Components: EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL · TIRES · WHEELS. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.
Source record 10207945 at NHTSAL-SB-0002-20 RevTSB: 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 ?l…NHTSA ID 10179697
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 accordingly and will be covered under warranty if applicable. Cases that are determined to be a ?seep? should be documented on the repair order and inspected at the next service interval. Follow the Repair Information in this bulletin to determine if the concern in question is a fluid leak or fluid seep and review the Repair Procedure section to address this condition.
Components: POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:FLUID/LUBRICANT. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.
Source record 10179697 at NHTSAL-SB-0002-20 RevTSB: 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 ?l…NHTSA ID 10179601
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 accordingly and will be covered under warranty if applicable. Cases that are determined to be a ?seep? should be documented on the repair order and inspected at the next service interval. Follow the Repair Information in this bulletin to determine if the concern in question is a fluid leak or fluid seep and review the Repair Procedure section to address this condition.
Components: ENGINE · POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION:LUBRICANT. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.
Source record 10179601 at NHTSAL-SB-0174-08 ObsTSB: OBSOLETE NOTICE June 23, 2020: This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see L-SB-0023-20.NHTSA ID 10177783
TSB: OBSOLETE NOTICE June 23, 2020: This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see L-SB-0023-20.
Components: STEERING. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.
Source record 10177783 at NHTSAL-SB-0023-20TSB: 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.…NHTSA ID 10177780
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 entire content of this service bulletin before proceeding. This Service Bulletin provides best practice procedures for vehicle pulling complaint, diagnosis, and repair for 2002 ? 2021 model year Lexus vehicles. This information supplements Repair Manual procedures when the symptoms are: ?Vehicle Pulling: The vehicle moves to the right or left when the driver holds the steering wheel while driving straight ahead without exerting steering effort. ?Steering Wheel Off Center: The vehicle travels straight, but the steering wheel is not pointed straight ahead. The vehicle is not pulling. Before repairing a vehicle pulling to one side, it is necessary to clearly identify the cause of the pulling condition. Frequently, pulling to one side is diagnosed as a wheel alignment concern. However, the actual cause may be related to the lateral force generated by the tires, vehicle damage, road crown or worn components. Performing a wheel alignment when tire force is the cause could result in the wheel alignment being set at a value outside of specifications. This could then cause other problems such as uneven tire wear, etc. A customer may notice a pull to the left when in the left lanes of travel and notice a pull to the right or no pull when traveling in the right lanes of travel on the very same section of roadway. This road crown effect is environmental and cannot be corrected with suspension adjustments or any other wheel or tire modification discussed in this bulletin.
Components: WHEELS. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.
Source record 10177780 at NHTSALexus Safety ReSafety Recall and Service Campaign - Technician Certification RequirementsNHTSA ID 10176283
Safety Recall and Service Campaign - Technician Certification Requirements
Components: EQUIPMENT. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.
Source record 10176283 at NHTSAL-SB-0179-17 ObsTSB: OBSOLETE NOTICE April 06, 2020: This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see L-SB-0008-20. Replacement Certification Labels and VIN PlatesNHTSA ID 10174889
TSB: OBSOLETE NOTICE April 06, 2020: This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see L-SB-0008-20. Replacement Certification Labels and VIN Plates
Components: EQUIPMENT. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.
Source record 10174889 at NHTSAL-SB-0008-20TSB: 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…NHTSA ID 10174888
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 93, and PG002-90. The aforementioned bulletins are obsolete, and any printed versions should be discarded. Replacement certification labels (the vinyl label installed on the driver door or door post) and VIN plates (the metal plate riveted to dashboard) (see Figure 1) for most 1990 ? 2020 model year vehicles may be available provided the requests meet the criteria listed in this Service Bulletin.
Components: EQUIPMENT. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.
Source record 10174888 at NHTSAL-SB-0011-15_RevTSB: REVISION NOTICE September 27, 2018 Rev1: ? Applicability has been updated to include 2012 model year ES350, 2016 ? 2017 model year GS200t, 2013 ? 2018 model year GS350, 2013 ? 2017 model year GS450h, and 2016 ? 2018 model …NHTSA ID 10145762
TSB: REVISION NOTICE September 27, 2018 Rev1: ? Applicability has been updated to include 2012 model year ES350, 2016 ? 2017 model year GS200t, 2013 ? 2018 model year GS350, 2013 ? 2017 model year GS450h, and 2016 ? 2018 model year GS F vehicles. ? The entire bulletin has been updated. Any previous printed versions of this bulletin should be discarded. Some 2003 ? 2018 applicable Lexus models may exhibit a condition where the instrument panel pad (dashboard) becomes cracked and/or sticky. Follow the Repair Procedure in this bulletin to address this condition.
Components: EQUIPMENT · EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.
Source record 10145762 at NHTSAL-SB-0021-14_ObsTSB: OBSOLETE NOTICE January 22, 2018: This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see L-SB-0001-18.NHTSA ID 10129210
TSB: OBSOLETE NOTICE January 22, 2018: This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see L-SB-0001-18.
Components: EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.
Source record 10129210 at NHTSARecords below contain the NHTSA bulk summary unless a document-reviewed explainer is linked. A service bulletin is not a safety recall or a promise of a free repair. Records may be revised or superseded; verify the current document with the manufacturer.
04 / Agency investigations
Official inquiries.
An investigation is an inquiry into a potential concern. Its presence does not establish a defect, and a closed case does not certify a car’s condition.
Unintended and Uncontrolled AccelerationRQ10003
On February 16, 2010, NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened RQ10-003 to determine whether the scope of prior Toyota recalls relating to potential unintended acceleration were sufficiently broad, including, among others, Toyota recalls 07E-082, 09V-388, 10V-017, and 10V-023.NHTSA also requested information regarding potential electronic causes of unintended acceleration in Toyota and Lexus vehicles.I. Pedal Interference from Floor mats, Carpet Covers and Plastic Pads in Carpets.During the RQ10-003 investigation, ODI reviewed a large volume of documents to assess whether additional vehicles should be recalled.Following the agency's analysis, NHTSA requested that Toyota recall additional vehicles.Toyota complied with the agency's request.The details of these recalls are set forth more fully in Toyota's reports to NHTSA pursuant to 49 CFR Part 573.These recalls are as follows:Recall 11V-112: (1) model year (MY) 2004-2006 Toyota Highlander and Highlander Hybrid; and, (2) MY 2004-2007 Lexus RX330,RX350, and RX400h (hybrid model). The total estimated population under this recall is 769,379 vehicles.This recall remedies potential accelerator pedal entrapment caused by a loose floor carpet cover (trim panel). Recall 11V-113: (1) MY 2003-2009 through 2009 Toyota 4Runner; (2) MY 2006-2010 Toyota RAV4; and, (3) MY 2008-2011 Lexus LX570.The total estimated population under this recall is 1,381,000 vehicles.This recall supplements recall 09V-388 and remedies potential accelerator pedal entrapment by an unsecured floor mat.Recall 11V-115: (1) MY 2006-2007 Lexus GS300 (all wheel drive vehicles); and, (2) MY 2006-2007 Lexus GS350 (all wheel drive vehicles). The total estimated population under this recall is 19,647 vehicles.This recall remedies potential accelerator pedal entrapment caused by inadequate clearance between the pedal linkage and a plastic pad embedded in the vehicle's carpet.II. Potential Electronic Causes of Unintended Acceleration.After NHTSA opened RQ10-003, NHTSA launched a ten-month study of potential electronic causes of unintended acceleration in Toyota vehicles.NHTSA launched the study in the spring of 2010 in light of concerns aired in Congressional hearings.NHTSA enlisted engineers at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) with expertise in areas such as computer controlled electronic systems, electromagnetic interference and software integrity to assess whether electronic systems or electromagnetic interference played a role in incidents of unintended acceleration in Toyota vehicles.That study has concluded.Two reports are associated with the study and are available on NHTSA's website.NASA's report is entitled Technical Support to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) on the Reported Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) Unintended Acceleration (UA) Investigation, NESC Assessment No. TI-10-00618 (Jan. 18, 2011).NHTSA's report is entitled Technical Assessment of Toyota Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) Systems (Feb. 2011).Both reports should be read in conjunction with each other. As stated in its report, NASA did not find an electronic cause of large throttle openings that can result in unintended acceleration incidents. NHTSA did not find a vehicle-based cause of unintended acceleration incidents other than the physical pedal interference causes that are being addressed by Toyota's recalls. This RQ is closed.
Recorded closure: Mar 1, 2011
Campaign reference in the source: 11V115000
Find investigation RQ10003VACUUM BRAKE BOOSTER FAILUREPE05009
ON FEBRUARY 10, 2005, THE OFFICE OF DEFECTS INVESTIGATION (ODI) OPENED A PRELIMINARY EVALUATION TO INVESTIGATE ALLEGED LOSS OF BRAKE POWER-ASSIST IN CERTAIN 2004 MODEL YEAR (MY) LEXUS RX330 VEHICLES BUILT THROUGH APPROXIMATELY JUNE 30, 2004.THE SUBJECT VEHICLES WERE MANUFACTURED AT TOYOTA MOTOR MANUFACTURING CANADA, INC.?S CAMBRIDGE, ONTARIO ASSEMBLY PLANT AND WERE EQUIPPED WITH VACUUM BRAKE BOOSTER ASSEMBLIES SOURCED FROM AISIN SEIKI CO., LTD (AISIN) SUBSIDIARY ADVICS NORTH AMERICA, INC. (ADVICS-NA).TO DATE, ODI IS AWARE OF 146 NON-DUPLICATIVE REPORTS THAT ALLEGE LOSS OF BRAKE POWER-ASSIST AND 6 CRASHES ALLEGEDLY CAUSED BY LOSS OF BRAKE POWER-ASSIST (RESULTING IN 1 MINOR INJURY) ON THE SUBJECT VEHICLES.THE SUBJECT VEHICLES USE A CONVENTIONAL BRAKE BOOSTER ASSEMBLY THAT CONTAINS A RUBBER DIAPHRAGM TO SEPARATE THE FORE AND AFT PRESSURE CHAMBERS.THE OUTER EDGE OF THE RUBBER DIAPHRAGM IS HELD IN PLACE VIA A RETAINING GROOVE ON THE BRAKE BOOSTER BODY.IF THE BOOSTER LOSES VACUUM (E.G., OPERATOR DEPLETES THE VACUUM BY PRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL SEVERAL TIMES WHILE THE ENGINE IS OFF), IT MAY CAUSE THE DIAPHRAGM TO DEFORM IN THE AREA OF THE RETAINING GROOVE TO THE POINT THAT INSUFFICIENT SEAL EXISTS BETWEEN DIAPHRAGM AND BOOSTER BODY, THUS CAUSING A MOMENTARY LOSS OF BRAKE POWER-ASSIST.THE ADVICS-NA SUPPLIED DIAPHRAGM HAS SLIGHTLY DIFFERENT MATERIAL PROPERTIES COMPARED TO THE DIAPHRAGM INSIDE BRAKE BOOSTERS SUPPLIED BY ADVICS JAPAN, CORP. (ADVICS-J) AND USED ON 2004MY LEXUS RX330 VEHICLES MANUFACTURED AT TOYOTA MOTOR KYUSHU, INC.?S ASSEMBLY PLANT.THE SOFTER RUBBER USED IN THE ADVICS-NA DIAPHRAGM ALLOWS GREATER DEFORMATION AND IS LESS RESILIENT WHEN COMPARED TO THE ADVICS-J DIAPHRAGM.LOSS OF BRAKE POWER-ASSIST MOST OFTEN OCCURS AT VEHICLE START-UP AND APPEARS TO BE MORE PREVALENT IN COLDER TEMPERATURES.MOST OWNERS REPORT THAT BRAKE SYSTEM OPERATION RETURNS TO NORMAL WITHIN A FEW SECONDS AFTER VEHICLE START-UP.TESTING CONDUCTED BY THE MANUFACTURER INDICATES THAT THE ADVICS-NA DIAPHRAGM?S REDUCED ABILITY TO RETURN TO SHAPE IS EXACERBATED BY COLDER TEMPERATURES AND THAT LOSS OF BRAKE POWER-ASSIST AT START-UP MAY LAST FOR A MAXIMUM OF 95 SECONDS AT TEMPERATURES BELOW ?20 DEGREES CELSIUS.HOWEVER, THE SUBJECT VEHICLES HAVE A BACK-UP SYSTEM THAT CAN SENSE A LOSS OF BRAKE POWER-ASSIST AND ENABLE THE ABS ACTUATOR FOR BRAKE HYDRAULIC PRESSURE SUPPORT (I.E., BRAKE PEDAL FORCE ASSIST).THE MANUFACTURER WILL CONDUCT A SERVICE CAMPAIGN (LEXUS SPECIAL SERVICE CAMPAIGN #5LA) TO REPLACE THE VACUUM BRAKE BOOSTER ASSEMBLY ON ALL AFFECTED SUBJECT VEHICLES.THE ACTION TAKEN BY THE MANUFACTURER IS SUFFICIENT TO RESOLVE THE ISSUES RAISED BY THIS INVESTIGATION.ACCORDINGLY, THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT DOES NOT EXIST.THE AGENCY WILL TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.
Recorded closure: Jun 15, 2005
Find investigation PE05009Your next step
Take good questions
to the inspection.
Use these prompts with a qualified inspector. This page is research, not a diagnosis or a substitute for a hands-on inspection.