Owners have filed 188 complaints
about the 2004 Lexus ES 330 with NHTSA between 2003 and 2019.
The largest single group is the transmission & drivetrain.
NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a
system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and
knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
3626.5%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
2316.9%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
118.1%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
2216.2%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
2014.7%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
96.6%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
64.4%
150,000+ miles
96.6%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Oct 2003peak 15Apr 2019
NHTSA investigations into the 2004 Lexus ES 330
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
DP05002Opened 5 Aug 2005Closed 5 Jan 2006VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
IN A LETTER DATED JULY 8, 2005, AND AFTER EXPERIENCING TWO INCIDENTS (AND ONE CRASH) WHERE HE ALLEGES HIS MODEL YEAR (MY) 2002 CAMRY ACCELERATED WITHOUT DRIVER INPUT, MR. JORDAN ZIPRIN PETITIONED THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION?S (NHTSA) OFFICE OF DEFECTS INVESTIGATION (ODI) TO COMMENCE A PROCEEDING TO DETERMINE THE EXISTENCE OF A DEFECT WITHIN THE ETC SYSTEM IN MY 2002 TO 2005 TOYOTA AND LEXUS VEHICLES, OR TO REOPEN A PRIOR INVESTIGATION PRELIMINARY EVALUATION (PE) 04-021.IN A LETTER DATED AUGUST 18, 2005, MR. ZIPRIN AMENDED HIS PETITION TO INCLUDE ALLEGATIONS OF INTERRELAT...
Complaints that involved harm
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 47,000 milesConway, ARCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 LEXUS ES330. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TRAVELING 20 MPH, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED AND WHEN ATTEMPTING TO ENGAGE THE BRAKES IT FAILED TO RESPOND. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A CURB, FLIPPED OVER AND THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED NECK AND CHEST INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER HAS NOT BEEN NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 47,000.
NHTSA complaint #10630346 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 47,000 milesConway, ARCrash1 injured
SERVICE BRAKES
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 LEXUS ES330. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TRAVELING 20 MPH, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED AND WHEN ATTEMPTING TO ENGAGE THE BRAKES IT FAILED TO RESPOND. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A CURB, FLIPPED OVER AND THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED NECK AND CHEST INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER HAS NOT BEEN NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 47,000.
NHTSA complaint #10630346 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 180,000 milesJackson, SCCrashFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2004 LEXUS ES 330. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE WAS STRUCK BY A DEER AND DAMAGED THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT CONTINUED DRIVING AND SMELLED TRANSMISSION AND/OR BRAKE FLUID. THE INSTRUMENT PANEL ILLUMINATED, THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS ACTIVATED, AND THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE AND THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 180,000. UPDATED 11/20/14*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE COLLISION WITH THE DEAR WAS ON JULY 24, 2014. INSURANCE DID NOT PAY UNTIL AUGUST 11, 2014; AFTER THE FIRE AND BEFORE THE REPAIR. UPDATED 8/4/2015
NHTSA complaint #10619546 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 16,000 milesSpring, TXCrash1 injured
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
I HAD NO PROBLEMS WITH MY 2004 LEXUS 300SE UNTIL I RAN THROUGH A BUILDING. MY CAR ONLY HAD 16,000 MILES ON IT AND I NEVER EXPERIENCED BRAKING PROBLEMS, ACCELERATION PROBLEMS OR ANYTHING OF THE SORT. I DID CALL THE DEALERSHIP WHEN RECALLS WERE VERY BIG NEWS IN THE MEDIA BUT WAS TOLD MY MODEL WAS NOT ON ANY LISTS FOR RECALL. I DROVE MY CAR TO THE TAILOR SHOP...I TURNED IN THE SHOPPING CENTER WITH NO PROBLEM..I TURNED INTO THE PARKING PLACE IN FRONT OF THE TAILOR SHOP AND THE CAR WOULD NOT STOP. I PRESSED THE BRAKE BUT THE CAR JUST WENT INTO LUNGE MODE AND INSTEAD OF STOPPING WENT FASTER. I HAD MY BRAKE PRESSED ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOORBOARD. THANK GOD THE LADY IN THE TAILOR SHOP WAS IN THE BACK OF THE STORE BECAUSE MY CAR DID NOT COME TO REST UNTIL IT WAS INSIDE THE STORE AND PINNED AT A WALL. PEOPLE CAME OUT FROM OTHER STORES..SMOKE EVERYWHERE...THEY CAME TO MY WINDOW AND TOLD ME TO TURN THE KEY OFF. THE WHEELS WERE STILL SPINNING BUT MY FOOT WAS NOT ON THE ACCELERATOR - THE WHEELS CAME TO A STOP WHEN I TURNED OFF THE IGNITION. MY CAR WAS CONSIDERED A TOTAL LOSS. DAMAGE TO THE BLDG INCLUDED ALL OF THEIR FRONT GLASS AND INTERIOR. I DON'T KNOW A FINAL FIGURE ON THE THIRD PARTY DAMAGE. MY INSURANCE COVERED THE CLAIM BUT I TRULY FEEL THIS IS A LEXUS ISSUE AND THEY SHOULD BE HELD RESPONSIBLE AS THE ACCELERATOR APPARENTLY STUCK AND NOTHING WOULD STOP IT UNTIL I TURNED OFF THE ENGINE.
NHTSA complaint #10410134 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 40,000 milesFlushing, NYCrash
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 LEXUS ES 330. THE CONTACT STATED AS HE STARTS THE ENGINE THE RPMS INCREASED EXCESSIVELY AND REMAINED THAT WAY AS HE MOVED THE GEAR SHIFT OUT OF PARK. THE VEHICLE WOULD JUMP FORWARD CAUSING THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL TO STICK AND THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT ACCELERATE. WHILE PARKING THE VEHICLE WITH THE BRAKE ENGAGED AND THE GEAR SHIFT WAS IN REVERSE, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED FORWARD. THE FAILURE CAUSED THE CONTACT TO CRASH INTO THE GARAGE AND DAMAGE THE FRONT BUMPER. NO ONE WAS INJURED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WILL BE CONTACTED AT A LATER DATE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 40,000. UPDATED 06/03/11 *BF UPDATED 06/13/11
NHTSA complaint #10398214 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 30,000 milesOsprey, FLCrash1 injured
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
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 THAT I COULD HAVE KILLED PEOPLE WALKING IN THAT PARKING LOT. I AM POSITIVE THAT THE BRAKING SYSTEM IN MY CAR MALFUNCTIONED.
NHTSA complaint #10383855 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 150,000 milesOlive Branch, MS
POWER TRAIN
UPPER RIGHT MOTOR MOUNT HAS BEEN REPLACED 3 TIMES. NOW CAR IS VIBRATING BETWEEN 45-60 AND HAS NO POWER AND IS TAKING UP TO 1-2 MINUTE'S.
NHTSA complaint #11203848 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hayward, CA
AIR BAGS
PASSENGER AIR BAG LIGHT CAME ON ABOUT 6 MONTHS AGO AND WON'T CUT OFF,I HAVEN'T BEEN IN A CAR ACCIDENT NOR HAS MY AIRBAG EMPLODED, HAD IT LOOK AT BY MECHANIC AT AUTO SHOP WHERE I GET MY OIL CHANGES AND SUCH HE DIDN'T RECOGNIZE ANY PROBLEMS,CALLED LEXUS DEALERSHIP AND THEY WANT TO CHARGE AN ARM AND A LEG JUST TO LOOK AT IT.
NHTSA complaint #11119981 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 88,000 milesWilkes Barre, PA
AIR BAGS
I STARTED MY CAR AND ALL OF THE SUDDEN, AIR BAG LIGHT CAME ON. I NEVER HAD AN ACCIDENT, AIRBAGS WERE NEVER DEPLOYED, I CHECKED ALL THE WIRES AND EVEN UNPLUGGED THE BATTERY FOR GOOD 10 MINUTES AND THE LIGHT WILL NOT GO OFF. IN CASE OF AN ACCIDENT, MY CAR WILL NOT DEPLOY AIR BAGS AND IT CREATES A POTENTIAL THREAT THAT IT CAN BE AN INSTA-DEATH, ESPECIALLY WITH A STEERING WHEEL IN FRONT OF YOUR FACE.
NHTSA complaint #11109562 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 203,000 milesHarahan, LA
AIR BAGS
PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG COVER IS SEPARATING FROM DASHBOARD AND APPEARS TO HAVE PRESSURE BEHIND IT. VINYL IS CRACKED ON TOP SIDE OF AIRBAG COVER.
NHTSA complaint #11084288 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 150,000 milesKaufman, TX
SEATS
THE SEAT BELT FOR PASSENGER SIDE AND THE SEAT ASSEMBLY MALFUNCTIONED WHEN MY PASSENGER BUCKLED HIS SEAT BELT. THERE WAS A POPPING SOUND AND THEN THE AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON. THE SYSTEM WAS RE CALIBRATED AT THE DEALERSHIP BUT I CONTINUE TO HAVE SPORADIC PROBLEMS WITH THIS ISSUE. I CANNOT HAVE A PASSENGER DUE TO THIS ISSUE.
NHTSA complaint #10949317 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 150,000 milesKaufman, TX
SEAT BELTS
THE SEAT BELT FOR PASSENGER SIDE AND THE SEAT ASSEMBLY MALFUNCTIONED WHEN MY PASSENGER BUCKLED HIS SEAT BELT. THERE WAS A POPPING SOUND AND THEN THE AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON. THE SYSTEM WAS RE CALIBRATED AT THE DEALERSHIP BUT I CONTINUE TO HAVE SPORADIC PROBLEMS WITH THIS ISSUE. I CANNOT HAVE A PASSENGER DUE TO THIS ISSUE.
NHTSA complaint #10949317 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 160,000 milesKaufman, TX
AIR BAGS
TAKATA RECALL MY 2004 LEXUS ES 330 HAS A MALFUNCTIONING PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG. THERE IS A LIGHT THAT SAYS PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF THAT IS ILLUMINATED. ALSO, THERE IS A GAP IN THE HOUSING WHERE THE AIRBAG IS LOCATED ON THE DASH OF THE PASSENGER SIDE. I AM CONCERNED THERE HAS BEEN NO FORMAL RECALL ON THIS ISSUE. THERE ARE SEVERAL COMPLAINTS ONLINE FROM CONSUMERS WITH SAME ISSUE ON THE SAME MAKE/MODEL. PLEASE ADD THIS VEHICLE TO THE RECALL.
NHTSA complaint #10930040 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 140,000 milesGurnee, IL
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
I WAS DRIVING AT 9:30AM CST ON 7/27/16 WHEN MY CAR EXPERIENCE UNINTENTIONAL ACCELERATION FOR ABOUT 1.5 MILES. MY CAR REFUSED TO SLOW DOWN, EVEN WHILE I HAD THE BRAKES APPLIED. I HAVE HAD MY CAR SENT TO LEXUS HEADQUARTERS TO BE INVESTIGATED.
NHTSA complaint #10892284 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 118,240 milesDavie, FL
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
WHEN STARTING THE LEXUS ES 330 2004 FOR THE FIRST TIME IN THE DAY IT MAKES A HORRIBLE SOUND THAT LASTS ABOUT 5 SECONDS WHILE STILL PARKED THEN WHEN DRIVING IT SEEMS LIKE I AM FORCING IT DO ACCELERATE. AFTER BEING WARMED UP IT IS FINE AND AFTER SUBSEQUENT STARTS IT DOES NOT MAKE THAT NOISE.
NHTSA complaint #10854532 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 118,240 milesDavie, FL
ENGINE
WHEN STARTING THE LEXUS ES 330 2004 FOR THE FIRST TIME IN THE DAY IT MAKES A HORRIBLE SOUND THAT LASTS ABOUT 5 SECONDS WHILE STILL PARKED THEN WHEN DRIVING IT SEEMS LIKE I AM FORCING IT DO ACCELERATE. AFTER BEING WARMED UP IT IS FINE AND AFTER SUBSEQUENT STARTS IT DOES NOT MAKE THAT NOISE.
NHTSA complaint #10854532 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 118,240 milesDavie, FL
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
WHEN STARTING THE LEXUS ES 330 2004 FOR THE FIRST TIME IN THE DAY IT MAKES A HORRIBLE SOUND THAT LASTS ABOUT 5 SECONDS WHILE STILL PARKED THEN WHEN DRIVING IT SEEMS LIKE I AM FORCING IT DO ACCELERATE. AFTER BEING WARMED UP IT IS FINE AND AFTER SUBSEQUENT STARTS IT DOES NOT MAKE THAT NOISE.
NHTSA complaint #10854532 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 162,888 milesLake Forest, CA
AIR BAGS
WITHOUT ANY INCIDENTS, OUR DASHBOARD LIGHT FOR THE AIRBAGS CAME ON. THE DEALER SAYS THE ENTIRE PART IS IN AN ELECTRICAL HOUSING IN THE PASSENGER SEAT AND IT TO BE REPLACED AS A WHOLE PART AT A COST OF $4000. A SEPARATE MECHANIC WE HAVE USED LONG TERM SAYS IT IS THE ENTIRE DRIVERS SEAT THAT NEEDS TO BE REPLACED NOT THE PASSENGER SIDE AND THIS ONE IS AT A COST OF $6000. THEY BOTH STATE IT'S NOT PART OF THE RECENT AIRBAG RECALLS. THEY KNOW THE AIRBAGS HAVE NOT INFLATED, YET CANNOT GUARANTEE THAT THEY WILL INFLATE IN THE EVENT OF AN ACCIDENT. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN IN OUR POSSESSION AS ORIGINAL OWNERS AND NO ONE ELSE DRIVES THIS VEHICLE. IT HAS NEVER BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT OR FENDER BENDER OR ANYTHING. THE LIGHT CAME ON ONE MORNING AFTER IT HAD BEEN PARKED IN OUR DRIVEWAY ALL NIGHT. WE DON'T PARK ON THE STREET.
NHTSA complaint #10854475 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 170,693 milesEustis, FL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
SINCE I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE IN 2008 I HAD THE PROBLEMS WITH THE CAR JERKING BETWEEN 40-60MPH AND HAD THE DEALER TO INVESTIGATE MY CONCERNS WHICH I TOOK THE CAR TO A LEXUS DEALERSHIP FOR DIAGNOSIS OF THE PROBLEMS WHICH THEY NEVER FOUND; I WAS THEN TOLD THAT THIS PROBLEM OCCURS IN ALL 2004 330ES AND THE PROBLEM WASN'T DETECTED. SO I DROVE THIS CAR FOR ALL THE YEARS I HAVE IT WITH THE SAME PROBLEMS; UNTIL 12/19/2015 THE PROBLEM CONTINUED WHEN I WAS ENROUTE TO ANOTHER TOWN AND THE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND THE VEHICLE BEGAN JERKING AND SLOWED DOWN AND I COULD NO LONGER ACCELERATE THE ENGINE; WHEN DOING SO THE CAR MADE AN ARKWARD SOUND; SO I BEGAN TO TURN AROUND AND HEAD BACK HOME FROM WHERE I WAS IT WAS 8 MILES BACK; AND THE CAR WAS JERKING AND SHAKING TO WHERE IT WAS ABOUT TO SHUT DOWN COMPLETELY AND STILL PULLING; I HAD MY CAR TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP AND LEFT IT OVER THE WEEKEND; AND THEY FINALLY FOUND THE PROBLEM CODE P0303 CYLINDER 3 MISFIRE AND PO353 IGNITION COIL, WHICH WAS THE PROBLEM ALL ALONG BUT THEY COULDN'T FIND IT BECAUSE AT THE TIME THERE WAS NO LIGHT INDICATOR ON; BUT NOW THAT THE WARRANTY EXPIRED FOR WHICH THE DEALER I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE WAS RELIABLE FOR THE PAYMENT. $500 LATER THE PROBLEM DISCOVERED. ALSO RECALL ON THE ISSUE BUT NOT THE VEHICLE I OWN; SINCE I EXPERIENCED THE SAME PROBLEMS I FEEL THAT THE RECALL SHOULD HAVE INCLUDED MY VEHICLE AND A REFUND DUE.
NHTSA complaint #10811654 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 170,693 milesEustis, FL
ENGINE
SINCE I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE IN 2008 I HAD THE PROBLEMS WITH THE CAR JERKING BETWEEN 40-60MPH AND HAD THE DEALER TO INVESTIGATE MY CONCERNS WHICH I TOOK THE CAR TO A LEXUS DEALERSHIP FOR DIAGNOSIS OF THE PROBLEMS WHICH THEY NEVER FOUND; I WAS THEN TOLD THAT THIS PROBLEM OCCURS IN ALL 2004 330ES AND THE PROBLEM WASN'T DETECTED. SO I DROVE THIS CAR FOR ALL THE YEARS I HAVE IT WITH THE SAME PROBLEMS; UNTIL 12/19/2015 THE PROBLEM CONTINUED WHEN I WAS ENROUTE TO ANOTHER TOWN AND THE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND THE VEHICLE BEGAN JERKING AND SLOWED DOWN AND I COULD NO LONGER ACCELERATE THE ENGINE; WHEN DOING SO THE CAR MADE AN ARKWARD SOUND; SO I BEGAN TO TURN AROUND AND HEAD BACK HOME FROM WHERE I WAS IT WAS 8 MILES BACK; AND THE CAR WAS JERKING AND SHAKING TO WHERE IT WAS ABOUT TO SHUT DOWN COMPLETELY AND STILL PULLING; I HAD MY CAR TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP AND LEFT IT OVER THE WEEKEND; AND THEY FINALLY FOUND THE PROBLEM CODE P0303 CYLINDER 3 MISFIRE AND PO353 IGNITION COIL, WHICH WAS THE PROBLEM ALL ALONG BUT THEY COULDN'T FIND IT BECAUSE AT THE TIME THERE WAS NO LIGHT INDICATOR ON; BUT NOW THAT THE WARRANTY EXPIRED FOR WHICH THE DEALER I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE WAS RELIABLE FOR THE PAYMENT. $500 LATER THE PROBLEM DISCOVERED. ALSO RECALL ON THE ISSUE BUT NOT THE VEHICLE I OWN; SINCE I EXPERIENCED THE SAME PROBLEMS I FEEL THAT THE RECALL SHOULD HAVE INCLUDED MY VEHICLE AND A REFUND DUE.
NHTSA complaint #10811654 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Charlotte, NC
AIR BAGS
THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG IS SPLITTING OR BUSTING AROUND THE TOP OF IT, WHERE IT ATTACHES TO THE REST OF THE DASHBOARD. NOT SURE HOW THIS AFFECTS THE AIRBAG AS FAR AS ITS PERFORMANCE IF IN AN ACCIDENT. OR IF IT CONTINUES TO SPLIT WILL THE AIRBAG DEPLOY.
NHTSA complaint #10730449 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,000 milesDublin, CA
AIR BAGS
THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG SEEM TO HAVE DEVELOPED A TEAR AROUND THE TOP EDGE. NOT SURE IF THIS AFFECTS THE DEPLOYMENT OF THE AIRBAG. AFTER DOING A SEARCH ON TH WEB THIS PROBLEM IS VERY COMMON FOR LEXUS ES 330 OF 2003 ONWARDS
NHTSA complaint #10717221 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 38,000 milesHouston, TX
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 LEXUS ES 330. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL BECAME UNRESPONSIVE AND CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO DECELERATE INDEPENDENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 38,000.
NHTSA complaint #10671781 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Houston, TX
SEAT BELTS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 LEXUS ES330. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVERS SIDE SEAT BELT FAILED TO RETRACT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, WHO PERFORMED UNKNOWN REPAIRS BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #10671265 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 73,000 milesFullerton, CA
AIR BAGS
NO ACCIDENT- THE PASSENGER AIR BAG- THE COVER IS RAISE AND THE EDGES TURNED UP AS IF READY TO OPEN-WE FEAR DAMAGE TO THE PASSENGER OR DRIVER -THE NEWS TODAY SAID THERE IS A RECALL-WHAT DO WE DO.
NHTSA complaint #10649469 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 47,000 milesConway, ARCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 LEXUS ES330. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TRAVELING 20 MPH, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED AND WHEN ATTEMPTING TO ENGAGE THE BRAKES IT FAILED TO RESPOND. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A CURB, FLIPPED OVER AND THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED NECK AND CHEST INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER HAS NOT BEEN NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 47,000.
NHTSA complaint #10630346 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 47,000 milesConway, ARCrash1 injured
SERVICE BRAKES
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 LEXUS ES330. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TRAVELING 20 MPH, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED AND WHEN ATTEMPTING TO ENGAGE THE BRAKES IT FAILED TO RESPOND. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A CURB, FLIPPED OVER AND THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED NECK AND CHEST INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER HAS NOT BEEN NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 47,000.
NHTSA complaint #10630346 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 66,500 milesSAN Marcos, CA
AIR BAGS
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. THE CHARGE TO FIX THE CRACKED AIRBAG IS $3500.00 MY ARGUMENT TO THEM WAS: 1. THE AIRBAG IS NOT A "WEAR AND TEAR" ITEM. THE AIRBAG IS A SAFETY ITEM THAT SHOULD LAST THE LIFETIME OF THE CAR. 2. LEXUS FIXED THE OTHER SAFETY ITEM A SEAT BELT, SO THEY SHOULD FIX THE AIRBAG. 3. LEXUS COULD NOT GUARANTEE THAT THE AIRBAG WOULD FUNCTION PROPERLY. I INFORMED THEM THAT I HAD TWO TEENAGERS WHO ARE DRIVING AND ASKED: A. WILL THE AIRBAG DEPLOY PROPERLY IF THE CAR IS IN AN ACCIDENT? B. WILL THE AIRBAG DEPLOY UNEXPECTEDLY WHILE DRIVING? LEXUS COULD NOT ANSWER THE QUESTIONS TO MY SATISFACTION. I DO BELIEVE THIS IS A DESIGN FLAW IN THE ES 330 THAT COULD POTENTIALLY HARM THE DRIVER AND PASSENGERS.
NHTSA complaint #10628408 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 66,500 milesSAN Marcos, CA
STRUCTURE
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. THE CHARGE TO FIX THE CRACKED AIRBAG IS $3500.00 MY ARGUMENT TO THEM WAS: 1. THE AIRBAG IS NOT A "WEAR AND TEAR" ITEM. THE AIRBAG IS A SAFETY ITEM THAT SHOULD LAST THE LIFETIME OF THE CAR. 2. LEXUS FIXED THE OTHER SAFETY ITEM A SEAT BELT, SO THEY SHOULD FIX THE AIRBAG. 3. LEXUS COULD NOT GUARANTEE THAT THE AIRBAG WOULD FUNCTION PROPERLY. I INFORMED THEM THAT I HAD TWO TEENAGERS WHO ARE DRIVING AND ASKED: A. WILL THE AIRBAG DEPLOY PROPERLY IF THE CAR IS IN AN ACCIDENT? B. WILL THE AIRBAG DEPLOY UNEXPECTEDLY WHILE DRIVING? LEXUS COULD NOT ANSWER THE QUESTIONS TO MY SATISFACTION. I DO BELIEVE THIS IS A DESIGN FLAW IN THE ES 330 THAT COULD POTENTIALLY HARM THE DRIVER AND PASSENGERS.
NHTSA complaint #10628408 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 180,000 milesJackson, SCCrashFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2004 LEXUS ES 330. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE WAS STRUCK BY A DEER AND DAMAGED THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT CONTINUED DRIVING AND SMELLED TRANSMISSION AND/OR BRAKE FLUID. THE INSTRUMENT PANEL ILLUMINATED, THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS ACTIVATED, AND THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE AND THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 180,000. UPDATED 11/20/14*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE COLLISION WITH THE DEAR WAS ON JULY 24, 2014. INSURANCE DID NOT PAY UNTIL AUGUST 11, 2014; AFTER THE FIRE AND BEFORE THE REPAIR. UPDATED 8/4/2015
NHTSA complaint #10619546 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 67,083 milesMabelvale, AR
AIR BAGS
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 MILEAGE WAS 67,083. UPDATED 10/30/14*LJ UPDATED 4/27/2015
NHTSA complaint #10594323 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.