2004 Lexus ES330 Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 8about this part
- Share
- 5%of 174 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 800miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 8 complaints about the engine cooling of the 2004 Lexus ES330, 5% of the 174 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 800 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Standard complaint for this car. Engine or transmission delay when gas pedal was released then suddenly depressed. This occurs when merging onto freeways, 4 way stops, a traffic light changes, and when pulling out to pass or in certain emergency maneuvers. The delay is approximately 1 or 1.5 seconds and disrupts timing when you depend on throttle response the most! This has LED to several close calls. Dealer was made aware of the defect when car was 1 week old and I was told the adaptive system needs 1,000 miles to learn my driving habits. …”
NHTSA complaint #10080908, filed 2004-07, 10 miles“While driving at any speed and when trying to pass other vehicles it hesitated for several seconds. After accelerating the vehicle will not go into any particular gear. Also, engine would whine during this process. Dealer claimed that the vehicle was designed to adapt to the drivers habits.”
NHTSA complaint #10073448, filed 2004-05, 100 miles“For the last 3 months since I purchased my Lexus rx330,I have experience excessive engine vibrations in the steering wheel and the transmission is shifting improperly. Though I have taken my car into Lexus many times they have not fix these problems and I believe they need to be addressed.”
NHTSA complaint #10055129, filed 2004-01“Ever since I purchased by 2004 ls430, I have noticed an unacceptable engine vibration. This is noticeable during idle/first start-up. The engine vibrates and can be felt in to the cabin. This happens when the engine revs are between 1200 -1400 RPMs. This is very disappointing for a $62k Lexus! I have brought this to the attention of a Lexus dealer and have gotten the it must be bad gas bs. I told them I only use chevron supreme (92), which I also use in my bmw with no problem. A second time, they indicated that it was normal and not a problem. This is something I wouldnt in a vehicle.”
NHTSA complaint #10061982, filed 2004-03“While driving and coming to complete stop vehicle hesitated upon acceleration for a few seconds. Dealer inspected vehicle, and indicated the vehicle was operating as designed by manufacturer.”
NHTSA complaint #10073725, filed 2004-05Related recalls
- 11V539000Nov 9, 2011Toyota is recalling certain model year 2004 avalon vehicles; 2004 and 2005 camry, camry solara, highlander, and sienna vehicles, 2006 highlander hybrid; 2004…Covers: Lexus ES330 2004–2005, RX330 2004–2005, Toyota Sienna 2004–2005 +6 more
Related service bulletins
- 10132146Oct 2, 2013If a customer states there is an unpleasant odor in the vehicle from the HVAC system, there are various factors that may be involved.
- 10015852Mar 15, 2005Malfunction indicator lamp on with diagnostic trouble code p0346 (camshaft position sensor a circuit/range).
- 10015546Feb 16, 2005Malfunction indicator lamp (mil) on with diagnostic trouble code (dtc) p0031, p0051, p2238, and/or p2241.
Engine cooling: other model years
Other parts of the 2004 Lexus ES330
61 complaintsVehicle speed control
53 complaintsAir bags
24 complaintsBrakes
16 complaintsElectrical system
7 complaintsOther or unknown
5 complaintsEngine
4 complaintsFuel system
4 complaintsSeat belts
4 complaintsBody and structure
4 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
4 complaintsExterior lighting
3 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2004 Lexus ES330
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology