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Engine coolingPart report

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 2004-05

Related recalls

Related service bulletins

Engine cooling: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
200635%
200596%
200485%

Other parts of the 2004 Lexus ES330

Transmission and drivetrain
61 complaints
Vehicle speed control
53 complaints
Air bags
24 complaints
Brakes
16 complaints
Electrical system
7 complaints
Other or unknown
5 complaints
Engine
4 complaints
Fuel system
4 complaints
Seat belts
4 complaints
Body and structure
4 complaints
Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
4 complaints
Exterior 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