2004 Lexus RX Air bags Problems
- Complaints
- 6about this part
- Share
- 15%of 40 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 129,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 6 complaints about the air bags of the 2004 Lexus RX, 15% of the 40 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 129,000 miles.
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.
“Melting/cracked dashboard passenger side - smells of chemicals - does this affect passenger airbag deployment? I have owned this vehicle for 4 years and was never notified of any programs - dash first started melting/cracking about 6-8 months ago long after their consumer enhancement program went away.”
NHTSA complaint #11245420, filed 2019-08, 140,000 miles“The dashboard is cracking around the passenger side airbag. The airbag was designed with a certain amount of resistance from the dashboard. Major concern with airbag deployment speed with less resistance from dashboard. Also concern about fragmentation of dashboard during deployment.”
NHTSA complaint #10597231, filed 2014-06, 118,000 miles“The passenger side of the dashboard has developed several long vertical cracks. The dash simply cracked on its own. The car has always been garaged and has never been in any accident the cracks are large enough that we are afraid that the airbags may not properly deploy in an emergency. The dashboard cracks are identical to many similar postings on the internet. Lexus claims they are dedicated to providing vehicles of outstanding quality and value. , in this case they have, once again, stuck their head in the sand!!”
NHTSA complaint #10615083, filed 2014-07, 68,000 miles“Dashboard crack in 2024, that started on passenger side near air vent, expanded recently causing the passenger air bag off alert to light up and stay on continually. If I were to have a passenger at the time of an accident, the air bag might not deploy, which would be a safety issue. This could possibly lead to a liability issue, so I have not had any passengers but that isn't sustainable, so I contacted the dealer. …”
NHTSA complaint #11702447, filed 2025-12“I have a severely cracked dashboard and a lot of the very deep cracks are over where the passenger airbag is located. This has been a problem for a few years now but lately it has gotten much worse in the area of the airbag. Lexus acknowledges the problem but they say it could be several more months or even years before they have enough replacement dashboards. I believe my dashboard is more of a safety issue than just cosmetic. Unable to attach photos but could email them to you if an email address is provided.”
NHTSA complaint #10888794, filed 2016-07Related service bulletins
- 10132074Nov 10, 2013Beginning in 1998, Lexus introduced side airbags as optional equipment. Lexus does NOT recommend replacement of original seat covers with non-Lexus leather or other seat cover…
Air bags: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2 | 9% |
| 2024 | 2 | 3% |
| 2023 | 2 | 3% |
| 2022 | 1 | 3% |
| 2021 | 47 | 67% |
| 2020 | 21 | 45% |
| 2019 | 3 | 9% |
| 2018 | 1 | 4% |
| 2017 | 3 | 6% |
| 2016 | 1 | 4% |
| 2014 | 2 | 17% |
| 2013 | 2 | 11% |
| 2012 | 1 | 8% |
| 2011 | 4 | 14% |
| 2010 | 2 | 3% |
| 2009 | 3 | 9% |
| 2008 | 6 | 9% |
| 2007 | 6 | 10% |
| 2006 | 2 | 6% |
| 2005 | 5 | 19% |
| 2004 | 6 | 15% |
| 2002 | 2 | 17% |
| 2001 | 1 | 5% |
| 2000 | 1 | 3% |
| 1999 | 1 | 3% |
Other parts of the 2004 Lexus RX
12 complaintsOther or unknown
9 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
5 complaintsExterior lighting
4 complaintsBrakes
3 complaintsEngine
2 complaintsFuel system
2 complaintsSeats
2 complaintsVehicle speed control
2 complaintsWheels
2 complaintsElectrical system
1 complaintsEngine cooling
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2004 Lexus RX
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 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