2004 Lexus RX Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 5about this part
- Share
- 13%of 40 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 1,400miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 5 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2004 Lexus RX, 13% of the 40 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 1,400 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.
“I'm encountering the same transmission hesitation , jumping and revving when shifting in the lower gears as many others have reported. I have had the software update without effect. The dealer now is insulting me by claiming the use of regular gas may be the cause.”
NHTSA complaint #10164230, filed 2006-08, 100 miles“Lexus has had problems with brake vibration, they have issued a TSB but all they are doing is throwing new rotors and pads. This is not addressing the real issue at hand. Brake vibration can cause a car to go off the road when there is ice or snow on the ground and once the car starts slipping in ice or snow you will not be able to regain control of the vehicle. My complaint is regarding a 2004 RX 330 that only has 34k on and I'm going on my third set of brake pads. The caliper is hanging up causing uneven pad wear, causing brake vibration. …”
NHTSA complaint #10245160, filed 2008-10, 17,000 miles“Dealership inspection. Disclosure-satisfactory throughout the list actual inspector-visible leaks to the naked eye when looking under the car. I was misled in this purchase as there are problems with this vehicle that were not disclosed to me before purchase.”
NHTSA complaint #11326107, filed 2020-05“I leased a 2004 rx330 in january, 04. Immediately I began having difficulty predicting what the transmission was going to do next. Shift points all over the place. The upgrade was performed, provided temporary adjustment. Merging is deadly. I thought perhaps I was slipping off the pedal, but now know it wasn't responding. The driveline has always had a clunk or thump that occurs when lifting from the throttle. We have reported this to our local dealership (tom wood Lexus, indianapolis) on numerous occasions. The first diagnosis was rocks under the seat!!!! …”
NHTSA complaint #10169938, filed 2006-10“The contact stated while driving 10 MPH on normal road conditions, the automatic transmission hesitated when making the shift from first to second gear and from second to third gear as well. There were no warning lights indicating a failure in the automatic transmission. The vehicle had been taken seven times to the dealership where the software had been reset several times however, the defect was not corrected. The manufacturer was not alerted. The contact was very concerned because there was no satisfactory resolution.”
NHTSA complaint #10174798, filed 2006-11, 1,400 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10179697Aug 5, 2020TSB: 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…
- 10179601Aug 5, 2020TSB: 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…
- 10205346Oct 16, 2014Auto matic Transmission Replacement kPrecautions
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 2 | 17% |
| 2025 | 1 | 4% |
| 2024 | 5 | 8% |
| 2023 | 13 | 21% |
| 2022 | 4 | 14% |
| 2020 | 1 | 2% |
| 2019 | 2 | 6% |
| 2017 | 1 | 2% |
| 2016 | 4 | 14% |
| 2015 | 3 | 15% |
| 2014 | 1 | 8% |
| 2013 | 1 | 5% |
| 2012 | 1 | 8% |
| 2011 | 1 | 3% |
| 2010 | 3 | 4% |
| 2009 | 1 | 3% |
| 2008 | 5 | 7% |
| 2007 | 3 | 5% |
| 2006 | 2 | 6% |
| 2005 | 3 | 11% |
| 2004 | 5 | 13% |
| 2002 | 5 | 42% |
| 2001 | 14 | 74% |
| 2000 | 25 | 86% |
| 1999 | 29 | 83% |
Other parts of the 2004 Lexus RX
12 complaintsOther or unknown
9 complaintsAir bags
6 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