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Air bagsPart report

2004 Lexus RX330 Air bags Problems

Complaints
21about this part
Share
7%of 287 total for the year
Median mileage
85,000miles
Trend
StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.

NHTSA recorded 21 complaints about the air bags of the 2004 Lexus RX330, 7% of the 287 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 85,000 miles. 11 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.

Example complaints

Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.

“Recently there was a popping sound while the vehicle was turned on and was stationary. It resulted in cracks on the front passenger side dashboard. I am scared to drive the vehicle as I do not know what happened. Is there a Lexus recall for the same problem?”

NHTSA complaint #11130853, filed 2018-09, 140,500 miles

“I was driving into a parking structure and was startled by something inside the car falling. I lost control of the vehicle and ran head-on into a concrete pole. The airbags did not deploy. The car was deemed a total loss and, in an accident of that type, it was scary that the airbags did not deploy.”

NHTSA complaint #10672292, filed 2015-01, 104,497 miles

“This is not an accident complaint. My car has a defect in the dash vinyl (cracks and 2 holes) that I fear could effect the airbag operation if it were to activate. I understand Lexus has recognized this is a common manufacturing defect of these models but classify it only as a cosmetic problem and only offer a replacement at the owners expense. Has there been any reports of airbag problems in these vehicles? Any lawsuits?”

NHTSA complaint #10565035, filed 2014-02, 92,000 miles

“I own a 2004 Lexus rx 330. As has been widely reported on the internet, the dashboard in these cars has a tendency to crack and peal, particularly around the area above the passenger airbag. At the outset this appears to be a cosmetic issue. However, when I recently went to an auto upholstery shop to inquire about repair, the technician became alarmed because I -- like presumably many others -- had sought to initiate a temporary repair by placing heavy-duty duct tape over the cracked area. …”

NHTSA complaint #10643993, filed 2014-10, 150,000 miles

“While driving the 2004 Lexus RX330 on the freeway, trying to avoid a car on my left lane that suddenly swerved to my driver side. To avoid being hit, I steered slightly to the right. However, due to the speed, the car went over to the right lane and when trying to turn the steering back to the left, the car skid and lost control. …”

NHTSA complaint #10149380, filed 2006-02, 30,500 miles

Related service bulletins

Air bags: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
2007240%
200611%
2005148%
2004217%

Other parts of the 2004 Lexus RX330

Transmission and drivetrain
69 complaints
Brakes
65 complaints
Body and structure
34 complaints
Vehicle speed control
34 complaints
Exterior lighting
22 complaints
Other or unknown
20 complaints
Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
20 complaints
Engine cooling
11 complaints
Steering
9 complaints
Suspension
8 complaints
Electrical system
7 complaints
Equipment
5 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2004 Lexus RX330

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 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