2004 Lexus RX330 Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) Problems

“My steering started getting stiff and making a grinding sound without warning. It would then disappear after driving for about 5 minutes. I noticed this seems to be a common problem with the vehicle at the 90,000 mark. I bought a Lexus because I thought the vehicle would be solid but it seems like everything is starting to go. I had to replace the sunroof, air conditioning pump, radiator and transmission after hitting 80,000. I don't want to put any more $$$ into the car at this point because it doesn't seem worth. One problem after the next.”

“I was on my way to work when there was a loud boom and my sun roof exploded - glass went everywhere. I am lucky that I was not in an accident. It turns out the sun roof exploded. It was not a hot day some clouds and there was no rocks or debris in the roof. It turns out that Lexus an other manufactures know of this problem but little is being done about it. The glass is being made a lot cheaper and thinner these days to cut cost. I have a 2004 Lexus rx 330 SUV. This should be covered by the manufacture and a recall needs to be made as it is a know issue before people get killed.”

“I was driving southbound on the 405 in los angeles. I was beginning to change lanes and was looking into my driver's side rear view mirror when I observed the molding come off of the left rear quarter panel window and strike the hood and windshield of the car behind me. It occurred to me how dangerous this could have been if a motorcyclist had been following me. It could have easily hit him or her directly in the face. In researching the internet for a price on the molding, I have since learned a large number of RX330 owners have had this issue. …”

“This car is equipped with an automatic wiper system. When the automatic mode is used the wipers fail to keep the windshield clear. In a light rain, the windshield can get to the point where you must take manual action to clear the windshield. I understand that this problem is not isolated to my car but occurs in other cars equipped with the automatic wiper system manufactured by toyota. I've reported the problem to Lexus hq.”

“In heavy rain, with defogger turned on to keep windows clear, if the car hits a large puddle, the AC shuts down and the defroster starts blowing hot, moist air. All windows fog over immediately. No way to continue driving. Ac can only be restarted by turning ignition off then back on. This happened on local roads several times, then in mid august 2007, it happened on the interstate at approximately 70 MPH. I had to pull over to the grass median by rolling down the drivers window and sticking my head out into the rain. After turning ignition off and on, the defroster works again. …”