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Research · Compact Cars · 2 NHTSA variants

2004 Lexus IS300Recalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 0 safety recalls and 29 owner complaints for the 2004 Lexus IS300. Most complaints involve structure (7) and air bags (6). The EPA rates it 18 mpg combined.

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Combined MPG
18mpg
EPA · 2 versions
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
0campaigns
NHTSA
Owner complaints
29
Top: structure
Fuel cost / yr
$4,200est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

NHTSA campaigns for this model year
0 recalls found in NHTSA data for the 2004 Lexus IS300 as of Nov 11, 2026.
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 11, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

29 complaints filed with NHTSA · Jan 2005 – Sep 2018
  1. Structure7
  2. Air bags6
  3. Vehicle speed control4
  4. Engine2
  5. Tires2
  6. Wheels2
  7. Electrical system1
  8. Visibility1
  9. Service brakes, hydraulic1

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

By model year

Complaints for each IS300 model year we’ve synced.

View as table
Model yearNHTSA complaints
200135
200245
200334
200429
200516
20163
20172
20186
20197
Crashes reported
4
Fires reported
0
Injuries reported
5
Deaths reported
0
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 11, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

What owners report most

Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component

Structure

7 reports
“DASHBOARD IS MELTING AND HAS BECOME STICKY AND RUBS OFF ON CLOTHING. THIS INCLUDES THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG SURFACE. THIS HAPPENS WHEN VEHICLE IS PARKED IN THE SUN.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 26, 2016Air bags, StructureODI 10909787

Air bags

6 reports2 crashes
“STICKY RESIDUE DUE TO THE MELTING MATERIAL ON THE DASHBOARD CAUSES FUMES. FUMES ARE TOXIC AND IS GETTING IN THE AC AND VENTILATION. MELTING DASHBOARD. STICKY RESIDUE. CLOTHES WILL STICK TO IT. MELTS WHEN IT GETS HOT IN THE CAR. CURRENTLY LIVING IN CALIFORNIA WHERE IT IS SUMMER WEATHER 9 OUT OF THE 12 MONTHS. PLEASE HELP.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Mar 13, 2017Air bags, Unknown or otherODI 10965795

Vehicle speed control

4 reports1 crash
“TL*THE CONTACT LEASED A 2004 LEXUS IS300. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 5 MPH, THE VEHICLE UNINTENTIONALLY ACCELERATED, DROVE OVER A CURB, AND CRASHED INTO THE STEPS ON A RAILING OF A BUILDING. THE CONTACT CONTINUED TO APPLY PRESSURE TO THE BRAKE PEDAL IN ORDER TO GAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED, BUT SHE DID NOT RECEIVE A COPY. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED AT THE INSURANCE COMPANIES EXPENSE. THE WEATHER WAS NOT A FACTOR. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 34,527. UPDATED 06/03/10.*JB”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Apr 19, 2010Vehicle speed controlCrash reportedODI 10326417
All 2004 IS300 problemsSend a problem to a mechanic on findmechanic.ai
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 11, 2026
04 —Key specs

Engines, transmissions & drive

2 versions rated by the EPA
EPA class
Compact Cars
Engines
3.0L 6-cyl
Transmissions
Automatic (S5) · Manual 5-spd
Drive
Rear-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Premium Gasoline

Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.

Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 11, 2026EPA listing
05 —Fuel economy

EPA fuel economy by version

City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
VersionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
IS 300
Auto (S5), 6 cyl, 3.0 L · Rear-Wheel Drive
162218$4,200494
IS 300
Man 5-spd, 6 cyl, 3.0 L · Rear-Wheel Drive
162318$4,200494
  • IS 300
    Auto (S5), 6 cyl, 3.0 L
    16 city · 22 hwy · $4,200/yr
    18
    mpg comb.
  • IS 300
    Man 5-spd, 6 cyl, 3.0 L
    16 city · 23 hwy · $4,200/yr
    18
    mpg comb.
Estimate your fuel costCost of ownership
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 11, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
06 —Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

2 tested variants
NHTSA has not published 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2004 Lexus IS300 as of Nov 11, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 11, 2026Vehicle 1002Vehicle 1200
07 —Maintenance

Maintenance basics

General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
ItemMilesTimeNote
Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi6–12 monthsFollow the oil-life monitor if fitted
Tire rotation5,000–7,500 miEvery oil changeCheck pressure monthly
Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi1–2 yearsSooner in dusty areas
Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi1–2 years
Brake fluid—2–3 yearsAbsorbs moisture over time
Coolant60,000–100,000 mi5–10 yearsLong-life coolants last longer
Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi—Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end
12V battery—3–5 yearsHeat shortens battery life
  • Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
    6–12 months
  • Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
    Every oil change
  • Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Brake fluid—
    2–3 years
  • Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
    5–10 years
  • Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
    —
  • 12V battery—
    3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
09 —FAQ

2004 IS300 questions

How many recalls does the 2004 Lexus IS300 have?

0 recalls found in NHTSA data as of Nov 11, 2026.

What are the most common 2004 Lexus IS300 problems?

Owners filed 29 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are structure (7), air bags (6), vehicle speed control (4). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

What MPG does the 2004 Lexus IS300 get?

The EPA rates the 2004 Lexus IS300 at 18 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (2 versions rated).

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 11, 2026