You will need a large amount of savings to buy a car. Therefore, before choosing the right vehicle, you must thoroughly research features, costs, types of engines, and possible problems.
In particular, when considering buying a luxury car like a Lexus 2004 ES 330, the more you need to find out.
2004 Lexus ES 330 problems will be the primary idea of the post today.
In addition, we will also provide a few more basic information about this car. If you are wondering about those issues, please scroll down to read more.
About 2004 Lexus ES 330
The Lexus ES330 is a strong 3.3 Liter V6-powered midsize luxury vehicle. This model is renowned for being sufficiently athletic while also providing a smooth and relaxing ride.
Indeed, it is the class’s quietest and smoothest vehicle, which is the desire of all drivers.
Numerous further improvements to this opulent mid-size vehicle are included in the 2004 version. Among them are updated passenger seats, new and improved airbags, and a better navigation system.
While this brand continues to produce its ES sedans today, the ES330 was only produced from 2004 to 2006 before being replaced by the ES350 version in the next generation.
As a result, the ES330 has recently lost most of its value due to its age. This may be good news for those trying to purchase a used luxury car.
Yet, it is bad for those who already own a Lexus ES330 and want to sell their car.
What Are 2004 Lexus ES 330 Problems Common?
According to some surveys and reports, 4 primary problems of ES330 Lexus 2004 drivers often meet relates to the mass flow sensor, some air bags, the brake rotor, and the Lexus ES330’s acceleration performance.
Sudden Acceleration
Several Lexus ES330 owners have noticed that when they depress the accelerator, their car accelerates more quickly than it should.
According to a 2010 LA Times report, the Lexus 2004 ES330 and Camry were among the cars with this issue.
Following the article, 34 fatalities involving various Toyota vehicles have been caused by this problem.
The car’s floor mat may have contributed to the issue by causing the throttle pedal to become stuck.
The floor mats were first recalled. The issues remained even when the original floor mats were changed or omitted. Toyota then said the accelerator pedal could bring on the problem.
Toyota claimed that when the pedal mechanism ages and gets worn, it gets more difficult to depress, takes longer to release, or, in the worst case scenario, remains trapped half depressed.
The brand, therefore, started a second recall to address the pedal’s propensity to stick.
A Defective Mass Flow Sensor
A mass flow sensor measures the mass flow rate of air entering an internal combustion engine with fuel injection.
The engine control unit needs the air mass information to balance and supply the appropriate fuel mass to the engine.
In 2004 to 2006 ES330s, a defective mass air flow (MAF) sensor may result in several engine problems, including lack of power, bad gas mileage, and hesitation in acceleration.
This may occur when you’re driving quickly down a city street or on a motorway onramp. These problems may result in hazardous conditions that result in mishaps and injuries.
While you’re driving, there’s a risk that your check engine light will be on to signal you.
When verified using an OBD2 scanner, it may produce fault codes P0171 or P0174, which indicate the engine has been running with a low fuel-to-air ratio.
When you find problems with the MAF, you might change to a new one or ask for advice from a professional mechanic. After replacing MAF, click here to know what you need to do next.
Warped Brake Rotors
The manufacturer receives 19 reports of vibrations emanating from the ES330’s brake pedal or steering wheel on RepairPal. This is because the brake rotors on the automobile were deformed or warped.
Although the origin of the brake warping is unknown, the NHTSA has collected several reports of numerous braking issues.
These include loud brakes and brake failure. Any ES330 model produced from 2004 to 2006 is susceptible to this problem.
This kind of issue always worries all drivers because this component is crucial for ensuring their safety concerns.
Fortunately, these warped brakes only release some noises and don’t affect the driving efficiency that much.
The problem can be resolved by changing the warped brake rotors or having them machined. That’s why you need to know how long you can drive with bad rotors to have a timely replacement.
Moreover, you may spend between $70 and $200 on a new set of brake discs and pads for your Lexus ES330.
Faulty Airbags
When a collision occurs, airbags, which are inflated cushions installed into cars, shield the occupants from being struck by the inside of the car or by outside objects like other cars or trees.
Sensors start measuring impact force as soon as an accident occurs, and this safety item will inflate.
There have been several reports of the airbags in certain ES330s expanding and cracking. In addition to car aesthetic issues, these airbags have reportedly been observed not to deploy upon impact.
Many owners suffered injuries due to their bodies striking the steering wheel when the airbags were supposed to protect them, but they didn’t.
Thus, it is one of the most serious issues to cause danger to drivers.
All drivers have found this problem especially unsettling since they have to cope with the potential risk that their airbags may get faulty.
The owners’ sole option seems to be to repair the defective airbag. Yet, they must buy and change a new airbag on their own because there isn’t a recall.
Is 04 Lexus ES 330 Worth Buying?
There is no sufficient data to provide an overall dependability score for the model or its yearly repair cost. Yet, just like their Toyota counterparts, Lexus automobiles are often dependable.
The Camry, a reliable model line, shares a basis with the 04 Lexus ES330. Thus, it is highly likely that the Lexus will be equally or even more dependable.
The majority of owners laud the vehicle as great. Its general dependability and riding quality are to blame for this.
Throughout their many years of usage, a few owners did experience issues, but these were quickly resolved and could be explained away as wear and tear.
As a result, routine maintenance is a must, even if you own a more luxurious and expensive car.
It can reduce the risks of car components’ problems and ensure your safety by changing and preparing some worn-out parts.
Moreover, as mentioned before, it’s quite hard to buy a new ES330 car nowadays, thus, always remember to bring it to an auto repair shop or call a mobile mechanic to have an overall check before you drive.
Final Thoughts
If you are looking to buy a Lexus at a good price, a used ES300 could be a good choice. In addition, this article also mentions common 2004 Lexus ES 330 problems for you to anticipate.
Fortunately, these issues often belong to worn and tear components and can be easily solved.
In general, because it is manufactured by Toyota – a famous car manufacturer worldwide – it ensures quality and credibility for driving.
However, we always recommend researching carefully before buying a used car to avoid scamming.
Afterward, be sure to take the vehicle in for a full check-up at the auto repair shop to check its performance and replace all worn parts.
Hope this article helps you to make the right decision. If you have any questions, leave a comment below!