Model year

2003 Lexus IS

Sedan, gasoline, 4x2, built in Japan. Owner complaints on file from Nov 9, 2006 to Jul 23, 2024.

Recall campaigns covering this model year116k vehicles or units across those campaigns
Owner complaints12Below the median 2003 sedan
Severity index41.72003 sedans average 11.6
First 24 months0Complaints in its first two years
Complaints over time

Complaints about the 2003 Lexus IS peaked in 2014, with 4 filed

Owner complaints about this model year, by the year they were filed with NHTSA.

01234200620082010201220144201620182020202220242026
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file. The lighter column runs through October.
Components

33% of complaints about the 2003 Lexus IS name airbags

Owner complaints by component. Hover or focus a bar for the crash, fire, injury or death count.

Airbags
4
Structure
4
Engine and cooling
3
Brakes
2
Electrical system
1
Powertrain
1
Steering
1
Visibility and wipers
1
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file. A complaint can name more than one component; it is counted under the first.
Recalls

One recall campaign covers the 2003 Lexus IS

Check a specific vehicle by VIN on NHTSA's site: a campaign may cover only part of a model year's production.

Recall campaigns for the 2003 Lexus IS
CampaignFiledSubjectComponentVehiclesRemedy
09E-012Apr 7, 2009These headlamps fail to conform to the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated…Lighting16,270Refund or buyback
Source: NHTSA ODI recalls file.
Owner complaints

What owners reported about the 2003 Lexus IS

The full text of every complaint filed with NHTSA about this model year, newest first. Complaints are filed by owners and are not verified by NHTSA; NHTSA removes personal details before publishing.

12 complaints on file, page 1 of 1.

  1. Filed Jul 23, 2024Failure Oct 12, 2006Redondo Beach, CAEngine, Power train, Service brakesCrash2 injured

    Brand new owner - first owner at time of lease/finance terms and conditions. Car accelerated numerous times during ownership that caused harm to both my young son and I life, placed us in harms way and accident occurred in California due to faulty emissions, acceleration out of control, and braking problems. This Lexus was dangerous, unreliable, caused mental and emotional issue coupled with anxiety. Lexus was negligent in handling numerous issues and concerns reported to dealership and has done nothing to compensate me for their multibillion dollar settlement to date. I need compensation of torment, poor performance, lemon laws associated and punitive damages, hereto. What are next steps? Sincerely, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

    NHTSA complaint 11604124
  2. Filed Jul 23, 2024Failure Feb 11, 2003Redondo Beach, CAEngine, Service brakes, SteeringCrash1 injured

    Brand new owner - first owner; Car accelerated numerous times during ownership that caused harm to both my young son and I life. This IS250 Lexus was dangerous, unreliable, caused mental and emotional issues. Lexus was negligent in handling numerous issues and concerns related and has done nothing to compensate me for to date relating to multi-billion dollar law suits.

    NHTSA complaint 11604122
  3. Filed Dec 31, 2020Failure Jan 1, 2013Robbinsville, NJBody

    THE DASHBOARD AND CENTER CONSOLE IS MELTING, LEAVING A STICKY & SHINY SURFACE MAKING IT HAZARDOUS TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE. A WARRANTY CAMPAIGN WAS ISSUED FOR SEVERAL OTHER LEXUS MODELS TO ADDRESS THIS VERY ISSUE, HOWEVER, THE 2003 IS300 WAS EXCLUDED. LEXUS COULD NOT PROVIDE A REASON AS TO WHY THIS EXACT DEFECT WAS NOT ADDRESSED FOR THE 2003 IS300 MODEL, SINCE THEY ADDRESSED THE VERY SAME ISSUE WITH AN OLDER 2003 GX470 MODEL. MY VEHICLE HAS BEEN GARAGE KEPT AND EXTREMELY WELL MAINTAINED, SO SUN EXPOSURE WAS MINIMAL AND STILL EXPERIENCING THE SAME ISSUE AS THOUSANDS OF OTHERS THAT HAVE COMPLAINED. THIS HAZARDOUS DEFECT HAS HINDERED ME FROM DRIVING MY VEHICLE IN FEAR OF LEAVING IT IN THE SUN TO FURTHER DETERIORATE CAUSING MORE DAMAGE AND RENDERING THE VEHICLE UNDRIVABLE.

    NHTSA complaint 11385752
  4. Filed Feb 12, 2016Failure Jan 16, 2016130,000 milesAustell, GAAir bagsCrash1 injured

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2003 LEXUS IS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 35 MPH, ANOTHER VEHICLE CRASH INTO THE CONTACTS VEHICLE HEAD ON AND THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT SUSTAINED HEAD, NECK AND LEFT SHOULDER INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000.

    NHTSA complaint 10825787
  5. Filed Sep 16, 2015Failure Jun 1, 2011Mclean, VAUnknown or other, Visibility/wiper

    DASH IS MELTING AND IS STICKING TO ANYTHING THAT IS RUB UP AGAINST IT. I SAW A RECALL ON ALL OTHER MODEL REGARDING THIS ISSUE. EXCEPT THIS PARTICULAR MODEL 2003 LEXUS IS300. I BELIEVE IT SHOULD EXTEND TO THIS YEAR AND MODEL AS WELL. NO DASH SHOULD BE MELTING AWAY WITH HEAT! OWNER SHOULD NOT BE RESPONSIBLE FOR POORLY BUILT PARTS! FOR HOW MUCH I PAID FOR THE CAR, THE MANUFACTURER SHOULD REPLACE THE PROBLEM ARE NO COST!

    NHTSA complaint 10764176
  6. Filed Jul 8, 2015Failure Mar 2, 201180,000 milesCoral Springs, FLBody

    THE DASHBOARD ON MY LEXUS IS 300 IS MELTING. IT IS VERY STICKY AND AS IT HEATS UP A CHEMICAL IS RELEASED AND THERE IS AN ODOR IN THE CAR. I CALLED LEXUS AND THEY SAID THAT THE RECALL DOES NOT EFFECT THE YEAR OF MY VEHICLE, BUT IT IS VERY CLEAR THAT THIS CAR HAS A SERIOUS ISSUE. ALL IS300 REGARDLESS OF YEAR WITH THIS ISSUE MUST BE RECALLED.

    NHTSA complaint 10732766
  7. Filed Jan 26, 2015Failure Jan 3, 2005Honolulu, HIStructure

    DASHBOARD IS "MELTING". RECALLS HAVE BEEN MADE FOR DASHBOARDS OF THE ES300 AND RX 300 MODELS FOR THE SAME PROBLEMS. *TR

    NHTSA complaint 10679036
  8. Filed Nov 10, 2014Failure Sep 2, 201449,000 milesHouston, TXElectrical system, Engine

    MY CAR HAS 51000 MILES ON IT AND I'M TOLD MY ALTERNATOR SHOULD BE REPLACED. I TOOK MY CAR FOR ONE THINGS AND THE DEALERSHIP FOUND 4 DIFFERENT ISSUES WHICH 2 OF THE ISSUES I AM AWARE OF. GRANT YOU ALL THE PARTS IN MY CAR ARE THE ORIGINAL PARTS. I SERVICE MY CAR ACCORDING TO LEXUS 25,000 - 75,000 MILES SERVICES. HOW CAN I WELL KEPT AND SELDOM DRIVE VEHICLES HAVE AN ALTERNATOR ISSUE? ON FEBRUARY 7, 2003, THERE WAS COMPLAINTS OF THE (BULLETIN#:T10001308) CD BECOMING JAMMED IN CD CHANGER. IMPROVEMENTS WERE MADE TO THE IS 300 CD CHANGER MECHANISM BUT I WASN'T NOTIFIED. I TOOK MY CAR TO WESTSIDE LEXUS REGARDING AN ONGOING DASHBOARD MELTING SITUATION AND CD PLAYER ISSUE. LEXUS FINALLY AGREED TO REPLACED DASHBOARD AFTER 3 YEARS AND I AM GRATEFUL BUT THE CD CHANGER JAMS NOW. IF I HAVEN'T DONE MY RESEARCH I WOULDN'T KNOW THERE WAS INITIAL COMPLAINTS REGARDING THE CD CHANGER. OVER THE MONTH-TO-MONTH WEIRD CD SOUND OF TUMBLING THEN PLAYING IT PROGRESSIVELY GOTTEN WORSE. MY 5- DISC CD PLAYER WILL NOT PLAY CDS AT ALL AND SOUND IS CD TUMBLING AROUND IN THE PLAYER. WESTSIDE LEXUS STATED I NEEDED TO REPLACE THE CD PLAYER AT $500.00 AND I SHOULD NOT HAVE THE ISSUE AT ALL. I SHOULD HAVE BEEN NOTIFIED AS SOON AS THE ISSUE WAS ADDRESSED. I SHOULDN'T HAVE TO PAY $500.00 FOR A 2003 ISSUE. *TR

    NHTSA complaint 10653823
  9. Filed Nov 3, 2014Failure Nov 11, 200948,000 milesHouston, TXAir bags

    INITIALLY, THE PASSENGER AIR BAG COMPARTMENT STARTED SHINING, MELTING AND DETERIORATING THEN THE ENTIRE DASHBOARD STARTED DETERIORATING. NOW THE AIR BAG COMPARTMENT WEAKENING WHERE IT IS SINKING IN THE MIDDLE. I'M VERY AFRAID THAT THE COMPARTMENT WILL DEPLOY THE AIR BAG AND INJURE AND/OR KILLING ANYONE SITTING IN THE SEAT. I WHICH STARTED COMPLAINING ABOUT THIS ISSUE SINCE 2009 TO LEXUS CORPORATION IN WHICH I WAS TOLD MY WARRANTY HAD EXPIRED. LEXUS KNEW THE MATERIALS USED ON THE IS 300 WERE DEFECTIVE AND DID NOT RECALL THEM TO FIX. *TR

    NHTSA complaint 10651998
  10. Filed Sep 3, 2014Failure Jun 1, 201230,000 milesLoxahatchee, FLBody

    DASH IS MELTING AND COMING OFF CREATING A SHINY SURFACE. *TR

    NHTSA complaint 10630538
  11. Filed Mar 4, 2014Failure Feb 26, 201414,050 milesOttsville, PAAir bagsCrash1 injured

    VEHICLE FISHTAILED AT ABOUT 40 MPH DUE TO RWD AND ABOUT AN INCH OR TWO INCHES OF SNOW ON THE GROUND. VEHICLE WAS UNCONTROLLABLE AND THE BRAKE WAS NOT APPLIED. SEATBELT WAS BEING WORN AND VEHICLE SLID ONTO ONCOMING TRAFFIC AND HIT AN EARLY 2000'S F250 (I BELIEVE) ROCKER PANEL. THE WHOLE FRONT END IS DESTROYED AND I HAVE PICTURES. MY HEAD HIT THE WINDSHIELD AND CRACKED IT. I WENT TO THE HOSPITAL AND HAD A CTSCAN AND WAS AMBULANCED TO A NEARBY HOSPITAL THAT HAD A NEURO SURGEON AND KEPT OVERNIGHT. I AM NOW ON NECESSARY LEAVE FROM WORK AND IN A GREAT AMOUNT OF PAIN DUE TO A HEMORRHAGE IN MY BRAIN. I BELIEVE MY MEDICAL INJURIES COULD HAVE BEEN AVOIDED IF THE VEHICLES AIRBAGS WERE DEPLOYED. *TR

    NHTSA complaint 10566913
  12. Filed Nov 9, 2006Failure Oct 27, 200622,300 milesAshburn, VAAir bagsCrash2 injured

    ON THE NIGHT OF OCTOBER 27TH, I WAS DRIVING HOME WITH MY BOYFRIEND FROM A FRIEND'S HOUSE. I WAS IN MY 3-DAY OLD CERTIFIED PRE-OWNED LEXUS IS300. IT WAS A 2003 WITH 20,000 MILES ON IT, IN SPECTACULAR MINT CONDITION. UPON COMING AROUND A SLIGHT BEND IN THE ROAD LEADING INTO OUR APARTMENT COMPLEX, A DEER RAN OUT INTO THE ROAD FROM THE RIGHT. I SWERVED LEFT UPON INSTINCT, AND WE HIT GRAVEL AND THEN WET GRASS. WE WERE GOING ABOUT 40 MPH WHEN I HIT THE BRAKES, BUT THE CAR SKID BECAUSE IT COULD NOT GET ANY TRACTION IN THE WET GRASS. WE HIT A BRICK WALL HEAD ON, AT ROUGHLY 30 MPH, AND NONE OF THE AIRBAGS IN THE CAR DEPLOYED.*JB

    NHTSA complaint 10173050
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file.
Investigations

NHTSA has not opened an investigation on this model year

Source: NHTSA ODI investigations file.
Service bulletins

28 manufacturer communications cover this model year

Technical service bulletins and other notices the manufacturer sent to dealers. A bulletin is not a recall.

  • L-SB-0024-24 Apr 19, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    The condition known as acid rain is caused by airborne chemicals or particles in the atmosphere, which mix with rainwater, nighttime dew, or high humidity to form acidic compounds. If these contaminants settle and remain on a painted vehicle surface, especi…
  • L-SB-0022-24 Apr 19, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Acid rain results from rainwater or other airborne moisture that become acidic due to industrial chemical impurities in the atmosphere. If these acidic compounds settle on an exposed vehicle, especially the horizontal areas such as the hood, roof, and deckl…
  • L-SB-0021-24 Apr 19, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Lexus vehicles are currently protected with RapgardTM protective film designed to protect the horizontal painted surfaces. This material protects from acid rain, environmental fallout, and rail contamination. Follow the Removal Procedure in this bulletin to…
  • L-SB-0020-24 Apr 19, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Vehicles may occasionally be subjected to contamination by airborne iron particles shed from railroad tracks, train wheels, exposure to heavy machinery facilities, grinding, welding, etc. This type of contamination can be identified by the presence of small…
  • L-SB-0024-24 Apr 19, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    The condition known as acid rain is caused by airborne chemicals or particles in the atmosphere, which mix with rainwater, nighttime dew, or high humidity to form acidic compounds. If these contaminants settle and remain on a painted vehicle surface, especi…
  • L-SB-0022-24 Apr 19, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Acid rain results from rainwater or other airborne moisture that become acidic due to industrial chemical impurities in the atmosphere. If these acidic compounds settle on an exposed vehicle, especially the horizontal areas such as the hood, roof, and deckl…
  • L-SB-0021-24 Apr 19, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Lexus vehicles are currently protected with RapgardTM protective film designed to protect the horizontal painted surfaces. This material protects from acid rain, environmental fallout, and rail contamination. Follow the Removal Procedure in this bulletin to…
  • L-SB-0020-24 Apr 19, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Vehicles may occasionally be subjected to contamination by airborne iron particles shed from railroad tracks, train wheels, exposure to heavy machinery facilities, grinding, welding, etc. This type of contamination can be identified by the presence of small…
  • Safety Recall 22 Apr 13, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Lexus Safety Recall and Service Campaign - Technician Certification Requirements 4.13.2022
  • Lexus PRO19-02 - Jan 12, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    POL: This consolidated Tire Warranty Guide contains the complete warranty terms for all brands of ground and spare tires currently in use by Lexus. This information must be kept near the point of vehicle sale and be available to any customer that requests i…
  • LTT014513 Nov 2, 2013 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Spots in Window Glass - vehicle exterior
  • LSB009213B Dec 19, 2013 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Windshield Wiper Blade Maintenance and cleaning
  • LSB008214 Oct 16, 2014 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Auto matic Transmission Replacement kPrecautions
  • LSB002514B Jul 7, 2014 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Immobilizer and Smart Key Reset
  • LSB002514 Jul 4, 2014 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Immobilizer and Smart Key Reset.
  • LSB002114 Jun 12, 2014 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Techstream ECU Flash Reprogramming Procedure.
  • L-SB-0002-20 Rev Aug 5, 2020 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    TSB: 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 fluid seep. Cases that are determined to be a ?leak? should be repaired acco…
  • L-SB-0002-20 Rev Aug 5, 2020 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    TSB: 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 fluid seep. Cases that are determined to be a ?leak? should be repaired acco…
  • L-SB-0023-20 Jun 23, 2020 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    TSB: SUPERSESSION NOTICE The information contained in this bulletin supersedes Service Bulletin Nos. ST004-01, SU001-08, and L-SB-0174-08. The aforementioned bulletins are obsolete, and any printed versions should be discarded. Be sure to review the ent…
  • Lexus Safety Re May 1, 2020 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Safety Recall and Service Campaign - Technician Certification Requirements
  • L-SB-0179-17 Obs Apr 6, 2020 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    TSB: OBSOLETE NOTICE April 06, 2020: This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see L-SB-0008-20. Replacement Certification Labels and VIN Plates
  • L-SB-0008-20 Apr 6, 2020 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    TSB: SUPERSESSION NOTICE The information contained in this bulletin supersedes Service Bulletin Nos. L-SB-0048-08, PG007-07, PG016-01, PG015-01, PG004-97, PG003-97, PG003-93, PG002-90, L-SB-0048-08, PG007-07, PG016-01, PG015-01, PG004-97, PG003-97, PG003 9…
  • L-SB-0001-18-Rev Jul 1, 2019 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    TSB: REVISION NOTICE July 01, 2019 Rev1: G1668 Applicability has been updated to include 2019 ? 2020 model year Lexus vehicles. G2158 The Techstream Preparation and Process Overview sections have been updated. Any previous printed versions of this bulletin …
  • L-SB-0179-17 Nov 28, 2017 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    TSB: SUPERSESSION NOTICE The information contained in this bulletin supersedes SB Nos. L-SB-0048-08, PG007-07, PG016-01, PG015-01, PG004-97, PG003-97, PG003-93, and PG002-90. Service Bulletin Nos. L-SB-0048-08, PG007-07, PG016-01, PG015-01, PG004-97, PG003-…
  • L-SB-0113-12_Rev Nov 21, 2017 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    TSB: REVISION NOTICE November 22, 2017 Rev1: ? Applicability has been updated to include 2014 ? 2018 model year vehicles. Any previous printed versions of this bulletin should be discarded. In the event that a Lexus vehicle becomes submerged in water, many …
  • L-SB-0021-14 Rev Sep 19, 2016 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    TSB: Revision Notice: Applicability section has been updated to include 2016-2017 applicable model year Lexus vehicles. The Repair Procedure section, Required Tools & Equipment section, and the Repair Procedure section has been updated. Flash reprogramm…
  • L-SB-0143-11 Rev Nov 10, 2013 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Beginning in 1998, Lexus introduced side airbags as optional equipment. Lexus does NOT recommend replacement of original seat covers with non-Lexus leather or other seat cover materials on vehicles due to the following: Seat covers NOT recommended by Lexus…
  • LSB-0059-12 Jul 10, 2012 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    LEXUS: PRECAUTION INFORMATION ON REMOVAL, INSPECTION, INSTALLATION OF ACCELERATOR PEDAL SENSOR ASSEMBLY, WHICH REQUIRES NO LUBRICATION. MODELS 2001-13 CT200H, ES300, 300H, 330, 350, GS300, 350, 450, 450H, 460, GX460, 470, HS250H, IS F, IS250, 250C, 350, 3…
Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications files.