2003 Lexus IS Problems, Complaints & Recalls
- Compared with other IS years
- More complaints than other years 8th of 27 for complaints
- Safety recalls
- None on file
- NHTSA crash rating
- Not rated
Owners have filed 12 complaints with NHTSA about the 2003 Lexus IS. That ranks 8th out of 27 IS model years for complaints. The most reported problem area is air bags (4 complaints, 33%), typically at around 35,150 miles. Complaints mention 5 crashes, 7 injuries. There are no safety recalls on file for this model year.
- 12owner complaints
- 0safety recalls
- 0NHTSA investigations
- 5complaints mentioning a crash
Complaints are unverified owner reports and are not adjusted for sales volume.
Most common 2003 Lexus IS problems
Complaints grouped by the part of the car owners reported, with the median mileage when the problem happened.
| Problem area | Complaints | Share | Median miles | Owners mention most | Typical repair cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Air Bags | 4 | 33% | 35,150 | — | — |
| Structure | 4 | 33% | 55,000 | — | — |
| Engine | 3 | 25% | 49,000 | — | — |
| Service Brakes | 2 | 17% | — | — | — |
| Electrical System | 1 | 8% | 49,000 | — | — |
| Power Train | 1 | 8% | — | — | — |
| Steering | 1 | 8% | — | — | — |
| Unknown or Other | 1 | 8% | — | — | — |
| Visibility/wiper | 1 | 8% | — | — | — |
One complaint can list several problem areas, so shares can add up to more than 100%.
Complaints by year received
2003 Lexus IS recalls (0)
No safety recalls are on file for the 2003 Lexus IS.
To see whether a specific car still has an open recall, enter its VIN on NHTSA's official recall lookup. You can also decode a VIN here.
Recent owner reports
Short excerpts of the latest complaints filed with NHTSA, with personal details removed. Full reports can be searched on NHTSA.gov.
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
Other Lexus IS years
| Year | Complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 IS | 1 | 0 |
| 2025 IS | 1 | 0 |
| 2024 IS | 1 | 0 |
| 2023 IS | 5 | 0 |
| 2022 IS | 4 | 1 |
| 2021 IS | 2 | 0 |
| 2020 IS | 6 | 0 |
| 2019 IS | 2 | 0 |
| 2018 IS | 3 | 0 |
| 2017 IS | 11 | 0 |
| 2016 IS | 2 | 0 |
| 2015 IS | 9 | 0 |
| 2014 IS | 12 | 0 |
| 2013 IS | 9 | 0 |
| 2012 IS | 18 | 0 |
| 2011 IS | 15 | 0 |
| 2010 IS | 40 | 1 |
| 2009 IS | 40 | 2 |
| 2008 IS | 102 | 3 |
| 2007 IS | 122 | 3 |
| 2006 IS | 143 | 7 |
| 2005 IS | 12 | 0 |
| 2004 IS | 10 | 0 |
| 2003 | 12 | 0 |
| 2002 IS | 12 | 0 |
| 2001 IS | 1 | 0 |
| 1999 IS | 1 | 0 |
See all Lexus IS problems by year, every Lexus model, or the Lexus VIN decoder.
Similar Lexus models
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Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2003 Lexus IS?
Owners most often report air bags, structure, engine problems. The top one, air bags, accounts for 4 complaints.
Was there a recall on the 2003 Lexus IS?
No safety recalls are on file for this model year.
Was the 2003 Lexus IS a good year?
Complaint data can't fully answer that, because counts aren't adjusted for sales. Compared with other IS model years, the 2003 has more complaints than most years. Always get a pre-purchase inspection and check the VIN for open recalls.