2003 Lexus ES problems
Verdict · NHTSA data
One of the years to avoid
With 37 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 3.4 times the median ES year — the 2003 model ranks #9 of 30 ES years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Complainants reported 12 injuries in total across these filings.
No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across speed control (6), transmission (5), and brakes (4), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.
37
NHTSA complaints
0
Recalls
0
Investigations
17
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
12
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
How does 2003 compare to other ES years?
What are the most common 2003 Lexus ES problems?
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Speed Control | 6 | 16% | — flat |
| Transmission | 5 | 14% | — flat |
| Brakes | 4 | 11% | ▲ up |
| Airbags | 3 | 8% | — flat |
| Other | 3 | 8% | ▲ up |
| Electrical System | 3 | 8% | ▼ down |
| Engine | 3 | 8% | ▼ down |
| Steering | 3 | 8% | ▲ up |
| Fuel System | 2 | 5% | ▼ down |
| Seat Belts | 2 | 5% | ▲ up |
| Latches & Locks | 1 | 3% | new |
| Body & Structure | 1 | 3% | ▼ down |
| Suspension | 1 | 3% | — flat |
Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“I WAS REVERSING AND TRYING TO TURN WHEN MY CAR LEXUS ES 300 SUDDENLY PICKED UP HIGH SPEED ACCELERATION BY IT SELF AND WENT FORWARD AND HIT A FENCE IN FRONT. THE VEHICLE PICKED UP UNINTENTIONAL HIGH SPEED (FULL THROTTLE). IT WAS BEYOND MY CONTROL. MY BODY WENT FORWARD AND BACKWARD VIOLENTLY. FOR FEW…”
“I HAVE A 2003 LEXUS ES300 WITH 41000 MILES. THE TRANSMISSION DOES NOT SHIFT PROPERLY AND ACTUALLY HESITATES THEN JERKS. I AM AFRAID THIS WILL LEAD TO A BREAK DOWN AT SOME POINT. THE LEXUS DEALERSHIP CLAIMS THERE ARE NO UPDATES AVAILABLE AT THIS TIME. I FEEL THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL ON THIS…”
“I WAS DRIVING IN RESIDENTIAL DOING SPEED LIMIT 30. THE CAR STARTED TO EXHILARATE RIGHT BEFORE MY TURN ON THE MY STREET. THE BRAKES WOULDN'T WORK BECAUSE THE CAR JUST KEPT GOING FASTER THE STEARING WHEEL LOCKED UP. I COULDN'T STOP AND RAN START INTO A TREE AND SPUN OUT, RESULTING IN SERIOUS INJURIES…”
“VEHICLE ACCELERATED WITHOUT WARNING WHEN IT WAS PUT IN REVERSE, CAUSING IT TO HIT A PARKED CAR IN BACK OF IT. THE ACCELERATION WAS INSTANTANEOUS AND VERY FAST. AS A RESULT, THE DRIVER DID NOT HAVE TIME TO REACT BEFORE THE VEHICLE SLAMMED INTO THE PARKED CAR. *TT”
“I WAS REVERSING AND TRYING TO TURN WHEN MY CAR LEXUS ES 300 SUDDENLY PICKED UP HIGH SPEED ACCELERATION BY IT SELF AND WENT FORWARD AND HIT A FENCE IN FRONT. THE VEHICLE PICKED UP UNINTENTIONAL HIGH SPEED (FULL THROTTLE). IT WAS BEYOND MY CONTROL. MY BODY WENT FORWARD AND BACKWARD VIOLENTLY. FOR FEW…”
2003 Lexus ES — common questions
Is the 2003 Lexus ES reliable?
NHTSA data argues against it: 37 complaints put the 2003 model at #9 of 30 ES years. It is one of the ES years to avoid.
What are the most common 2003 ES problems?
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are speed control (6 complaints), transmission (5 complaints), brakes (4 complaints).
Does the 2003 Lexus ES have recalls?
No. NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 2003 Lexus ES.
Which Lexus ES years should you avoid?
Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the ES years to avoid are 2007, 2008, 2005, 2011, 2019, 2013, 2002, 2010, 2003, 2012. The cleanest record among ES years belongs to 2017.
Related
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.