2003 Lexus Es300 problems
Verdict · NHTSA data
One of the years to avoid
With 147 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 2.9 times the median Es300 year — the 2003 model ranks #2 of 15 Es300 years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Reports tied to this model year include 2 deaths and 20 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.
Speed Control leads the complaint categories with 49 reports (33% of the total).
147
NHTSA complaints
0
Recalls
4
Investigations
52
Crash-involved
6
Fires reported
20
Injuries
2
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
How does 2003 compare to other Es300 years?
What are the most common 2003 Lexus Es300 problems?
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Speed Control | 49 | 33% | — flat |
| Transmission | 27 | 18% | ▼ down |
| Engine | 16 | 11% | ▲ up |
| Airbags | 13 | 9% | ▲ up |
| Electrical System | 12 | 8% | — flat |
| Brakes | 7 | 5% | ▼ down |
| Fuel System | 6 | 4% | — flat |
| Other | 5 | 3% | ▼ down |
| Body & Structure | 3 | 2% | ▲ up |
| Lighting | 2 | 1% | ▼ down |
| Steering | 2 | 1% | ▼ down |
| Tires & Wheels | 2 | 1% | ▼ down |
| Seats | 1 | 1% | — flat |
| Latches & Locks | 1 | 1% | — flat |
| Visibility & Wipers | 1 | 1% | ▼ down |
Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“CONSUMER COMPLAINED ABOUT UNEXPECTED ACCELERATION. CONSUMER TOOK VEHICLE TO THE DEALER. ALSO, THE LEXUS CORPORATION SENT A REPRESENTATIVE TO INSPECT THE VEHICLE, AND THEY CLAIMED THERE WAS NO PROBLEM. *AK CONSUMER WAS PULLING OUT FROM A PARKING SPACE WHEN VEHICLE ACCELERATED FORWARD AS SOON AS…”
“I WAS DRIVING SLOWLY, LESS THAN 10 MPH, APPROACHING A RED LIGHT BEHIND ANOTHER VEHICLE. SUDDENLY, MY CAR ACCELERATED FORWARD AND COULD NOT BE STOPPED BY BRAKING. I COLLIDED WITH THE REAR END OF THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME. THERE WERE NO INJURIES, BUT BOTH CARS HAD SIGNIFICANT DAMAGE. *CN”
“ON MARCH 26, 2010 MY HUSBAND AND I WERE STOPPED AT A TRAFFIC SIGNAL, (WITH MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE AS YOU WOULD EXPECT), WHEN THE CAR SUDDENLY ACCELERATED AT FULL THROTTLE. IN THE BRIEF BUT TERRIFYING MOMENTS THAT THE CAR WAS OUT OF CONTROL I UNFORTUNATELY COLLIDED WITH ANOTHER VEHICLE AS I THREW THE…”
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2003 LEXUS ES300. THE DRIVER WAS TRAVELING 45 MPH AND LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE DRIVER CRASHED INTO A ROW OF BUSHES AND THEN STRUCK A TREE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CAUSE OF THE CRASH WAS UNDETERMINED. THE DRIVER AND A PASSENGER WERE KILLED. A POLICE REPORT…”
“UPON STOPPING, AND WHEN CONSUMER REMOVED FOOT FROM THE GAS PEDAL VEHICLE SURGED FORWARD BEFORE THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. THIS OCCURRED NUMEROUS TIMES. ONCE, RESULTING IN CONSUMER'S VEHICLE CRASHING INTO A CONCRETE POLE WHILE PULLING INTO A PARKING LOT. ALSO, STARTING AT 5000 MILES BATTERY HAD…”
2003 Lexus Es300 — common questions
Is the 2003 Lexus Es300 reliable?
NHTSA data argues against it: 147 complaints put the 2003 model at #2 of 15 Es300 years. It is one of the Es300 years to avoid.
What are the most common 2003 Es300 problems?
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are speed control (49 complaints), transmission (27 complaints), engine (16 complaints).
Does the 2003 Lexus Es300 have recalls?
No. NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 2003 Lexus Es300.
Is the 2003 Lexus Es300 under NHTSA investigation?
NHTSA opened 4 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.
Which Lexus Es300 years should you avoid?
Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Es300 years to avoid are 2002, 2003, 2000. The cleanest record among Es300 years belongs to 2005.
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.