VehicleVerdict

2003 Lexus IS problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 18 complaints on file for the 2003 Lexus IS — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but one recall campaign applies to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work. Complainants reported 13 injuries in total across these filings.

18

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

9

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

13

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2003 compare to other IS years?

IS NHTSA complaints by model year, 2003 highlighted185 complaints1998: 0 complaints1999: 1 complaints2000: 0 complaints2001: 1 complaints2002: 17 complaints2003: 18 complaints2004: 12 complaints2005: 13 complaints2006: 185 complaints2007: 171 complaints2008: 143 complaints2009: 55 complaints2010: 51 complaints2011: 22 complaints2012: 26 complaints2013: 12 complaints2014: 15 complaints2015: 14 complaints2016: 2 complaints2017: 14 complaints2018: 3 complaints2019: 3 complaints2020: 7 complaints2021: 2 complaints2022: 6 complaints2023: 3 complaints2024: 1 complaints2025: 1 complaints
IS NHTSA complaints by model year, 2003 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all IS years to avoid →

What are the most common 2003 Lexus IS problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Body & Structure422%
Airbags422%
Engine317%
Brakes211%
Transmission16%
Visibility & Wipers16%
Electrical System16%
Other16%
Steering16%

Does the 2003 Lexus IS have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

09E012000LightingApril 7, 2009 · 16,270 units

Defect

SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.

Consequence

DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy

SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · January 16, 2016 · crash

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · March 2, 2011

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · February 11, 2003 · crash

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · February 11, 2003 · crash

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · February 11, 2003 · crash

2003 Lexus IS — common questions

Is the 2003 Lexus IS reliable?

The record is thin — 18 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.

What are the most common 2003 IS problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are body & structure (4 complaints), airbags (4 complaints), engine (3 complaints).

Does the 2003 Lexus IS have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2003 Lexus IS. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Lexus IS years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the IS years to avoid are 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010. The cleanest record among IS years belongs to 2000.

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.