VehicleVerdict

2003 Lexus Rx300 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 2003 Lexus Rx300 sits mid-pack among Rx300 years: 33 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 106, with 3 recalls and no defect investigations.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across transmission (7), speed control (5), and electrical system (5), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

33

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

0

Investigations

5

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

4

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2003 compare to other Rx300 years?

Rx300 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2003 highlighted268 complaints1997: 0 complaints1998: 6 complaints1999: 268 complaints2000: 247 complaints2001: 189 complaints2002: 106 complaints2003: 33 complaints
Rx300 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2003 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Rx300 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2003 Lexus Rx300 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Transmission721%
Speed Control515%
Electrical System515%
Engine412%
Visibility & Wipers39%
Other39%
Airbags39%
Suspension13%
Brakes13%
Fuel System13%

Does the 2003 Lexus Rx300 have recalls?

3 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

08E020000Visibility & WipersMarch 6, 2008 · 931 units

Defect

POLYMER PROCESS DEVELOPMENT IS RECALLING 931 UNITS OF BACK GLASS, P/NO. FB20415ZPY, SOLD AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR USE ON 1999-2004 LEXUS RX300 VEHICLES. THE GLASS FAILS TO CONFORM TO THE AUTOMOTIVE GLAZING MATERIAL REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 205, GLAZING MATERIALS.

Consequence

THE PURPOSE OF THIS STANDARD IS TO REDUCE INJURIES RESULTING FROM IMPACT TO GLAZING SURFACES.

Remedy

POLYMER WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE AFFECTED GLASS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 18, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT POLYMER TOLL-FREE AT 800-510-9879.

06E049000LightingMay 24, 2006 · 27,176 units

Defect

CERTAIN CK MOTORSPORTS COMBINATION HEADLIGHTS, CLEAR CORNER, BUMPER, AND SIDE MARKER LIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.

Consequence

WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.

Remedy

CK MOTORSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE NONCOMPLIANT LAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 1, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CK MOTORSPORT AT 1-909-610-7211.

06E026000LightingMarch 23, 2006 · 61,944 units

Defect

CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.

Consequence

WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.

Remedy

PRO-A MOTORS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 3, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PRO-A MOTORS AT 323-838-2988.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“MY WIFE DROVE THE VEHICLE TO WORK. SHE PARKED, TURNED THE ENGINE OFF, AND REMOVED THE KEY WHILE THE SHIFTER WAS IN THE NEUTRAL POSITION. THINKING THAT IT WAS IN "PARK", SHE EXITED THE VEHICLE AND BEGAN TO WALK AWAY. THE VEHICLE ROLLED BACKWARD AND PINNED HER RIGHT LET IN BETWEEN ITS REAR BUMPER AND…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · February 6, 2009 · crash

“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 LEXUS RX300. WHILE DRIVING INTO A DRIVEWAY AT SPEEDS OF UNDER 8 MPH, SHE HEARD A LOUD REVVING NOISE AND THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED. THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE GARAGE DOOR AND PUSHED TWO OTHER VEHICLES IN THE DRIVEWAY THROUGH A CEMENT WALL AND THROUGH HER HOME. NEITHER THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · December 25, 2008 · crash

“CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO REMOVE KEY FROM THE IGNITION WITH VEHICLE NOT BEING IN THE PARK GEAR. AS A RESULT VEHICLE ROLLED AND CRASHED INTO A TREE.*AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · crash

“The contact owns a 2003 Lexus RX300. The contact stated that the HVAC system was inoperable. Additionally, the VSC and check engine warning lights were illuminated while starting the vehicle. The vehicle was diagnosed at an AutoZone with a catalytic converter failure. The vehicle was not repaired.…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · March 6, 2022

“THE TRANSMISSIONS IN LEXUS RX300 MODELS ARE UNSAFE. THE TRANSMISSION IN MY RX300 HAD TO BE REPLACED AT 70,000 MILES AND AGAIN AT 120,000 MILES. LEXUS IS NOT STANDING BEHIND THEIR PRODUCT. THERE HAVE BEEN NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE TRANSMISSION IN THE RX300 MODEL. LEXUS WILL NOT ACKNOWLEDGE THIS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · August 15, 2009

2003 Lexus Rx300 — common questions

Is the 2003 Lexus Rx300 reliable?

Its record is better than the model's norm: 33 NHTSA complaints, below the typical Rx300 year, with 3 recalls and no open investigations.

What are the most common 2003 Rx300 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are transmission (7 complaints), speed control (5 complaints), electrical system (5 complaints).

Does the 2003 Lexus Rx300 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 2003 Lexus Rx300. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Lexus Rx300 years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Rx300 years to avoid are 1999, 2000, 2001. The cleanest record among Rx300 years belongs to 1997.

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.