2003 Lexus ES
Only 23 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
Only 23 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
- Complaints
- 23
- Recalls
- 0
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
None on file
None on file
Not enough data
Complaints per year
2003: 23 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1996 | 1 |
| 1997 | 2 |
| 1998 | 1 |
| 1999 | 8 |
| 2000 | 6 |
| 2001 | 2 |
| 2002 | 27 |
| 2003 | 23 |
| 2004 | 16 |
| 2005 | 60 |
| 2006 | 12 |
| 2007 | 125 |
| 2008 | 68 |
| 2009 | 28 |
| 2010 | 41 |
| 2011 | 46 |
| 2012 | 31 |
| 2013 | 34 |
| 2014 | 4 |
| 2015 | 5 |
| 2016 | 9 |
| 2017 | 3 |
| 2018 | 5 |
| 2019 | 34 |
| 2020 | 18 |
| 2021 | 28 |
| 2022 | 11 |
| 2023 | 10 |
| 2024 | 9 |
| 2025 | 5 |
Known problem areas
Only 23 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Vehicle speed control
6 of 23 total reports mention: vehicle speed control.
Show complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 2014-08-21
Also filed under Engine
Backing up into my driveway making turn to straighten car out and all of sudden the car just speed up in reverse. Causing crash into side of my house. After that I tried to back car into driveway but due to damage was unable to.
NHTSA ODI report, 2012-09-06
Power train
5 of 23 total reports mention: power train, most commonly citing automatic transmission and manual transmission.
Service brakes
4 of 23 total reports mention: service brakes.
Show complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 2019-09-20
Also filed under Steering and electrical system
Steering
3 of 23 total reports mention: steering.
Engine
3 of 23 total reports mention: engine.
Safety timeline
No recalls on file for this model year.
0 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
Buy-smart checklist
2003 Lexus ES — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Vehicle speed control: 6 reports on file for this year.
- Power train: 5 reports on file for this year.
- Service brakes: 4 reports on file for this year.
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 2003 Lexus ES reliable?
- There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
- What are the most common problems with the 2003 Lexus ES?
- The most-reported component is vehicle speed control, accounting for 26% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2003 Lexus ES have?
- No recalls are on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.