MYRModel Year Report

2003 Lexus ES300

■ Significantly worse — known issue year
2003 Lexus ES300
RENDERED 2026-11-01T13:31:43.455Z

This year had more than double the complaints of this model's typical year.

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.

How is this computed?

Complaints
116
Recalls
0

None on file

Investigations
4

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
Vehicle speed control

42% of complaints

Complaints per year

1992: 37 complaints 1992 1993: 43 complaints 1994: 39 complaints 1994 1995: 38 complaints 1996: 37 complaints 1996 1997: 45 complaints 1998: 52 complaints 1998 1999: 27 complaints 2000: 56 complaints 2000 2001: 29 complaints 2002: 153 complaints 2003: 116 complaints 2003 116 2005: 1 complaint 2006: 3 complaints 2013: 5 complaints 2013
1992: 37 complaints 1992 1993: 43 complaints 1993 1994: 39 complaints 1994 1995: 38 complaints 1995 1996: 37 complaints 1996 1997: 45 complaints 1997 1998: 52 complaints 1998 1999: 27 complaints 1999 2000: 56 complaints 2000 2001: 29 complaints 2001 2002: 153 complaints 2002 2003: 116 complaints 2003 116 2005: 1 complaint 2005 2006: 3 complaints 2006 2013: 5 complaints 2013
1992: 37 complaints 1992 1993: 43 complaints 1993 1994: 39 complaints 1994 1995: 38 complaints 1995 1996: 37 complaints 1996 1997: 45 complaints 1997 1998: 52 complaints 1998 1999: 27 complaints 1999 2000: 56 complaints 2000 2001: 29 complaints 2001 2002: 153 complaints 2002 2003: 116 complaints 2003 116 2005: 1 complaint 2005 2006: 3 complaints 2006 2013: 5 complaints 2013

2003: 116 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
199237
199343
199439
199538
199637
199745
199852
199927
200056
200129
2002153
2003116
20051
20063
20135

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Vehicle speed control

42% · 49 reports

Most commonly citing accelerator pedal.

CRASHINJURY
Show complaint excerpts

I was pulling out of the garage slowly to pause on the driveway to close the garage door and when I step on the gas in reverse the car flew out of the garage and I couldn't stop it with the brakes.

NHTSA ODI report, 2015-04-30

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 Lexus ES300. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, the brake pedal was applied and the vehicle increased acceleration unexpectedly.

NHTSA ODI report, 2014-06-12

On 9/4/2011 at approx. 1: 41 pm, I was pulling my 2003 Lexus ES300 (With my foot on the brake) into a shopping center parking space when it suddenly surged, then accelerated over the curb and onto a sidewalk where people were dining at tables.

NHTSA ODI report, 2012-03-13

Power train

23% · 27 reports

Most commonly citing automatic transmission and control module (tcm/pcm/tecm).

CRASHINJURY

Air bags

11% · 13 reports

Most commonly citing frontal and side/window.

CRASHINJURYDEATH

Engine and engine cooling

9% · 11 reports

Most commonly citing engine and gasoline.

CRASHFIRE

Electrical system

9% · 10 reports

Most commonly citing 12v/24v/48v battery and switch.

CRASHFIRE
Show complaint excerpts

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 Lexus ES300. While driving at an unknown speed, smoke was noticed coming from the engine compartment. The contact managed to pull the vehicle over as it was stalling.

NHTSA ODI report, 2018-04-16

Also filed under Engine

Safety timeline

No recalls on file for this model year.

0 recalls · 4 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. ▮
    2003Complaint volume 116 complaints filed for this model year.
  2. I
    2004-02-17Defect petitionClosed 2004-03-05 Throttle control system
  3. I
    2004-03-03Preliminary evaluationClosed 2004-07-22 Throttle control system
  4. I
    2005-08-05Defect petitionClosed 2006-01-05 Vehicle speed control
  5. I
    2009-04-08Defect petitionClosed 2009-10-29 Unwanted and unintended acceleration

Buy-smart checklist

2003 Lexus ES300 — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Vehicle speed control: 49 reports on file for this year.
  • Power train: 27 reports on file for this year.
  • Air bags: 13 reports on file for this year.
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Worst years2 years

FAQ

Is the 2003 Lexus ES300 reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2003 Lexus ES300 is rated "significantly worse".
What are the most common problems with the 2003 Lexus ES300?
The most-reported component is vehicle speed control, accounting for 42% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2003 Lexus ES300 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.