MYRModel Year Report

2003 Lexus ES300

■ Significantly worse — known issue year
2003 Lexus ES300
RENDERED 2026-08-02T10:42:16.126Z

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 PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Lexus ES300 Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 2003 highlighted. 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 2002 2003: 116 complaints 2003 2005: 1 complaints 2005 2006: 3 complaints 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

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL 37%

37% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 43 distinct reports on file.

CRASH INJURY
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, 20150430

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, 20140612

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, 20120313

POWER TRAIN 16%

16% of complaints: power train — 19 distinct reports on file.

CRASH INJURY
AIR BAGS 8%

8% of complaints: air bags — 9 distinct reports on file.

CRASH INJURY DEATH
POWER TRAIN 6%

6% of complaints: power train — 7 distinct reports on file.

CRASH
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL 5%

5% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 6 distinct reports on file.

CRASH

SAFETY TIMELINE

No recalls on file for this model year.

▮ 2003 — complaint volume: 116
I 20040217 — DP (closed 20040305)

THROTTLE CONTROL SYSTEM

I 20040303 — PE (closed 20040722)

THROTTLE CONTROL SYSTEM

I 20050805 — DP (closed 20060105)

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

I 20090408 — DP (closed 20091029)

UNWANTED AND UNINTENDED ACCELERATION

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

2003 Lexus ES300 — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for vehicle speed control issues (43 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for power train issues (19 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for air bags issues (9 reports on file for this year).
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

● 1992 ● 1996 ● 1995

WORST YEARS

■ 2002 ◆ 2000 ● 1998

See all years ranked →

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 37% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2003 Lexus ES300 have?

No recalls are on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.