2003 Lexus IS 300
Only 21 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 21 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
- Complaints
- 21
- Recalls
- 0
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
None on file
None on file
Not enough data
Complaints per year
2003: 21 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2001 | 27 |
| 2002 | 28 |
| 2003 | 21 |
| 2004 | 19 |
| 2005 | 4 |
| 2006 | 1 |
| 2016 | 3 |
| 2017 | 2 |
| 2018 | 6 |
| 2019 | 7 |
| 2020 | 2 |
| 2021 | 1 |
| 2022 | 1 |
Known problem areas
Only 21 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Structure
9 of 21 total reports mention: structure, most commonly citing body and trunk lid.
Show complaint excerpts
I special ordered a 2003 Lexus IS 300 in 2002 in which waited 2 months for its arrival. There has been several recalls with components on my car but Lexus selected just a few to send letters to.
NHTSA ODI report, 2013-09-12
Also filed under Electrical system
Vehicle speed control
2 of 21 total reports mention: vehicle speed control.
Suspension
2 of 21 total reports mention: suspension.
Show complaint excerpts
In early December 2010 on my way to drop off an passenger at the ontario airport, ontario, ca my left front end felt like it fell in a pot hole.
NHTSA ODI report, 2013-03-06
Power train
2 of 21 total reports mention: power train, most commonly citing clutch assembly and automatic transmission.
Air bags
2 of 21 total reports mention: air bags, most commonly citing side/window.
Show complaint excerpts
While driving through an intersection the consumer's vehicle was broadsided. The side impact air bags did not deploy.
NHTSA ODI report, 2004-02-02
While driving at 60 MPH on the highway, the vehicle struck a boat that broke free from a towing vehicle and ended up in the middle of the lane. The seat belts were being used at the time of accident, but none of the six air bags deployed.
NHTSA ODI report, 2003-08-12
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 IS 300 — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Structure: 9 reports on file for this year.
- Vehicle speed control: 2 reports on file for this year.
- Suspension: 2 reports on file for this year.
FAQ
- Is the 2003 Lexus IS 300 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 IS 300?
- The most-reported component is structure, accounting for 43% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2003 Lexus IS 300 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.