2003 Lexus IS
Only 12 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 12 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1998 | 0 |
| 1999 | 1 |
| 2000 | 0 |
| 2001 | 1 |
| 2002 | 12 |
| 2003 | 12 |
| 2004 | 10 |
| 2005 | 12 |
| 2006 | 143 |
| 2007 | 122 |
| 2008 | 102 |
| 2009 | 40 |
| 2010 | 40 |
| 2011 | 15 |
| 2012 | 18 |
| 2013 | 9 |
| 2014 | 12 |
| 2015 | 9 |
| 2016 | 2 |
| 2017 | 10 |
| 2018 | 3 |
| 2019 | 2 |
| 2020 | 6 |
| 2021 | 2 |
| 2022 | 4 |
| 2023 | 5 |
| 2024 | 1 |
| 2025 | 1 |
| 2026 | 1 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 12 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
4 of 12 total reports mention: air bags.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2003 LEXUS IS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 35 MPH, ANOTHER VEHICLE CRASH INTO THE CONTACTS VEHICLE HEAD ON AND THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY.
NHTSA ODI report, 20160212
VEHICLE FISHTAILED AT ABOUT 40 MPH DUE TO RWD AND ABOUT AN INCH OR TWO INCHES OF SNOW ON THE GROUND. VEHICLE WAS UNCONTROLLABLE AND THE BRAKE WAS NOT APPLIED.
NHTSA ODI report, 20140304
ON THE NIGHT OF OCTOBER 27TH, I WAS DRIVING HOME WITH MY BOYFRIEND FROM A FRIEND'S HOUSE. I WAS IN MY 3-DAY OLD CERTIFIED PRE-OWNED LEXUS IS300. IT WAS A 2003 WITH 20,000 MILES ON IT, IN SPECTACULAR MINT CONDITION.
NHTSA ODI report, 20061109
4 of 12 total reports mention: structure, most commonly citing body.
Show complaint excerpts
THE DASHBOARD AND CENTER CONSOLE IS MELTING, LEAVING A STICKY & SHINY SURFACE MAKING IT HAZARDOUS TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE. A WARRANTY CAMPAIGN WAS ISSUED FOR SEVERAL OTHER LEXUS MODELS TO ADDRESS THIS VERY ISSUE, HOWEVER, THE 2003 IS300 WAS EXCLUDED.
NHTSA ODI report, 20201231
DASH IS MELTING AND COMING OFF CREATING A SHINY SURFACE. *TR
NHTSA ODI report, 20140903
3 of 12 total reports mention: engine.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
Brand new owner - first owner; Car accelerated numerous times during ownership that caused harm to both my young son and I life. This IS250 Lexus was dangerous, unreliable, caused mental and emotional issues.
NHTSA ODI report, 20240723
Also filed under SERVICE BRAKES and STEERING
2 of 12 total reports mention: service brakes.
CRASH INJURY1 of 12 total reports mentions: visibility/wiper.
SAFETY TIMELINE
SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONF
Remedy: SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.
Campaign 09E012000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2003 Lexus IS — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (4 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for structure issues (4 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine issues (3 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 09E012000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 2003 Lexus IS 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?
The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 33% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2003 Lexus IS have?
1 recall on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.