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
- 12
- Recalls
- 1
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
Campaigns on file for 2003
None on file
Not enough data
Complaints per year
2003: 12 complaints
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 | 11 |
| 2018 | 3 |
| 2019 | 2 |
| 2020 | 6 |
| 2021 | 2 |
| 2022 | 4 |
| 2023 | 5 |
| 2024 | 1 |
| 2025 | 1 |
| 2026 | 2 |
Known problem areas
Only 12 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Air bags
4 of 12 total reports mention: air bags.
Show 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, 2016-02-12
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, 2014-03-04
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, 2006-11-09
Structure
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, 2020-12-31
Dash IS melting and coming off creating a shiny surface.
NHTSA ODI report, 2014-09-03
Engine
3 of 12 total reports mention: engine.
Show 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, 2024-07-23
Also filed under Service brakes and steering
Service brakes
2 of 12 total reports mention: service brakes.
Visibility/wiper
1 of 12 total reports mentions: visibility/wiper.
Safety timeline
1 recall · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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R
2009-05-11Exterior lighting09E012000 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…
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.
Buy-smart checklist
2003 Lexus IS — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Air bags: 4 reports on file for this year.
- Structure: 4 reports on file for this year.
- Engine: 3 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 09E012000 · Exterior lighting
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 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.