2003 Lexus RX300
Only 25 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 25 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
- Complaints
- 25
- Recalls
- 3
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
Campaigns on file for 2003
None on file
Not enough data
Complaints per year
2003: 25 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1997 | 0 |
| 1998 | 3 |
| 1999 | 221 |
| 2000 | 216 |
| 2001 | 169 |
| 2002 | 88 |
| 2003 | 25 |
Known problem areas
Only 25 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Power train
7 of 25 total reports mention: power train, most commonly citing automatic transmission and axle assembly.
Show complaint excerpts
The car was hit on the rear passanger side; the whole rear axle came off due to such accident and the air bags did not deploy. This is a big safety issue due to the fact that I have a 5 year old son.…
NHTSA ODI report, 2002-11-05
Also filed under Suspension
Vehicle speed control
5 of 25 total reports mention: vehicle speed control.
Show complaint excerpts
Had car in driveway unused for month or two. Car seemed to be idling at higher than usual speed after starting (@2300 RPM). Vehicle jerked a bit at each stop sign as if problem with transmission.
NHTSA ODI report, 2014-11-03
Air bags
3 of 25 total reports mention: air bags.
Show complaint excerpts
Airbag light stays on when car is running and when I had it checked out the mechanic said it could inflate at any time. Don't have the money in budget to have done right now.
NHTSA ODI report, 2017-11-04
Engine and engine cooling
3 of 25 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling, most commonly citing engine.
Electrical system
3 of 25 total reports mention: electrical system, most commonly citing switch.
Show complaint excerpts
Consumer was able to remove key from the ignition with vehicle not being in the park gear. As a result vehicle rolled and crashed into a tree.
NHTSA ODI report, 2004-01-08
I called my local Lexus three times prior to June, 2012 regarding lights suddenly illuminating on the dashboard. I had a recurring issue where the check engine and vsc warning lights would illuminate.
NHTSA ODI report, 2012-08-27
Also filed under Fuel/propulsion system
Safety timeline
3 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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2006-04-03Exterior lighting06E026000 Certain pro-a motors corner lamps, turn signals, and headlights sold as replacement lamps for use on certain passenger vehicles listed above. Some combination lamps that are not equipped with amber…
Remedy: Pro-a motors will notify owners and offer to repurchase the lamps. The recall began on April 3, 2006. Owners may contact pro-a motors at 323-838-2988.
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2006-07-01Exterior lighting06E049000 Certain ck motorsports combination headlights, clear corner, bumper, and side marker lights sold as replacement lamps for use on the passenger vehicles listed above. Some combination lamps that are…
Remedy: Ck motorsport will notify owners and replace the noncompliant lamps free of charge. The recall began on July 1, 2006. Owners may contact ck motorsport at 1-909-610-7211.
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2008-04-18Visibility08E020000 Polymer process development is recalling 931 units of back glass, p/no. Fb20415zpy, sold as replacement equipment for use on 1999-2004 Lexus RX300 vehicles. The glass fails to conform to the…
Remedy: Polymer will notify owners and replace the affected glass free of charge. The recall began on April 18, 2008. Owners may contact polymer toll-free at 800-510-9879.
Buy-smart checklist
2003 Lexus RX300 — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Power train: 7 reports on file for this year.
- Vehicle speed control: 5 reports on file for this year.
- Air bags: 3 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 06E026000 · Exterior lighting
- Recall 06E049000 · Exterior lighting
- Recall 08E020000 · Visibility
FAQ
- Is the 2003 Lexus RX300 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 RX300?
- The most-reported component is power train, accounting for 28% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2003 Lexus RX300 have?
- 3 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.