2003 Lexus ES
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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These records cover every 2003 Lexus ES. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Owner complaints
23 complaints9 involved a crash5 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Electrical system › Instrument panel › Speedometer/odometer
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2003 Lexus ES 300. It was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the mileage was 136,406. At the time of registration, it was discovered that the mileage was 235,000.
- Engine
Unknown
- Service brakes · Steering · Unknown or other
I was coming up my street like I do every day and all of a sudden it started accelerating and I was stuck staring wheel locked up and I hit a tree and got severely injured the car IS totaled
- Electrical system · Service brakes · Steering
I was driving in residential doing speed limit 30. The car started to exhilarate right before my turn on the my street. The brakes wouldn't work because the car just kept going faster the stearing wheel locked up. I couldn't stop and ran start into a tree and spun out, resulting in serious injuries *tt *as
- Air bags · Power train
1) passenger driver side dash air bag looks as if it IS ready to burst. 2) transmission often has slight slip while driving. I notice at certain gear change while driving automatic vehicle.
- Service brakes · Suspension · Unknown or other
No description
- Service brakes · Vehicle speed control
Driving out of my garage usually slowly and when I put my foot on the gas while in reverse to pull out the car just flew out into the street. the immediately tried to brake and couldn't work. when I hit a truck in the street behind me the car finally stopped. I had no control. this never…
Driving out of my garage usually slowly and when I put my foot on the gas while in reverse to pull out the car just flew out into the street. the immediately tried to brake and couldn't work. when I hit a truck in the street behind me the car finally stopped. I had no control. this never happened before, a first time and a very frightening experience. the car IS at the lexus authorized body shop waiting for the lexus inspector to go over the car. I would be afraid to drive this car in the future thinking this could happen again anytime. I'm the original owner and felt this IS the best car I ever owned until now. *tr
- Engine · Structure › Body · Vehicle speed control
I was reversing and trying to turn when my car lexus ES 300 suddenly picked up high speed acceleration by it self and went forward and hit a fence in front. The vehicle picked up unintentional high speed (full throttle). It was beyond my control. my body went forward and backward violently. for few days I have experienced muscle stiffness, pain and poor night sleep. *tr
- Seat belts
Driver's seat belt will not snap into buckle. if I depress the release and push the metal part in at the same time it will catch and hold. but it will not go in normally. *js
- Electrical system · Latches/locks/linkages
Drivers door will not unlock. Can't open drivers door. Had to climb over to passenger side to get out. No manual over ride to open door. I'm 82 years old and could not fine a way to open my door with the door switch or the remote control. This IS a real safety concern . *tr
- Vehicle speed control
Backing up into my driveway making turn to straighten car out and all of sudden the car just speed up in reverse. Causing crash into side of my house. After that I tried to back car into driveway but due to damage was unable to. I pulled car over to street parking. When I pulled car onto street…
Backing up into my driveway making turn to straighten car out and all of sudden the car just speed up in reverse. Causing crash into side of my house. After that I tried to back car into driveway but due to damage was unable to. I pulled car over to street parking. When I pulled car onto street there were no problems. Right after incident I checked to see if gas pedal was stuck I dont believe it was. I was startled and in shock. Reported incident to my insurance company. *tr
- Engine · Fuel/propulsion system · Power train
1. the vehicle hesitates with initial acceleration (slow or quick acceleration). 2. the automatic transmission also hesitates. I suspect that ounce the acceleration problem IS fixed that the transmission problem would be fixed. 3. I have gone to the lexus dealer to update the…
1. the vehicle hesitates with initial acceleration (slow or quick acceleration). 2. the automatic transmission also hesitates. I suspect that ounce the acceleration problem IS fixed that the transmission problem would be fixed. 3. I have gone to the lexus dealer to update the computer with a new chip to help resolve the problems with no success. 4. I have discovered on the internet that hundreds of lexus owners have the same complaint. In some cases the dealers have the audacity to suggest thats the way the car was designed! Why isn't lexus listening to all the complaints? thanks *tr
- Unknown or other
Vehicle accelerated without warning when it was put in reverse, causing it to hit a parked car in back of it. the acceleration was instantaneous and very fast. As a result, the driver did not have time to react before the vehicle slammed into the parked car. *tt
- Fuel system, gasoline
Fuel line ruptured (part number 23801-20150 pipe sub assembly). Fuel was splashing all over the engine compartment and fumes were pouring into the passenger cabin causing nausea. I was able to pull into a work shop where the problem was diagnosed and we could see fuel splashing when the engine was…
Fuel line ruptured (part number 23801-20150 pipe sub assembly). Fuel was splashing all over the engine compartment and fumes were pouring into the passenger cabin causing nausea. I was able to pull into a work shop where the problem was diagnosed and we could see fuel splashing when the engine was on. I contacted the lexus dealer who doesn't keep the part in stock and wouldn't comment on the problem nor provide any assistance to diagnose or advise cause of the problem. *tr
- Vehicle speed control
TL* the contact owned a 2003 lexus ES. While driving at speeds of 45 mph in the rain, the vehicle abnormally accelerated. The contact was unable to maintain control of the steering wheel and proceeded to crash into the median. The vehicle surged forward and proceeded to crash into the driver's side…
TL* the contact owned a 2003 lexus ES. While driving at speeds of 45 mph in the rain, the vehicle abnormally accelerated. The contact was unable to maintain control of the steering wheel and proceeded to crash into the median. The vehicle surged forward and proceeded to crash into the driver's side door of another vehicle. The vehicle was destroyed. The contact suffered major injuries as a result of the crash. A police report was filed. The manufacturer was not contacted. The approximate failure mileage was 32,000.
- Air bags
Tl*the contact owns a 2003 lexus es300. the contact's wife was involved in a two vehicle crash. while driving 10 mph, another vehicle struck the contact's vehicle on the passenger side. a police report was filed. the other vehicle was traveling approximately 25 mph. the contact's vehicle was destroyed and none of the air bags deployed. the failure and current mileages were 20,000. updated 11/14/07.
- Power train › Manual transmission
The car changes gear when braking to a stop or coasting. when I apply the accelerator the car may hesitate and the snap into gear and lunge forward or it may quickly go between two gears until it finally jerks into gear and lunges forward. I took this certified car to the dealer under warranty and…
The car changes gear when braking to a stop or coasting. when I apply the accelerator the car may hesitate and the snap into gear and lunge forward or it may quickly go between two gears until it finally jerks into gear and lunges forward. I took this certified car to the dealer under warranty and they claimed to have updated the computer program but it IS exactly the same as before. the car has now started to hesitate while driving on the interstate as if was changing gears but doesn't need too. T he car IS under warranty but I am discouraged by my first service experience. *jb
- Steering
Clicking noise when turning steering wheel; took the car to wilkie lexus dealership in ardmore, pa. They told me that the car needs new steering shaft. Car has 52000 miles and a part like this failing this early IS not explained. *jb
- Vehicle speed control
Tl*the contact owns a 2003 lexus 300 ES. the contact stated that the vehicle automatically accelerated while attempting to pull into a parking space. the contact depressed the brake pedal, but the vehicle continued to accelerate. the vehicle stopped only after it jumped a curb. the vehicle was…
Tl*the contact owns a 2003 lexus 300 ES. the contact stated that the vehicle automatically accelerated while attempting to pull into a parking space. the contact depressed the brake pedal, but the vehicle continued to accelerate. the vehicle stopped only after it jumped a curb. the vehicle was towed to a dealer, but no failure was found. the contact has the repair invoice and pictures. the current and failure mileage were 50,313.*ak
- Air bags › Frontal · Seat belts › Front › Anchorage
A disabled vehicle in front of mine was hovering over narrow express lane shoulder and right lane. I slowed and put my signal on preparing to merge into the left lane, but the vehicle behind me did not react similarly and consequently rear-ended me at full speed (+). the force of this impact…
A disabled vehicle in front of mine was hovering over narrow express lane shoulder and right lane. I slowed and put my signal on preparing to merge into the left lane, but the vehicle behind me did not react similarly and consequently rear-ended me at full speed (+). the force of this impact pushed my car into the disabled car in front of me. no airbags deployed on either impact, and the seat belt failed to protect me from a serious spinal fracture. *jb
- Power train › Automatic transmission
I own a lexus 2003 ES. The transmission IS performing unsafely! 1. At stop lights, while holding the car stopped with the brake, the trans wants to go and the car lunges forward. 2. At low speeds (20 -30 mph) the car doesn't know what gear to be in. the trans will jump down causing the rpms to…
I own a lexus 2003 ES. The transmission IS performing unsafely! 1. At stop lights, while holding the car stopped with the brake, the trans wants to go and the car lunges forward. 2. At low speeds (20 -30 mph) the car doesn't know what gear to be in. the trans will jump down causing the rpms to suddenly increase then slam into the next gear lunging the car forward. 3. My biggest concern driving downhill at highway speeds, when the brake IS applied, the trans jumps out of overdrive into 4TH gear lunging the car forward! I am afraid of what may happen when the road IS wet! *nm
- Vehicle speed control
Dt*: the contact stated while turning from a side street onto a main road and applying the brake, the vehicle engine revved. then, while pulling into a parking space at 3 mph and applying the brake, the vehicle lunged forward and over a small embankment. the engine continued to rev for a short time. the vehicle was not inspected by a dealer.
- Power train › Automatic transmission
I have a 2003 lexus es300 with 41000 miles. the transmission does not shift properly and actually hesitates then jerks. I am afraid this will lead to a break down at some point. the lexus dealership claims there are no updates available at this time. I feel there should be a recall on this transmission. *jb
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 11003648The condition known as acid rain is caused by airborne chemicals or particles in the atmosphere, which mix with rainwater, nighttime dew, or high humidity to form acidic compounds. If these contaminants settle and remain on a painted vehicle surface, especially the horizonal areas of the hood, roof, and decklid, significant damage can occur. This damage is the result of actual etching of the paint and appears as pitting or water spots. As acid rain droplets on the vehicle surface evaporate, the concentration strength of the acid increases, causing deeper and more rapid damage. This evaporation and corrosive action also occur more rapidly on dark colored cars as direct sun heat increases. While Lexus paint quality, durability, and resistance to environmental factors is continuously being improved, it remains the responsibility of the dealer to protect and maintain the vehicles paint finish from the time of arrival at the dealership until retail delivery to the customer. In areas known for high frequency and/or concentration of acid rain, frequent vehicle washing during high heat or humidity periods will minimize the potential for paint damage caused by acid rain. It is further recommended that either reverse osmosis or deionized water be used to prevent water spotting. SUPERSESSION NOTICE The information contained in this bulletin supersedes Service Bulletin No. BO029-91. The entire bulletin has been updated. Service Bulletin No. BO029-91 is obsolete
- 11003643Acid rain results from rainwater or other airborne moisture that become acidic due to industrial chemical impurities in the atmosphere. If these acidic compounds settle on an exposed vehicle, especially the horizontal areas such as the hood, roof, and decklid, significant damage to the painted surfaces can occur. Acid rain damage can typically be identified on vehicles by the presence of stains on the paint surface that resemble hard water spots. Unlike water spots however, acid rain damage cannot be removed by regular washing procedures. Also, because acid rain can etch and soften the paint, normal buffing or polishing repair procedures should not be attempted. This can cause further damage and result in visible depressions in the paint surface. The following are the three major categories of acid rain damage: Minor damage: requires only buffing to repair. Moderate damage: usually requires neutralizing, color sanding, and buffing. Severe damage: extending beyond 1/2 mil of clearcoat on a pearl, metallic, or solid color, requires neutralization, sanding, and repainting. In cases where acid rain damage is minor, neutralization and buffing with a liquid-type paint finessing product may provide an adequate repair. Only specially formulated products outlined in this bulletin should be used for that purpose. Unfortunately, other than minor damage, there is no simple method of determining the actual extent (depth) of acid penetration other than color sanding a representative affected area until there is no visible etching or depressions, followed by measuring the amount of paint removed with either a magnetic or digital-type film thickness gauge. The procedures in this bulletin are intended for use by qualified body/paint technicians and should not be attempted by inexperienced personnel. While the quality and durability of paint on Lexus vehicles is continuously being improved, it remains the dealers responsibility to protect and maintain the quality of the vehicles paint finish after receipt at the dealership prior to the first sale. Perform frequent vehicle washing, as often as daily, during high heat and humidity periods to minimize the potential for paint damage due to acid rain exposure. This is especially important in geographical areas known for high frequency and concentration of acid rain and industrial fallout.
- 11003593The condition known as acid rain is caused by airborne chemicals or particles in the atmosphere, which mix with rainwater, nighttime dew, or high humidity to form acidic compounds. If these contaminants settle and remain on a painted vehicle surface, especially the horizonal areas of the hood, roof, and decklid, significant damage can occur. This damage is the result of actual etching of the paint and appears as pitting or water spots. As acid rain droplets on the vehicle surface evaporate, the concentration strength of the acid increases, causing deeper and more rapid damage. This evaporation and corrosive action also occur more rapidly on dark colored cars as direct sun heat increases. While Lexus paint quality, durability, and resistance to environmental factors is continuously being improved, it remains the responsibility of the dealer to protect and maintain the vehicles paint finish from the time of arrival at the dealership until retail delivery to the customer. In areas known for high frequency and/or concentration of acid rain, frequent vehicle washing during high heat or humidity periods will minimize the potential for paint damage caused by acid rain. It is further recommended that either reverse osmosis or deionized water be used to prevent water spotting. SUPERSESSION NOTICE The information contained in this bulletin supersedes Service Bulletin No. BO029-91. The entire bulletin has been updated. Service Bulletin No. BO029-91 is obsolete
- 11003588Acid rain results from rainwater or other airborne moisture that become acidic due to industrial chemical impurities in the atmosphere. If these acidic compounds settle on an exposed vehicle, especially the horizontal areas such as the hood, roof, and decklid, significant damage to the painted surfaces can occur. Acid rain damage can typically be identified on vehicles by the presence of stains on the paint surface that resemble hard water spots. Unlike water spots however, acid rain damage cannot be removed by regular washing procedures. Also, because acid rain can etch and soften the paint, normal buffing or polishing repair procedures should not be attempted. This can cause further damage and result in visible depressions in the paint surface. The following are the three major categories of acid rain damage: Minor damage: requires only buffing to repair. Moderate damage: usually requires neutralizing, color sanding, and buffing. Severe damage: extending beyond 1/2 mil of clearcoat on a pearl, metallic, or solid color, requires neutralization, sanding, and repainting. In cases where acid rain damage is minor, neutralization and buffing with a liquid-type paint finessing product may provide an adequate repair. Only specially formulated products outlined in this bulletin should be used for that purpose. Unfortunately, other than minor damage, there is no simple method of determining the actual extent (depth) of acid penetration other than color sanding a representative affected area until there is no visible etching or depressions, followed by measuring the amount of paint removed with either a magnetic or digital-type film thickness gauge. The procedures in this bulletin are intended for use by qualified body/paint technicians and should not be attempted by inexperienced personnel. While the quality and durability of paint on Lexus vehicles is continuously being improved, it remains the dealers responsibility to protect and maintain the quality of the vehicles paint finish after receipt at the dealership prior to the first sale. Perform frequent vehicle washing, as often as daily, during high heat and humidity periods to minimize the potential for paint damage due to acid rain exposure. This is especially important in geographical areas known for high frequency and concentration of acid rain and industrial fallout.
- 10214355Lexus Safety Recall and Service Campaign - Technician Certification Requirements 4.13.2022
- 10207945POL: This consolidated Tire Warranty Guide contains the complete warranty terms for all brands of ground and spare tires currently in use by Lexus. This information must be kept near the point of vehicle sale and be available to any customer that requests it. Customers can find this information on the Owner?s section of Lexus.com. Dealers can locate a copy of this guide on the Claims Processing & Resource Center in Dealer Daily as well.
- 10205383Spots in Window Glass - vehicle exterior
- 10205352Windshield Wiper Blade Maintenance and cleaning
- 10205346Auto matic Transmission Replacement kPrecautions
- 10205331Immobilizer and Smart Key Reset
- 10205329Immobilizer and Smart Key Reset.
- 10205327Techstream ECU Flash Reprogramming Procedure.
- 10179697TSB: Vehicles may display evidence of a fluid leak or fluid seep from powertrain components. This bulletin explains how to determine the differences between a fluid leak versus a fluid seep. Cases that are determined to be a ?leak? should be repaired accordingly and will be covered under warranty if applicable. Cases that are determined to be a ?seep? should be documented on the repair order and inspected at the next service interval. Follow the Repair Information in this bulletin to determine if the concern in question is a fluid leak or fluid seep and review the Repair Procedure section to address this condition.
- 10179601TSB: Vehicles may display evidence of a fluid leak or fluid seep from powertrain components. This bulletin explains how to determine the differences between a fluid leak versus a fluid seep. Cases that are determined to be a ?leak? should be repaired accordingly and will be covered under warranty if applicable. Cases that are determined to be a ?seep? should be documented on the repair order and inspected at the next service interval. Follow the Repair Information in this bulletin to determine if the concern in question is a fluid leak or fluid seep and review the Repair Procedure section to address this condition.
- 10177780TSB: SUPERSESSION NOTICE The information contained in this bulletin supersedes Service Bulletin Nos. ST004-01, SU001-08, and L-SB-0174-08. The aforementioned bulletins are obsolete, and any printed versions should be discarded. Be sure to review the entire content of this service bulletin before proceeding. This Service Bulletin provides best practice procedures for vehicle pulling complaint, diagnosis, and repair for 2002 ? 2021 model year Lexus vehicles. This information supplements Repair Manual procedures when the symptoms are: ?Vehicle Pulling: The vehicle moves to the right or left when the driver holds the steering wheel while driving straight ahead without exerting steering effort. ?Steering Wheel Off Center: The vehicle travels straight, but the steering wheel is not pointed straight ahead. The vehicle is not pulling. Before repairing a vehicle pulling to one side, it is necessary to clearly identify the cause of the pulling condition. Frequently, pulling to one side is diagnosed as a wheel alignment concern. However, the actual cause may be related to the lateral force generated by the tires, vehicle damage, road crown or worn components. Performing a wheel alignment when tire force is the cause could result in the wheel alignment being set at a value outside of specifications. This could then cause other problems such as uneven tire wear, etc. A customer may notice a pull to the left when in the left lanes of travel and notice a pull to the right or no pull when traveling in the right lanes of travel on the very same section of roadway. This road crown effect is environmental and cannot be corrected with suspension adjustments or any other wheel or tire modification discussed in this bulletin.
- 10176283Safety Recall and Service Campaign - Technician Certification Requirements
- 10174889TSB: OBSOLETE NOTICE April 06, 2020: This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see L-SB-0008-20. Replacement Certification Labels and VIN Plates
- 10174888TSB: SUPERSESSION NOTICE The information contained in this bulletin supersedes Service Bulletin Nos. L-SB-0048-08, PG007-07, PG016-01, PG015-01, PG004-97, PG003-97, PG003-93, PG002-90, L-SB-0048-08, PG007-07, PG016-01, PG015-01, PG004-97, PG003-97, PG003 93, and PG002-90. The aforementioned bulletins are obsolete, and any printed versions should be discarded. Replacement certification labels (the vinyl label installed on the driver door or door post) and VIN plates (the metal plate riveted to dashboard) (see Figure 1) for most 1990 ? 2020 model year vehicles may be available provided the requests meet the criteria listed in this Service Bulletin.
- 10164328TSB: REVISION NOTICE July 01, 2019 Rev1: G1668 Applicability has been updated to include 2019 ? 2020 model year Lexus vehicles. G2158 The Techstream Preparation and Process Overview sections have been updated. Any previous printed versions of this bulletin should be discarded. SUPERSESSION NOTICE The information contained in this bulletin supersedes Service Bulletin No. L-SB-0021-14. G1765 Applicability has been updated to include applicable 2018 models and 2016 ? 2018 model year RC 300 and 2015 ? 2018 model year RC 350 vehicles. ? Applicability has been updated to exclude 2001 ? 2003 model year ES 300 vehicles. Service Bulletin No. L-SB-0021-14 is obsolete and any printed versions should be discarded. Be sure to review the entire content of this bulletin before proceeding. Flash reprogramming allows the Electronic Control Unit (ECU) software to be updated without replacing the ECU. Flash calibration updates for specific vehicle models/ECUs are released as field-fix procedures described in individual Service Bulletins. This bulletin details the Techstream ECU flash reprogramming process and outlines the use of the Technical Information System (TIS) and the Calibration Update Wizard (CUW). Flash calibration updates can only be applied to the vehicle/ECU combination for which they are intended. ECUs have internal security that will not allow them to be programmed with another ECU?s information. NOTE ECU is a Lexus term used to describe integrated computerized devices responsible for managing the operation of a system or subsystem. For the purposes of this bulletin, the term ECU is used as a generic label for the following SAE J1930 standard references: ? Powertrain Control Module (PCM) ? Engine Control Module (ECM) ? Transmission Control Module (TCM) ? Any other Lexus-specific control unit
- 10133657TSB: SUPERSESSION NOTICE The information contained in this bulletin supersedes SB Nos. L-SB-0048-08, PG007-07, PG016-01, PG015-01, PG004-97, PG003-97, PG003-93, and PG002-90. Service Bulletin Nos. L-SB-0048-08, PG007-07, PG016-01, PG015-01, PG004-97, PG003-97, PG003-93, and PG002-90 are obsolete and any printed versions should be discarded. Be sure to review the entire content of this bulletin before proceeding. Vehicle replacement certification labels (vinyl label installed on driver door or door post) and VIN lates (metal plate riveted to dashboard) may be available from Lexus, provided the request meets one of the criteria listed in this Service Bulletin.
- 10133651TSB: REVISION NOTICE November 22, 2017 Rev1: ? Applicability has been updated to include 2014 ? 2018 model year vehicles. Any previous printed versions of this bulletin should be discarded. In the event that a Lexus vehicle becomes submerged in water, many components may be physically damaged. Electrical and electronic components, including wiring harnesses, are particularly susceptible to corrosion and subsequent malfunction. Although any flooding can be damaging, salt water flooding elevates the potential for abnormal conditions and may increase risks due to its highly corrosive and conductive nature. Salt residue also continues to corrode and remain conductive even after a vehicle dries. This bulletin is intended to assist with safe handling and inspection of flood damaged vehicles and to provide basic guidance on likely needed repairs.
- 10132625TSB: Revision Notice: Applicability section has been updated to include 2016-2017 applicable model year Lexus vehicles. The Repair Procedure section, Required Tools & Equipment section, and the Repair Procedure section has been updated. Flash reprogramming allows the ECU software to be updated without replacing the ECU. Flash calibration updates for specific vehicle models/ECUs are released as field-fix procedures described in individual Service Bulletins. This bulletin details the Techstream ECU flash reprogramming process and outlines use of the Technical Information System (TIS) and the Calibration Update Wizard (CUW). Flash calibration updates can only be applied to the vehicle/ECU combination for which they are intended. ECUs have internal security that will not allow them to be programmed with another ECU?s information.
- 10132074Beginning in 1998, Lexus introduced side airbags as optional equipment. Lexus does NOT recommend replacement of original seat covers with non-Lexus leather or other seat cover materials on vehicles due to the following: Seat covers NOT recommended by Lexus may affect side airbag performance, in general or in part, during an accident. Modifications that negatively affect side airbag performance can result in severe occupant injuries. Seat covers are an integral part of this safety system. Replacing fabric seat covers with non-Lexus leather or other seat cover materials may compromise the effectiveness of this safety system. The design of the seat is complex, integrating safety and strength with comfort and luxury. Lexus strongly discourages modifying original equipment seats that have optional side airbags. Additionally, Lexus strongly advises against the installation or use of aftermarket seat covers, which could impair the performance of the side airbags in the event of an accident.
- 10129210TSB: OBSOLETE NOTICE January 22, 2018: This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see L-SB-0001-18.
Every Lexus ES model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.