2003 Lexus GS300

Owner complaints

What owners report most

1. Vehicle speed control4
2. Tires3
3. Power train2
4. Latches/locks/linkages1
5. Air bags1
6. Service brakes, electric1
7. Structure1
8. Service brakes1
9. Electrical system1
10. Engine1

Latest complaints

• Jul 8, 2019NC214,000 mi
  Engine · Power train · Service brakes
  TL* the contact owns a 2003 lexus gs300. When the vehicle was started, the engine made an unusual revving noise. In addition, three unknown warning indicators illuminated and did not turn off. Also, when applying pressure to the brake pedal, the pedal stiffened, which made it difficult to make a…

  TL* the contact owns a 2003 lexus gs300. When the vehicle was started, the engine made an unusual revving noise. In addition, three unknown warning indicators illuminated and did not turn off. Also, when applying pressure to the brake pedal, the pedal stiffened, which made it difficult to make a complete stop. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer and manufacturer were not notified of the failures. The failure mileage was 214,000.

• Dec 2, 2015CA80,000 mi
  Structure › Body › Hood

  TL* the contact owns a 2003 lexus gs300. While the hood was open, it suddenly fell down on its own. The failure occurred without warning. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the issue. The failure mileage was 80,000.

• Dec 3, 2014FL
  Air bags

  Letter from senator nelson on behalf of constituent re 2003 gs300 lexus airbag. *smd the consumer wanted to know if the air bags were safe. *Jb

• Jul 17, 2013CA89,000 miCrashFire
  Electrical system · Vehicle speed control
  TL* the contact owns a 2003 lexus gs300. The contact stated that he depressed the brake pedal and the vehicle accelerated, causing him to crash into another vehicle. There were no injuries. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for inspection but they could not diagnose the cause of the failure. The…

  TL* the contact owns a 2003 lexus gs300. The contact stated that he depressed the brake pedal and the vehicle accelerated, causing him to crash into another vehicle. There were no injuries. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for inspection but they could not diagnose the cause of the failure. The contact also stated that as a mechanic test drove the vehicle, the engine caught on fire due to a short in the electrical wires. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 89,000.

• Apr 28, 2010DC58,000 mi
  Latches/locks/linkages

  Door lock actuator failure making the door not lock and/or not open. *Tr

• Feb 25, 2010FL28,000 miCrash1 injury
  Vehicle speed control
  TL* the contact owns a 2003 lexus gs300. While driving his vehicle approximately 5 mph into a parking space with his foot on the brake pedal it suddenly accelerated, crashed into a parking sign and a fire hydrant. The vehicle came to a stop when it crashed into a tree. He sustained an injury to his…

  TL* the contact owns a 2003 lexus gs300. While driving his vehicle approximately 5 mph into a parking space with his foot on the brake pedal it suddenly accelerated, crashed into a parking sign and a fire hydrant. The vehicle came to a stop when it crashed into a tree. He sustained an injury to his right shoulder and knee. the boynton beach sheriff report 09802709 was filed. The vehicle was repaired. The failure mileage was 28,000. The current mileage was 29,000. updated 3/30/10 *cn updated 05/10/10*jb

• Feb 4, 2010AZ80,000 mi
  Service brakes, electric · Vehicle speed control

  While stopping the vehicle sometimes the brake distance IS extended as the car IS slow to stop. On a regular bases the vehicle brake pedal sticks to the floor while stopped at a light, I then have to pull the pedal up with my left foot to begin acceleration. When approaching slower traffic as the traffic resumes at regular speeds the brake pedal sticks and continues stopping the car. *Tr

• Mar 19, 2009FL70,000 mi
  Tires

  Dot PJ8N grand spirit touring hr 225x55x16 tires [4] failed on the inside wall two inches from the rim. Lucky to be alive. Problem from injection molding of tire at factory. Have pictures to show if needed. No recall yet! two thousand miles on tires. Brand new condition. inside walls crumbled, and lost air presser. No warranty implied. had to buy 4 new tires. Very upset! *Tr

• Oct 12, 2004AL4,000 mi
  Power train

  When the consumer attempted to accelerated, the vehicle would hesitate. Please provide additional details. *Jb

• Sep 24, 2004VA13,270 mi
  Tires

  Passenger side back tire blew up on PA81 at speed of 60 mph.*ak

• Aug 17, 2004VA13,000 mi
  Tires

  While driving 65 mph, the rear passenger side tire blew out. no impact reported. *Ak the tire blewout on the highway. *tc *jb

• Mar 10, 2004CA
  Vehicle speed control

  Unexpected acceleration. on several occasions, primarily while stopped at a traffic signal, my vehicle would lunge forward. I took it to the dealer and was told they had no record of a problem of this nature for this vehicle. they could not find anything wrong. I saw a article on the internet that the nhtsa was investigating similar problems with other toyota products. *ak

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.

• 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
• 10205330Immobilizer and Smart Key Reset
• 10205329Immobilizer and Smart Key Reset.
• 10205327Techstream ECU Flash Reprogramming Procedure.
• 10205319Brake Pedal Force Gauge SST for Parking Brake Inspection.
• 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.
• 10177783TSB: OBSOLETE NOTICE June 23, 2020: This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see L-SB-0023-20.
• 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.
• 10133926In the recent Bi-annual Floor Mat reminder letter distributed November, 2012, Lexus indicated that we were developing support materials that will help remind dealership customers and associates of the importance of proper floor mat usage.
• 10133923Lexus vehicles are equipped with SRS, including various airbags and in some models, seat belt pre-tensioners, to help reduce the risk of injury in a collision. If a customer expresses any concerns that the SRS airbags or pretensioner devices did not per
• 10133914Flash 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 reprograming process and outlines use of the TIS and the CUW.
• 10133910When servicing interior electrical switches and components, please note the precautions in this bulletin to avoid damaging electrical components and switches. Many lubricants, cleaners, and automotive chemicals contain silicone or other compounds that may contaminate electrical contacts, and therefore increase electrical resistance and decrease switch performance. The use of any cleaners or fluids may increase the risk of further damage to electrical components.
• 10133866Navigation/ Multi Info Display Day Mode Operation
• 10133849A new Special Service Tool (SST 09709-00002) has been introduced to aid in the inspection procedure for certain vehicles equipped with a floor pedal-type parking brake system. This bulletin references the correct method for installing the Brake Pedal Force Gauge. Refer to the appropriate Repair Manual for parking brake pedal travel inspection and adjustment specification.
• 10132778TSB: OBSOLETE NOTICE-June 12, 2014: This bulletin is now obsolete.
• 10132777TSB: 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.
• 10132739TSB: OBSOLETE NOTICE: July 7, 2014: This bulletin is now obsolete.
• 10132734TSB: The Immobilizer and Smart Key Reset is a feature that allows the registration of new keys when all master keys are lost. Once the system is reset, all previously registered keys will be erased.
• 10132726TSB: The Immobilizer and Smart Key Reset is a feature that allows the registration of new keys when all master keys are lost. Once the system is reset, all previously registered keys will be erased.
• 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.
• 10132302If a creak, tick, or rattle noise is heard at the top or bottom of the windshield, the source of the noise may be the two windshield stoppers bonded to the top of the windshield or the windshield retainers bonded to the lower edge of the windshield. This bulletin provides the recommended repair procedure to eliminate these types of noises from the windshield area.
• 10132108This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see L-SB-0082-14.
• 10132082Spots in Window glass
• 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.
• 10132006This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see L-SB-0092-13.
• 10132004The following procedures are recommended during routine maintenance or in the event of a customer concern for wiper performance.
• 10131964Lexus vehicles are equipped with Supplemental Restraint Systems (SRS), including various airbags and in some models, seat belt pre-tensioners, to help reduce the risk of injury in a collision. If a customer expresses any concerns that the SRS airbags or pre-tensioner devices did not perform as expected (including an unintended deployment event), please follow the steps in the recommendations section below.
• 10131726TSB: SUPERSESSION NOTICE The information contained in this bulletin supersedes Service Bulletin No. L-SB-0021-14. * 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 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
• 10131653TSB: Replacement Certification Labels. OBSOLETE NOTICE November 28, 2017: This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see L-SB-0179-17.
• 10129210TSB: OBSOLETE NOTICE January 22, 2018: This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see L-SB-0001-18.
• 10111398LSB: When servicing interior electrical switches and components, please note the precautions in this bulletin to avoid damaging electrical components and switches. Many lubricants, cleaners, and automotive chemicals contain silicone or other compounds that may contaminate electrical contacts, and therefore increase electrical resistance and decrease switch performance. The use of any cleaners or fluids may increase the risk of further damage to electrical components.

Every Lexus GS300 model year

Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.