2003 Lexus IS 300
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Lexus › IS 300 › 2003
These records cover every 2003 Lexus IS 300. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Owner complaints
21 complaints5 involved a crash1 involved a fire1 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Suspension
Vehicle was caught on a flash flood july 2015. Was taken to lexus of san diego in sept on claim as front right side squealing/squeaking while driving or turning right. lexus of san diego kept vehicle for 30days with no outcome inspection write to insurance company. brushed off compmaint. whoke driving vehicle in jan 2016 contol arm snapped.
- Service brakes
The brakes failed at 143,840 miles. The brakes failure occurred while driving the car on a busy city street. After inspection by a mechanic at firestone auto care..it was determined that a noticeable internal leak was coming from power brake booster. It was also determined that the master cylinder and power brake booster must be replaced.
- Structure › Body
Dash IS melting and IS sticking to anything that IS rub up against it. Body parts, car wash towel, grocery. I seel recall on all other model regarding this issue. Except this particular model 2003 lexus is300. I believe it should extend to this year and model as well. No dash should be melting away with heat!
- Structure › Body
Dash IS melting and IS sticking to anything that IS rub up against it. Body parts, car wash towel, grocery. I seel recall on all other model regarding this issue. Except this particular model 2003 lexus is300. I believe it should extend to this year and model as well. No dash should be melting away with heat! And owner should not be responsible for poorly built parts!!!!
- Unknown or other
Dash IS peeling along with the center console. The passenger side airbag IS also start to discolor and peel. the peeling IS more like starting to gum up or become sticky.
- Steering · Structure › Body
Tl*the contact owns a 2003 lexus IS 300. The contact stated that the dashboard and center console were melting. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 85,000. updated 4/6/15*cn the consumer also stated the power steering was leaking due to a faulty rack and pinion. Updated 04/28/15*jb
- Structure › Body
TL* the contact owns a 2003 lexus is300. The contact stated that dashboard was melting. The vehicle has not been repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 80,000.
- Unknown or other
The dashboard IS in very poor condition with a sticky and melting appearance. I complained to lexus of toyota and was told that the warranty would not cover to replace or fix the problem. considering that I did not have money to replace this with my own funds, I did not pursue it. *js
- Electrical system · Structure
I special ordered a 2003 lexus IS 300 in 2002 in which waited 2 months for its arrival. There has been several recalls with components on my car but lexus selected just a few to send letters to. Initially, the dashboard was manufacture with defective material and lexus corporation refused to take…
I special ordered a 2003 lexus IS 300 in 2002 in which waited 2 months for its arrival. There has been several recalls with components on my car but lexus selected just a few to send letters to. Initially, the dashboard was manufacture with defective material and lexus corporation refused to take care of it. I am still working on this issue then there IS the sensor2 bank1 which my trac off blinking and check engine light stays on. The scary things IS with the sensor issue the car will stop running without any warning. Driving on the highway 60 miles per hour my motor stop running which caused another driver to have an accident. The driver tried to avoid hitting me and he totaled his car. Lexus sent out limited recall letters therefore I did not know about the issue and could have cost my or the driver life. Now lexus will not correct this issue even though I researched and found the recall. I called lexus and was told there wasn't a need to send me letter because my vin # wasn't on the list. I asked how could send the letters to a few when most of the IS 300 has the same issue. *tr
- Unknown or other
The dashboard on this car has been melting over the years. It IS garaged all the time but if I put it in the sun for even 30 minutes, it becomes sticky and chemicals start to leach into the car and it smells horrible. If I touch the dashboard, black paint comes off onto my fingers. I took it to the…
The dashboard on this car has been melting over the years. It IS garaged all the time but if I put it in the sun for even 30 minutes, it becomes sticky and chemicals start to leach into the car and it smells horrible. If I touch the dashboard, black paint comes off onto my fingers. I took it to the dealer and they said they had seen it before and I complained to lexus. Because there IS no recall, they say as a good will gesture, they will cover 50% to repair. That IS ridiculously expensive for something that IS probably causing cancer, it IS all over the lexus boards that this IS happening and they won't do anything unless if there IS a recall!
- Suspension
In early december 2010 on my way to drop off an passenger at the ontario airport, ontario, ca my left front end felt like it fell in a pot hole. a tow truck was called as the left front tire was turned completely inward and caused damage on the left fender. The car had to be towed to my home as…
In early december 2010 on my way to drop off an passenger at the ontario airport, ontario, ca my left front end felt like it fell in a pot hole. a tow truck was called as the left front tire was turned completely inward and caused damage on the left fender. The car had to be towed to my home as it was late in the evening around 11PM. I called my insurance company the next morning to file a comprehensive claim, the car was towed to a body shop, vehicle 2003 lexus IS 300 which found out that the left side ball joint broke, which caused the left tire to turn completely inward and cause damage on left fender over tire and damage to left front door. the body shop had to replace ball joint and casing, new tire and fix damage to left fender and left door. I checked for any recalls for this particular problem, but have not found any. I was fortunate to have been on a side street when this happen, as I had just exited a freeway going the maximum speed of 65mph and driven to san diego earlier that day. I have had routine maintenance checks up to 120,000 miles I also contacted lexus customer satisfaction on 8/11/11 regarding the incident and they did not have any incident reports. im writing now because I have notice a couple of other lexus IS 300 on the side of the freeway with the tire the same way, within the last couple of years. *tr
- Structure
TL* the contact owns a 2003 lexus is300. The contact stated the dashboard covering was deteriorating due to defective material. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who inspected the vehicle and stated the dashboard cover would need to be replaced. The manufacturer denied assistance with the repair.…
TL* the contact owns a 2003 lexus is300. The contact stated the dashboard covering was deteriorating due to defective material. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who inspected the vehicle and stated the dashboard cover would need to be replaced. The manufacturer denied assistance with the repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 39,000 and the current mileage was 43,000. updated 08/31/11 *bf updated 12/13/11
- Power train › Automatic transmission · Vehicle speed control
I was sitting in my 2003 lexus IS 300 4 door it was a rainy and unusually cool day so I rolled the windows down and with the car idling I listened to some music and contemplated where to eat dinner it being around 5.30 pm. Suddenly the throttle opened up and the car shot off like a rocket over the…
I was sitting in my 2003 lexus IS 300 4 door it was a rainy and unusually cool day so I rolled the windows down and with the car idling I listened to some music and contemplated where to eat dinner it being around 5.30 pm. Suddenly the throttle opened up and the car shot off like a rocket over the curbing through some bushes and into a pond maybe 15 feet away the car was moving so fast that as it was sinking it moved out about 20 feet. it was completely submerged and I was lucky to unbuckle the seat belt and climb out the open window and swim to shore the only injury a sprained ankle. The car was a total loss. Amazingly I was given a ticket for wreckless driving that was dismissed as there were no witnesses the police and the insurance company insisted that cars don't surge like that on their own we know better I was treated like a criminal instead of sympathized with for almost drowning. It was not the mat or a sticky accelerator but I feel an electrical problem due to moisture that made the throttle open up the thing was also that the car was in park! Of course no lawyers would touch it I didn't get hurt bad and they said there was never any successful litigation against the manufacturers for sudden acceleration irregardless of cause. I just feel I need to tell my story and hope that it helps I have the vin # and all that if needed to track the factory made and maybe this will help substantiate a claim by someone who was hurt or help the family of someone hurt or killed. These companies care about profits not people and this culture much change. The other sad part was the police who assumed I did this on purpose I am not insane only an insane person would drive a car into a lake with them inside. That's the boynton beach police for you...nice huh also I lost my job as a salesman as this took 3 months for me to get paid and I had no transportation! Do you think toyota will pay me for that? *tr
- Vehicle speed control
Was slowly pulling into parking space when car suddenly accelerated full throttle. car was carried over parking bumper into bushes beyond, with damages to body and undercarriage over six thousand dollars. *Tr
- Electronic stability control (esc)
Easy spin. *Tr
- Structure › Body › Trunk lid
Tl*the contact owns a 2003 lexus IS 300. the trunk of the vehicle does not remain open and needs to be held up. if the contact reaches in to get something out of the trunk and fails to hold the trunk door, it will fall and strike his head. he took the vehicle to the dealer and was informed that…
Tl*the contact owns a 2003 lexus IS 300. the trunk of the vehicle does not remain open and needs to be held up. if the contact reaches in to get something out of the trunk and fails to hold the trunk door, it will fall and strike his head. he took the vehicle to the dealer and was informed that it was a common failure in that model and nothing could be done. the failure mileage was 65,000 and current mileage was 78,000.
- Power train › Clutch assembly
Complete clutch failure at 23,400 miles. *jb
- Tires
Tire blow out(front drivers side) occurring at high speed . Tires bf goodrich - 17 inch potenza, only 19,000 miles. *jb
- Air bags › Side/window
While driving through an intersection the consumer's vehicle was broadsided. the side impact air bags did not deploy. *nm *sc *jb
- Structure › Body › Door · Structure › Body › Roof and pillars
High wind noise and flapping noise from the driver door; it's very annoying and unconvertible driving on the highway because of the noises produced by this problem. Lexus claims their cars as luxury cars, but also claims that a wind noise and a flapping noise are normal for $34K luxury cars. I took the car in and they even did not want to try to fix the problem.*ak
- Air bags
While driving at 60 mph on the highway, the vehicle struck a boat that broke free from a towing vehicle and ended up in the middle of the lane. the seat belts were being used at the time of accident, but none of the six air bags deployed. the police did arrive on the scene and no one was injured. *ak *scc *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.
- 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.
- 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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 10132083Adhesive & sealant cross reference Information
- 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.
Every Lexus IS 300 model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.