2003 Lexus LS430
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
Have the VIN?
Vehicles › Lexus › LS430 › 2003
These records cover every 2003 Lexus LS430. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Owner complaints
23 complaints3 involved a crash9 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Air bags
Takata recall
- Air bags
I was involved in a collision. the front of my car my made full contact with the rear of the car in front of me. I was traveling at least 25 mph if not more before impact. the impact resulted in $10,000 in damage to the front of the lexus and it was declared a total loss. The lexus was damaged…
I was involved in a collision. the front of my car my made full contact with the rear of the car in front of me. I was traveling at least 25 mph if not more before impact. the impact resulted in $10,000 in damage to the front of the lexus and it was declared a total loss. The lexus was damaged from headlight to headlight and the airbag(s) did not deploy. The hood also sustained damage as well as the radiator, yet the airbag(s) did not deploy.
- Air bags
To whom it may concern: I am in receipt of a recall notice from lexus division toyota motor company in which there were numerous large block red lettered warnings informing me of this danger and the urgency of my response. however, when I called the dealer to schedule the repair, I was informed…
To whom it may concern: I am in receipt of a recall notice from lexus division toyota motor company in which there were numerous large block red lettered warnings informing me of this danger and the urgency of my response. however, when I called the dealer to schedule the repair, I was informed that the dealer was only allowed by lexus division toyota motor company to schedule one such recall repair per week and that my dealer would be more than happy to put me on the waiting list. a list whose length the dealerships caller could not ascertain but guessed it would be five to six weeks. if over the next five weeks, there were to be a serious injury or even a death because this was not taken care of, I place the liability for such on lexus division toyota motor company. I am giving you the opportunity to stay off this liability list by immediately informing lexus division toyota motor company that their allocation of resources to repair this urgent recall danger IS woefully inadequate.
- Structure › Body › Trunk lid
Trunk struts failed to hold the trunk in an open position, causing the trunk to fall and injure a person. multiple times. trunk was properly opened and raised to a full open position. *tr
- Latches/locks/linkages · Structure › Body › Hatchback/liftgate
The piston-like air struts that are supposed to hold the rear trunk lid open on my 2003 lexus LS 430 (bought new in december 2002) slowly stopped functioning starting around 4 years ago. Now they do not work at all. While this IS an inconvenience to have to open the trunk manually, the real danger…
The piston-like air struts that are supposed to hold the rear trunk lid open on my 2003 lexus LS 430 (bought new in december 2002) slowly stopped functioning starting around 4 years ago. Now they do not work at all. While this IS an inconvenience to have to open the trunk manually, the real danger IS that are no provisions to hold the trunk lid in the open position. Thus, even a light wind or vibration caused by passing vehicles will cause the trunk to teeter off the open position and slam shut. The downward motion of the sharp and heavy edges of the trunk can (and have) caused serious injury to head, fingers, and other body parts - not mention damaging cargo. *tr
- Vehicle speed control
TL* the contact owns a 2003 lexus ls430. The contact stated that while entering into a parking space with her foot on the brake at 5 mph, there was sudden acceleration and the vehicle crashed into a building. No one was injured and the vehicle was destroyed. The police were called and a report was…
TL* the contact owns a 2003 lexus ls430. The contact stated that while entering into a parking space with her foot on the brake at 5 mph, there was sudden acceleration and the vehicle crashed into a building. No one was injured and the vehicle was destroyed. The police were called and a report was filed (#2771757). The dealer was contacted who offered no assistance. Prior to the accident, there was an electric failure. The dealer was called who stated unless the vehicle continued to have the failure, she could bring it in, but if there was no more failure she did not have to bring the vehicle in. the insurance company was contacted. The manufacturer was contacted and offered no other assistance. The failure mileage was 78,000.
- Structure › Body · Unknown or other
Hydraulic trunk supports failed, with heavy trunk falling on head of person working in trunk. may have caused a concussion, at least a groove in top of head. person stunned for several minutes. if the trunk had hit person in the back while leaning over into the trunk, it may have broken a…
Hydraulic trunk supports failed, with heavy trunk falling on head of person working in trunk. may have caused a concussion, at least a groove in top of head. person stunned for several minutes. if the trunk had hit person in the back while leaning over into the trunk, it may have broken a vertebrae. if it had hit fingers in lower part of trunk, it may have chopped them off, particularly a child's. these hydraulic supports wore out at around 60-70 thousand miles. not realizing the danger, I neglected contacting lexus about replacing them. however, this danger should not be overlooked or unattended to by other owners of lexus cars. when lexus was contacted at this late date, they offered minimal assistance with the problem, plus a bit of a runaround. I suggest contacting an imported parts dealer for the easily installable parts at a substantially reduced price.
- Structure › Frame and members
Re: 2003 lexus LS 430 the piston supports that hold the engine hood in place, in order to check the engine compartment, have deteriorated over time so that the engine hood can suddenly slam down, seriously injuring anyone who IS checking the engine oil, coolant, etc. I almost was seriously…
Re: 2003 lexus LS 430 the piston supports that hold the engine hood in place, in order to check the engine compartment, have deteriorated over time so that the engine hood can suddenly slam down, seriously injuring anyone who IS checking the engine oil, coolant, etc. I almost was seriously injured while checking the oil. In addition, it IS the same type of piston supports that hold the trunk open. These too, are also defective. Months ago I almost lost a finger when the trunk lid suddenly closed. this IS a serious defect that must be investigated. *Tr
- Vehicle speed control
Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(B)(6) I was driving east on highway 156 on 2/26 approaching a traffic signal that was red where I intended to make a right turn. I applied the brakes and was traveling 10 to 15 mph when the car spontaneously…
Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(B)(6) I was driving east on highway 156 on 2/26 approaching a traffic signal that was red where I intended to make a right turn. I applied the brakes and was traveling 10 to 15 mph when the car spontaneously accelerated at very high speed. I shifted into park and turned off the ignition while braking as hard as I could. The car continued approximately 1/2 mile when everything shut down. I couldn't even activate the emergency flashers. [xxx] *tr
- Engine and engine cooling
2003 lexus ls430 seized on highway while in motion!!! the car has a lengthy required maintenance up-keep history with one lexus dealership only. I have all the print outs since oct 2002 - 10,329.06 in minor upkeep...and or oil change, etc reg. Maintenance. I think that we were charged…
2003 lexus ls430 seized on highway while in motion!!! the car has a lengthy required maintenance up-keep history with one lexus dealership only. I have all the print outs since oct 2002 - 10,329.06 in minor upkeep...and or oil change, etc reg. Maintenance. I think that we were charged for a couple of recalled items like a ext. Light but we weren't told anyway the car has to date..3/2/2010 not been involved in a collision. the car has oil/water and was not damaged. it ran fine !!!!!!! no over heat light, no accelerating...nothing like that it IS such a shame. I am up beat and was just looking for probably something simple like a tps or fuse... But has been said by lexus that they don't know what's wrong. I was shocked though because lexus does know it will be 14 thousand dollars though to repair. (a new engine) I have pleaded with the corporate office and they said that since the car has 130.000 miles it IS not their resp. To help me with a solution. my family has purchased 4 vehicles from lexus. we have not had problems. why now are they turning their backs??? please help me I am renting a vehicle at a rate of $30 a day from enterprise and a single mother of two teenagers. tuition IS due and this has left me struggling with what to do?? the car IS paid for I am asking for some assistance and also to please investigate the possibility that this model also inherited the problems of the 2002 engines seizing issue but at any rate I am open to any and all assistance and advice. *tr
- Structure
Trunk lid support on 2003 lexus ls430 does not support the trunk lid thereby allowing the lid to fall and strike the person on the head while placing objects in the trunk. dealer does nothing to correct the problem. *Tr
- Service brakes, hydraulic
Tl*the contact owns a 2003 lexus ls430. The contact was driving approximately 35 mph on normal road conditions; pressure was applied to the brake pedal which traveled to the floor. The vehicle failed to slow down. The vehicle crashed into the proceeding vehicle. The police was called to the scene.…
Tl*the contact owns a 2003 lexus ls430. The contact was driving approximately 35 mph on normal road conditions; pressure was applied to the brake pedal which traveled to the floor. The vehicle failed to slow down. The vehicle crashed into the proceeding vehicle. The police was called to the scene. A police report was filed. There were no personal injuries. The vehicle was towed to the police in-bound and then to an authorized dealer. The vehicle has not been repaired at this time. the insurance company was notified. The vin was unavailable. The failure and current mileages were 45,000.
- Structure
Failure of rear trunk struts causing trunk to come down sharply on back of my head causing pain and bruising. the same happened to my wife on two other occasions. approximate dates given below as form does not conform to several dates. *Tr
- Structure
Trunk support struts not functioning appropriately, causing trunk lid to abruptly fall and injuring anything in the path of closure. We noticed the increasing lack of ability to hold the lid open, never understanding that it actually was suppose to also lift the lid (it never did lift the lid and…
Trunk support struts not functioning appropriately, causing trunk lid to abruptly fall and injuring anything in the path of closure. We noticed the increasing lack of ability to hold the lid open, never understanding that it actually was suppose to also lift the lid (it never did lift the lid and we have owned the car for four years/ 45,000 miles) and could have been potentially replaced during the warranty period (seems like early life failure). When asking the dealership service advisor he said, yes these do seem to weaken often and they could be replaced for $500. The consequence prior to the dealership visit was the trunk lid falling and hitting my back causing bruising. Since my shoulder helped to eliminate the blow it certainly could have been a lot worse. Potentially someone who had their hands at the base of the trunk could either have severe damage or potential loss of limb. For a high-end vehicle, let alone any vehicle, this early life failure and the danger it poses to anyone in the way of the falling trunk lid IS not acceptable. Lexus/toyota corporation should stand behind their product and provide the updated trunk strut for the safety of ls430 owners, friends, families, and auto service personnel. *Tr
- Structure
Trunk strut failed after only about 3 years. My dad gave me the car and he was just willing to live with it, as he IS very ill the car had passed the 4-year, 50,000 mile point, but I was struck by the falling trunk and wish it repaired. *Tr
- Vehicle speed control › Cruise control
Dt: the contact stated the cruise control switch engaged and the vehicle stalled. Although, the vehicle stalled the engine was easily restarted. The vehicle exhibited no further stalling problems until the cruise control was engaged. afterwards, the vehicle stalled as previously stated. after…
Dt: the contact stated the cruise control switch engaged and the vehicle stalled. Although, the vehicle stalled the engine was easily restarted. The vehicle exhibited no further stalling problems until the cruise control was engaged. afterwards, the vehicle stalled as previously stated. after restarting the engine the contact continued driving and did not engage the cruise control. The vehicle has not been seen by a dealer.*ak
- Wheels › Hub
Center cap on wheel fell off; dealer and manufacturer refuse to honor new car warranty. *Jb
- Power train › Automatic transmission
Severe loss of power (transmission hesitation) during full-throttle downshift. this could cause an accident when immediate power IS needed, such as entering a high-speed expressway. *jb
- Tires › Tread/belt
Original dunlop tires on2003, lexus LS, 430 wore out after17640 miles. *ak
- Equipment › Electrical › Radio/tape deck/cd etc.
Poor radio reception on mark levinson sound system. *ak
- Fuel system, gasoline › Storage › Tank assembly
The gas tank on the 2003 lexus ls430 can be easily damaged by careless placement of the jack at the rear mounting point. My car was recently damaged this way at dorschel lexus (rochester, new york, and I am concerned that there are any number of such cars on the road. Partly crushed gas tanks may…
The gas tank on the 2003 lexus ls430 can be easily damaged by careless placement of the jack at the rear mounting point. My car was recently damaged this way at dorschel lexus (rochester, new york, and I am concerned that there are any number of such cars on the road. Partly crushed gas tanks may not be noticeable to the owner unless one looks under the vehicle. This may predispose these vehicles to fuel leaks and early corrosion around the gas tanks.
- Seat belts
Consumer states 4 1/2 year old child unlocked the seat belt while getting out. The seat belt had tighten around the child's neck, and the consumer had to cut the seat belt to get the child out as it cut off his breathing. *ak there was no release button which could allow him to escape once the belt tightened. *scc *jb
- Tires
It IS only 10 weeks since they bought vehicle and two tires had blown up while driving. Dunlop sport 500 size p225/55r17, dot#95hms. Dealer notified, nothing they could do. *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
- 10210374TSB: This Service Bulletin includes procedures to replace damaged or loose front carpet floor retainer(s) without replacing the carpet assembly. Follow the Repair Procedure in this bulletin to replace the loose or damaged carpet floor retainer(s).
- 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.
- 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.
- 10132146If a customer states there is an unpleasant odor in the vehicle from the HVAC system, there are various factors that may be involved.
- 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.
- 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.
Every Lexus LS430 model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.