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2003 Lexus ES recalls and problems

There are no safety recalls for the 2003 Lexus ES, but owners have filed 23 complaints with NHTSA.

Recalls
0
Complaints
23
Crashes / fires
9 / 0
Injuries / deaths
5 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2003 Lexus ES vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2003 Lexus ES problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Vehicle Speed Control6
Power Train5
Service Brakes4
Air Bags3
Steering3
Unknown or Other3
Engine3
Electrical System3
Seat Belts2
Fuel System, Gasoline1
Fuel/Propulsion System1
Latches/Locks/Linkages1

Most reported parts

  • Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 2
  • Air Bags › Frontal — 1
  • Seat Belts › Front › Anchorage — 1
  • Power Train › Manual Transmission — 1
  • Structure › Body — 1
  • Electrical System › Instrument Panel › Speedometer/Odometer — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 68,000 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2003 Lexus ES complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Electrical System · at 235,000 miles · reported Mar 27, 2026
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.
Service Brakes · at 260,000 miles · reported Sep 21, 2019
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
Service Brakes · at 260,000 miles · reported Sep 20, 2019
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
Air Bags · reported Aug 6, 2019
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.
Vehicle Speed Control · at 88,600 miles · reported Mar 20, 2015
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…

Other Lexus ES years

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Frequently asked questions

Does the 2003 Lexus ES have any recalls?

No. NHTSA has no safety recalls for the 2003 Lexus ES as of this update. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls for the latest status.

What is the most common problem with the 2003 Lexus ES?

Owners report vehicle speed control problems most often (6 reports), followed by power train (5). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 68,000 miles.

Are Lexus recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Lexus dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.