2003 Lexus ES recalls and problems
No recalls and 23 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2003 Lexus ES.
Recalls apply to specific production ranges. To see whether a particular car still has an open recall, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for safety recalls are free at authorised dealers.
2003 Lexus ES recalls
NHTSA lists no recalls for this model year.
Most reported problems
Areas named in owner complaints to NHTSA. One complaint can name several areas.
What owners report
Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.
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.
UNKNOWN
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
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
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.
ES model years compared
| Year | Recalls | Complaints | Crashes | Fires |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2000 | 0 | 6 | 0 | 3 |
| 2001 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| 2002 | 0 | 27 | 8 | 5 |
| 2003 | 0 | 23 | 9 | 0 |
| 2004 | 0 | 16 | 5 | 0 |
| 2005 | 0 | 59 | 13 | 0 |
| 2006 | 0 | 12 | 0 | 0 |
Across all years, the 2007 ES has the most complaints (125). All Lexus ES years →
Questions
- Does the 2003 Lexus ES have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists no recalls for the 2003 Lexus ES as of October 27, 2026.
- What are the most common problems with the 2003 Lexus ES?
- Owners have filed 23 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is vehicle speed control (6 complaints), followed by power train (5).
- How many 2003 Lexus ES complaints mention a crash or fire?
- 9 of 23 complaints report a crash and 0 a fire; 5 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.
Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received March 27, 2026.