2003 Lexus ES300 recalls and problems
No recalls and 116 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2003 Lexus ES300.
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 ES300 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.
SIR/MADAM, I AM TRYING TO HELP MY FRIENDS (…) AND (…), LONG TIME RESIDENTS OF HUNTINGTON BEACH AND A VERY SWEET COUPLE. PEGGY WAS DRIVING HER HUSBAND TO A DOCTOR'S APPOINTMENT AND DUE TO A FAULT IN THE ENGINE (THERE IS A RECALL AND THEY WERE NOT INFORMED), THE ENGINE CAUGHT ON FIRE. IF IT HADN'T BEEN FOR THE DRIVER…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 LEXUS ES300. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 15 MPH, WHEN SHE SAW SMOKE AND FIRE IGNITING FROM THE HOOD. THE CONTACT STATED THE ENGINE FAILED AND TURNED OFF IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD. THE CONTACT STATED NO INJURIES WERE SUSTAINED. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS ABLE TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE, BUT NO…
VIN: (…) YEAR: 2003 MAKE: LEXUS MODEL: ES300 (…) AIR/BAG BUSTING THRU DASH ( * NEED HELP ) (…) YEAR: 2003 MAKE: LEXUS MODEL: ES300 AIRBAG IS BULGING -SEE PICTURES ELECTRICAL DRAIN ON THE BATTERY OFF AND ON SINCE. PARTS OF THIS DOCUMENT HAVE BEEN REDACTED TO PROTECT PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION PURSUANT TO THE…
(…) AIR/BAG BUSTING THRU DASH ( * NEED HELP ) (…) YEAR: 2003 MAKE: LEXUS MODEL: ES3 PARTS OF THIS DOCUMENT HAVE BEEN REDACTED TO PROTECT PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
MY DRIVER HEADLIGHT KEEPS SHORTING OUT.I BOUGHT ANOTHER BULB AND SAME PROBLEM .
ES300 model years compared
Across all years, the 2002 ES300 has the most complaints (153). All Lexus ES300 years →
Questions
- Does the 2003 Lexus ES300 have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists no recalls for the 2003 Lexus ES300 as of October 27, 2026.
- What are the most common problems with the 2003 Lexus ES300?
- Owners have filed 116 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is vehicle speed control (48 complaints), followed by power train (27).
- How many 2003 Lexus ES300 complaints mention a crash or fire?
- 43 of 116 complaints report a crash and 4 a fire; 18 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.
Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received June 28, 2019.