2003 Lexus IS 300 problems & reliability
21 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2003 Lexus IS 300. Last verified Aug 7, 2026. Complaints are unverified reports submitted by owners to the federal Office of Defects Investigation.
Each complaint is counted once (by NHTSA case number), even when it names several vehicles.
1 complaint report injuries (1 injured).
Most reported problems
| Component | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Structure | 8 | 38% |
| Unknown OR Other | 3 | 14% |
| Air Bags | 2 | 10% |
| Power Train | 2 | 10% |
| Suspension | 2 | 10% |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 2 | 10% |
| Electrical System | 1 | 5% |
| Electronic Stability Control (esc) | 1 | 5% |
| Service Brakes | 1 | 5% |
| Steering | 1 | 5% |
Component groups as classified by NHTSA. A complaint can name more than one component, so shares may sum to more than 100%.
All 11 reported components →Complaints by incident year
What owners report
“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…”
Suspension · filed Feb 3, 2016
“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…”
Service Brakes · filed Oct 28, 2015
“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 · filed Aug 12, 2015
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Technical service bulletins
56 manufacturer communications (TSBs, service campaigns, warranty extensions) are on file with NHTSA for the 2003 Lexus IS 300. The 10 most recent:
Lexus Safety Recall and Service Campaign - Technician Certification Requirements 4.13.2022
Safety Recall 22 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Apr 13, 2022
POL: 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…
Lexus PRO19-02 - · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jan 12, 2022
TSB: 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…
L-SB-0002-20 Rev · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Aug 5, 2020
TSB: 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…
L-SB-0002-20 Rev · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Aug 5, 2020
TSB: OBSOLETE NOTICE June 23, 2020: This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see L-SB-0023-20.
L-SB-0174-08 Obs · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jun 23, 2020
TSB: 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…
L-SB-0023-20 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jun 23, 2020
Safety Recall and Service Campaign - Technician Certification Requirements
Lexus Safety Re · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued May 1, 2020
TSB: OBSOLETE NOTICE April 06, 2020: This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see L-SB-0008-20. Replacement Certification Labels and VIN Plates
L-SB-0179-17 Obs · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Apr 6, 2020
TSB: 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…
L-SB-0008-20 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Apr 6, 2020
TSB: 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…
L-SB-0001-18-Rev · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jul 1, 2019
TSBs are repair guidance manufacturers send to dealers — they are not recalls and repairs are not automatically free. Full documents are available on NHTSA’s site.
Safety recalls
No NHTSA recall campaigns name the 2003 Lexus IS 300 in our current data. Recalls may apply only to certain VIN ranges — always confirm with a VIN check.
Check whether your specific vehicle is affected
Recall campaigns often cover only certain VIN ranges. Enter your VIN on the official NHTSA site to confirm whether your vehicle is included and whether the repair is still open.
Check VIN on NHTSA →Buying a used 2003 Lexus IS 300?
- · Decode the seller’s VIN with our free VIN decoder to confirm the exact year, engine and trim.
- · Check for unrepaired recalls by VIN on NHTSA’s official lookup — recall repairs are free.