2003 Lexus ES Problems, Recalls & Reliability
184 owner complaints sit in the federal file for the 2003 Lexus ES, alongside 0 recall campaigns and 4 defect investigations. It scores 41/100 on the trouble index — a below-average year for this model. Speed control leads the reports, typically around 43,893 miles.
Below average
Where 2003 sits among all ES years
What owners report
“As i was pulling into a parking space, my 2003 lexus es suddenly accelerated and went over the curb and a small grass embankment. I immediately applied brakes and it did start slowing down. I finally got the car stopped. Thankfully no one was in that parking lot. Don't know what damage has been…”— owner report to NHTSA, 2003 ES
“There is a pronounced hesitation when the accelerator is floored. This has been there since i leased the car and i do not know if it is due to a transmission lapse or throttle problem. I have had a number of near accidents when i pulled out to pass and there was no acceleration. Lexus has…”— owner report to NHTSA, 2003 ES
Mileage when trouble shows up
Among the 118 reports that include an odometer reading, problems most often appear around 45,500 miles. Half of those reports fall between 19,000 and 100,000 miles — a useful range to weigh against the mileage of the exact car you're looking at.
Recalls
No recall campaigns on file for the 2003 Lexus ES.
Federal defect investigations
Technical service bulletins
82 manufacturer communications — service bulletins, the biggest share on electrical and body & structure — are on file for the 2003 Lexus ES. A TSB is factory repair guidance, not a recall — the repair is not automatically free.
Complaint history for this model year
When owners filed their reports — a long tail means problems kept surfacing for years.
Questions buyers ask
Is the 2003 Lexus ES reliable?
The 2003 Lexus ES drew 184 complaints in federal safety records — a below-average year for this model. Its trouble index is 41/100, scored against the model's worst year (2007).
What are the most common 2003 Lexus ES problems?
The top reported problems for the 2003 Lexus ES are speed control (55 complaints), transmission & drivetrain (32), and engine (19).
At what mileage do 2003 Lexus ES problems show up?
Owners most often report 2003 Lexus ES problems around 45,500 miles. Half of all reports that include an odometer reading fall between 19,000 and 100,000 miles.
Does the 2003 Lexus ES have recalls?
No recall campaigns are on file for the 2003 Lexus ES. Recalls can be issued at any time, so check the VIN before buying.
Every number on this page is a count of records in the federal complaint, recall, and investigation files published by NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation. Check any specific vehicle's open recalls by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.