NHTSA has 139 owner complaints on file for the 2003 Lexus ES[1]. 52 of them mention a crash[1].
Most reported problems
Owner complaints on file for this model fall into a few groups. Here they are, biggest first.
- Speed Control. 54 complaints[3]. In the stories we read, owners describe the car surging forward while parking or rolling into a lot, even after they pressed the brake. Some ended up hitting a wall or a building. One owner says the bright red speedometer pointer is hard to see in strong sun.
- Power Train. 32 complaints[4]. Owners describe a pause when they ask the car to move after slowing down or stopping. Some say the gearbox feels unsure which gear to pick, then lurches. One owner says dealer software updates did not change much.
- Engine. 19 complaints[5]. Owners describe a lag when they press the gas, at a start or at highway speed. Some say the dealer called it normal. One owner also mentions a strong sulfur smell inside the cabin.
- Air Bags. 16 complaints[6]. Owners describe crashes where the front or side air bags did not open. Others describe a warning light that stayed on after a dealer visit.
- Electrical System. 13 complaints[7].
- Brakes. 11 complaints[8].
- Fuel System, Gasoline. 7 complaints[9].
Recalls
NHTSA's records show 0 recalls for the 2003 ES[10].
Fuel economy
EPA ratings depend on the engine and drive. Annual fuel cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not prices when the car was new.
| Version | City / highway / combined MPG | Annual fuel cost |
|---|---|---|
| ES 300, 3.0L 6-cyl, Automatic 5-spd, Regular, Front-Wheel Drive[2] | 18 / 27 / 21 | $3,200 |
Safety ratings
NHTSA lists these versions as not rated: 4 DR None[11].
Engine and size
These are Canadian-market specifications from Transport Canada, so US models can differ slightly.
| Version | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Curb weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ES 300 4DR SEDAN[12] | 191 in | 71 in | 57 in | 107 in | 3,439 lb |
How 2003 compares with other years
Show the numbers
| Model year | Complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 1995 | 38 | 1 |
| 1996 | 38 | 1 |
| 1997 | 47 | 2 |
| 1998 | 53 | 1 |
| 1999 | 35 | 0 |
| 2000 | 62 | 0 |
| 2001 | 31 | 0 |
| 2002 | 180 | 2 |
| 2003 | 139 | 0 |
| 2004 | 190 | 2 |
| 2005 | 200 | 2 |
| 2006 | 79 | 0 |
| 2007 | 664 | 4 |
| 2008 | 323 | 4 |
| 2009 | 173 | 5 |
| 2010 | 179 | 5 |
| 2011 | 199 | 3 |
| 2012 | 120 | 3 |
| 2013 | 70 | 1 |
| 2014 | 46 | 1 |
| 2015 | 27 | 1 |
| 2016 | 37 | 1 |
| 2017 | 26 | 1 |
| 2018 | 15 | 2 |
| 2019 | 40 | 4 |
| 2020 | 24 | 3 |
| 2021 | 35 | 1 |
| 2022 | 16 | 1 |
| 2023 | 11 | 2 |
| 2024 | 9 | 2 |
| 2025 | 5 | 1 |
| 2026 | 1 | 0 |
NHTSA's counts for the ES show 139 complaints and 0 recalls for 2003[10]. Among the 32 model years listed, 23 have fewer complaints than 2003 and 8 have more[10]. The fewest complaints are for 2026 (1) and the most are for 2007 (664)[10]. These counts are not adjusted for sales, so treat them as a rough guide. The chart above shows every year.
Should you buy a used 2003 ES?
The 2003 Lexus ES has 139 complaints on file[1]. The biggest group is speed control, with 54 complaints[3]. Power train follows with 32 complaints[4]. These are unverified owner reports, and one complaint can name several parts. Before you decide, see the sections above for recalls, fuel costs, safety ratings and the year comparison.
Frequently asked questions
- What are the most common problems with the 2003 Lexus ES?
- Owners filed the most complaints about speed control[3], then the power train[4] and the engine[5]. See the problems section above.
- Does the 2003 Lexus ES have any recalls?
- Recalls, if any, are listed in the Recalls section of this page. The by-year facts give the count[10].
- How many complaints does the 2003 Lexus ES have?
- NHTSA has 139 owner complaints on file[1].
- What is the gas mileage of the 2003 Lexus ES?
- See the fuel economy section on this page.
- Is the 2003 Lexus ES reliable?
- Complaints are unverified and not adjusted for sales. See the by-year section to compare it with other years of the same model[10].
Keep exploring
Other model years of the Lexus ES
Compare all model years of the Lexus ES
Similar cars from 2003: midsize cars
Facts and sources
- NHTSA has 139 owner complaints on file for the 2003 Lexus ES (52 mention a crash, 4 a fire, 23 injuries, 2 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
- EPA rating for ES 300, 3.0L 6-cyl, Automatic 5-spd, Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 18 city / 27 highway / 21 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,200. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- 54 complaints name the speed control component group (32 crashes, 0 fires, 13 injuries, median mileage at failure 40,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- 32 complaints name the power train component group (2 crashes, 0 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 5,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- 19 complaints name the engine component group (2 crashes, 4 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 41,237). NHTSA vehicle records
- 16 complaints name the air bags component group (11 crashes, 0 fires, 7 injuries, median mileage at failure 45,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- 13 complaints name the electrical system component group (2 crashes, 2 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 69,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- 11 complaints name the brakes component group (7 crashes, 0 fires, 2 injuries, median mileage at failure 96,800). NHTSA vehicle records
- 7 complaints name the fuel system, gasoline component group (2 crashes, 0 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 41,500). NHTSA vehicle records
- Owner complaints and recalls for every Lexus ES model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
- NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 4 DR None: not rated. NHTSA vehicle records
- Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, ES 300 4DR SEDAN: length 191 in, width 71 in, height 57 in, wheelbase 107 in, curb weight 3,439 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov