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2003 Lexus IS 300 problems

The most common problem on the 2003 Lexus IS 300 is body and structure, typically around 48,600 miles. It has 5.3 times the complaints of a typical IS 300 model year.

Typical year5.3x the typical complaints
Owner complaints
21
Recalls
0
Service bulletins
56
Worst area
Body
Fuel economy
18mpg

The worst 2003 Lexus IS 300 problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

  • Body
    8
  • Acceleration
    2
  • Airbags
    2
  • Suspension
    2
  • Transmission
    2

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

  • Body
    8
  • Acceleration
    2
  • Airbags
    2
  • Suspension
    2
  • Transmission
    2
  • Brakes
    1
  • Driver assistance
    1
  • Electrical
    1
  • Steering
    1
  • Tires
    1

Recalls

No recalls on record for this model year.

Technical service bulletins for the 2003 Lexus IS 300 56

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

See all 56 bulletins for the 2003 Lexus IS 300

2003 Lexus IS 300 fuel economy

Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.

EngineDriveCityHighwayCombined
3.0L 6‑cylRWD1622-2318

What 2003 Lexus IS 300 owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Feb 3, 2016 · Suspension · CA

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 2016 contol arm snapped.

Filed Oct 28, 2015 · Brakes · 143,840 miles · TX

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 booster must be replaced.

Filed Aug 12, 2015 · Body · CA

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!

Filed Jul 9, 2015 · Body · CA

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! And owner should not be responsible for poorly built parts!!!!

Filed Jul 8, 2015 · 185,000 miles · NV

Dash is peeling along with the center console. The passenger side airbag is also start to discolor and peel. The peeling is more like starting to gum up or become sticky.

Filed Jan 28, 2015 · Body, Steering · 85,000 miles · TN

Tl*the contact owns a 2003 lexus is 300. The contact stated that the dashboard and center console were melting. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 85,000. Updated 4/6/15*cn the consumer also stated the power steering was leaking due to a faulty rack and pinion. Updated 04/28/15

Filed Sep 11, 2014 · Body · 80,000 miles · FL

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 lexus is300. The contact stated that dashboard was melting. The vehicle has not been repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 80,000.

Filed Jul 29, 2014 · 52,000 miles · FL

The dashboard is in very poor condition with a sticky and melting appearance. I complained to lexus of toyota and was told that the warranty would not cover to replace or fix the problem. Considering that I did not have money to replace this with my own funds, I did not pursue it.

Filed Sep 12, 2013 · Body, Electrical · 48,600 miles · TX · crash

I special ordered a 2003 lexus is 300 in 2002 in which waited 2 months for its arrival. There has been several recalls with components on my car but lexus selected just a few to send letters to. Initially, the dashboard was manufacture with defective material and lexus corporation refused to take care of it. I am still working on this issue then there is the sensor2 bank1 which my trac off blinking and check engine light stays on. The scary things is with the sensor issue the car will stop running without any warning. Driving on the highway 60 miles per hour my motor stop running which caused another driver to have an accident. The driver tried to avoid hitting me and he totaled his car. Lexus sent out limited recall letters therefore I did not know about the issue and could have cost my or the driver life. Now lexus will not correct this issue even though I researched and found the recall. I called lexus and was told there wasn't a need to send me letter because my VIN # wasn't on the list. I asked how could send the letters to a few when most of the is 300 has the same issue.

Filed Sep 6, 2013 · 40,000 miles · CA

The dashboard on this car has been melting over the years. It is garaged all the time but if I put it in the sun for even 30 minutes, it becomes sticky and chemicals start to leach into the car and it smells horrible. If I touch the dashboard, black paint comes off onto my fingers. I took it to the dealer and they said they had seen it before and I complained to lexus. Because there is no recall, they say as a good will gesture, they will cover 50% to repair. That is ridiculously expensive for something that is probably causing cancer, it is all over the lexus boards that this is happening and they won't do anything unless if there is a recall!

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Questions about the 2003 Lexus IS 300

Is the 2003 Lexus IS 300 reliable?

Owners have filed 21 complaints about the 2003 Lexus IS 300, 5.3 times a typical IS 300 model year.

What is the most common problem with the 2003 Lexus IS 300?

Body and structure, with 8 complaints, typically around 48,600 miles. Next is acceleration (2).

How many recalls does the 2003 Lexus IS 300 have?

No recalls on record.

What gas mileage does the 2003 Lexus IS 300 get?

Official estimates for the 2003 Lexus IS 300 range from 18 mpg combined. The most efficient version (3.0L 6-cyl, RWD) gets 16 city and 22-23 highway.

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