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2003 Lexus RX problems

The most common problem on the 2003 Lexus RX is acceleration and speed control. It has fewer complaints than a typical RX model year.

Typical yearClose to a typical year
Year score
94/100
Owner complaints
4
Recalls
0
Service bulletins
28
Worst area
Acceleration
Fuel economy
18mpg

The worst 2003 Lexus RX problems

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

  • Acceleration
    1
  • Airbags
    1
  • Seat belts
    1

Problems by type

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

  • Acceleration
    1
  • Airbags
    1
  • Seat belts
    1

Recalls

No recalls on record for this model year.

Technical service bulletins for the 2003 Lexus RX 28

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

See all 28 bulletins for the 2003 Lexus RX

2003 Lexus RX fuel economy

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

EngineDriveCityHighwayCombined
3.0L 6‑cyl4WD162118

What 2003 Lexus RX owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Jan 27, 2024 · CA

I bought this vehicle from a private person and it look like it has odometer fraud. The odometer mark 85.555 miles but it really has around 185.555 miles or more not sure yet.

Filed Sep 4, 2020 · Acceleration · 144,000 miles · IL

As I was driving the car started to speed up uncontrollably and would not slow down even with the brakes applied. I had to put it into neutral to apply the brakes but we went from 45 - 85mph in a matter of seconds while driving in 45mph zone in the inner city. When I turned the car back on while in park the accelerator was still stuck up to 100mph + so it was not drivable. We found out later from the mechanic that the throttle was sticky and stuck in the open position.

Filed Dec 18, 2019 · Seat belts · 103,000 miles · MN · crash · 2 injuries

My son was involved in a head-on crash resulting in both vehicles being totaled. The driver of the other vehicle received minor injuries from his air bag. My son however punched his head through the windshield resulting in significant injury to his head and face. Both airbags deployed, and he was wearing his seat belt. It is my belief that the seat belt did not lock correctly upon impact

Filed Oct 20, 2014 · Airbags · 125,000 miles · MD

Six months ago, the drivers side seat belt warning light came on. Two weeks ago, the drivers side air bag warning light came on. This appears to be a wide spread issue with these lexus rx 300's evidenced by the numerous complaints logged on the web. My car was garage kept for the majority of it's life. This issue should not be happening and should be repaired by lexus at no cost to the consumer.

Used buying checklistWhat to check on a 2003 Lexus RX before you buy

Compare the 2003 Lexus RX

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Other model years

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Questions about the 2003 Lexus RX

Is the 2003 Lexus RX reliable?

Owners have filed 4 complaints about the 2003 Lexus RX, fewer than a typical RX model year.

What is the 2003 Lexus RX year score?

The 2003 Lexus RX scores 94 out of 100 (good). The score compares it with the other model years of the Lexus RX: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.

What is the most common problem with the 2003 Lexus RX?

Acceleration and speed control, with 1 complaint. Next is airbags (1).

How many recalls does the 2003 Lexus RX have?

No recalls on record.

What gas mileage does the 2003 Lexus RX get?

Official estimates for the 2003 Lexus RX range from 18 mpg combined. The most efficient version (3.0L 6-cyl, 4WD) gets 16 city and 21 highway.

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