Auto Recall Watch
U.S. public vehicle records

2003 Lexus IS 300: complaints, problems and recalls

Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.

Key facts

21 owner complaints analyzed

0 distinct recall campaigns

50,300 mi median reported failure mileage

Scope: 2003 model year. Data updated: . 18 complaints include usable failure mileage. View data status.

Owner-reported patterns

Most common problems

Structure:Body is the most frequently named component, appearing in 4 of 21 complaints (19.0%). A complaint can name multiple components.

Recurring terms in complaint narratives
TopicMatching reportsShare of complaints
Braking behavior14.8%
Electrical and battery issues14.8%
Steering behavior14.8%

Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.

Component breakdown

Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.

Structure:Body
4
Unknown Or Other
3
Structure
2
Suspension
2
Vehicle Speed Control
2
Air Bags
1
Air Bags:Side/Window
1
Electrical System
1
Component breakdown data
CategoryCount
Structure:Body4
Unknown Or Other3
Structure2
Suspension2
Vehicle Speed Control2
Air Bags1
Air Bags:Side/Window1
Electrical System1

Structure:Body: 4; Unknown Or Other: 3; Structure: 2; Suspension: 2; Vehicle Speed Control: 2; Air Bags: 1; Air Bags:Side/Window: 1; Electrical System: 1

Reported problems by failure mileage

Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.

Under 25,000
6
25,000 to 49,999
3
50,000 to 74,999
2
75,000 to 99,999
4
100,000 to 149,999
2
150,000 and above
1
Reported problems by failure mileage data
CategoryCount
Under 25,0006
25,000 to 49,9993
50,000 to 74,9992
75,000 to 99,9994
100,000 to 149,9992
150,000 and above1

Under 25,000: 6; 25,000 to 49,999: 3; 50,000 to 74,999: 2; 75,000 to 99,999: 4; 100,000 to 149,999: 2; 150,000 and above: 1

Under 25,000 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (6). 3 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.

Complaints over time

Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.

2003
2
2004
1
2006
2
2008
2
2009
1
2010
1
2011
1
2013
3
2014
2
2015
5
2016
1
Complaints over time data
CategoryCount
20032
20041
20062
20082
20091
20101
20111
20133
20142
20155
20161

2003: 2; 2004: 1; 2006: 2; 2008: 2; 2009: 1; 2010: 1; 2011: 1; 2013: 3; 2014: 2; 2015: 5; 2016: 1

Pattern summary

Structure:Body leads the component reports. Braking behavior appears in 1 complaint narratives. Electrical and battery issues appears in 1 complaint narratives. Steering behavior appears in 1 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.

Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.

Examples from the source records

Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.

Owner report 10033746 · 2003-12-05 (December 5, 2003)

WHILE DRIVING AT 60 MPH ON THE HIGHWAY, THE VEHICLE STRUCK A BOAT THAT BROKE FREE FROM A TOWING VEHICLE AND ENDED UP IN THE MIDDLE OF THE LANE. THE SEAT BELTS WERE BEING USED AT THE TIME OF ACCIDENT, BUT NONE OF THE SIX AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THE POLICE DID ARRIVE ON THE SCENE AND NO ONE WAS INJURED. *AK *SCC *JB

Owner-reported narrative. 3,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10033746 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10045378 · 2003-11-04 (November 4, 2003)

HIGH WIND NOISE AND FLAPPING NOISE FROM THE DRIVER DOOR; IT'S VERY ANNOYING AND UNCONVERTIBLE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY BECAUSE OF THE NOISES PRODUCED BY THIS PROBLEM. LEXUS CLAIMS THEIR CARS AS LUXURY CARS, BUT ALSO CLAIMS THAT A WIND NOISE AND A FLAPPING NOISE ARE NORMAL FOR $34K LUXURY CARS. I TOOK THE CAR IN AND THEY EVEN DID NOT WANT TO TRY TO FIX THE PROBLEM.*AK

Owner-reported narrative. 12 miles reported. Look up ODI 10045378 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10057389 · 2004-03-11 (March 11, 2004)

WHILE DRIVING THROUGH AN INTERSECTION THE CONSUMER'S VEHICLE WAS BROADSIDED. THE SIDE IMPACT AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. *NM *SC *JB

Owner-reported narrative. 7,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10057389 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10149794 · 2006-02-08 (February 8, 2006)

TIRE BLOW OUT(FRONT DRIVERS SIDE) OCCURRING AT HIGH SPEED . TIRES BF GOODRICH - 17 INCH POTENZA, ONLY 19,000 MILES. *JB

Owner-reported narrative. 19,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10149794 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10175825 · 2006-12-11 (December 11, 2006)

COMPLETE CLUTCH FAILURE AT 23,400 MILES. *JB

Owner-reported narrative. 23,500 miles reported. Look up ODI 10175825 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10219697 · 2008-02-29 (February 29, 2008)

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 LEXUS IS 300. THE TRUNK OF THE VEHICLE DOES NOT REMAIN OPEN AND NEEDS TO BE HELD UP. IF THE CONTACT REACHES IN TO GET SOMETHING OUT OF THE TRUNK AND FAILS TO HOLD THE TRUNK DOOR, IT WILL FALL AND STRIKE HIS HEAD. HE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND WAS INFORMED THAT IT WAS A COMMON FAILURE IN THAT MODEL AND NOTHING COULD BE DONE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 65,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 78,000.

Owner-reported narrative. 65,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10219697 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10236954 · 2008-08-04 (August 4, 2008)

EASY SPIN. *TR

Owner-reported narrative. 93,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10236954 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10292738 · 2009-11-18 (November 18, 2009)

WAS SLOWLY PULLING INTO PARKING SPACE WHEN CAR SUDDENLY ACCELERATED FULL THROTTLE. CAR WAS CARRIED OVER PARKING BUMPER INTO BUSHES BEYOND, WITH DAMAGES TO BODY AND UNDERCARRIAGE OVER SIX THOUSAND DOLLARS. *TR

Owner-reported narrative. 18,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10292738 at NHTSA ↗

Recall history

0 distinct campaigns affect this selection. Announcement dates below are different from vehicle model years. A campaign may cover multiple years.

No recall campaigns are recorded in this snapshot.

Explore the data

Vehicle analysis explorer

Inspect model-year patterns, reported mileage, monthly activity and the evidence behind each signal.

Data completeness

21 unique complaints in this selection. Analysis snapshot: 2026-09-30.

85.7%Usable mileage18 / 21 records
95.2%Valid incident date20 / 21 records
100.0%Valid filing date21 / 21 records
95.2%Ordered incident and filing dates20 / 21 records

Missing, zero and invalid mileage is excluded. Dates after the snapshot are excluded. Examples are limited selections, not a representative sample.

Problems by model year

Model-wide comparison of the eight most reported components across the model. Cells show counts and shares within each model year. Open a cell for source examples.

Component complaint heatmap
Component2016201720182019202020212022
Unknown Or Other
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

150.0%
ODI 11307418 · 25,000 mi

IN ONE CALENDAR YEAR ALL 4 TIRES HAVE BEEN REPLACED. ONE BLEW OUT COMPLETELY AND THE LAST ONE WORE OUT UNEVENLY FROM THE INSIDE. CAR HAS BEEN DESIGNED AROUND TIRES AND ARE TOO SMALL FOR THE RIMS CAUSING THEM TO WEAR UNEVENLY. NEGATIVE CAMBER MAY ALSO HAVE INFLUENCED THE WEAR. THE TIRE THAT BLEW OUT WAS WHILE I WAS DRIVING ON A MAJOR HIGHWAY

Look up ODI 11307418 at NHTSA ↗

116.7%
ODI 11460066

I was driving down the highway at 70 mph and it was windy at the same time. Out of no where my sunroof window exploded shattering the glass. Luckily I usually keep the cover close. It sounded a gun shot that went off. There was nothing around me that would come down and break the window of the sunroof. It just happened out of no where.

Look up ODI 11460066 at NHTSA ↗

457.1%
ODI 11231267 · 2,000 mi

PLEASE SEE IMAGES. WITHOUT WARNING ON THIS NEWS 2019 LEXUS IS 300 WITH APPROXIMATELY 2,000 MILES ON IT THE LEFT REAR FRONT TIRE LITERALLY CAME OFF THE VEHICLE WHILE TRAVELING SOUTH AT LEGAL HIGHWAY SPEED ON I-95 NEAR BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA. THE TIRE COMPLETELY BLEW UP OFF THE VEHICLE AND THE VEHICLE SLAMMED ONTO THE GROUND IN A VERY DANGEROUS MANNER, CAUSING SMOKE AND WHAT LOOKED LIKE A FIRE. THE VEHICLE SWERVED OFF THE SIDE OF THE FREEWAY AND 2 PASSENGERS EXITED QUICKLY FROM THE VEHICLE AND FLORIDA HIGHWAY PATROL WAS CALLED.PLEASE SEE PHOTOS A…

Look up ODI 11231267 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

1100.0%
ODI 11493859

The Oil Housing Cap cracked during an oil change on my 2021 Lexus IS300. This occurred at my mechanics shop. I would have taken the car to the dealer but the cost for an oil change is double. The mechanic charged me for the part $55.25. When he went to purchase the part from JM Lexus, Sample Road, the parts person said this is a problem that should have been resolved. I called the Parts Manager at JM Lexus to verify this information. He stated that the part is weak and cracks and that this part needs to be replaced a few times a month. I wr…

Look up ODI 11493859 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Vehicle Speed Control
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

116.7%
ODI 11149541 · 240 mi

WHEN I ACCELERATE FROM A STOP OR WHILE MOVING ON A ROADWAY, THE ENGINE SEEMS TO STALL. I'M NOT TALKING ABOUT THE NORMAL TURBO SPOOLING STALL. IT LASTS FOR ABOUT 3 TO 5 FULL SECONDS. WHEN YOU NEED POWER TO PREVENT AN ACCIDENT, YOU CAN'T AFFORD THAT TIME LAG, AS IT COULD CAUSE YOUR DEATH. THE DEALER TOLD ME THAT LEXUS SAYS IT'S NORMAL, THEY ALL DO IT. I DON'T FEEL ANY MANUFACTURER WOULD DELIBERATELY BUILD AND SELL A VEHICLE THAT WOULD PUT THE OCCUPANTS IN DANGER OF POSSIBLE DEATH. THE DEALER PICKED UP THE CAR AND AFTER FIVE DAYS CALLED ME TO …

Look up ODI 11149541 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Structure:Body
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

233.3%
ODI 11154859 · 7,000 mi

DRIVING ON 285 EAST IN ATLANTA GA 11/29/2018 WHEN MY LEXUS IS 300 SUNROOF EXPLODED. ALL WINDOWS WERE CLOSED TEMPERATURE WAS 37 DEGREES. IT SOUND LIKE A GUN WENT OFF. GLASS FELL FROM THE ROOF AND PIECE OF THE GLASS WENT IN MY LEFT EYE. I MADE APPOINTMENT FOR THE EYE DOCTOR FOR 11/30/2018

Look up ODI 11154859 at NHTSA ↗

114.3%
ODI 11493797

2019 LEXUS 300H. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARD TO DEFECTIVE PASSENGER DOOR.

Look up ODI 11493797 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Suspension
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

150.0%
ODI 11184546 · 2,500 mi

SINCE THE PURCHASE OF THIS VEHICLE ON MARCH 25, 2017, TWO ALIGNMENTS HAVE BEEN DONE TO THIS VEHICLE. WAS TOLD BY THE SERVICE CENTER THAT THIS KIND OF VEHICLE IN THIS PARTICULAR MODEL NEEDS ALIGNMENTS AT 5K MILES, THAT WOULD BE AT LEAST TWICE A YEAR. I WAS NOT INFORM OF THIS INFORMATION. HAD I KNOWN THIS REQUIREMENT, I WOULD NOT HAVE PURCHASE THIS VEHICLE. ALSO, ACCORDING TO THE LEXUS MANUAL, IF THE STEERING WHEEL STEER TO THE LEFT AND/OR RIGHT IT IS NOT NORMAL AND RECOMMEND TO GET AN ALIGNMENT DONE. IN MY CASE, THE STEERING WHEEL SEEMS FIN…

Look up ODI 11184546 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

114.3%
ODI 11327445 · 34,000 mi

I LEASED A NEW 2019 IS 300 IN DEC 2018 FOR MY THEN 18YR DAUGHTER. SINCE THE START OF THIS CONTRACT, WE HAVE HAD THE CAR SERVICED SEVERAL TIMES FOR MULTIPLE ISSUES: THE AC NOT WORKING, THEN THE "O" RING BEING CRIMPED, SOMETHING BROKEN IN THE FUEL PUMP (CAUSING MY 19YR DAUGHTER TO BE STUCK ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD) AND NOW RECALLED, THE BRAKES, THE SPEAKERS, THE SUNROOF NOT OPENING FULLY, THE CAR JERKS WHEN GOING DOWNHILL, ETC. WE TOOK THE CAR IN FOR SCHEDULED SERVICE ON 5/28/20, AND WHEN MY DAUGHTER PICKED UP HER CAR ON 5/30/20, THEN TIRE LIGHT W…

Look up ODI 11327445 at NHTSA ↗

150.0%
ODI 11527863

The tires keep coming out of alignment which causes vehicle vibration, a pull to the left and premature wearing of the tires that then have to be replaced every 10-20K miles. Lexus is aware the IS series cars wear tires this way but state its bc this is a high performance vehicle. The vehicle vibration and driveline issues can get bad enough that it could pull a vehicle into a different lane potentially causing an accident. Had it into the Lexus dealership 6+ times for this and after replacement of tires (on 2nd visit) to the recommended ti…

Look up ODI 11527863 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Tires
133.3%
ODI 11256476 · 31,300 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 LEXUS IS 300 EQUIPPED WITH BRIDGESTONE TURANZA ALL SEASON TIRES, SIZE: 225/40/R18 (NA). WHILE THE CONTACT WAS PERFORMING A ROUTINE OIL CHANGE ON THE VEHICLE, HE NOTICED THAT THE INSIDE OF THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE FRONT TIRE TREADS WERE WORN DOWN. DOLAN LEXUS (7175 S VIRGINIA ST, RENO, NV 89511) STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS DUE TO NORMAL WEAR, AND THE TIRES BECAME WORN DOWN QUICKLY. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT HE WOULD GET LESS THAN 15,000 MILES ON THE TIRES. THE TIRES WERE NOT CHANGED. ONE YEAR LATER, WHILE PER…

Look up ODI 11256476 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

228.6%
ODI 11231267 · 2,000 mi

PLEASE SEE IMAGES. WITHOUT WARNING ON THIS NEWS 2019 LEXUS IS 300 WITH APPROXIMATELY 2,000 MILES ON IT THE LEFT REAR FRONT TIRE LITERALLY CAME OFF THE VEHICLE WHILE TRAVELING SOUTH AT LEGAL HIGHWAY SPEED ON I-95 NEAR BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA. THE TIRE COMPLETELY BLEW UP OFF THE VEHICLE AND THE VEHICLE SLAMMED ONTO THE GROUND IN A VERY DANGEROUS MANNER, CAUSING SMOKE AND WHAT LOOKED LIKE A FIRE. THE VEHICLE SWERVED OFF THE SIDE OF THE FREEWAY AND 2 PASSENGERS EXITED QUICKLY FROM THE VEHICLE AND FLORIDA HIGHWAY PATROL WAS CALLED.PLEASE SEE PHOTOS A…

Look up ODI 11231267 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Structure
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Engine
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

116.7%
ODI 11149541 · 240 mi

WHEN I ACCELERATE FROM A STOP OR WHILE MOVING ON A ROADWAY, THE ENGINE SEEMS TO STALL. I'M NOT TALKING ABOUT THE NORMAL TURBO SPOOLING STALL. IT LASTS FOR ABOUT 3 TO 5 FULL SECONDS. WHEN YOU NEED POWER TO PREVENT AN ACCIDENT, YOU CAN'T AFFORD THAT TIME LAG, AS IT COULD CAUSE YOUR DEATH. THE DEALER TOLD ME THAT LEXUS SAYS IT'S NORMAL, THEY ALL DO IT. I DON'T FEEL ANY MANUFACTURER WOULD DELIBERATELY BUILD AND SELL A VEHICLE THAT WOULD PUT THE OCCUPANTS IN DANGER OF POSSIBLE DEATH. THE DEALER PICKED UP THE CAR AND AFTER FIVE DAYS CALLED ME TO …

Look up ODI 11149541 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

1100.0%
ODI 11493859

The Oil Housing Cap cracked during an oil change on my 2021 Lexus IS300. This occurred at my mechanics shop. I would have taken the car to the dealer but the cost for an oil change is double. The mechanic charged me for the part $55.25. When he went to purchase the part from JM Lexus, Sample Road, the parts person said this is a problem that should have been resolved. I called the Parts Manager at JM Lexus to verify this information. He stated that the part is weak and cracks and that this part needs to be replaced a few times a month. I wr…

Look up ODI 11493859 at NHTSA ↗

1100.0%
ODI 11496172

Unknown. Clicking sound coming from the passenger side of engine compartment by the vacuum pump. It occurs on cold starts and with the vehicle under load. I have video evidence of the sound. Not sure if it’s related but my breaks sometimes feel like they are not gripping as much

Look up ODI 11496172 at NHTSA ↗

Air Bags
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

150.0%
ODI 11492444

Airbags failed to deploy after the car went thru a brick wall at 35 miles per hour. Front impact crash. Car fax report reflects no prior accident. Vehicle was still under warranty & had the “auto nation 162 point check” June 2020 by Tampa Florida by Lexis of Tampa. NOT a single air bag deployed.

Look up ODI 11492444 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Darker cells indicate a larger share of submitted complaints. Components overlap. This measures complaint composition, not failure probability.

Failure mileage by component

Median and middle 50% of usable owner-reported mileages. Ranges require at least five records.

Component failure mileage distribution
ComponentMileage range (25th–75th percentile)MedianUsable recordsExamples
Structure:BodyToo few reports for a range82,500 mi2 (sparse)
ODI 10632563 · 80,000 mi

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.

Look up ODI 10632563 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10679445 · 85,000 mi

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*JB

Look up ODI 10679445 at NHTSA ↗

Unknown Or OtherToo few reports for a range52,000 mi3 (sparse)
ODI 10542266 · 40,000 mi

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 AL…

Look up ODI 10542266 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10617437 · 52,000 mi

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. *JS

Look up ODI 10617437 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10732814 · 185,000 mi

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.

Look up ODI 10732814 at NHTSA ↗

StructureToo few reports for a range43,800 mi2 (sparse)
ODI 10413691 · 39,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 LEXUS IS300. THE CONTACT STATED THE DASHBOARD COVERING WAS DETERIORATING DUE TO DEFECTIVE MATERIAL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND STATED THE DASHBOARD COVER WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER DENIED ASSISTANCE WITH THE REPAIR. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 39,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 43,000. UPDATED 08/31/11 *BF UPDATED 12/13/11

Look up ODI 10413691 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10543309 · 48,600 mi

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…

Look up ODI 10543309 at NHTSA ↗

SuspensionToo few reports for a range136,422 mi1 (sparse)
ODI 10501883 · 136,422 mi

IN EARLY DECEMBER 2010 ON MY WAY TO DROP OFF AN PASSENGER AT THE ONTARIO AIRPORT, ONTARIO, CA MY LEFT FRONT END FELT LIKE IT FELL IN A POT HOLE. A TOW TRUCK WAS CALLED AS THE LEFT FRONT TIRE WAS TURNED COMPLETELY INWARD AND CAUSED DAMAGE ON THE LEFT FENDER. THE CAR HAD TO BE TOWED TO MY HOME AS IT WAS LATE IN THE EVENING AROUND 11PM. I CALLED MY INSURANCE COMPANY THE NEXT MORNING TO FILE A COMPREHENSIVE CLAIM, THE CAR WAS TOWED TO A BODY SHOP, VEHICLE 2003 LEXUS IS 300 WHICH FOUND OUT THAT THE LEFT SIDE BALL JOINT BROKE, WHICH CAUSED THE L…

Look up ODI 10501883 at NHTSA ↗

Vehicle Speed ControlToo few reports for a range51,500 mi2 (sparse)
ODI 10292738 · 18,000 mi

WAS SLOWLY PULLING INTO PARKING SPACE WHEN CAR SUDDENLY ACCELERATED FULL THROTTLE. CAR WAS CARRIED OVER PARKING BUMPER INTO BUSHES BEYOND, WITH DAMAGES TO BODY AND UNDERCARRIAGE OVER SIX THOUSAND DOLLARS. *TR

Look up ODI 10292738 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10307439 · 85,000 mi

I WAS SITTING IN MY 2003 LEXUS IS 300 4 DOOR IT WAS A RAINY AND UNUSUALLY COOL DAY SO I ROLLED THE WINDOWS DOWN AND WITH THE CAR IDLING I LISTENED TO SOME MUSIC AND CONTEMPLATED WHERE TO EAT DINNER IT BEING AROUND 5.30 PM. SUDDENLY THE THROTTLE OPENED UP AND THE CAR SHOT OFF LIKE A ROCKET OVER THE CURBING THROUGH SOME BUSHES AND INTO A POND MAYBE 15 FEET AWAY THE CAR WAS MOVING SO FAST THAT AS IT WAS SINKING IT MOVED OUT ABOUT 20 FEET. IT WAS COMPLETELY SUBMERGED AND I WAS LUCKY TO UNBUCKLE THE SEAT BELT AND CLIMB OUT THE OPEN WINDOW AND SWIM …

Look up ODI 10307439 at NHTSA ↗

Air BagsToo few reports for a range3,000 mi1 (sparse)
ODI 10033746 · 3,000 mi

WHILE DRIVING AT 60 MPH ON THE HIGHWAY, THE VEHICLE STRUCK A BOAT THAT BROKE FREE FROM A TOWING VEHICLE AND ENDED UP IN THE MIDDLE OF THE LANE. THE SEAT BELTS WERE BEING USED AT THE TIME OF ACCIDENT, BUT NONE OF THE SIX AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THE POLICE DID ARRIVE ON THE SCENE AND NO ONE WAS INJURED. *AK *SCC *JB

Look up ODI 10033746 at NHTSA ↗

Air Bags:Side/WindowToo few reports for a range7,000 mi1 (sparse)
ODI 10057389 · 7,000 mi

WHILE DRIVING THROUGH AN INTERSECTION THE CONSUMER'S VEHICLE WAS BROADSIDED. THE SIDE IMPACT AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. *NM *SC *JB

Look up ODI 10057389 at NHTSA ↗

Electrical SystemToo few reports for a range48,600 mi1 (sparse)
ODI 10543309 · 48,600 mi

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…

Look up ODI 10543309 at NHTSA ↗

Complaint and recall timeline

Explore monthly filing activity alongside recall announcements. Up to ten years of monthly history is available.

1 reports2024-102026-09

Solid line: filed complaints. Dashed amber lines: recall announcement dates for this vehicle selection; markers include all recall components. The latest month is partial. Temporal proximity does not establish causation.

Monthly counts, recall campaigns and complaint examples
Monthly complaint and recall timeline
MonthComplaintsCampaigns announcedExamples
2024-100None

No examples available for this selection.

2024-110None

No examples available for this selection.

2024-120None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-010None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-020None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-030None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-040None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-050None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-060None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-070None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-080None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-090None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-100None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-110None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-120None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-010None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-020None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-030None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-040None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-050None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-060None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-070None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-080None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-09 (partial)0None

No examples available for this selection.

Emerging complaint spikes

Complete months in the latest six months with at least 10 complaints, at least twice the preceding 12-month average, and at least three square-root deviations above that average.

This is a descriptive screening rule, not a statistical defect finding. Publicity and reporting changes can increase submissions.

No complete months meet the spike thresholds for this selection.

Equal-age model-year comparison

Model-wide cumulative reports during the first three or five calendar years, starting with the model year (age 0). Only fully elapsed windows are compared.

Age 0Age 1Age 21 reports

2021: 1 complaints · 2022: 1 complaints

Equal observation windows
Model yearThrough age 0Through age 1Through age 2
2021011
2022111
Date coverage across each selected cohort
Date basis for all complaints in selected model years
YearIncident dates usedFiling date fallbacksExcluded dates
2021100
2022100

Incident date is preferred when valid and no later than filing; otherwise filing date is used. Model year approximates age. Equal observation time does not adjust for sales, distance driven or reporting delays. One complaint linked to multiple model years can appear in each cohort.

Components reported together

Each cell counts unique complaints naming both components. Open a nonzero cell for examples.

Component co-occurrence matrix
ComponentStructure:BodyUnknown Or OtherStructureSuspensionVehicle Speed ControlAir BagsAir Bags:Side/WindowElectrical System
Structure:Body—0000000
Unknown Or Other0—000000
Structure00—0000
1
ODI 10543309 · 48,600 mi

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…

Look up ODI 10543309 at NHTSA ↗

Suspension000—0000
Vehicle Speed Control0000—000
Air Bags00000—00
Air Bags:Side/Window000000—0
Electrical System00
1
ODI 10543309 · 48,600 mi

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…

Look up ODI 10543309 at NHTSA ↗

0000—

Co-reporting does not establish that one component caused another concern.

Recurring narrative patterns

Specific keyword mentions beyond broad component labels. Matching includes negations and comparisons and does not confirm a diagnosis.

3 patterns with matching reports.

Brake response concerns

1 mentions · 4.8% of complaints

Median mileage: 143,840 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 10786605 · 143,840 mi

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.

Look up ODI 10786605 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule\b(brake fail\w*|brakes fail\w*|brake pedal|braking distance|unintended braking|phantom braking)\b

Steering assistance concerns

1 mentions · 4.8% of complaints

Median mileage: 85,000 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 10679445 · 85,000 mi

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*JB

Look up ODI 10679445 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule\b(power steer\w*|steering assist\w*|steering lock\w*|steering wheel lock\w*)\b

Warning lights and dashboard alerts

1 mentions · 4.8% of complaints

Median mileage: 48,600 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 10543309 · 48,600 mi

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…

Look up ODI 10543309 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule\b(warning light\w*|check engine|dashboard warning\w*|malfunction indicator)\b