Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2003 Lexus ES300 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
I purchased a used 2003 Lexus es30from used car dealer. After a couple days of driving it I noticed it was shifting gears innormally. It would surge up to 4000rmp before shifting to 2nd gear and at one point wasn't moving while I hit the gas the acceleration very fast out of nowhere. My mother also had this same year make and model vehicle a few years back and it had the same problem before the transmission went out. I did some research online and found many other Lexus customers experienced the same problem. I found a web site that claimed that there was a TSB put out for this vehicle and that the Lexus/Toyota dealerships would fix this problem with an upgrade. I was wondering if this upgrade is still available and if my vehicle would qualify? And if so how would I go about this process.
The Lexus ES300 has had a serious hesitation problem since delivery in March 2003. I have had it in for service several times before the accident complaining about this problem. On May 8th,2006, my wife was trying to make a left turn at an intersection and upon accelerating through the turn the car hesitated/lagged and was struck by an oncoming auto. After contacting Lexus direct, they came out to test drive the auto. I was contacted several days later and was told that my Lexus has no problem. Since this problem still exists, I took the car back in for service on May 26th, 2006 and again was told that my car had already received a transmission computer update and their final words were "vehicle is operating as designed at this time". This car still has the problem.
I was driving slowly, less than 10 MPH, approaching a red light behind another vehicle. Suddenly, my car accelerated forward and could not be stopped by braking. I collided with the rear end of the car in front of me. There were no injuries, but both cars had significant damage.
Transmission is unpredictable. Sometimes it hesitates, sometimes it lurches. It shudders at times when shifting. I've had the car in to the dealer for 2 computer download fixes. The first lasted a day making the car seem like the demo I test drove. The car was returned and another fix by computer was done with no change to the querky, unsafe condition of this transmission. My wife was nearly broadsided in cross traffic pattern as the car hesitated as she attemped to turn onto a side street. I have had 4 similar situations. These problems are at speeds up to 40 MPH. These problems do not seem to occur if you stomp on the accelerator from a stoped position. The genearal manager at the agency has driven the car "around the block" and experianced none of these problems. Yet the servive dept. …
I have now sent my car in for service twice to Lexus of orlando about unexpected surging of the vehicle and vehicle hesitation when the accelerator is pressed. This is an intermittent and dangerous problem, as I do not know when it will occur. When it does occur the upshift is harsh, the downshift delayed as if the transmission is confused about the driver's intention, and there is pronounced hesitation when the accelerator is pressed. This lack of responsiveness leaves both the vehicle and passengers exposed to accident and injury. On my first visit, I was told the vehicle computer would be reset, as the vehicle learns your driving style in the first 30 or so miles, and I must have driven the vehicle harshly. This so called reset did nothing to fix the problem; less than a week later, I narrowly escaped a crash after my car hesitated while crossing an intersection. …
We have experienced on several occassions that vehicle hesitates when trying to accelerate at stop sign or when initialy in start to drive at about 20-30 miles per hour at times for few seconds & at times it rattles 3-4 times. This car was purchased as certified pre-owned from Lexus dealer in excellent condition in 2006 that came with extended warranty upto 75000 miles but this problem started with slight & smooth jerk about 3 years back, took it to dealer after noticed for few times to diagnosis. At first instance they could not feel it since it was not consistent but when again complained for second time was told that it could be fuel injectors cloged followed by other list of potential service items we were talking about $1000+ expense which we denied it since we have always maintained our car good & always use 93 or 89 octaine gas with maintenance service as recommended. …
The transmission of the Lexus 2003 ES300 is subject to major hesitation, particularly in crowded intersections and with lack of acceleration. Very noticeable when traveling about 27 MPH, and then needing to move, there is major delay in the signal telling the engine, and transmission to work together, and move the car. This vehicle is new with about 1000 miles. It cannot make up its mind to upshift or downshift and this delay will mean a major crash someday. Around 40 MPH it wants to upshift to the 5th gear, and just below that hunts to go back to 4th. The mfg. Says, as he did for the 2002 models, that a software fix is being prepared. They stated the problem from the 2002 was fixed. Evidently that is not the case. They now tell me that a fix is coming year end. How many accidents will occur by then? …
I purchased my vehicle from carmax about 2.5 months ago with an extended warranty. After driving my vehicle daily back and forth to work, I noticed the hesitation while coming to complete stop or a traffic light. The RPM would increase while the transmission would hesitate when I pushed the accelerator between the speeds of 10 - 35 MPH. At first sign, it appeared the transmission was defected, so I decided to take it to carmax service center. Two days later I received my 2003 Lexus ES300 with a clean slate (the service technicians indicated the transmission did not indicated wear) and I was told to bring it back if I still had the same problem. I am taking my vehicle to the service center with more information tomorrow. Lexus/Toyota needs to either recall these vehicles to fix this issue or they will have a major lawsuits from a lot of people with a class action suite. …
There is a dangerous and unpredictable tendency for the vehicle engine/transmission combination to accelerate suddenly and unexpectedly. This is an intermittent problem which makes it especially unnerving. It is most noticeable at speeds below 40 MPH, when first slowing, followed by acceleration. It appears to be exacerbate by uncertain transmission "hunting" for proper gear/engine speed combinations. The sudden acceleration causes a rapid and jerky throttle response to mild accelerator pedal input. I have taken the car to the dealer on at least two occasions for this issue. The first time, the dealer reprogrammed the transmission. The second time, the technician tested the vehicle and note "no problem found". At current mileage of 32,000, the problem seems to be worsening. …
The transmission in this car is unpredictable. It jerks, jumps and on occasion lurches ahead. It will hesitate when starting from stand still or when moving ahead at very low speeds. I have repeatedly taken it to the dealer. They have done 2 computer down loads of a supposed fix. The first lasted a day. I've been told to use only premium fuel, as this would help. I've used premium since that time with little change in the cars perfomance. My wife does not want to drive the car because of a near t-bone in a cross pattern traffic. I've had 4 similar experinces. This probem became apparent at about 1000 to 1200 miles and exits tody at about 4000 miles. All of these querky problems exist below 40 miles per hour. If you drive very aggressively (stomp on the accelerator)they aren't evident...to some exte the same is true if you barely depress the accelerator when starting to move.
Transmission complaints in other ES300 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2003 Lexus ES300?
NHTSA has 27 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2003 Lexus ES300, 23% of the model year's 116 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (19 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2003 Lexus ES300 transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain recall for the 2003 Lexus ES300. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2003 Lexus ES300 transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 5,000 miles, and 75% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 0 fires and 1 injury to transmission & drivetrain problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.