Most common 2003 Lexus GS300 problems
Share of the 12 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Lexus GS300 complaints by model year
Best GS300 years: 2019, 2004. Years to avoid: 2006, 1998, 2000. Compare all years →
What 2003 Lexus GS300 owners say
Speed control & acceleration
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 Lexus GS300. The contact stated that he depressed the brake pedal and the vehicle accelerated, causing him to crash into another vehicle. There were no injuries. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for inspection but they could not diagnose the cause of the failure. The contact also stated that as a mechanic test drove the vehicle, the engine caught on fire due to a short in the electrical wires. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 89,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 Lexus GS300. While driving his vehicle approximately 5 MPH into a parking space with his foot on the brake pedal it suddenly accelerated, crashed into a parking sign and a fire hydrant. The vehicle came to a stop when it crashed into a tree. He sustained an injury to his right shoulder and knee. The boynton beach sheriff report 09802709 was filed. The vehicle was repaired. The failure mileage was 28,000. The current mileage was 29,000. Updated 3/30/10 updated 05/10/10
Wheels & tires
Dot pj8n grand spirit touring hr 225x55x16 tires [4] failed on the inside wall two inches from the rim. Lucky to be alive. Problem from injection molding of tire at factory. Have pictures to show if needed. No recall yet! Two thousand miles on tires. Brand new condition. Inside walls crumbled, and lost air presser. No warranty implied. Had to buy 4 new tires. Very upset!
While driving 65 MPH, the rear passenger side tire blew out. No impact reported. The tire blewout on the highway.
2003 Lexus GS300 engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.0L 6-cyl | 5-speed automatic | RWD | 16 / 23 / 19 |
| 4.3L 8-cyl | 5-speed automatic | RWD | 16 / 22 / 18 |
EPA ratings. Class: Midsize car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2003 Lexus GS300 a good car?
Based on 12 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2003 GS300 rates average: 31% fewer complaints than a typical year of the GS300 at the same age. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2003 Lexus GS300?
The speed control & acceleration — 4 complaints, 33% of all complaints for this model year. Next are the wheels & tires (3) and transmission & drivetrain (2).
How many recalls does the 2003 Lexus GS300 have?
NHTSA lists no recalls for the 2003 Lexus GS300. You can still confirm with your VIN using our VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Lexus GS300?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2019 and 2004. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2006, 1998 and 2000. See the full Lexus GS300 years comparison.
At what mileage do 2003 Lexus GS300 problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 70,000 miles; 40% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
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.