Most common 2003 Lexus IS 300 problems
Share of the 21 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Lexus IS 300 complaints by model year
Best IS 300 years: 2018, 2004, 2019. Years to avoid: 2001, 2002. Compare all years →
What 2003 Lexus IS 300 owners say
Body & structure
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. …
Tl 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 the consumer also stated the power steering was leaking due to a faulty rack and pinion. Updated 04/28/15
2003 Lexus IS 300 engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.0L 6-cyl | 5-speed manual | RWD | 16 / 23 / 18 |
| 3.0L 6-cyl | 5-speed automatic | RWD | 16 / 22 / 18 |
EPA ratings. Class: Compact car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2003 Lexus IS 300 a good car?
Based on 21 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2003 IS 300 rates better than average: 50% fewer complaints than a typical year of the IS 300 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 IS 300?
The body & structure — 8 complaints, 38% of all complaints for this model year, most often about body. Next are the air bags (2) and transmission & drivetrain (2).
How many recalls does the 2003 Lexus IS 300 have?
NHTSA lists no recalls for the 2003 Lexus IS 300. You can still confirm with your VIN using our VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Lexus IS 300?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2018, 2004 and 2019. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2001 and 2002. See the full Lexus IS 300 years comparison.
At what mileage do 2003 Lexus IS 300 problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 52,000 miles; 50% 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.