2003 Lexus ES300: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2003 Lexus ES300: 0 recalls, 116 owner complaints and up to 21 mpg combined.
Recalls
No recalls on file for this model year. Still worth a VIN check.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 4 mention a fire, 18 injuries and 2 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Speed control / throttle (48): the most common themes are sudden acceleration (24).
- Transmission & drivetrain (27): the most common themes are hard / delayed shifting (26), noise or vibration (3).
- Airbags (13): the most common themes are fails to deploy (6).
- Engine & cooling (11): the most common themes are fire / smoke (2).
The 2003 Lexus ES300 has 116 owner complaints, ranking #2 of 15 ES300 model years for complaints (2.6× the average ES300 year). Complaints peaked in 2004 (39 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 2 years old, at a median of 34,950 miles. Neighboring years: 2002 (153 complaints, 2 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.0 L 6-cyl | Automatic 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 18 | 27 | 21 | Regular |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2003 Lexus ES300.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
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FAQ
Does the 2003 Lexus ES300 have any recalls?
NHTSA doesn't list any vehicle recalls for the 2003 Lexus ES300. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to be sure.
What are the most common 2003 Lexus ES300 problems?
Owners have filed 116 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are speed control / throttle (48), transmission & drivetrain (27), airbags (13).
What gas mileage does the 2003 Lexus ES300 get?
EPA ratings run up to 21 mpg combined (3.0 L, Automatic 5-spd), across 1 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2003 Lexus ES300 repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.