MotorDeets

2003 Lexus Is 300: Recalls, Problems & MPG

Here are the deets on the 2003 Lexus Is 300: 0 recalls, 21 owner complaints and up to 18 mpg combined.

0vehicle recalls
21owner complaints
5mention a crash
18best combined mpg
2003 Lexus Is 300
Photo: Rutger van der Maar · CC BY 2.0 · Wikimedia Commons. Representative photo of this generation; trim may differ.

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. 1 mention a fire, 1 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.

Body & structure8
Other / unknown3
Airbags2
Transmission & drivetrain2
Speed control / throttle2
Suspension2
Tires1
Stability control1

What owners describe

The 2003 Lexus Is 300 has 21 owner complaints, ranking #3 of 13 Is 300 model years for complaints (2.2× the average Is 300 year). Complaints peaked in 2015 (5 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 6 years old, at a median of 50,300 miles. Neighboring years: 2002 (28 complaints, 0 recalls), 2004 (19 complaints, 0 recalls).

Engines & fuel economy (EPA)

EngineTransmissionDriveCityHwyComb.Fuel
3.0 L 6-cylManual 5-spdRear-Wheel Drive162318Premium
3.0 L 6-cylAutomatic (S5)Rear-Wheel Drive162218Premium

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 Is 300.

eManualOnline Download (PDF), keep forever

Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.

Most $25–$78, one-time
Check 2003 Lexus Is 300 manual
Mitchell 1 DIY Online access, factory-level data

Pro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.

From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yr
Check 2003 Lexus Is 300 manual
ALLDATAdiy Online access, factory OEM info

OEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.

From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yr
Check 2003 Lexus Is 300 manual
Haynes Print book or AllAccess online

Step-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.

Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/mo
Check 2003 Lexus Is 300 manual

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FAQ

Does the 2003 Lexus Is 300 have any recalls?

NHTSA doesn't list any vehicle recalls for the 2003 Lexus Is 300. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to be sure.

What are the most common 2003 Lexus Is 300 problems?

Owners have filed 21 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are body & structure (8), other / unknown (3), airbags (2).

What gas mileage does the 2003 Lexus Is 300 get?

EPA ratings run up to 18 mpg combined (3.0 L, Manual 5-spd), across 2 engine and transmission combos.

Where can I get a 2003 Lexus Is 300 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.

Other Is 300 years

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