Research · Compact Cars
2003 Lexus IS300Recalls, problems, MPG & safety
NHTSA lists 0 safety recalls and 34 owner complaints for the 2003 Lexus IS300. Most complaints involve structure (12) and air bags (6). The EPA rates it 18 mpg combined.
Combined MPG
18mpg
EPA · 2 versions
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
0campaigns
NHTSA
Owner complaints
34
Top: structure
Fuel cost / yr
$4,200est.
EPA estimate, best version
Safety recalls
NHTSA campaigns for this model year
0 recalls found in NHTSA data for the 2003 Lexus IS300 as of Nov 11, 2026.
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 11, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
Owner complaints by component
34 complaints filed with NHTSA · Aug 2002 – Jul 2024
- Structure12
- Air bags6
- Steering3
- Service brakes3
- Engine3
- Power train3
- Suspension2
- Electrical system2
- Vehicle speed control2
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 11, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
What owners report most
Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component
Structure
12 reports1 crash
“THE DASHBOARD AND CENTER CONSOLE IS MELTING, LEAVING A STICKY & SHINY SURFACE MAKING IT HAZARDOUS TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE. A WARRANTY CAMPAIGN WAS ISSUED FOR SEVERAL OTHER LEXUS MODELS TO ADDRESS THIS VERY ISSUE, HOWEVER, THE 2003 IS300 WAS EXCLUDED. LEXUS COULD NOT PROVIDE A REASON AS TO WHY THIS EXACT DEFECT WAS NOT ADDRESSED FOR THE 2003 IS300 MODEL, SINCE THEY ADDRESSED THE VERY SAME ISSUE WITH AN OLDER 2003 GX470 MODEL. MY VEHICLE HAS BEEN GARAGE KEPT AND EXTREMELY WELL MAINTAINED, SO SUN EXPOSURE WAS MINIMAL AND STILL EXPERIENCING THE SAME ISSUE AS THOUSANDS OF OTHERS THAT HAVE COMPLAINED. THIS HAZARDOUS DEFECT HAS HINDERED ME FROM DRIVING MY VEHICLE IN FEAR OF LEAVING IT IN THE SUN TO FURTHER DETERIORATE CAUSING MORE DAMAGE AND RENDERING THE VEHICLE UNDRIVABLE.”
Air bags
6 reports5 crashes
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2003 LEXUS IS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 35 MPH, ANOTHER VEHICLE CRASH INTO THE CONTACTS VEHICLE HEAD ON AND THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT SUSTAINED HEAD, NECK AND LEFT SHOULDER INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000.”
Steering
3 reports1 crash
“Brand new owner - first owner; Car accelerated numerous times during ownership that caused harm to both my young son and I life. This IS250 Lexus was dangerous, unreliable, caused mental and emotional issues. Lexus was negligent in handling numerous issues and concerns related and has done nothing to compensate me for to date relating to multi-billion dollar law suits.”
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 11, 2026
Engines, transmissions & drive
2 versions rated by the EPA
- EPA class
- Compact Cars
- Engines
- 3.0L 6-cyl
- Transmissions
- Automatic (S5) · Manual 5-spd
- Drive
- Rear-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Premium Gasoline
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 11, 2026EPA listing
EPA fuel economy by version
City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IS 300 Auto (S5), 6 cyl, 3.0 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 16 | 22 | 18 | $4,200 | 494 |
| IS 300 Man 5-spd, 6 cyl, 3.0 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 16 | 23 | 18 | $4,200 | 494 |
- 18mpg comb.
- 18mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 11, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings
1 tested variant
NHTSA has not published 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2003 Lexus IS300 as of Nov 11, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 11, 2026Vehicle 4820
Maintenance basics
General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
- Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
6–12 months - Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
Every oil change - Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
1–2 years - Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
1–2 years - Brake fluid—
2–3 years - Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
5–10 years - Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
— - 12V battery—
3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
2003 IS300 questions
How many recalls does the 2003 Lexus IS300 have?
0 recalls found in NHTSA data as of Nov 11, 2026.
What are the most common 2003 Lexus IS300 problems?
Owners filed 34 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are structure (12), air bags (6), steering (3). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
What MPG does the 2003 Lexus IS300 get?
The EPA rates the 2003 Lexus IS300 at 18 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (2 versions rated).
Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 11, 2026