Lexus IS, representative photo
Representative model. Photo: OSX, Wikimedia Commons, Public domain

Recalls & complaints · NHTSA data

2003 Lexus IS recalls

Every recall campaign and owner complaint NHTSA has on file for the 2003 model year. Not every vehicle is affected by every campaign: check a specific car by VIN below.

Recall campaigns
1
Park-it warnings
0
Complaints
34
Latest campaign
Apr 7, 2009

Recall summary by component1

NHTSA Recalls API · cached ≤24 h
ComponentCampaignsLatestCampaign IDs
Exterior lighting1Apr 7, 2009

Safety recalls1

NHTSA Recalls API · cached ≤24 h
0Park-it warnings
0Fixable over the air
Apr 7, 2009Latest campaign
Apr 7, 200909E012000

Exterior lighting

DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

DetailsHide details for campaign 09E012000
What's wrong
SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
Risk
DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy
SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.
Campaign
NHTSA 09E012000 · Apr 7, 2009
To see whether a recall is still open on your car, enter the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or the Toyota/Lexus recall lookup. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer (federal law; see limits).

Buying a used 2003 Lexus IS? Recalls cover the model; a history report checks one car's title, odometer and accident records. VinAudit history report → Sponsored · disclosure

Owner complaints by component34

NHTSA Complaints API · cached ≤24 h
34Complaints filed
10Involving a crash
1Involving a fire
8Injuries reported
ComponentShareComplaints%CrashesFiresInjuries
Structure1235100
Air bags618504
Unknown or other412000
Steering39101
Service brakes39203
Engine39203
Power train39202
Suspension26000
Electrical system26100
Vehicle speed control26100
Visibility/wiper13000
Electronic stability control (ESC)13111
Tires13000
Engine and engine cooling13000

An owner can tag several components, so percentages add up to more than 100. Complaints are unverified owner reports, de-duplicated by NHTSA ODI number.

Latest reports

  • Steering

    “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.”

    Filed 07/23/2024 · ODI 11604122
  • Power train

    “Brand new owner - first owner at time of lease/finance terms and conditions. Car accelerated numerous times during ownership that caused harm to both my young son and I life, placed us in harms way and accident occurred…”

    Filed 07/23/2024 · ODI 11604124
  • Structure

    “The dashboard and center console is melting, leaving a sticky & shiny surface making it hazardous to drive the vehicle.”

    Filed 12/31/2020 · ODI 11385752

Other Lexus IS model years

Other Lexus models

2003 Lexus IS recall questions

How many recalls does the 2003 Lexus IS have?

NHTSA lists 1 safety recall campaign for the 2003 Lexus IS. The most recent, 09E012000 (reported April 7, 2009), concerns exterior lighting. Not every vehicle is covered by every campaign; check a specific car by VIN.

What is the most common complaint about the 2003 Lexus IS?

Structure is the most-reported component, named in 12 complaints out of 34 filed with NHTSA (35%). Across all complaints, owners reported 10 crashs and 1 fire. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

How do I check if a recall is open on my 2003 Lexus IS?

Enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or the Toyota/Lexus recall lookup. That shows campaigns still unrepaired on that exact car. Safety recall repairs are free at a franchised Lexus dealer.

Check a specific Lexus by VIN

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