2003 Lexus ES Air bags Problems
- Complaints
- 3about this part
- Share
- 13%of 23 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 20,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 3 complaints about the air bags of the 2003 Lexus ES, 13% of the 23 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 20,000 miles. 2 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“A disabled vehicle in front of mine was hovering over narrow express lane shoulder and right lane. I slowed and put my signal on preparing to merge into the left lane, but the vehicle behind me did not react similarly and consequently rear-ended me at full speed (+). The force of this impact pushed my car into the disabled car in front of me. No airbags deployed on either impact, and the seat belt failed to protect me from a serious spinal fracture.”
NHTSA complaint #10173303, filed 2006-11“The contact owns a 2003 Lexus es300. The contact's wife was involved in a two vehicle crash. While driving 10 MPH, another vehicle struck the contact's vehicle on the passenger side. A police report was filed. The other vehicle was traveling approximately 25 MPH. The contact's vehicle was destroyed and none of the air bags deployed. The failure and current mileages were 20,000. Updated 11/14/07.”
NHTSA complaint #10206886, filed 2007-10, 20,000 miles“1) passenger driver side dash air bag looks as if it is ready to burst. 2) transmission often has slight slip while driving. I notice at certain gear change while driving automatic vehicle.”
NHTSA complaint #11242162, filed 2019-08Related service bulletins
- 10132074Nov 10, 2013Beginning in 1998, Lexus introduced side airbags as optional equipment. Lexus does NOT recommend replacement of original seat covers with non-Lexus leather or other seat cover…
Air bags: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2 | 22% |
| 2021 | 25 | 89% |
| 2020 | 8 | 44% |
| 2019 | 6 | 18% |
| 2018 | 1 | 20% |
| 2016 | 1 | 11% |
| 2015 | 2 | 40% |
| 2013 | 3 | 9% |
| 2012 | 19 | 61% |
| 2011 | 27 | 59% |
| 2010 | 20 | 49% |
| 2009 | 14 | 50% |
| 2008 | 37 | 54% |
| 2007 | 34 | 27% |
| 2006 | 7 | 58% |
| 2005 | 10 | 17% |
| 2004 | 4 | 25% |
| 2003 | 3 | 13% |
| 2002 | 3 | 11% |
| 1999 | 1 | 13% |
Other parts of the 2003 Lexus ES
6 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
5 complaintsBrakes
4 complaintsElectrical system
3 complaintsEngine
3 complaintsOther or unknown
3 complaintsSteering
3 complaintsFuel system
2 complaintsSeat belts
2 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
1 complaintsBody and structure
1 complaintsSuspension
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2003 Lexus ES
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology