2003 Lexus ES Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 3about this part
- Share
- 13%of 23 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 130,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 3 complaints about the engine of the 2003 Lexus ES, 13% of the 23 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 130,000 miles. 1 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.
“I was reversing and trying to turn when my car Lexus ES 300 suddenly picked up high speed acceleration by it self and went forward and hit a fence in front. The vehicle picked up unintentional high speed (full throttle). It was beyond my control. My body went forward and backward violently. For few days I have experienced muscle stiffness, pain and poor night sleep.”
NHTSA complaint #10627242, filed 2014-08, 135,000 miles“1. The vehicle hesitates with initial acceleration (slow or quick acceleration). 2. The automatic transmission also hesitates. I suspect that ounce the acceleration problem is fixed that the transmission problem would be fixed. 3. I have gone to the Lexus dealer to update the computer with a new chip to help resolve the problems with no success. 4. I have discovered on the internet that hundreds of Lexus owners have the same complaint. In some cases the dealers have the audacity to suggest thats the way the car was designed! Why isn't Lexus listening to all the complaints? Thanks”
NHTSA complaint #10460217, filed 2012-06, 125,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10179601Aug 5, 2020TSB: Vehicles may display evidence of a fluid leak or fluid seep from powertrain components. This bulletin explains how to determine the differences between a fluid leak versus a…
- 10164328Jul 1, 2019TSB: REVISION NOTICE July 01, 2019 Rev1: G1668 Applicability has been updated to include 2019 ? 2020 model year Lexus vehicles. G2158 The Techstream Preparation and Process…
Engine: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 1 | 20% |
| 2022 | 1 | 9% |
| 2020 | 1 | 6% |
| 2019 | 9 | 26% |
| 2016 | 1 | 11% |
| 2013 | 1 | 3% |
| 2011 | 1 | 2% |
| 2009 | 1 | 4% |
| 2008 | 4 | 6% |
| 2007 | 11 | 9% |
| 2006 | 1 | 8% |
| 2004 | 2 | 13% |
| 2003 | 3 | 13% |
| 2002 | 8 | 30% |
| 2000 | 1 | 17% |
Other parts of the 2003 Lexus ES
6 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
5 complaintsBrakes
4 complaintsAir bags
3 complaintsElectrical system
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 27, 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