2003 Lexus ES Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 5about this part
- Share
- 22%of 23 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 32,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 5 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2003 Lexus ES, 22% of the 23 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 32,000 miles.
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.
“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 miles“The car changes gear when braking to a stop or coasting. When I apply the accelerator the car may hesitate and the snap into gear and lunge forward or it may quickly go between two gears until it finally jerks into gear and lunges forward. I took this certified car to the dealer under warranty and they claimed to have updated the computer program but it is exactly the same as before. The car has now started to hesitate while driving on the interstate as if was changing gears but doesn't need too. T he car is under warranty but I am discouraged by my first service experience.”
NHTSA complaint #10206187, filed 2007-10, 32,000 miles“I own a Lexus 2003 ES. The transmission is performing unsafely! 1. At stop lights, while holding the car stopped with the brake, the trans wants to go and the car lunges forward. 2. At low speeds (20 -30 MPH) the car doesn't know what gear to be in. The trans will jump down causing the rpms to suddenly increase then slam into the next gear lunging the car forward. 3. My biggest concern driving downhill at highway speeds, when the brake is applied, the trans jumps out of overdrive into 4th gear lunging the car forward! I am afraid of what may happen when the road is wet!”
NHTSA complaint #10169607, filed 2006-09, 1 miles“I have a 2003 Lexus es300 with 41000 miles. The transmission does not shift properly and actually hesitates then jerks. I am afraid this will lead to a break down at some point. The Lexus dealership claims there are no updates available at this time. I feel there should be a recall on this transmission.”
NHTSA complaint #10168102, filed 2006-09“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
- 10179697Aug 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…
- 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…
- 10205346Oct 16, 2014Auto matic Transmission Replacement kPrecautions
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 1 | 10% |
| 2019 | 5 | 15% |
| 2018 | 1 | 20% |
| 2016 | 1 | 11% |
| 2013 | 1 | 3% |
| 2010 | 2 | 5% |
| 2008 | 1 | 1% |
| 2007 | 4 | 3% |
| 2006 | 1 | 8% |
| 2005 | 24 | 41% |
| 2004 | 2 | 13% |
| 2003 | 5 | 22% |
| 2002 | 5 | 19% |
| 2000 | 1 | 17% |
Other parts of the 2003 Lexus ES
6 complaintsBrakes
4 complaintsAir bags
3 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 29, 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