2003 Lexus ES Vehicle speed control Problems
- Complaints
- 6about this part
- Share
- 26%of 23 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 69,456miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 6 complaints about the vehicle speed control of the 2003 Lexus ES, 26% of the 23 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 69,456 miles. 4 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“Backing up into my driveway making turn to straighten car out and all of sudden the car just speed up in reverse. Causing crash into side of my house. After that I tried to back car into driveway but due to damage was unable to. I pulled car over to street parking. When I pulled car onto street there were no problems. Right after incident I checked to see if gas pedal was stuck I dont believe it was. I was startled and in shock. Reported incident to my insurance company.”
NHTSA complaint #10474057, filed 2012-09, 126,000 miles“Driving out of my garage usually slowly and when I put my foot on the gas while in reverse to pull out the car just flew out into the street. The immediately tried to brake and couldn't work. When I hit a truck in the street behind me the car finally stopped. I had no control. This never happened before, a first time and a very frightening experience. The car is at the Lexus authorized body shop waiting for the Lexus inspector to go over the car. I would be afraid to drive this car in the future thinking this could happen again anytime. …”
NHTSA complaint #10695529, filed 2015-03, 88,600 miles“The contact stated while turning from a side street onto a main road and applying the brake, the vehicle engine revved. Then, while pulling into a parking space at 3 MPH and applying the brake, the vehicle lunged forward and over a small embankment. The engine continued to rev for a short time. The vehicle was not inspected by a dealer.”
NHTSA complaint #10168601, filed 2006-09, 43,000 miles“The contact owns a 2003 Lexus 300 ES. The contact stated that the vehicle automatically accelerated while attempting to pull into a parking space. The contact depressed the brake pedal, but the vehicle continued to accelerate. The vehicle stopped only after it jumped a curb. The vehicle was towed to a dealer, but no failure was found. The contact has the repair invoice and pictures. The current and failure mileage were 50,313.”
NHTSA complaint #10187139, filed 2007-04, 50,313 milesVehicle speed control: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 1 | 11% |
| 2023 | 1 | 10% |
| 2022 | 1 | 9% |
| 2019 | 3 | 9% |
| 2013 | 5 | 15% |
| 2012 | 1 | 3% |
| 2011 | 3 | 7% |
| 2009 | 3 | 11% |
| 2008 | 2 | 3% |
| 2007 | 3 | 2% |
| 2005 | 15 | 25% |
| 2004 | 5 | 31% |
| 2003 | 6 | 26% |
| 2002 | 5 | 19% |
| 1999 | 2 | 25% |
Other parts of the 2003 Lexus ES
5 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 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