2003 Lexus ES300 Air bags Problems
- Complaints
- 13about this part
- Share
- 11%of 116 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 55,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 13 complaints about the air bags of the 2003 Lexus ES300, 11% of the 116 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 55,000 miles. 9 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 in a auto accident and was hit on the left front of my 2003 Lexus and the air curtain did not activate. I hit my head on the drivers door window. Damage was estimated over $3000.00 on my vehicle. I tried to get answers from the dealer but they did not know where the sensor was located and why it did not deploy.”
NHTSA complaint #10093831, filed 2004-10, 37,000 miles“2003 es 300 - air bag sensor issues: this issue is ongoing as of nov 2011 and started back in 2005. Why doesn't Lexus offer a way for consumers to fix error codes on their own vehicles? I know what my error code is - b1186 - though, Lexus wouldn't tell me this. I had to find out by doing my own diagnostic testing. Depending on who I spoke with, they told me different things from needing a driver sensor replaced, to the passenger sensor, to the center sensor, to the driver airbag, to needing all of it replaced. …”
NHTSA complaint #10437720, filed 2011-11, 40,000 miles“While waiting in heavy traffic at an intersection and without warning vehicle suddenly accelerated. This caused the driver to rear end the vehicle in front. Upon impact, both air bags did not deploy. The vehicle was towed to the dealer. The insurance company totaled the vehicle. The dealership insisted that there was nothing wrong with the vehicle. The consumer contacted the manufacturer and was told that nothing could be done.”
NHTSA complaint #10062896, filed 2004-05, 2,200 miles“When pulling into a parking spot driver depressed the brake pedal and vehicle suddenly accelerated. Vehicle went over the curb, and hit a light pole. Front left side of the vehicle was damaged. Upon impact, front air bags did not deploy. Driver sustained minor bruises.”
NHTSA complaint #10064706, filed 2004-04, 2,600 miles“While driving 40 MPH the vehicle was involved in a frontal collision. The dual airbags did not deploy. The driver sustained head injuries from hitting his head on the steering wheel. Please provide additional information.”
NHTSA complaint #10103434, filed 2004-12, 45,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10131964Jan 16, 2014Lexus vehicles are equipped with Supplemental Restraint Systems (SRS), including various airbags and in some models, seat belt pre-tensioners, to help reduce the risk of injury…
- 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…
- 10133923Jan 16, 2013Lexus vehicles are equipped with SRS, including various airbags and in some models, seat belt pre-tensioners, to help reduce the risk of injury in a collision. If a customer…
- 10051860Jan 16, 2013Lexus: some vehicles come with the supplemental restraint systems (srs) and to help reduce injuries in a collision, seat belt pre-tensioners devices, that may or may not perform…
Air bags: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 1 | 20% |
| 2003 | 13 | 11% |
| 2002 | 9 | 6% |
| 2001 | 3 | 10% |
| 2000 | 5 | 9% |
| 1999 | 2 | 7% |
| 1998 | 9 | 17% |
| 1997 | 3 | 7% |
| 1996 | 6 | 16% |
| 1995 | 4 | 11% |
| 1994 | 3 | 8% |
| 1993 | 8 | 19% |
| 1992 | 6 | 16% |
Other parts of the 2003 Lexus ES300
48 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
27 complaintsEngine cooling
11 complaintsElectrical system
10 complaintsBrakes
7 complaintsFuel system
6 complaintsOther or unknown
6 complaintsEngine
5 complaintsBody and structure
3 complaintsExterior lighting
2 complaintsSteering
2 complaintsTires
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2003 Lexus ES300
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