2003 Lexus IS Body and structure Problems
- Complaints
- 4about this part
- Share
- 33%of 12 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 55,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 4 complaints about the body and structure of the 2003 Lexus IS, 33% of the 12 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 55,000 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.
“The dashboard on my Lexus IS 300 IS melting. It IS very sticky and as it heats up a chemical IS released and there IS an odor in the car. I called Lexus and they said that the recall does not effect the year of my vehicle, but it IS very clear that this car has a serious issue. All is300 regardless of year with this issue must be recalled.”
NHTSA complaint #10732766, filed 2015-07, 80,000 miles“The dashboard and center console IS melting, leaving a sticky & shiny surface making it hazardous to drive the vehicle. A warranty campaign was issued for several other Lexus models to address this very issue, however, the 2003 is300 was excluded. Lexus could not provide a reason as to why this exact defect was not addressed for the 2003 is300 model, since they addressed the very same issue with an older 2003 gx470 model. My vehicle has been garage kept and extremely well maintained, so sun exposure was minimal and still experiencing the same issue as thousands of others that have complained. …”
NHTSA complaint #11385752, filed 2020-12Related service bulletins
- 11003648Apr 19, 2024The condition known as acid rain is caused by airborne chemicals or particles in the atmosphere, which mix with rainwater, nighttime dew, or high humidity to form acidic…
- 11003643Apr 19, 2024Acid rain results from rainwater or other airborne moisture that become acidic due to industrial chemical impurities in the atmosphere. If these acidic compounds settle on an…
- 11003642Apr 19, 2024Lexus vehicles are currently protected with RapgardTM protective film designed to protect the horizontal painted surfaces. This material protects from acid rain, environmental…
- 11003641Apr 19, 2024Vehicles may occasionally be subjected to contamination by airborne iron particles shed from railroad tracks, train wheels, exposure to heavy machinery facilities, grinding…
- 11003593Apr 19, 2024The condition known as acid rain is caused by airborne chemicals or particles in the atmosphere, which mix with rainwater, nighttime dew, or high humidity to form acidic…
- 11003588Apr 19, 2024Acid rain results from rainwater or other airborne moisture that become acidic due to industrial chemical impurities in the atmosphere. If these acidic compounds settle on an…
- 11003587Apr 19, 2024Lexus vehicles are currently protected with RapgardTM protective film designed to protect the horizontal painted surfaces. This material protects from acid rain, environmental…
- 11003586Apr 19, 2024Vehicles may occasionally be subjected to contamination by airborne iron particles shed from railroad tracks, train wheels, exposure to heavy machinery facilities, grinding…
Body and structure: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 1 | 20% |
| 2017 | 1 | 9% |
| 2015 | 1 | 11% |
| 2014 | 1 | 8% |
| 2013 | 1 | 11% |
| 2012 | 4 | 22% |
| 2011 | 3 | 20% |
| 2009 | 4 | 10% |
| 2008 | 22 | 22% |
| 2007 | 46 | 38% |
| 2006 | 43 | 30% |
| 2005 | 5 | 42% |
| 2004 | 3 | 30% |
| 2003 | 4 | 33% |
| 2002 | 5 | 42% |
Other parts of the 2003 Lexus IS
4 complaintsEngine
3 complaintsBrakes
2 complaintsElectrical system
1 complaintsOther or unknown
1 complaintsSteering
1 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
1 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2003 Lexus IS
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