Photo: OSX / Public domain / Wikimedia Commons
2003 Lexus ES: common problems and reliability
One of the weaker ES years.
140 owner complaints, most about vehicle speed control. No recalls.
Should I buy a 2003 ES?The 2003 Lexus ES has 140 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 0 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are vehicle speed control and power train.
Safety record for the 2003 model year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2003 Lexus ES vehicles (US, public record).
The Year Score compares this year with other ES years only. How we score it
Is 2003 a good year for the ES?
Across the 29 ES model years we track, complaint volume runs from 15 (2018) to 664 (2007). With 140 complaints, the 2003 ES sits above the model's median of 56.
These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.
Where owners report problems
What owners say across generations
Overwhelmingly positive sentiment centered on exceptional long-term reliability, low operating costs, and a comfortable, quiet, and refined driving experience.
Owner insights cover all generations of the ES. See the full ES owner picture and every model year.
Typical used price
Used ES listings typically run $43,225–$47,448.
Other ES model years
Compare every ES year side by side to see how 2003 ranks against the rest.
Compare the ES against its rivals
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