2003 Lexus IS: common problems and reliability
One of the weaker IS years.
34 owner complaints, most about structure. 1 recall.
Should I buy a 2003 IS?The 2003 Lexus IS has 34 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 1 recall on record. The most-reported areas are structure and air bags.
Safety record for the 2003 model year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2003 Lexus IS vehicles (US, public record).
The Year Score compares this year with other IS years only. How we score it
Is 2003 a good year for the IS?
Across the 27 IS model years we track, complaint volume runs from 1 (1999) to 426 (2006). With 34 complaints, the 2003 IS sits about the same as the model's median of 32.
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
Recalls affecting the 2003 IS
exterior lighting
Campaign 09E012000SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
What owners say across generations
Mixed sentiment heavily dependent on generation and powertrain. The IS is widely recognized for its strong long-term reliability, comfortable ride, and luxury feel, particularly when compared to German competitors.
Owner insights cover all generations of the IS. See the full IS owner picture and every model year.
Other IS model years
Compare every IS year side by side to see how 2003 ranks against the rest.
Compare the IS against its rivals
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