2003 Lexus IS Recalls

No recalls on record Updated July 2026

No NHTSA recalls on record for the 2003 Lexus IS. That means NHTSA has no open safety campaign for this vehicle — it does not guarantee the absence of problems. Owners have filed 18 complaints with NHTSA, most often about the air bags. Last updated July 5, 2026.

Complaints by component

AIR BAGS
4
3crashes4injuries
ENGINE
3
2crashes3injuries
STRUCTURE:BODY
3
SERVICE BRAKES
2
2crashes3injuries
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1
POWER TRAIN
1
1crashes2injuries
STEERING
1
1crashes1injuries
STRUCTURE
1
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1
VISIBILITY/WIPER
1
Total complaints18

What owners report

Verbatim reports filed with NHTSA, lightly edited for readability and with personal information removed.

“Tl* the contact owned a 2003 lexus is. The contact stated that while driving at 35 mph, another vehicle crash into the contacts vehicle head on and the air bags failed to deploy. As a result, the contact sustained head, neck and left shoulder injuries that required medical attention. A police…”

AIR BAGS · reported 2016-01-16

“My car has 51000 miles on it and I'm told my alternator should be replaced. I took my car for one things and the dealership found 4 different issues which 2 of the issues I am aware of. Grant you all the parts in my car are the original parts. I service my car according to lexus 25,000 - 75,000…”

ENGINE · reported 2014-09-02

“My car has 51000 miles on it and I'm told my alternator should be replaced. I took my car for one things and the dealership found 4 different issues which 2 of the issues I am aware of. Grant you all the parts in my car are the original parts. I service my car according to lexus 25,000 - 75,000…”

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM · reported 2014-09-02

“Vehicle fishtailed at about 40 mph due to rwd and about an inch or two inches of snow on the ground. Vehicle was uncontrollable and the brake was not applied. Seatbelt was being worn and vehicle slid onto oncoming traffic and hit an early 2000's f250 (I believe) rocker panel. The whole front end…”

AIR BAGS · reported 2014-02-26

“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…”

STRUCTURE:BODY · reported 2013-01-01

“Dash is melting and coming off creating a shiny surface. *tr”

STRUCTURE:BODY · reported 2012-06-01

“Dash is melting and is sticking to anything that is rub up against it. I saw a recall on all other model regarding this issue. Except this particular model 2003 lexus is300. I believe it should extend to this year and model as well. No dash should be melting away with heat! Owner should not be…”

UNKNOWN OR OTHER · reported 2011-06-01

“Dash is melting and is sticking to anything that is rub up against it. I saw a recall on all other model regarding this issue. Except this particular model 2003 lexus is300. I believe it should extend to this year and model as well. No dash should be melting away with heat! Owner should not be…”

VISIBILITY/WIPER · reported 2011-06-01
Sources & methodology

Recall, complaint, and investigation records from official NHTSA datasets (FLAT_RCL, FLAT_CMPL, FLAT_INV), synced weekly. Counts reflect NHTSA records for the 2003 Lexus IS as of July 5, 2026. Complaint narratives are consumer-submitted and unverified. This page contains ads and affiliate links. Full methodology.