2003 LEXUS IS

1 recalls, 18 complaints - 29 TSBs

09E012000 Apr 7, 2009
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Defect Description
SABERSPORT 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... Read more
Consequence
DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy
SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.
16,270 vehicles affected
Manufacturer: SABERSPORT

Complaint Statistics

18 total complaints 5 crashes 8 injuries

Top Reported Components

ComponentComplaints
AIR BAGS4
STRUCTURE:BODY3
ENGINE2
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM2
UNKNOWN OR OTHER2
STRUCTURE1
VISIBILITY/WIPER1
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING1
SERVICE BRAKES1
POWER TRAIN1
UNKNOWN OR OTHER Jul 23, 2024
Incident date: Oct 12, 2006
2017 CIVIC AC INSPECTION FOUND THAT THE AC EVAPORATOR ASSEMBLY FAILED AND THE CAR ONLY 36,000 MILES ONLY, NO WARRANTY BY HONDA AND THE AC HAS FAILED 4 TIMES AFTER THE RECALL FOR AC CONDENSER. NEED HELP TO MAKE HONDA HELD LIABILITY FOR FAIL AC COMPONENTS SINCE IT HAS BEEN TOO MANY FAILURE WITH THEIR ... Read more
POWER TRAIN Jul 23, 2024
Incident date: Oct 12, 2006
TRUCK IS ACTING LIKE IT IS IN NEUTRAL SOMETIMES WHILE DRIVING. WILL REV SUPER HIGH WHEN GOING DOWN THE HIGHWAY AT 60, AS WELL AS NOT GOING FROM A STAND STILL. SHIFTING USING THE MANUAL MODE DOES NOT HELP IT AT ALL, AS IT STILL HAS THE SAME ISSUES. TO MAKE A LONG STORY SHORT, THE TRUCK IS HAVING HA... Read more
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM Jul 23, 2024
Incident date: Oct 12, 2006
When Apple Carplay is utilized the operator's phone is muted all though they are unaware of this until notified whereas to correct the call must be disconnected then reconnected. This happens continuously and dealer denied any problem and blamed all kinds of other culprits. Upon contacting Apple the... Read more
SERVICE BRAKES Jul 23, 2024
Incident date: Feb 11, 2003
Brand new owner - first owner at time of lease/finance terms and conditions. Car accelerated numerous times during ownership that caused harm to both my young son and I life, placed us in harms way and accident occurred in California due to faulty emissions, acceleration out of control, and brakin... Read more
Crash 2 injured
ENGINE Jul 23, 2024
Incident date: Feb 11, 2003
Brand new owner - first owner at time of lease/finance terms and conditions. Car accelerated numerous times during ownership that caused harm to both my young son and I life, placed us in harms way and accident occurred in California due to faulty emissions, acceleration out of control, and brakin... Read more
Crash 2 injured
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING Jul 23, 2024
Incident date: Feb 11, 2003
The contact’s mother owns a 2014 Ford Escape. While the contact's mother was driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with coolant leak and engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed... Read more
STRUCTURE:BODY Dec 31, 2020
Incident date: Jan 1, 2013
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 EX... Read more
AIR BAGS Feb 12, 2016
Incident date: Jan 16, 2016
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 REPORT... Read more
Crash 1 injured
VISIBILITY/WIPER Sep 16, 2015
Incident date: Jun 1, 2011
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 RESP... Read more
UNKNOWN OR OTHER Sep 16, 2015
Incident date: Jun 1, 2011
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 RESP... Read more
STRUCTURE:BODY Jul 8, 2015
Incident date: Mar 2, 2011
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 REGARDLES... Read more
STRUCTURE Jan 26, 2015
Incident date: Jan 3, 2005
DASHBOARD IS "MELTING". RECALLS HAVE BEEN MADE FOR DASHBOARDS OF THE ES300 AND RX 300 MODELS FOR THE SAME PROBLEMS. *TR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM Nov 10, 2014
Incident date: Sep 2, 2014
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 MIL... Read more
ENGINE Nov 10, 2014
Incident date: Sep 2, 2014
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 MIL... Read more
AIR BAGS Nov 3, 2014
Incident date: Nov 11, 2009
INITIALLY, THE PASSENGER AIR BAG COMPARTMENT STARTED SHINING, MELTING AND DETERIORATING THEN THE ENTIRE DASHBOARD STARTED DETERIORATING. NOW THE AIR BAG COMPARTMENT WEAKENING WHERE IT IS SINKING IN THE MIDDLE. I'M VERY AFRAID THAT THE COMPARTMENT WILL DEPLOY THE AIR BAG AND INJURE AND/OR KILLING ANY... Read more
STRUCTURE:BODY Sep 3, 2014
Incident date: Jun 1, 2012
DASH IS MELTING AND COMING OFF CREATING A SHINY SURFACE. *TR
AIR BAGS Mar 4, 2014
Incident date: Feb 26, 2014
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 IS ... Read more
Crash 1 injured
AIR BAGS Nov 9, 2006
Incident date: Oct 27, 2006
ON THE NIGHT OF OCTOBER 27TH, I WAS DRIVING HOME WITH MY BOYFRIEND FROM A FRIEND'S HOUSE. I WAS IN MY 3-DAY OLD CERTIFIED PRE-OWNED LEXUS IS300. IT WAS A 2003 WITH 20,000 MILES ON IT, IN SPECTACULAR MINT CONDITION. UPON COMING AROUND A SLIGHT BEND IN THE ROAD LEADING INTO OUR APARTMENT COMPLEX, A... Read more
Crash 2 injured

Technical Service Bulletins, 2003 LEXUS IS

29 manufacturer communications from 19 unique bulletins. TSBs describe known problems and recommended fixes from the manufacturer.

Most Affected Components

ComponentBulletins
350000 EQUIPMENT7
110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM3
130000 VISIBILITY2
116340 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:ANTI-THEFT:IMMOBILIZER/PROXIMITY:KEY/SENDER2
060000 ENGINE (PWS)2
200000 WHEELS2
142000 AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW1
220000 SEATS1
Safety Recall 22 Apr 13, 2022
350000 EQUIPMENT
Lexus Safety Recall and Service Campaign - Technician Certification Requirements 4.13.2022
Lexus PRO19-02 - Jan 12, 2022
355200 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL
POL: This consolidated Tire Warranty Guide contains the complete warranty terms for all brands of ground and spare tires currently in use by Lexus. This information must be kept near the point of vehicle sale and be available to any custome
Lexus PRO19-02 - Jan 12, 2022
200000 WHEELS
POL: This consolidated Tire Warranty Guide contains the complete warranty terms for all brands of ground and spare tires currently in use by Lexus. This information must be kept near the point of vehicle sale and be available to any custome
Lexus PRO19-02 - Jan 12, 2022
190000 TIRES
POL: This consolidated Tire Warranty Guide contains the complete warranty terms for all brands of ground and spare tires currently in use by Lexus. This information must be kept near the point of vehicle sale and be available to any custome
L-SB-0002-20 Rev Aug 5, 2020
102400 POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION:LUBRICANT
TSB: Vehicles may display evidence of a fluid leak or fluid seep from powertrain components. This bulletin explains how to determine the differences between a fluid leak versus a fluid seep. Cases that are determined to be a ?leak? should
L-SB-0002-20 Rev Aug 5, 2020
103200 POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:FLUID/LUBRICANT
TSB: Vehicles may display evidence of a fluid leak or fluid seep from powertrain components. This bulletin explains how to determine the differences between a fluid leak versus a fluid seep. Cases that are determined to be a ?leak? should
L-SB-0002-20 Rev Aug 5, 2020
060000 ENGINE (PWS)
TSB: Vehicles may display evidence of a fluid leak or fluid seep from powertrain components. This bulletin explains how to determine the differences between a fluid leak versus a fluid seep. Cases that are determined to be a ?leak? should
L-SB-0023-20 Jun 23, 2020
200000 WHEELS
TSB: SUPERSESSION NOTICE The information contained in this bulletin supersedes Service Bulletin Nos. ST004-01, SU001-08, and L-SB-0174-08. The aforementioned bulletins are obsolete, and any printed versions should be discarded. Be sure
Lexus Safety Re May 1, 2020
350000 EQUIPMENT
Safety Recall and Service Campaign - Technician Certification Requirements
L-SB-0008-20 Apr 6, 2020
350000 EQUIPMENT
TSB: SUPERSESSION NOTICE The information contained in this bulletin supersedes Service Bulletin Nos. L-SB-0048-08, PG007-07, PG016-01, PG015-01, PG004-97, PG003-97, PG003-93, PG002-90, L-SB-0048-08, PG007-07, PG016-01, PG015-01, PG004-97,
L-SB-0179-17 Obs Apr 6, 2020
350000 EQUIPMENT
TSB: OBSOLETE NOTICE April 06, 2020: This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see L-SB-0008-20. Replacement Certification Labels and VIN Plates
L-SB-0001-18-Rev Jul 1, 2019
356000 EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY
TSB: REVISION NOTICE July 01, 2019 Rev1: G1668 Applicability has been updated to include 2019 ? 2020 model year Lexus vehicles. G2158 The Techstream Preparation and Process Overview sections have been updated. Any previous printed versions
L-SB-0001-18-Rev Jul 1, 2019
060000 ENGINE (PWS)
TSB: REVISION NOTICE July 01, 2019 Rev1: G1668 Applicability has been updated to include 2019 ? 2020 model year Lexus vehicles. G2158 The Techstream Preparation and Process Overview sections have been updated. Any previous printed versions
L-SB-0001-18-Rev Jul 1, 2019
110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TSB: REVISION NOTICE July 01, 2019 Rev1: G1668 Applicability has been updated to include 2019 ? 2020 model year Lexus vehicles. G2158 The Techstream Preparation and Process Overview sections have been updated. Any previous printed versions
L-SB-0001-18-Rev Jul 1, 2019
350000 EQUIPMENT
TSB: REVISION NOTICE July 01, 2019 Rev1: G1668 Applicability has been updated to include 2019 ? 2020 model year Lexus vehicles. G2158 The Techstream Preparation and Process Overview sections have been updated. Any previous printed versions
L-SB-0179-17 Nov 28, 2017
355100 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
TSB: SUPERSESSION NOTICE The information contained in this bulletin supersedes SB Nos. L-SB-0048-08, PG007-07, PG016-01, PG015-01, PG004-97, PG003-97, PG003-93, and PG002-90. Service Bulletin Nos. L-SB-0048-08, PG007-07, PG016-01, PG015-01,
L-SB-0113-12_Rev Nov 21, 2017
110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TSB: REVISION NOTICE November 22, 2017 Rev1: ? Applicability has been updated to include 2014 ? 2018 model year vehicles. Any previous printed versions of this bulletin should be discarded. In the event that a Lexus vehicle becomes submerge
L-SB-0021-14 Rev Sep 19, 2016
350000 EQUIPMENT
TSB: Revision Notice: Applicability section has been updated to include 2016-2017 applicable model year Lexus vehicles. The Repair Procedure section, Required Tools & Equipment section, and the Repair Procedure section has been updated.
LSB008214 Oct 16, 2014
100000 POWER TRAIN
Auto matic Transmission Replacement kPrecautions
LSB002514B Jul 7, 2014
116340 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:ANTI-THEFT:IMMOBILIZER/PROXIMITY:KEY/SENDER
Immobilizer and Smart Key Reset
LSB002514 Jul 4, 2014
118000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE
Immobilizer and Smart Key Reset.
LSB002514 Jul 4, 2014
116340 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:ANTI-THEFT:IMMOBILIZER/PROXIMITY:KEY/SENDER
Immobilizer and Smart Key Reset.
LSB002114 Jun 12, 2014
350000 EQUIPMENT
Techstream ECU Flash Reprogramming Procedure.
LSB002114 Jun 12, 2014
110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Techstream ECU Flash Reprogramming Procedure.
LSB009213B Dec 19, 2013
130000 VISIBILITY
Windshield Wiper Blade Maintenance and cleaning
L-SB-0143-11 Rev Nov 10, 2013
220000 SEATS
Beginning 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 materials on vehicles due to the following: Seat covers NOT rec
L-SB-0143-11 Rev Nov 10, 2013
142000 AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW
Beginning 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 materials on vehicles due to the following: Seat covers NOT rec
LTT014513 Nov 2, 2013
130000 VISIBILITY
Spots in Window Glass - vehicle exterior
LSB-0059-12 Jul 10, 2012
181000 VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL
LEXUS: PRECAUTION INFORMATION ON REMOVAL, INSPECTION, INSTALLATION OF ACCELERATOR PEDAL SENSOR ASSEMBLY, WHICH REQUIRES NO LUBRICATION. MODELS 2001-13 CT200H, ES300, 300H, 330, 350, GS300, 350, 450, 450H, 460, GX460, 470, HS250H, IS F, IS

LEXUS IS - All Years Overview

Complete safety history for the LEXUS IS across all model years (1998, 2022).

25 Total Recalls
800 Total Complaints
0 Investigations
58 Reported Crashes
11 Reported Fires
0 Reported Deaths

LEXUS IS - Year by Year

Compare recalls and complaints across model years. Click any year to see full details.

Year Recalls Complaints
2025 0 1 View
2024 0 1 View
2023 0 3 View
2022 1 6 View
2021 0 2 View
2020 0 7 View
2019 0 3 View
2018 0 3 View
2017 0 14 View
2016 0 2 View
2015 0 14 View
2014 0 15 View
2013 0 12 View
2012 0 28 View
2011 0 22 View
2010 1 51 View
2009 2 55 View
2008 3 143 View
2007 3 171 View
2006 7 185 View
2005 1 13 View
2004 1 12 View
2003 (current) 1 18
2002 1 17 View
2001 1 1 View
2000 1 0 View
1999 1 1 View
1998 1 0 View

Other LEXUS Models

Model Recalls Complaints
LS 421 284 View
RX 420 1,181 View
TX 406 75 View
LX 353 73 View
NX 352 296 View
NX HYBRID 310 13 View
LS HYBRID 256 5 View
RZ 252 29 View