10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
30 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
13 / 0
Average Mileage:
42,219 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2003 Lexus ES 300 engine problems

engine problem

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2003 Lexus ES 300 Owner Comments (Page 3 of 3)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #9

Mar 182004

ES 300 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 2,600 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

When pulling into a parking spot driver depressed the brake pedal and vehicle suddenly accelerated. Vehicle went over the curb, and hit a light pole. Front left side of the vehicle was damaged. Upon impact, front air bags did not deploy. Driver sustained minor bruises.

- Sherman Oaks, CA, USA

problem #8

Feb 082004

ES 300 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 3,400 miles
Auto accelerated unexpectedly causing accident, striking a building. See voq 10061753. Updated 7/5/12

- Columbus, GA, USA

problem #7

Mar 142004

ES 300 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 10,000 miles
There is a dangerous and unpredictable tendency for the vehicle engine/transmission combination to accelerate suddenly and unexpectedly. This is an intermittent problem which makes it especially unnerving. It is most noticeable at speeds below 40 mph, when first slowing, followed by acceleration. It appears to be exacerbate by uncertain transmission "hunting" for proper gear/engine speed combinations. The sudden acceleration causes a rapid and jerky throttle response to mild accelerator pedal input. I have taken the car to the dealer on at least two occasions for this issue. The first time, the dealer reprogrammed the transmission. The second time, the technician tested the vehicle and note "no problem found". at current mileage of 32,000, the problem seems to be worsening. This is a dangerous condition that, if left undressed, is likely to be the cause of an accident, serious injury or much worse.

- Whittier, CA, USA

problem #6

Jan 112004

ES 300

  • 10,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

While driving at 15 mph vehicle experienced unwanted sudden acceleration. When this occurred consumer immediately depressed the brake pedal, and put vehicle in neutral to stop the acceleration.

- Philadelphia, PA, USA

problem #5

Mar 102004

ES 300 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 2,200 miles
While waiting in heavy traffic at an intersection and without warning vehicle suddenly accelerated. This caused the driver to rear end the vehicle in front. Upon impact, both air bags did not deploy. The vehicle was towed to the dealer. The insurance company totaled the vehicle. The dealership insisted that there was nothing wrong with the vehicle. The consumer contacted the manufacturer and was told that nothing could be done.

- New Rochelle, NY, USA

problem #4

Mar 102004

ES 300

  • Automatic transmission
  • 2,850 miles
The vehicle lunged upon parking. As a result the consumer lost control and hit a wall. The front end repairs cost $2,275. (sudden acceleration)

- Albuquerque, NM, USA

problem #3

Mar 102004

ES 300 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

While entering a parking lot vehicle accelerated on its own. Consumer tapped the brakes, and speed increased even more. As a result, driver loss control of vehicle, and hit a wall. See voq 10062702 updated 7/3/12

- Columbus, GA, USA

problem #2

Jul 172003

ES 300

  • Automatic transmission
  • 20 miles
While parking consumer depressed the brake pedal and vehicle lurched forward, hitting a building. The front of the vehicle was damaged. Vehicle was taken to the dealer, who could not determine the cause of the problem.

- Miami, FL, USA

problem #1

Oct 222002

ES 300 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 25 miles
Due to the design of the speedometer consumer cannot read the gauge during the bright daylight hours. The pointer is bright red, and with the bright sun shining down, it is very hard to see where the dial is on the dashboard.

- Manteca, CA, USA

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