2003 Lexus ES300 problems
Owners have filed 147 complaints about the 2003 Lexus ES300 with NHTSA. Vehicle speed control accounts for 33.3% of them — the clear leader, ahead of power train at 18.4%.
Complaints147
Crashes52
Fires6
Injuries20
Deaths2
What owners report breaking
Vehicle speed control 33.3% · 49
Power train 18.4% · 27
Air bags 8.8% · 13
Engine and engine cooling 7.5% · 11
Electrical system 6.8% · 10
Service brakes, hydraulic 4.8% · 7
Fuel system, gasoline 4.1% · 6
Engine 3.4% · 5
Severity
Of those complaints, 52 describe a crash, 6 describe a fire, 20 report an injury and 2 report a death.
Reading the numbers
Filings are rising — 10 in the last three years against 8 in the three before. For a vehicle this age that usually points to a wear-related failure owners are hitting now.
The median odometer reading at the time of complaint was 31,000 miles.
In owners' own words
The contact owns a 2003 Lexus ES300. The contact was driving approximately 35 mph when the accelerator pedal suddenly became stuck and the vehicle crashed into a concrete railroad. The dealer had not been notified. The contact called the manufacturer who stated that they would investigatie. A police report was filed. The vehicle was destroyed. The current and failure mileages were approximately 118,000. Vehicle speed control · reported at 118,000 miles
Pulling into parking spot on left ,about stopped and the car accelerater very fast for about 30 feet. Beening the second time this has happened, I was aware of where my foot was, on the brake. Last oct. Pulling into parking spot to left the same thing happened. Just felt like a nut. This time I am sure it was the car. *Tr the contact wanted to add that the drivers floor mat was in the trunk. Vehicle speed control · reported at 44,785 miles
Upon stopping, and when consumer removed foot from the gas pedal vehicle surged forward before the brake pedal was depressed. This occurred numerous times. Once, resulting in consumer's vehicle crashing into a concrete pole while pulling into a parking lot. Also, starting at 5000 miles battery had to be replaced 3 times because it died. This was due to an electrical short. *Ak Vehicle speed control · reported at 2,000 miles
Verbatim from NHTSA filings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
Safety recalls
Checking NHTSA for open recalls…