2003 Lexus Is 300 problems
The Lexus IS (Japanese: レクサス・IS, Hepburn: Rekusasu IS) is a compact executive car (D-segment in Europe) sold by Lexus, a luxury division of Toyota, since 1998. The IS was originally sold under the Toyota Altezza (Japanese: トヨタ・アルテッツァ, Hepburn: Toyota Arutettsua) nameplate in Japan from 1998 (the word Altezza is Italian for 'height' or 'highness'). The IS was introduced as an entry-level sport model positioned below the ES in the Lexus lineup.
The first-generation Altezza (codename XE10) was launched in Japan in October 1998, while the Lexus IS 200 (GXE10) made its debut in Europe in 1999 and in North America as the IS 300 (JCE10) in 2000. The first-generation models were powered by a straight-six engine and available in sedan and wagon variants. The second-generation IS (codename XE20) was launched globally in 2005 with V6-powered IS 250 (GSE20) and IS 350 (GSE21) sedan models, followed by a high-performance V8 sedan version, the IS F, in 2007, and coupé convertible versions, the IS 250 C and IS 350 C, in 2008. The third-generation Lexus IS premiered in January 2013 and includes the V6-powered IS 350 and IS 250, turbocharged IS 200t/300, hybrid IS 300h and performance-tuned F Sport variants. The IS designation stands for "Intelligent Sport".
First generation (XE10; 1998)
Produced as a direct competitor to the luxury sports sedans of the leading European luxury marques, the XE10 series Toyota Altezza and Lexus IS was designed with a greater performance emphasis than typically seen on prior Japanese luxury vehicles. The engineering work was led by Nobuaki Katayama from 1994 to 1998 under the 038T program code, who was responsible for the AE86 project. Design work which had been done in 1995 by Tomoyasu Nishi was frozen in 1996 and filed under patent number 1030135 on 5 December 1996, at the Japan Patent Office. At its introduction to Japan, it was exclusive to Japanese dealerships called Toyota Netz Store, until Lexus was introduced to Japan in 2006. The Japan-sold AS200 Altezza sedan and AS300 Altezza Gita correspond to the Lexus IS 200 and IS 300 models respectively, as sold in markets outside of Japan. The Lexus IS' primary markets were North America, Australia, and Europe. The Altezza Gita was a hatchback-station wagon version sold in Japan and was known in the US and Europe as the Lexus IS SportCross. The AS300 Altezza Gita was the only Altezza with the 2JZ-GE engine; in export markets this engine was available in the sedan models as well as the Lexus IS300 Sedan.
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Common 2003 Lexus Is 300 problems
The Lexus IS300, produced in 2003, is considered a reliable vehicle by many, but like any car, it has its share of common problems. Here are some of the issues reported by owners:
- Sticky Dash: The dashboard material in the 2003 Lexus IS300 can become sticky and disintegrate over time due to heat and wear. This issue is common in models produced between 2002 and 2005, but not in the 2001 model year, which features a painted dashboard instead of a rubbery one .
- GPS Failure: Some cars may experience problems with the GPS system, which can become unresponsive or malfunction .
- Tailgate Surface Rust: The tailgate of the IS300, particularly in the IS300 Sport Cross model, is prone to surface rust due to its exposure to the elements .
- Power Steering Leak: Power steering leaks are a common problem in the IS300, which can lead to a loss of power steering fluid and affect the vehicle's steering performance .
- Radiator Leak: The radiator in the IS300, especially the Denso radiators with plastic tubing, can crack around the neck, leading to coolant leaks and potential overheating issues.
- Valve Cover Leak: The valve cover gasket in the IS300 can leak, causing oil to seep out and potentially damage other engine components.
- O2 Sensor Failure: O2 sensors in the IS300 can fail, leading to poor fuel efficiency and potential engine performance issues .
- Acceleration Hesitation: Some owners have reported hesitation between throttle application and transmission engagement, particularly in automatic transmissions. This issue can cause a delay in acceleration and may be caused by a faulty throttle cable or other transmission-related issues.
- Air in the Cooling System: Air trapped in the heater core can cause a "gurgling" sound in the IS300. This issue can be resolved by bleeding the coolant system to remove the trapped air.
- AC Servo Failure: The IS300's climate control system may experience issues with the servo motors, leading to a clicking sound and an unresponsive climate control system. Cleaning the servo motors with isopropyl alcohol and cotton swabs may help resolve this issue.
These common problems, while not necessarily debilitating, can affect the overall performance and reliability of the 2003 Lexus IS300. Owners are encouraged to address these issues promptly to ensure the longevity and optimal performance of their vehicles.
What are common problems with Lexus IS300?
Lexus IS300h Common Problems and Solutions
- Poor engine idling/misfiring. Problem: If you are having any problems with the engine misfiring and poor engine idling, this will be caused by a problem with either the throttle body, or MAF (Mass Air Flow) sensor. ...
- Rear brake calliper problem. Problem: ...
- Heavy clutch wear. Problem:
How long does IS300 engine last?
A Lexus IS300 should have no problem lasting over 200,000 miles as long as you take care of it. At the core of every Lexus vehicle is a Toyota engine that should be able to last a very long time. There are plenty of Lexus IS sedans out on the road that have over 200,000 miles on them.
Is the first gen IS300 reliable?
2001 IS 300 is a very reliable automobile!
These engines and transmissions are amazing but everything around it may need attention as mentioned above. You may end up spending up to $3,000 to replace the things around the motor but I think it's worth it considering the cost of a new vehicle these days.
Is Lexus IS300 slow?
The 2021 IS 300 isn't slow in any light when it comes to acceleration, the 2021 IS 300 can go from 0-60 miles per hour in just 6.1 seconds.
2003 Lexus Is 300 complaints
The NHTSA has received 0 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2003 Lexus Is 300.
You can leave your car complaint via the special form below.
Positive 2003 Lexus Is 300 car reviews
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2003 Lexus Is 300 problems:
Considering an IS300 - common problems? - ClubLexus - Lexus ...
Jul 7, 2005 ... The IS300 has no major mechanical problems. Consumer Reports calls it one of most reliable vehicles in their database. It DOES have some of ...
Any other common is300 problems?? | Lexus IS Forum
Jun 13, 2014 ... Stock antennas are probably starting to break due to car-wash stress. Coolant overflow tank develops a crack if the engine overheats (or gets ...
Common IS300 problems? - ClubLexus - Lexus Forum Discussion
Oct 28, 2012 ... IS - 1st Gen (2001-2005) - Common IS300 problems? - I am looking at IS300s and would probably do the typical modifications to it, drop, ...
Advice on purchasing a 2003 Lexus IS300 : r/IS300
Jan 26, 2022 ... The car has two known problems. Leaky cam seals and front lower ball joints. The leaky cam seals can be a bitch to get fixed. Normally they can ...
Q&A: Common Problems with 2003 Lexus IS300 Throttle Position ...
Jun 27, 2022 ... P0122 is a common trouble code with the Lexus IS 300. It's an OBDII code that references issues with the Throttle Position Sensor (TPS). It is ...
Other years of Lexus Is 300
Are you having problems with your 2003 Lexus Is 300?
Llewellyn Borer 2025-02-14
I'm so glad I bought this car with only 29,000 miles on it! The styling inside and out is just fantastic. The seats are incredibly comfortable, with high quality leather that feels great. The dash and instruments have a really cool design, and the orange color at night is a nice touch. I also love the 6-disc in-dash CD changer - it's so convenient! The low profile tires look amazing, but I did find that the stock tires rode a bit rough. I switched to similar tires with a lower speed rating, and now the ride is much smoother. I get compliments on this car all the time, which is always nice. Other than routine maintenance like oil changes, tires, and brakes, I haven't had any issues at all. I did have a bit of trouble with a disc getting stuck in the changer - I think I jammed it in there by mistake - but the dealer replaced the whole unit under warranty in just 2 days. And let me tell you, the engine is just fantastic, especially around 3-4k RPM!
Hal Ziemann 2025-02-13
It's a car that grows on you after you drive it!
Mackenzie Wehner 2025-02-01
Hi there! I just wanted to share my experience with my '03 IS. I owned it for seven years and drove it for 161,000 miles (purchased new). I'm happy to say that during my ownership, I never had to replace a light bulb, only replaced the brakes once and the tires twice. The car was an absolute joy to drive and I would have kept it for another 100,000 miles if I didn't need a bigger car for my growing family. I have to admit, I'm a bit disappointed that I didn't like the new IS series as much. I thought the styling dropped off and the inline-6 was really special. Thanks for listening!
Willard Koss 2025-01-23
Congratulations on your purchase! It's great to hear that you've been enjoying your car for the past 6 months without any regrets. It sounds like you made a reliable choice that's also fun to drive. The car's ability to handle curves at 60 mph+ is impressive, and it's even better to hear that it performed well in rain and snow despite having highway tires. While traction could be improved, snow tires should do the trick, especially during Salt Lake City winters. It's also great to hear that you've received compliments on the car's appearance. The minimal road noise is a plus, and it's impressive that you can carry on a conversation without having to yell. Although the E-shift system can be tricky to use in a turn, it's still a nice feature to have. Thanks for sharing your positive experience with us!
Eliseo Jast 2025-01-18
I love this car! It looks great in any color. Everyone looks at it when you're at a red light.