2003 Lexus Is 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 problems
The Lexus IS 300, produced from 1998 to 2005, is generally considered a reliable vehicle by Toyota enthusiasts. However, there are some common problems that owners of the first-generation IS300 have reported.
One of the most common issues is hesitation that occurs between throttle application and transmission engagement, particularly in automatic transmissions. Drivers may experience a delay where the engine revs but the car doesn't move for a few seconds, especially at low speeds in drive and reverse. Some owners have attempted to fix this issue by adjusting the throttle cable, but it seems to be a persistent problem.
Another common issue is related to the radiator. The stock IS300s came with Denso radiators that used plastic tubing. Over time, the neck that connects the hose to the intake may crack, causing pressurized hot coolant to spray all over the engine bay if it cracks while driving. This can lead to overheating and potential engine damage. To address this issue, Mishimoto offers a performance radiator with metal tubing for $280, which can help prevent overheating.
Many IS300 owners also report a "gurgling" sound coming from the car, which is attributed to air trapped in the heater core. The only way to resolve this issue is to bleed the coolant by removing the radiator cap and running the heater at maximum flow until the radiator fan kicks in, then shutting off the engine and replacing the escaped air with more coolant. Flushing the radiator may become regular maintenance to ensure the cooling system is functioning properly.
The AC servo failure is another common problem, presenting itself as a clicking sound inside the dash followed by an unresponsive climate control system. This issue is likely caused by one of four servo motors malfunctioning, with the driver servo located under the dash on the driver's side and the other three on the passenger side. Owners can clean the servo motors with isopropyl alcohol and cotton swabs, or replace them with a new servo motor costing $138 on Amazon.
While these issues can be frustrating for IS300 owners, they are generally not debilitating as long as they are addressed immediately. The IS300 remains a rock-solid sport luxury sedan, despite these common problems.
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:
Are old Lexus IS300 reliable?
2001 IS 300 is a very reliable automobile!
I am the original owner of a 2001 IS300 Lexus. I currently have 270000 miles and I see the car running to at least 400 k easily, it's that strong. My alternator went out at 250,000 miles and my fuel pump went out at 260,000.
Are Lexus IS300 expensive to maintain?
The annual maintenance cost of a Lexus IS300 is $428. Repair and maintenance costs vary depending on age, mileage, location and shop.
How long does IS 300 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.
2003 Lexus Is complaints
The NHTSA has received 0 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2003 Lexus Is.
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2003 Lexus Is recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 2003 Lexus Is.
- Manufacturer: SABERSPORT
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: 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, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
- 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.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2003 Lexus Is problems:
Considering an IS300 - common problems? - ClubLexus - Lexus ...
Jul 7, 2005 ... Some of it lingered into the 2002's...not sure about the 2003 you want. The throttle drive-by wire system is sometimes unresponsive when ...
Any other common is300 problems?? | Lexus IS Forum
Jun 13, 2014 ... i am getting a 2003 is300 soon and was wondering if theres any other problems that happen regularly. i already know about the dash board ...
2003 LX470 common problems???? - ClubLexus - Lexus Forum ...
Jul 12, 2011 ... older LX don't tend to see any problems, before buying one...make sure the spare tire winch ain't seized up.
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: 2003 Lexus ES300 AC Compressor Replacement & Common ...
Mar 29, 2010 ... My 2003 Lexus ES300 has an airconditioning problem I evacuated the system and then pulled a vacume and then recharged - Answered by a ...
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