Owners have filed 16 complaints
about the 2003 Lexus GS300 with NHTSA between 2004 and 2019.
The largest single group is the acceleration & cruise control.
Across this model's run it ranks 5 of 8 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 15
Against the median year of the Lexus GS300. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 100
37.5% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 49
29% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade:
A
B
C
D
F
ungraded
What breaks on a 2003 Lexus GS300
Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.
Acceleration & Cruise Control
425.0%
2 crashes, 1 fires · median 80,000 mi
Tires
318.8%
Median failure at 13,270 miles
Brakes
212.5%
Median failure at 147,000 miles
Transmission & Drivetrain
212.5%
Median failure at 109,000 miles
Doors, Latches & Locks
16.3%
Median failure at 58,000 miles
Body & Structure
16.3%
Median failure at 80,000 miles
Airbags
16.3%
Electrical System
16.3%
1 crashes, 1 fires · median 89,000 mi
Engine & Cooling
16.3%
Median failure at 214,000 miles
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
1,000 – 9,999 miles
17.1%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
214.3%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
17.1%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
214.3%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
535.7%
150,000+ miles
321.4%
NHTSA crash tests
The agency crash-tested this model year itself. These are its own
photographs and star ratings.
These stars come from the pre-2011 crash test programme. NHTSA
rebuilt the programme for the 2011 model year and states that
ratings either side of that change are not comparable — so do
not read these against a 2011-or-newer car's stars.
Configuration
Overall
Front
Side
Rollover
2003 Lexus GS 300/430 4-DR. w/SAB
—
—
—
—
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Mar 2004peak 3Jul 2019
Complaints that involved harm
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 89,000 milesAnaheim, CACrashFire
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 LEXUS GS300. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL AND THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED, CAUSING HIM TO CRASH INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION BUT THEY COULD NOT DIAGNOSE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT AS A MECHANIC TEST DROVE THE VEHICLE, THE ENGINE CAUGHT ON FIRE DUE TO A SHORT IN THE ELECTRICAL WIRES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 89,000.
NHTSA complaint #10525475 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 89,000 milesAnaheim, CACrashFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 LEXUS GS300. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL AND THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED, CAUSING HIM TO CRASH INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION BUT THEY COULD NOT DIAGNOSE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT AS A MECHANIC TEST DROVE THE VEHICLE, THE ENGINE CAUGHT ON FIRE DUE TO A SHORT IN THE ELECTRICAL WIRES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 89,000.
NHTSA complaint #10525475 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 28,000 milesBoynton Beach, FLCrash1 injured
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 LEXUS GS300. WHILE DRIVING HIS VEHICLE APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH INTO A PARKING SPACE WITH HIS FOOT ON THE BRAKE PEDAL IT SUDDENLY ACCELERATED, CRASHED INTO A PARKING SIGN AND A FIRE HYDRANT. THE VEHICLE CAME TO A STOP WHEN IT CRASHED INTO A TREE. HE SUSTAINED AN INJURY TO HIS RIGHT SHOULDER AND KNEE. THE BOYNTON BEACH SHERIFF REPORT 09802709 WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 28,000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 29,000. UPDATED 3/30/10 *CN UPDATED 05/10/10
NHTSA complaint #10314246 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 214,000 milesFaison, NC
POWER TRAIN
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 LEXUS GS300. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED, THE ENGINE MADE AN UNUSUAL REVVING NOISE. IN ADDITION, THREE UNKNOWN WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED AND DID NOT TURN OFF. ALSO, WHEN APPLYING PRESSURE TO THE BRAKE PEDAL, THE PEDAL STIFFENED, WHICH MADE IT DIFFICULT TO MAKE A COMPLETE STOP. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 214,000.
NHTSA complaint #11230207 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 214,000 milesFaison, NC
ENGINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 LEXUS GS300. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED, THE ENGINE MADE AN UNUSUAL REVVING NOISE. IN ADDITION, THREE UNKNOWN WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED AND DID NOT TURN OFF. ALSO, WHEN APPLYING PRESSURE TO THE BRAKE PEDAL, THE PEDAL STIFFENED, WHICH MADE IT DIFFICULT TO MAKE A COMPLETE STOP. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 214,000.
NHTSA complaint #11230207 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 214,000 milesFaison, NC
SERVICE BRAKES
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 LEXUS GS300. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED, THE ENGINE MADE AN UNUSUAL REVVING NOISE. IN ADDITION, THREE UNKNOWN WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED AND DID NOT TURN OFF. ALSO, WHEN APPLYING PRESSURE TO THE BRAKE PEDAL, THE PEDAL STIFFENED, WHICH MADE IT DIFFICULT TO MAKE A COMPLETE STOP. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 214,000.
NHTSA complaint #11230207 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 80,000 milesBerkeley, CA
STRUCTURE:BODY:HOOD
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 LEXUS GS300. WHILE THE HOOD WAS OPEN, IT SUDDENLY FELL DOWN ON ITS OWN. THE FAILURE OCCURRED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000.
NHTSA complaint #10807984 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Orlando, FL
AIR BAGS
LETTER FROM SENATOR NELSON ON BEHALF OF CONSTITUENT RE 2003 GS300 LEXUS AIRBAG. *SMD THE CONSUMER WANTED TO KNOW IF THE AIR BAGS WERE SAFE.
NHTSA complaint #10661735 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 89,000 milesAnaheim, CACrashFire
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 LEXUS GS300. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL AND THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED, CAUSING HIM TO CRASH INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION BUT THEY COULD NOT DIAGNOSE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT AS A MECHANIC TEST DROVE THE VEHICLE, THE ENGINE CAUGHT ON FIRE DUE TO A SHORT IN THE ELECTRICAL WIRES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 89,000.
NHTSA complaint #10525475 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 89,000 milesAnaheim, CACrashFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 LEXUS GS300. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL AND THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED, CAUSING HIM TO CRASH INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION BUT THEY COULD NOT DIAGNOSE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT AS A MECHANIC TEST DROVE THE VEHICLE, THE ENGINE CAUGHT ON FIRE DUE TO A SHORT IN THE ELECTRICAL WIRES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 89,000.
NHTSA complaint #10525475 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 58,000 milesWashington, DC
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
DOOR LOCK ACTUATOR FAILURE MAKING THE DOOR NOT LOCK AND/OR NOT OPEN.
NHTSA complaint #10327967 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 28,000 milesBoynton Beach, FLCrash1 injured
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 LEXUS GS300. WHILE DRIVING HIS VEHICLE APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH INTO A PARKING SPACE WITH HIS FOOT ON THE BRAKE PEDAL IT SUDDENLY ACCELERATED, CRASHED INTO A PARKING SIGN AND A FIRE HYDRANT. THE VEHICLE CAME TO A STOP WHEN IT CRASHED INTO A TREE. HE SUSTAINED AN INJURY TO HIS RIGHT SHOULDER AND KNEE. THE BOYNTON BEACH SHERIFF REPORT 09802709 WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 28,000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 29,000. UPDATED 3/30/10 *CN UPDATED 05/10/10
NHTSA complaint #10314246 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 80,000 milesApache Junction, AZ
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
WHILE STOPPING THE VEHICLE SOMETIMES THE BRAKE DISTANCE IS EXTENDED AS THE CAR IS SLOW TO STOP. ON A REGULAR BASES THE VEHICLE BRAKE PEDAL STICKS TO THE FLOOR WHILE STOPPED AT A LIGHT, I THEN HAVE TO PULL THE PEDAL UP WITH MY LEFT FOOT TO BEGIN ACCELERATION. WHEN APPROACHING SLOWER TRAFFIC AS THE TRAFFIC RESUMES AT REGULAR SPEEDS THE BRAKE PEDAL STICKS AND CONTINUES STOPPING THE CAR.
NHTSA complaint #10305865 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 80,000 milesApache Junction, AZ
SERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRIC
WHILE STOPPING THE VEHICLE SOMETIMES THE BRAKE DISTANCE IS EXTENDED AS THE CAR IS SLOW TO STOP. ON A REGULAR BASES THE VEHICLE BRAKE PEDAL STICKS TO THE FLOOR WHILE STOPPED AT A LIGHT, I THEN HAVE TO PULL THE PEDAL UP WITH MY LEFT FOOT TO BEGIN ACCELERATION. WHEN APPROACHING SLOWER TRAFFIC AS THE TRAFFIC RESUMES AT REGULAR SPEEDS THE BRAKE PEDAL STICKS AND CONTINUES STOPPING THE CAR.
NHTSA complaint #10305865 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 70,000 milesLeesburg, FL
TIRES
DOT PJ8N GRAND SPIRIT TOURING HR 225X55X16 TIRES [4] FAILED ON THE INSIDE WALL TWO INCHES FROM THE RIM. LUCKY TO BE ALIVE. PROBLEM FROM INJECTION MOLDING OF TIRE AT FACTORY. HAVE PICTURES TO SHOW IF NEEDED. NO RECALL YET! TWO THOUSAND MILES ON TIRES. BRAND NEW CONDITION. INSIDE WALLS CRUMBLED, AND LOST AIR PRESSER. NO WARRANTY IMPLIED. HAD TO BUY 4 NEW TIRES. VERY UPSET!
NHTSA complaint #10262490 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 4,000 milesPell City, AL
POWER TRAIN
WHEN THE CONSUMER ATTEMPTED TO ACCELERATED, THE VEHICLE WOULD HESITATE. PLEASE PROVIDE ADDITIONAL DETAILS.
NHTSA complaint #10096584 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 13,270 milesFairfax Station, VA
TIRES
PASSENGER SIDE BACK TIRE BLEW UP ON PA81 AT SPEED OF 60 MPH.
NHTSA complaint #10093154 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 13,000 milesFairfax Station, VA
TIRES
WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE TIRE BLEW OUT. NO IMPACT REPORTED. *AK THE TIRE BLEWOUT ON THE HIGHWAY. *TC
NHTSA complaint #10088055 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Sacramento, CA
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
UNEXPECTED ACCELERATION. ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS, PRIMARILY WHILE STOPPED AT A TRAFFIC SIGNAL, MY VEHICLE WOULD LUNGE FORWARD. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER AND WAS TOLD THEY HAD NO RECORD OF A PROBLEM OF THIS NATURE FOR THIS VEHICLE. THEY COULD NOT FIND ANYTHING WRONG. I SAW A ARTICLE ON THE INTERNET THAT THE NHTSA WAS INVESTIGATING SIMILAR PROBLEMS WITH OTHER TOYOTA PRODUCTS.
NHTSA complaint #10060884 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.