Owners have filed 25 complaints
about the 2003 Lexus IS 300 with NHTSA between 2003 and 2016.
The largest single group is the body & structure.
Across this model's run it ranks 3 of 5 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 — 49
Against the median year of the Lexus IS 300. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 100
36% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 54
32% 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 IS 300
Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.
Body & Structure
936.0%
1 crashes, 0 fires · median 48,600 mi
Other & Unspecified
312.0%
Median failure at 52,000 miles
Acceleration & Cruise Control
28.0%
1 crashes, 0 fires · median 51,500 mi
Suspension
28.0%
Median failure at 136,422 miles
Airbags
28.0%
2 crashes, 0 fires · median 5,000 mi
Transmission & Drivetrain
28.0%
1 crashes, 0 fires · median 54,250 mi
Stability & Traction Control
14.0%
1 crashes, 1 fires · median 93,000 mi
Tires
14.0%
Median failure at 19,000 miles
Brakes
14.0%
Median failure at 143,840 miles
Steering
14.0%
Median failure at 85,000 miles
Electrical System
14.0%
1 crashes, 0 fires · median 48,600 mi
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
29.1%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
29.1%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
313.6%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
418.2%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
29.1%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
627.3%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
29.1%
150,000+ miles
14.5%
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.
Aug 2003peak 3Feb 2016
Complaints that involved harm
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 48,600 milesHouston, TXCrash
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I SPECIAL ORDERED A 2003 LEXUS IS 300 IN 2002 IN WHICH WAITED 2 MONTHS FOR ITS ARRIVAL. THERE HAS BEEN SEVERAL RECALLS WITH COMPONENTS ON MY CAR BUT LEXUS SELECTED JUST A FEW TO SEND LETTERS TO. INITIALLY, THE DASHBOARD WAS MANUFACTURE WITH DEFECTIVE MATERIAL AND LEXUS CORPORATION REFUSED TO TAKE CARE OF IT. I AM STILL WORKING ON THIS ISSUE THEN THERE IS THE SENSOR2 BANK1 WHICH MY TRAC OFF BLINKING AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT STAYS ON. THE SCARY THINGS IS WITH THE SENSOR ISSUE THE CAR WILL STOP RUNNING WITHOUT ANY WARNING. DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY 60 MILES PER HOUR MY MOTOR STOP RUNNING WHICH CAUSED ANOTHER DRIVER TO HAVE AN ACCIDENT. THE DRIVER TRIED TO AVOID HITTING ME AND HE TOTALED HIS CAR. LEXUS SENT OUT LIMITED RECALL LETTERS THEREFORE I DID NOT KNOW ABOUT THE ISSUE AND COULD HAVE COST MY OR THE DRIVER LIFE. NOW LEXUS WILL NOT CORRECT THIS ISSUE EVEN THOUGH I RESEARCHED AND FOUND THE RECALL. I CALLED LEXUS AND WAS TOLD THERE WASN'T A NEED TO SEND ME LETTER BECAUSE MY VIN # WASN'T ON THE LIST. I ASKED HOW COULD SEND THE LETTERS TO A FEW WHEN MOST OF THE IS 300 HAS THE SAME ISSUE.
NHTSA complaint #10543309 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 48,600 milesHouston, TXCrash
STRUCTURE
I SPECIAL ORDERED A 2003 LEXUS IS 300 IN 2002 IN WHICH WAITED 2 MONTHS FOR ITS ARRIVAL. THERE HAS BEEN SEVERAL RECALLS WITH COMPONENTS ON MY CAR BUT LEXUS SELECTED JUST A FEW TO SEND LETTERS TO. INITIALLY, THE DASHBOARD WAS MANUFACTURE WITH DEFECTIVE MATERIAL AND LEXUS CORPORATION REFUSED TO TAKE CARE OF IT. I AM STILL WORKING ON THIS ISSUE THEN THERE IS THE SENSOR2 BANK1 WHICH MY TRAC OFF BLINKING AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT STAYS ON. THE SCARY THINGS IS WITH THE SENSOR ISSUE THE CAR WILL STOP RUNNING WITHOUT ANY WARNING. DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY 60 MILES PER HOUR MY MOTOR STOP RUNNING WHICH CAUSED ANOTHER DRIVER TO HAVE AN ACCIDENT. THE DRIVER TRIED TO AVOID HITTING ME AND HE TOTALED HIS CAR. LEXUS SENT OUT LIMITED RECALL LETTERS THEREFORE I DID NOT KNOW ABOUT THE ISSUE AND COULD HAVE COST MY OR THE DRIVER LIFE. NOW LEXUS WILL NOT CORRECT THIS ISSUE EVEN THOUGH I RESEARCHED AND FOUND THE RECALL. I CALLED LEXUS AND WAS TOLD THERE WASN'T A NEED TO SEND ME LETTER BECAUSE MY VIN # WASN'T ON THE LIST. I ASKED HOW COULD SEND THE LETTERS TO A FEW WHEN MOST OF THE IS 300 HAS THE SAME ISSUE.
NHTSA complaint #10543309 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 85,000 milesBoynton Beach, FLCrash
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
I WAS SITTING IN MY 2003 LEXUS IS 300 4 DOOR IT WAS A RAINY AND UNUSUALLY COOL DAY SO I ROLLED THE WINDOWS DOWN AND WITH THE CAR IDLING I LISTENED TO SOME MUSIC AND CONTEMPLATED WHERE TO EAT DINNER IT BEING AROUND 5.30 PM. SUDDENLY THE THROTTLE OPENED UP AND THE CAR SHOT OFF LIKE A ROCKET OVER THE CURBING THROUGH SOME BUSHES AND INTO A POND MAYBE 15 FEET AWAY THE CAR WAS MOVING SO FAST THAT AS IT WAS SINKING IT MOVED OUT ABOUT 20 FEET. IT WAS COMPLETELY SUBMERGED AND I WAS LUCKY TO UNBUCKLE THE SEAT BELT AND CLIMB OUT THE OPEN WINDOW AND SWIM TO SHORE THE ONLY INJURY A SPRAINED ANKLE. THE CAR WAS A TOTAL LOSS. AMAZINGLY I WAS GIVEN A TICKET FOR WRECKLESS DRIVING THAT WAS DISMISSED AS THERE WERE NO WITNESSES THE POLICE AND THE INSURANCE COMPANY INSISTED THAT CARS DON'T SURGE LIKE THAT ON THEIR OWN WE KNOW BETTER I WAS TREATED LIKE A CRIMINAL INSTEAD OF SYMPATHIZED WITH FOR ALMOST DROWNING. IT WAS NOT THE MAT OR A STICKY ACCELERATOR BUT I FEEL AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM DUE TO MOISTURE THAT MADE THE THROTTLE OPEN UP THE THING WAS ALSO THAT THE CAR WAS IN PARK! OF COURSE NO LAWYERS WOULD TOUCH IT I DIDN'T GET HURT BAD AND THEY SAID THERE WAS NEVER ANY SUCCESSFUL LITIGATION AGAINST THE MANUFACTURERS FOR SUDDEN ACCELERATION IRREGARDLESS OF CAUSE. I JUST FEEL I NEED TO TELL MY STORY AND HOPE THAT IT HELPS I HAVE THE VIN # AND ALL THAT IF NEEDED TO TRACK THE FACTORY MADE AND MAYBE THIS WILL HELP SUBSTANTIATE A CLAIM BY SOMEONE WHO WAS HURT OR HELP THE FAMILY OF SOMEONE HURT OR KILLED. THESE COMPANIES CARE ABOUT PROFITS NOT PEOPLE AND THIS CULTURE MUCH CHANGE. THE OTHER SAD PART WAS THE POLICE WHO ASSUMED I DID THIS ON PURPOSE I AM NOT INSANE ONLY AN INSANE PERSON WOULD DRIVE A CAR INTO A LAKE WITH THEM INSIDE. THAT'S THE BOYNTON BEACH POLICE FOR YOU...NICE HUH ALSO I LOST MY JOB AS A SALESMAN AS THIS TOOK 3 MONTHS FOR ME TO GET PAID AND I HAD NO TRANSPORTATION! DO YOU THINK TOYOTA WILL PAY ME FOR THAT?
NHTSA complaint #10307439 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 85,000 milesBoynton Beach, FLCrash
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
I WAS SITTING IN MY 2003 LEXUS IS 300 4 DOOR IT WAS A RAINY AND UNUSUALLY COOL DAY SO I ROLLED THE WINDOWS DOWN AND WITH THE CAR IDLING I LISTENED TO SOME MUSIC AND CONTEMPLATED WHERE TO EAT DINNER IT BEING AROUND 5.30 PM. SUDDENLY THE THROTTLE OPENED UP AND THE CAR SHOT OFF LIKE A ROCKET OVER THE CURBING THROUGH SOME BUSHES AND INTO A POND MAYBE 15 FEET AWAY THE CAR WAS MOVING SO FAST THAT AS IT WAS SINKING IT MOVED OUT ABOUT 20 FEET. IT WAS COMPLETELY SUBMERGED AND I WAS LUCKY TO UNBUCKLE THE SEAT BELT AND CLIMB OUT THE OPEN WINDOW AND SWIM TO SHORE THE ONLY INJURY A SPRAINED ANKLE. THE CAR WAS A TOTAL LOSS. AMAZINGLY I WAS GIVEN A TICKET FOR WRECKLESS DRIVING THAT WAS DISMISSED AS THERE WERE NO WITNESSES THE POLICE AND THE INSURANCE COMPANY INSISTED THAT CARS DON'T SURGE LIKE THAT ON THEIR OWN WE KNOW BETTER I WAS TREATED LIKE A CRIMINAL INSTEAD OF SYMPATHIZED WITH FOR ALMOST DROWNING. IT WAS NOT THE MAT OR A STICKY ACCELERATOR BUT I FEEL AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM DUE TO MOISTURE THAT MADE THE THROTTLE OPEN UP THE THING WAS ALSO THAT THE CAR WAS IN PARK! OF COURSE NO LAWYERS WOULD TOUCH IT I DIDN'T GET HURT BAD AND THEY SAID THERE WAS NEVER ANY SUCCESSFUL LITIGATION AGAINST THE MANUFACTURERS FOR SUDDEN ACCELERATION IRREGARDLESS OF CAUSE. I JUST FEEL I NEED TO TELL MY STORY AND HOPE THAT IT HELPS I HAVE THE VIN # AND ALL THAT IF NEEDED TO TRACK THE FACTORY MADE AND MAYBE THIS WILL HELP SUBSTANTIATE A CLAIM BY SOMEONE WHO WAS HURT OR HELP THE FAMILY OF SOMEONE HURT OR KILLED. THESE COMPANIES CARE ABOUT PROFITS NOT PEOPLE AND THIS CULTURE MUCH CHANGE. THE OTHER SAD PART WAS THE POLICE WHO ASSUMED I DID THIS ON PURPOSE I AM NOT INSANE ONLY AN INSANE PERSON WOULD DRIVE A CAR INTO A LAKE WITH THEM INSIDE. THAT'S THE BOYNTON BEACH POLICE FOR YOU...NICE HUH ALSO I LOST MY JOB AS A SALESMAN AS THIS TOOK 3 MONTHS FOR ME TO GET PAID AND I HAD NO TRANSPORTATION! DO YOU THINK TOYOTA WILL PAY ME FOR THAT?
NHTSA complaint #10307439 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 93,000 milesSAN Jose, CACrashFire1 injured
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
EASY SPIN.
NHTSA complaint #10236954 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 7,000 milesYucaipa, CACrash
AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW
WHILE DRIVING THROUGH AN INTERSECTION THE CONSUMER'S VEHICLE WAS BROADSIDED. THE SIDE IMPACT AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. *NM *SC
NHTSA complaint #10057389 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Moreno Valley, CA
SUSPENSION
VEHICLE WAS CAUGHT ON A FLASH FLOOD JULY 2015. WAS TAKEN TO LEXUS OF SAN DIEGO IN SEPT ON CLAIM AS FRONT RIGHT SIDE SQUEALING/SQUEAKING WHILE DRIVING OR TURNING RIGHT. LEXUS OF SAN DIEGO KEPT VEHICLE FOR 30DAYS WITH NO OUTCOME INSPECTION WRITE TO INSURANCE COMPANY. BRUSHED OFF COMPMAINT. WHOKE DRIVING VEHICLE IN JAN 2016 CONTOL ARM SNAPPED.
NHTSA complaint #10823882 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 143,840 milesHouston, TX
SERVICE BRAKES
THE BRAKES FAILED AT 143,840 MILES. THE BRAKES FAILURE OCCURRED WHILE DRIVING THE CAR ON A BUSY CITY STREET. AFTER INSPECTION BY A MECHANIC AT FIRESTONE AUTO CARE..IT WAS DETERMINED THAT A NOTICEABLE INTERNAL LEAK WAS COMING FROM POWER BRAKE BOOSTER. IT WAS ALSO DETERMINED THAT THE MASTER CYLINDER AND POWER BRAKE BOOSTER MUST BE REPLACED.
NHTSA complaint #10786605 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Monterey Park, CA
STRUCTURE:BODY
DASH IS MELTING AND IS STICKING TO ANYTHING THAT IS RUB UP AGAINST IT. BODY PARTS, CAR WASH TOWEL, GROCERY. I SEEL RECALL ON ALL OTHER MODEL REGARDING THIS ISSUE. EXCEPT THIS PARTICULAR MODEL 2003 LEXUS IS300. I BELIEVE IT SHOULD EXTEND TO THIS YEAR AND MODEL AS WELL. NO DASH SHOULD BE MELTING AWAY WITH HEAT!
NHTSA complaint #10748159 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Westminster, CA
STRUCTURE:BODY
DASH IS MELTING AND IS STICKING TO ANYTHING THAT IS RUB UP AGAINST IT. BODY PARTS, CAR WASH TOWEL, GROCERY. I SEEL RECALL ON ALL OTHER MODEL REGARDING THIS ISSUE. EXCEPT THIS PARTICULAR MODEL 2003 LEXUS IS300. I BELIEVE IT SHOULD EXTEND TO THIS YEAR AND MODEL AS WELL. NO DASH SHOULD BE MELTING AWAY WITH HEAT! AND OWNER SHOULD NOT BE RESPONSIBLE FOR POORLY BUILT PARTS!!!!
NHTSA complaint #10733087 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 185,000 milesLAS Vegas, NV
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
DASH IS PEELING ALONG WITH THE CENTER CONSOLE. THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG IS ALSO START TO DISCOLOR AND PEEL. THE PEELING IS MORE LIKE STARTING TO GUM UP OR BECOME STICKY.
NHTSA complaint #10732814 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 85,000 milesMurfreesboro, TN
STEERING
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 LEXUS IS 300. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DASHBOARD AND CENTER CONSOLE WERE MELTING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 85,000. UPDATED 4/6/15*CN THE CONSUMER ALSO STATED THE POWER STEERING WAS LEAKING DUE TO A FAULTY RACK AND PINION. UPDATED 04/28/15
NHTSA complaint #10679445 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 85,000 milesMurfreesboro, TN
STRUCTURE:BODY
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 LEXUS IS 300. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DASHBOARD AND CENTER CONSOLE WERE MELTING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 85,000. UPDATED 4/6/15*CN THE CONSUMER ALSO STATED THE POWER STEERING WAS LEAKING DUE TO A FAULTY RACK AND PINION. UPDATED 04/28/15
NHTSA complaint #10679445 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 80,000 milesReskin, FL
STRUCTURE:BODY
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 LEXUS IS300. THE CONTACT STATED THAT DASHBOARD WAS MELTING. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000.
NHTSA complaint #10632563 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 52,000 milesMiami, FL
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
THE DASHBOARD IS IN VERY POOR CONDITION WITH A STICKY AND MELTING APPEARANCE. I COMPLAINED TO LEXUS OF TOYOTA AND WAS TOLD THAT THE WARRANTY WOULD NOT COVER TO REPLACE OR FIX THE PROBLEM. CONSIDERING THAT I DID NOT HAVE MONEY TO REPLACE THIS WITH MY OWN FUNDS, I DID NOT PURSUE IT.
NHTSA complaint #10617437 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 48,600 milesHouston, TXCrash
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I SPECIAL ORDERED A 2003 LEXUS IS 300 IN 2002 IN WHICH WAITED 2 MONTHS FOR ITS ARRIVAL. THERE HAS BEEN SEVERAL RECALLS WITH COMPONENTS ON MY CAR BUT LEXUS SELECTED JUST A FEW TO SEND LETTERS TO. INITIALLY, THE DASHBOARD WAS MANUFACTURE WITH DEFECTIVE MATERIAL AND LEXUS CORPORATION REFUSED TO TAKE CARE OF IT. I AM STILL WORKING ON THIS ISSUE THEN THERE IS THE SENSOR2 BANK1 WHICH MY TRAC OFF BLINKING AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT STAYS ON. THE SCARY THINGS IS WITH THE SENSOR ISSUE THE CAR WILL STOP RUNNING WITHOUT ANY WARNING. DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY 60 MILES PER HOUR MY MOTOR STOP RUNNING WHICH CAUSED ANOTHER DRIVER TO HAVE AN ACCIDENT. THE DRIVER TRIED TO AVOID HITTING ME AND HE TOTALED HIS CAR. LEXUS SENT OUT LIMITED RECALL LETTERS THEREFORE I DID NOT KNOW ABOUT THE ISSUE AND COULD HAVE COST MY OR THE DRIVER LIFE. NOW LEXUS WILL NOT CORRECT THIS ISSUE EVEN THOUGH I RESEARCHED AND FOUND THE RECALL. I CALLED LEXUS AND WAS TOLD THERE WASN'T A NEED TO SEND ME LETTER BECAUSE MY VIN # WASN'T ON THE LIST. I ASKED HOW COULD SEND THE LETTERS TO A FEW WHEN MOST OF THE IS 300 HAS THE SAME ISSUE.
NHTSA complaint #10543309 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 48,600 milesHouston, TXCrash
STRUCTURE
I SPECIAL ORDERED A 2003 LEXUS IS 300 IN 2002 IN WHICH WAITED 2 MONTHS FOR ITS ARRIVAL. THERE HAS BEEN SEVERAL RECALLS WITH COMPONENTS ON MY CAR BUT LEXUS SELECTED JUST A FEW TO SEND LETTERS TO. INITIALLY, THE DASHBOARD WAS MANUFACTURE WITH DEFECTIVE MATERIAL AND LEXUS CORPORATION REFUSED TO TAKE CARE OF IT. I AM STILL WORKING ON THIS ISSUE THEN THERE IS THE SENSOR2 BANK1 WHICH MY TRAC OFF BLINKING AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT STAYS ON. THE SCARY THINGS IS WITH THE SENSOR ISSUE THE CAR WILL STOP RUNNING WITHOUT ANY WARNING. DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY 60 MILES PER HOUR MY MOTOR STOP RUNNING WHICH CAUSED ANOTHER DRIVER TO HAVE AN ACCIDENT. THE DRIVER TRIED TO AVOID HITTING ME AND HE TOTALED HIS CAR. LEXUS SENT OUT LIMITED RECALL LETTERS THEREFORE I DID NOT KNOW ABOUT THE ISSUE AND COULD HAVE COST MY OR THE DRIVER LIFE. NOW LEXUS WILL NOT CORRECT THIS ISSUE EVEN THOUGH I RESEARCHED AND FOUND THE RECALL. I CALLED LEXUS AND WAS TOLD THERE WASN'T A NEED TO SEND ME LETTER BECAUSE MY VIN # WASN'T ON THE LIST. I ASKED HOW COULD SEND THE LETTERS TO A FEW WHEN MOST OF THE IS 300 HAS THE SAME ISSUE.
NHTSA complaint #10543309 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 40,000 milesSanta Monica, CA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
THE DASHBOARD ON THIS CAR HAS BEEN MELTING OVER THE YEARS. IT IS GARAGED ALL THE TIME BUT IF I PUT IT IN THE SUN FOR EVEN 30 MINUTES, IT BECOMES STICKY AND CHEMICALS START TO LEACH INTO THE CAR AND IT SMELLS HORRIBLE. IF I TOUCH THE DASHBOARD, BLACK PAINT COMES OFF ONTO MY FINGERS. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER AND THEY SAID THEY HAD SEEN IT BEFORE AND I COMPLAINED TO LEXUS. BECAUSE THERE IS NO RECALL, THEY SAY AS A GOOD WILL GESTURE, THEY WILL COVER 50% TO REPAIR. THAT IS RIDICULOUSLY EXPENSIVE FOR SOMETHING THAT IS PROBABLY CAUSING CANCER, IT IS ALL OVER THE LEXUS BOARDS THAT THIS IS HAPPENING AND THEY WON'T DO ANYTHING UNLESS IF THERE IS A RECALL!
NHTSA complaint #10542266 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 136,422 milesMoreno Valley, CA
SUSPENSION
IN EARLY DECEMBER 2010 ON MY WAY TO DROP OFF AN PASSENGER AT THE ONTARIO AIRPORT, ONTARIO, CA MY LEFT FRONT END FELT LIKE IT FELL IN A POT HOLE. A TOW TRUCK WAS CALLED AS THE LEFT FRONT TIRE WAS TURNED COMPLETELY INWARD AND CAUSED DAMAGE ON THE LEFT FENDER. THE CAR HAD TO BE TOWED TO MY HOME AS IT WAS LATE IN THE EVENING AROUND 11PM. I CALLED MY INSURANCE COMPANY THE NEXT MORNING TO FILE A COMPREHENSIVE CLAIM, THE CAR WAS TOWED TO A BODY SHOP, VEHICLE 2003 LEXUS IS 300 WHICH FOUND OUT THAT THE LEFT SIDE BALL JOINT BROKE, WHICH CAUSED THE LEFT TIRE TO TURN COMPLETELY INWARD AND CAUSE DAMAGE ON LEFT FENDER OVER TIRE AND DAMAGE TO LEFT FRONT DOOR. THE BODY SHOP HAD TO REPLACE BALL JOINT AND CASING, NEW TIRE AND FIX DAMAGE TO LEFT FENDER AND LEFT DOOR. I CHECKED FOR ANY RECALLS FOR THIS PARTICULAR PROBLEM, BUT HAVE NOT FOUND ANY. I WAS FORTUNATE TO HAVE BEEN ON A SIDE STREET WHEN THIS HAPPEN, AS I HAD JUST EXITED A FREEWAY GOING THE MAXIMUM SPEED OF 65MPH AND DRIVEN TO SAN DIEGO EARLIER THAT DAY. I HAVE HAD ROUTINE MAINTENANCE CHECKS UP TO 120,000 MILES I ALSO CONTACTED LEXUS CUSTOMER SATISFACTION ON 8/11/11 REGARDING THE INCIDENT AND THEY DID NOT HAVE ANY INCIDENT REPORTS. IM WRITING NOW BECAUSE I HAVE NOTICE A COUPLE OF OTHER LEXUS IS 300 ON THE SIDE OF THE FREEWAY WITH THE TIRE THE SAME WAY, WITHIN THE LAST COUPLE OF YEARS.
NHTSA complaint #10501883 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 39,000 milesHouston, TX
STRUCTURE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 LEXUS IS300. THE CONTACT STATED THE DASHBOARD COVERING WAS DETERIORATING DUE TO DEFECTIVE MATERIAL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND STATED THE DASHBOARD COVER WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER DENIED ASSISTANCE WITH THE REPAIR. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 39,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 43,000. UPDATED 08/31/11 *BF UPDATED 12/13/11
NHTSA complaint #10413691 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 85,000 milesBoynton Beach, FLCrash
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
I WAS SITTING IN MY 2003 LEXUS IS 300 4 DOOR IT WAS A RAINY AND UNUSUALLY COOL DAY SO I ROLLED THE WINDOWS DOWN AND WITH THE CAR IDLING I LISTENED TO SOME MUSIC AND CONTEMPLATED WHERE TO EAT DINNER IT BEING AROUND 5.30 PM. SUDDENLY THE THROTTLE OPENED UP AND THE CAR SHOT OFF LIKE A ROCKET OVER THE CURBING THROUGH SOME BUSHES AND INTO A POND MAYBE 15 FEET AWAY THE CAR WAS MOVING SO FAST THAT AS IT WAS SINKING IT MOVED OUT ABOUT 20 FEET. IT WAS COMPLETELY SUBMERGED AND I WAS LUCKY TO UNBUCKLE THE SEAT BELT AND CLIMB OUT THE OPEN WINDOW AND SWIM TO SHORE THE ONLY INJURY A SPRAINED ANKLE. THE CAR WAS A TOTAL LOSS. AMAZINGLY I WAS GIVEN A TICKET FOR WRECKLESS DRIVING THAT WAS DISMISSED AS THERE WERE NO WITNESSES THE POLICE AND THE INSURANCE COMPANY INSISTED THAT CARS DON'T SURGE LIKE THAT ON THEIR OWN WE KNOW BETTER I WAS TREATED LIKE A CRIMINAL INSTEAD OF SYMPATHIZED WITH FOR ALMOST DROWNING. IT WAS NOT THE MAT OR A STICKY ACCELERATOR BUT I FEEL AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM DUE TO MOISTURE THAT MADE THE THROTTLE OPEN UP THE THING WAS ALSO THAT THE CAR WAS IN PARK! OF COURSE NO LAWYERS WOULD TOUCH IT I DIDN'T GET HURT BAD AND THEY SAID THERE WAS NEVER ANY SUCCESSFUL LITIGATION AGAINST THE MANUFACTURERS FOR SUDDEN ACCELERATION IRREGARDLESS OF CAUSE. I JUST FEEL I NEED TO TELL MY STORY AND HOPE THAT IT HELPS I HAVE THE VIN # AND ALL THAT IF NEEDED TO TRACK THE FACTORY MADE AND MAYBE THIS WILL HELP SUBSTANTIATE A CLAIM BY SOMEONE WHO WAS HURT OR HELP THE FAMILY OF SOMEONE HURT OR KILLED. THESE COMPANIES CARE ABOUT PROFITS NOT PEOPLE AND THIS CULTURE MUCH CHANGE. THE OTHER SAD PART WAS THE POLICE WHO ASSUMED I DID THIS ON PURPOSE I AM NOT INSANE ONLY AN INSANE PERSON WOULD DRIVE A CAR INTO A LAKE WITH THEM INSIDE. THAT'S THE BOYNTON BEACH POLICE FOR YOU...NICE HUH ALSO I LOST MY JOB AS A SALESMAN AS THIS TOOK 3 MONTHS FOR ME TO GET PAID AND I HAD NO TRANSPORTATION! DO YOU THINK TOYOTA WILL PAY ME FOR THAT?
NHTSA complaint #10307439 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 85,000 milesBoynton Beach, FLCrash
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
I WAS SITTING IN MY 2003 LEXUS IS 300 4 DOOR IT WAS A RAINY AND UNUSUALLY COOL DAY SO I ROLLED THE WINDOWS DOWN AND WITH THE CAR IDLING I LISTENED TO SOME MUSIC AND CONTEMPLATED WHERE TO EAT DINNER IT BEING AROUND 5.30 PM. SUDDENLY THE THROTTLE OPENED UP AND THE CAR SHOT OFF LIKE A ROCKET OVER THE CURBING THROUGH SOME BUSHES AND INTO A POND MAYBE 15 FEET AWAY THE CAR WAS MOVING SO FAST THAT AS IT WAS SINKING IT MOVED OUT ABOUT 20 FEET. IT WAS COMPLETELY SUBMERGED AND I WAS LUCKY TO UNBUCKLE THE SEAT BELT AND CLIMB OUT THE OPEN WINDOW AND SWIM TO SHORE THE ONLY INJURY A SPRAINED ANKLE. THE CAR WAS A TOTAL LOSS. AMAZINGLY I WAS GIVEN A TICKET FOR WRECKLESS DRIVING THAT WAS DISMISSED AS THERE WERE NO WITNESSES THE POLICE AND THE INSURANCE COMPANY INSISTED THAT CARS DON'T SURGE LIKE THAT ON THEIR OWN WE KNOW BETTER I WAS TREATED LIKE A CRIMINAL INSTEAD OF SYMPATHIZED WITH FOR ALMOST DROWNING. IT WAS NOT THE MAT OR A STICKY ACCELERATOR BUT I FEEL AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM DUE TO MOISTURE THAT MADE THE THROTTLE OPEN UP THE THING WAS ALSO THAT THE CAR WAS IN PARK! OF COURSE NO LAWYERS WOULD TOUCH IT I DIDN'T GET HURT BAD AND THEY SAID THERE WAS NEVER ANY SUCCESSFUL LITIGATION AGAINST THE MANUFACTURERS FOR SUDDEN ACCELERATION IRREGARDLESS OF CAUSE. I JUST FEEL I NEED TO TELL MY STORY AND HOPE THAT IT HELPS I HAVE THE VIN # AND ALL THAT IF NEEDED TO TRACK THE FACTORY MADE AND MAYBE THIS WILL HELP SUBSTANTIATE A CLAIM BY SOMEONE WHO WAS HURT OR HELP THE FAMILY OF SOMEONE HURT OR KILLED. THESE COMPANIES CARE ABOUT PROFITS NOT PEOPLE AND THIS CULTURE MUCH CHANGE. THE OTHER SAD PART WAS THE POLICE WHO ASSUMED I DID THIS ON PURPOSE I AM NOT INSANE ONLY AN INSANE PERSON WOULD DRIVE A CAR INTO A LAKE WITH THEM INSIDE. THAT'S THE BOYNTON BEACH POLICE FOR YOU...NICE HUH ALSO I LOST MY JOB AS A SALESMAN AS THIS TOOK 3 MONTHS FOR ME TO GET PAID AND I HAD NO TRANSPORTATION! DO YOU THINK TOYOTA WILL PAY ME FOR THAT?
NHTSA complaint #10307439 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 18,000 milesRedondo Beach, CA
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
WAS SLOWLY PULLING INTO PARKING SPACE WHEN CAR SUDDENLY ACCELERATED FULL THROTTLE. CAR WAS CARRIED OVER PARKING BUMPER INTO BUSHES BEYOND, WITH DAMAGES TO BODY AND UNDERCARRIAGE OVER SIX THOUSAND DOLLARS.
NHTSA complaint #10292738 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 93,000 milesSAN Jose, CACrashFire1 injured
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
EASY SPIN.
NHTSA complaint #10236954 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 65,000 milesWestwood, NJ
STRUCTURE:BODY:TRUNK LID
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 LEXUS IS 300. THE TRUNK OF THE VEHICLE DOES NOT REMAIN OPEN AND NEEDS TO BE HELD UP. IF THE CONTACT REACHES IN TO GET SOMETHING OUT OF THE TRUNK AND FAILS TO HOLD THE TRUNK DOOR, IT WILL FALL AND STRIKE HIS HEAD. HE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND WAS INFORMED THAT IT WAS A COMMON FAILURE IN THAT MODEL AND NOTHING COULD BE DONE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 65,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 78,000.
NHTSA complaint #10219697 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 23,500 milesWest Orange, NJ
POWER TRAIN:CLUTCH ASSEMBLY
COMPLETE CLUTCH FAILURE AT 23,400 MILES.
NHTSA complaint #10175825 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 19,000 milesSacramento, CA
TIRES
TIRE BLOW OUT(FRONT DRIVERS SIDE) OCCURRING AT HIGH SPEED . TIRES BF GOODRICH - 17 INCH POTENZA, ONLY 19,000 MILES.
NHTSA complaint #10149794 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 7,000 milesYucaipa, CACrash
AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW
WHILE DRIVING THROUGH AN INTERSECTION THE CONSUMER'S VEHICLE WAS BROADSIDED. THE SIDE IMPACT AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. *NM *SC
NHTSA complaint #10057389 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 12 milesSanta Clara, CA
STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR
HIGH WIND NOISE AND FLAPPING NOISE FROM THE DRIVER DOOR; IT'S VERY ANNOYING AND UNCONVERTIBLE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY BECAUSE OF THE NOISES PRODUCED BY THIS PROBLEM. LEXUS CLAIMS THEIR CARS AS LUXURY CARS, BUT ALSO CLAIMS THAT A WIND NOISE AND A FLAPPING NOISE ARE NORMAL FOR $34K LUXURY CARS. I TOOK THE CAR IN AND THEY EVEN DID NOT WANT TO TRY TO FIX THE PROBLEM.
NHTSA complaint #10045378 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 12 milesSanta Clara, CA
STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARS
HIGH WIND NOISE AND FLAPPING NOISE FROM THE DRIVER DOOR; IT'S VERY ANNOYING AND UNCONVERTIBLE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY BECAUSE OF THE NOISES PRODUCED BY THIS PROBLEM. LEXUS CLAIMS THEIR CARS AS LUXURY CARS, BUT ALSO CLAIMS THAT A WIND NOISE AND A FLAPPING NOISE ARE NORMAL FOR $34K LUXURY CARS. I TOOK THE CAR IN AND THEY EVEN DID NOT WANT TO TRY TO FIX THE PROBLEM.
NHTSA complaint #10045378 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 3,000 milesHenderson, NVCrash
AIR BAGS
WHILE DRIVING AT 60 MPH ON THE HIGHWAY, THE VEHICLE STRUCK A BOAT THAT BROKE FREE FROM A TOWING VEHICLE AND ENDED UP IN THE MIDDLE OF THE LANE. THE SEAT BELTS WERE BEING USED AT THE TIME OF ACCIDENT, BUT NONE OF THE SIX AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THE POLICE DID ARRIVE ON THE SCENE AND NO ONE WAS INJURED. *AK *SCC
NHTSA complaint #10033746 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.