2003 Lexus LS

No photo available — body style shown for reference.

The Verdict

Worst problem area

Body, Seats & Latches

Body, Seats & Latches leads by volume: 9 of 24 complaints (38%) mention it.

Complaints filed fell from 37 in 2002 to 24 in 2003.

Data last changed . Sources: NHTSA complaints and recalls, EPA fuel economy data. Methodology

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Cost, Fuel Economy & Complaint History

Fuel cost, fuel economy, and complaint history by model-yearScroll sideways to see all 5 years.
Category20012002200320042005vs. 2003 Large Cars
Annual fuel cost ($)4,1004,1004,1004,3004,300
Combined MPG1919191818
City / Highway MPG16 / 2316 / 2317 / 2316 / 2316 / 23
CO₂ tailpipe (g/mi)468468468494494
Complaints filed5737243626Not compared
Recalls issued32142Not compared
Crash-involved complaints128359Not compared
Fire-involved complaints11001Not compared
Injuries reported24211127Not compared
Deaths reported00001Not compared
Configurations compared11111

Not compared: this database has no vehicle sales or registration figures, so a raw count mostly reflects how many were sold, not how safe the vehicle is.

Common questions

How many recalls does the 2003 Lexus LS have?

1 NHTSA recall campaign as of Sep 16, 2026. Check your VIN with NHTSA to see whether one applies to your car.

What is the most common complaint about the 2003 Lexus LS?

Body, Seats & Latches: 9 of 24 NHTSA complaints (38%) mention it.

What gas mileage does the 2003 Lexus LS get?

EPA rates it 19 MPG combined.

How much does it cost to fuel a 2003 Lexus LS?

EPA estimates $4,100 a year in fuel costs, using EPA's assumptions.

EPA-Rated Configurations (1)

Every EPA-rated configuration on this page, one row each.A number tagged (low) or (high) is this page’s own cost-table figure of that name, above.
ConfigurationTransmissionCylindersDisplacementDrivetrainFuel TypeVehicle ClassCityHighwayCombinedAnnual Fuel CostCO₂
Configuration 1Automatic 5-spd84.3LRear-Wheel DrivePremiumLarge Cars17 mpg23 mpg19 mpg$4,100468 g/mi

Complaints by Category

Complaints by category, in the same fixed order on every page
CategoryComplaintsCrash-InvolvedFire-InvolvedInjuriesDeaths
Engine10000
Transmission & Drivetrain10000
Fuel System10000
Electrical00000
Brakes11000
Steering00000
Suspension, Wheels & Tires30000
Airbags & Restraints41030
Driver Assistance & Speed Control31000
Body, Seats & Latches90080
Visibility & Lighting00000
Other20010

A complaint that names more than one category is counted in each, so the rows can add up to more than the total number of complaints.

Recalls (1)

  • EXTERIOR LIGHTING · Campaign 09E012000 · Apr 7, 2009

    Defect: 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.