IsItAGoodCar
Reliability Guide

Common Problems with the
2003 Lexus LS (Mk3)

Major facelift introduced in late 2003 for the 2004 model year, introducing a new 6-speed automatic transmission, restyled front and rear lights, and knee airbags.

What changed for 2003

  • •New 6-speed sequential-shift automatic transmission improving motorway fuel economy and acceleration
  • •Redesigned front fascia with reshaped headlights, new LED tail lamps, and updated alloy wheels
  • •Standard driver and front passenger knee airbags and updated DVD satellite navigation system

Common MOT watch-outs

  • !Uneven axle height advisories caused by leaking air suspension struts on flagship models
  • !Handbrake / parking brake operational effort imbalance on rear drum-in-disc shoes
2
Known Issues
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Serious
0
Moderate
1
Minor

All Known Issues

Adaptive Air Suspension Strut Leakage and Compressor Burnout

SeriousSuspension & Chassis

Top-spec UK LS 430 models feature electronically modulated height-adjustable pneumatic air suspension. Over time, the internal rubber air bladders suffer from dry rot and cracking caused by UK road salt and grit accumulation around the lower folds. Slow air leaks cause the car to drop onto its bump stops overnight, forcing the onboard 12V air compressor to run continuously to maintain ride height. This eventually burns out the compressor motor and relay, leaving the vehicle uncomfortably low and triggering suspension warning messages.

Est. Repair Cost: £500–£1,600
Warning Signs:

One corner or the entire vehicle sitting visibly low after being parked for more than a few hours, Air compressor pump audibly running for prolonged periods behind the front bumper, Height High warning light illuminating on the instrument cluster or refusal to change ride height, Harsh, bouncy, and jarring ride quality over normal road imperfections

What to Inspect:
  • Inspect the car before it has been started in the morning to confirm equal ride height at all four arches
  • Press the height-adjustment button on the centre console and verify the chassis raises smoothly within 30 seconds
  • Listen for hissing air leaks around the strut tops under the bonnet and wheel arches
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research TeamUpdated

Electric Steering Column Tilt and Telescopic Motor Gear Failure

MinorInterior & Trim

The LS 430 features an automatic auto-tilt-away steering wheel function that retracts the column whenever the ignition key is removed. The internal tilt and telescopic drive mechanisms use small nylon drive gears and spiral shafts. After thousands of cycles, the soft plastic teeth strip, or the small electric drive motors seize due to dried grease. As a result, the steering column becomes frozen in the fully raised and retracted position, creating an awkward driving position that cannot be adjusted manually.

Est. Repair Cost: £150–£450
Warning Signs:

Steering wheel fails to extend down towards the driver when inserting the key into the ignition, Grinding or whirring noise from the steering column shroud when operating the 4-way adjustment joystick, Steering wheel stuck in the uppermost retracted tilt position, Adjustment joystick responds in only one axis or ceases operation completely

What to Inspect:
  • Operate the 4-way steering column toggle switch in all four directions to confirm smooth, quiet travel
  • Cycle the ignition key in and out of the barrel to ensure the automatic memory return function works
  • Ask if aftermarket brass replacement gears or complete motor assemblies have been fitted
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research TeamUpdated

Buying Tips for 2003 Lexus LS (Mk3)

  • Test the 6-speed automatic gearbox from cold for imperceptible, seamless upshifts
  • Ensure both smart master keys and the small emergency key blade are present
2001–20022004–2006
Check a 2003 Lexus LS (Mk3) by Registration