repaired · 2021 Q3
Passenger side: inflator module
Risk. An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
2003 Lexus SCProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 4 owner complaints about the 2003 Lexus SC, most often about the air bags. It is covered by 3 safety recalls, and for recall 18V-883 the manufacturer reports only 63% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through October 2, 2022. Updated daily.
Complaints by system
Where the 2003 Lexus SC has problems
4 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
3Air bags
1Service brakes
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Air bags | 3 | 0 |
| Service brakes | 1 | 0 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
3 recalls
2003 Lexus SC recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
repaired · 2021 Q3
Air bags
Risk. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the vehicle…
repaired · 2021 Q3
Air bags
Risk. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the vehicle…
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Lexus.
Best & worst years
2003 vs. every other SC year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the SC median. How we score
'02'03'04'05'06'07'08'09'10
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
3 investigations
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal investigations that included the 2003 Lexus SC, and the recalls they led to.
- Air Bag Inflator RuptureLed to recall 22V-945
- Desiccated Air Bag Inflator RuptureOpen
- Air Bag Inflator RuptureLed to recall 15V-226
In owners' words
What SC owners report
Recent air bags complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
DEALER REFUSED TO MAKE REPAIRS IN ASHEVILLE AFTER MAKING APPOINTMENT TO REPAIR. THE CONSUMER STATED THAT THE DEALER ADVISED THE VEHICLE COULD NOT BE REPAIRED IN-STATE.
RECEIVED 3 LETTERS ON RECALL #K6FV-AAE. CALLED TAKATA, LEXUS CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE, AND THE CLOSEST LEXUS DEALERSHIP IN SANTA BARBARA. NOBODY IS FOLLOWING UP. I AM RUNNING A BUSINESS AND CAN ONLY TRAVEL OUT OF TOWN ON SATURDAY AND WILL LOSE AN ENTIRE DAY. NOBODY IS HELPING TO RESOLVE THIS SITUATION…
WE RECEIVED AN INTERIM NOTICE REGARDING THE POSSIBILITY OF A MALFUNCTION IN THE PASSENGER AIR BAG AND THAT TOYOTA IS WORKING ON A REMEDY. SINCE THIS SITUATION COULD OCCUR BEFORE THE REMEDY IS DEVELOPED AND IMPLEMENTED I REQUEST THAT NHTSA REQUIRE TOYOTA PROVIDE INTERIM RELIEF IN THE FORM OF…
Own a 2003 SC?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.