2003 Lexus SC430: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2003 Lexus SC430: 1 recall, 20 owner complaints and up to 18 mpg combined.
Recalls
1 vehicle recall from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Airbags, Airbags Vehicle recall #19V741000 · 2019 · 928,220 vehicles
What's wrong: These vehicles had their driver or passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior recall using inflators of the same design. The inflators May explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
Why it matters: An inflator explosion May result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
The fix: Toyota will notify owners. Depending on the vehicle model, dealers will replace the front driver inflator, front passenger airbag inflator, the airbag assembly, or the front passenger airbag sub-assembly and inflator. The recall began November 20, 2019.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 0 mention a fire, 1 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Airbags (10): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Brakes (hydraulic) (4): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Tires (3): the most common themes are tire tread / blowout (3).
- Suspension (2): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
The 2003 Lexus SC430 has 20 owner complaints, ranking #2 of 8 SC430 model years for complaints (1.6× the average SC430 year). Complaints peaked in 2014 (6 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 11 years old, at a median of 39,000 miles. Neighboring years: 2002 (42 complaints, 1 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4.3 L 8-cyl | Automatic 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 16 | 22 | 18 | Premium |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2003 Lexus SC430.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yrStep-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.
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FAQ
Does the 2003 Lexus SC430 have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 1 vehicle recall for the 2003 Lexus SC430. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2003 Lexus SC430 problems?
Owners have filed 20 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are airbags (10), brakes (hydraulic) (4), tires (3).
What gas mileage does the 2003 Lexus SC430 get?
EPA ratings run up to 18 mpg combined (4.3 L, Automatic 5-spd), across 1 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2003 Lexus SC430 repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.