2002 Lexus ES problems
Verdict · NHTSA data
One of the years to avoid
With 48 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 4.4 times the median ES year — the 2002 model ranks #6 of 30 ES years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Complainants reported 10 injuries in total across these filings.
No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across engine (10), electrical system (6), and speed control (5), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.
48
NHTSA complaints
0
Recalls
0
Investigations
15
Crash-involved
13
Fires reported
10
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
How does 2002 compare to other ES years?
What are the most common 2002 Lexus ES problems?
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 10 | 21% | ▲ up |
| Electrical System | 6 | 13% | ▲ up |
| Body & Structure | 5 | 10% | new |
| Speed Control | 5 | 10% | ▲ up |
| Transmission | 5 | 10% | ▲ up |
| Airbags | 3 | 6% | ▲ up |
| Fuel System | 3 | 6% | ▲ up |
| Tires & Wheels | 3 | 6% | ▲ up |
| Steering | 2 | 4% | new |
| Lighting | 2 | 4% | new |
| Brakes | 2 | 4% | ▲ up |
| Suspension | 1 | 2% | — flat |
| Other | 1 | 2% | — flat |
Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“TL* THE CONTACT'S MOM OWNED A 2002 LEXUS ES 300. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 3 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO EMIT A THICK WHITE, YELLOWISH SMOKE FROM THE DRIVER SIDE HEADLIGHT WITHOUT WARNING. AS THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO PULL THE VEHICLE OVER,THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO LOSE POWER AS A BYSTANDER…”
“I JUST PURCHASED THIS CAR (LEXUS ES 300 2002 SEDAN) FOR MY DAUGHTER LESS THAN A WEEK AGO ON 4/11/2014 FROM A PRIVATE OWNER, WITH 267,000 MILES AND IT RAN WELL FOR A TRANSPORTATION VEHICLE, SEEMS TO HAVE BEEN WELL CARED FOR MECHANICALLY, INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR IS IN GREAT SHAPE AND WAS CHECKED OUT MY…”
“WHEN MY VEHICLE IS IMMEDIATELY PUT IN DRIVE GEAR FROM REVERSE GEAR, FOOT TAKEN OFF THE BRAKE AND TAP THE GAS PEDAL, MY VEHICLE SURGES FORWARD AS IF IT IS IN FULL THROTTLE. AS RESULT, MY VEHICLE JUMPED THE CURB AND IMPACTED A BRICK WALL. I SUFFERED A BLOODY NOSE AND A CUT ON MY HAND. THE VEHICLE…”
“TAKATA RECALL, MY WIFE WAS INVOLVED IN A FRONTAL COLLISION AT @35MPH IN WHICH HER AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. I AM CONCERNED THAT SINCE THE SENSORS WERE KNOCKED OFF DURING THE IMPACT, WHAT COULD HAVE HAPPENED TO PREVENT THE AIRBOYS FROM DEPLOYING? SHE WAS TRAVELING AT 35 MPH INTO AN INTERSECTION WHEN…”
“WHEN MY VEHICLE IS IMMEDIATELY PUT IN DRIVE GEAR FROM REVERSE GEAR, FOOT TAKEN OFF THE BRAKE AND TAP THE GAS PEDAL, MY VEHICLE SURGES FORWARD AS IF IT IS IN FULL THROTTLE. AS RESULT, MY VEHICLE JUMPED THE CURB AND IMPACTED A BRICK WALL. I SUFFERED A BLOODY NOSE AND A CUT ON MY HAND. THE VEHICLE…”
2002 Lexus ES — common questions
Is the 2002 Lexus ES reliable?
NHTSA data argues against it: 48 complaints put the 2002 model at #6 of 30 ES years. It is one of the ES years to avoid.
What are the most common 2002 ES problems?
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (10 complaints), electrical system (6 complaints), speed control (5 complaints).
Does the 2002 Lexus ES have recalls?
No. NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 2002 Lexus ES.
Which Lexus ES years should you avoid?
Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the ES years to avoid are 2007, 2008, 2005, 2011, 2019, 2013, 2002, 2010, 2003, 2012. The cleanest record among ES years belongs to 2017.
Related
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.