VehicleVerdict

2002 Lexus Es300 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 194 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 3.9 times the median Es300 year — the 2002 model ranks #1 of 15 Es300 years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Complainants reported 33 injuries in total across these filings.

Transmission leads the complaint categories with 55 reports (28% of the total).

194

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

4

Investigations

50

Crash-involved

6

Fires reported

33

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2002 compare to other Es300 years?

Es300 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2002 highlighted194 complaints1992: 46 complaints1993: 53 complaints1994: 50 complaints1995: 55 complaints1996: 44 complaints1997: 50 complaints1998: 61 complaints1999: 35 complaints2000: 78 complaints2001: 36 complaints2002: 194 complaints2003: 147 complaints2005: 1 complaints2006: 4 complaints2013: 8 complaints
Es300 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2002 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Es300 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2002 Lexus Es300 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Transmission5528%
Speed Control5126%
Brakes158%
Engine126%
Electrical System126%
Other105%
Airbags95%
Fuel System74%
Tires & Wheels74%
Visibility & Wipers32%
Lighting32%
Steering32%
Suspension32%
Body & Structure21%
Seats11%
Seat Belts11%

Does the 2002 Lexus Es300 have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

01V371000BrakesDecember 11, 2001 · 1,697 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE LEFT FRONT BRAKE TUBE MAY HAVE BEEN DEFORMED PRIOR TO VEHICLE DELIVERY DUE TO IMPROPER INSTALLATION OF A COIL SPRING SPACER THAT WAS INSTALLED TO PREVENT DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE DURING TRANSPORTATION.

Consequence

IF THE BRAKE TUBE IS DEFORMED SIGNIFICANTLY, IT COULD CONTACT THE INNER FENDER PANEL, AND EVENTUALLY CAUSE DAMAGE TO THE TUBE DUE TO VIBRATION DURING DRIVING. BRAKE TUBE DAMAGE COULD ALSO LEAD TO BRAKE FLUID LEAKAGE AFTER EXTENDED USE OF THE VEHICLE.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE FRONT BRAKE LINE AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE LINE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JANUARY 1, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT LEXUS AT 1-888-333-9376.

01V372000AirbagsDecember 11, 2001 · 19,587 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A THREE-SPOKE STYLE STEERING WHEEL. DURING AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT, IT IS POSSIBLE THAT THE BOTTOM SEAM OF THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG MODULE COVER (HORN PAD) COULD BE TORN AWAY ALLOWING THE BOTTOM PORTION OF THE COVER TO COMPLETELY DETACH FROM THE AIR BAG MODULE.

Consequence

IF THIS SHOULD OCCUR, THERE IS A POSSIBILITY THAT THE DETACHED BOTTOM PORTION MAY STRIKE THE DRIVER CAUSING PERSONAL INJURY.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG MODULE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN DECEMBER 28, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331 OR LEXUS AT 1-888-333-9376.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“ON 11/20/09, I WAS PARKED IN FRONT OF MY HOUSE IN MY 2002 LEXUS ES300. WHEN I PUT THE CAR IN DRIVE, IT BOOMED FORTH, AND THE BRAKE DIDN'T WORK. I TRIED TO GET AROUND THE CAR THAT WAS PARKED IN FRONT OF ME BUT THE SPEED WAS SUCH THAT I HIT IT. THERE WAS DAMAGE TO MY CAR AND THE CAR I HIT. THE DRIVER…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · November 20, 2009 · crash

“SUDDEN ACCELERATION OF 2002 LEXUS ES300 WITH FOOT ON THE BRAKE. CAR WAS JUST AT A STOP WHEN ITT ACCELERATED WITH FOOT STILL ON THE BRAKE. CAR RAN INTO SIDE OF A BUILDING BEFORE STOPPING--FRONT END OF CAR WAS DEMOLISHED AND BUILDING BRICKS AND INSIDE WALL DEMOLISHED. CAR IS AT DEALERSHIP FOR REPAIRS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · April 27, 2004 · crash

“WHEN PULLING INTO A PARKING SPACE TRAVELING AT LESS THEN 10 MILES PER HOUR, THE CAR SUDDENLY ACCELERATED, PROCEEDED FORWARD HITTING ANOTHER PARKED CAR HEAD ON. THE VEHICLE THEN JUMPED A CURB AND HIT A SECOND CAR. WHEN ATTEMPTING TO STOP THE CAR USING THE BRAKES, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED BUT…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · August 7, 2003 · crash

“LEXUS ES 300 YEAR 2002, I WAS PULLING INTO A PARKING SPACE, TRAVELING AT SLOW SPEED, 5-8 MILES AN HOUR, WHEN THE CAR WOULD NOT STOP, DESPITE APPLYING THE BRAKE. THE CAR ENGINE APPEARED TO HAVE A LOW HUM AND APPEARED TO BE IN OVERDRIVE. THE CAR JUMPED OVER A CONCRETE DIVIDER, OVER A SIDEWALK,…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · November 6, 2004 · crash

“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 LEXUS ES300. WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE VEHICLE HESITATED AND THE CONTACT SMELLED FUEL. HE PULLED THE VEHICLE OVER AND NOTICED SMOKED UNDER THE HOOD. IN A MATTER OF SECONDS, FLAMES APPEARED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE PALM BEACH COUNTY POLICE DEPARTMENT FILED REPORT…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · June 16, 2009 · fire

2002 Lexus Es300 — common questions

Is the 2002 Lexus Es300 reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 194 complaints put the 2002 model at #1 of 15 Es300 years. It is one of the Es300 years to avoid.

What are the most common 2002 Es300 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are transmission (55 complaints), speed control (51 complaints), brakes (15 complaints).

Does the 2002 Lexus Es300 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2002 Lexus Es300. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2002 Lexus Es300 under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 4 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Lexus Es300 years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Es300 years to avoid are 2002, 2003, 2000. The cleanest record among Es300 years belongs to 2005.

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.