VehicleVerdict

2002 Lexus LS problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 10 complaints on file for the 2002 Lexus LS — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 2 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

10

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

6

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2002 compare to other LS years?

LS NHTSA complaints by model year, 2002 highlighted59 complaints1994: 6 complaints1995: 2 complaints1996: 3 complaints1997: 1 complaints1998: 2 complaints1999: 3 complaints2000: 1 complaints2001: 3 complaints2002: 10 complaints2003: 1 complaints2004: 11 complaints2005: 6 complaints2006: 26 complaints2007: 58 complaints2008: 59 complaints2009: 23 complaints2010: 9 complaints2011: 12 complaints2012: 6 complaints2013: 8 complaints2014: 3 complaints2015: 3 complaints2016: 7 complaints2018: 19 complaints2019: 1 complaints2020: 0 complaints2021: 5 complaints2023: 1 complaints2024: 0 complaints2025: 3 complaints
LS NHTSA complaints by model year, 2002 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all LS years to avoid →

What are the most common 2002 Lexus LS problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Body & Structure550%
Tires & Wheels330%
Engine110%
Suspension110%

Does the 2002 Lexus LS have recalls?

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

09E012000LightingApril 7, 2009 · 16,270 units

Defect

SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.

Consequence

DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy

SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.

06E056000Fuel SystemJune 13, 2006 · 58,640 units

Defect

CERTAIN AFTERMARKET FUEL FILTERS SOLD UNDER THE PUROLATOR BRAND NAME, P/N F65277, SHIPPED FROM JANUARY 16 THROUGH JUNE 2, 2006, FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. DUE TO INCORRECT DESIGN, THE QUICK CONNECTORS MAY NOT FULLY SEAT WITH THE TUBE INTERFACE, EVEN THOUGH THE PERSON MAKING THE CONNECTION MAY BELIEVE THAT THE QUICK CONNECTOR IS FULLY ATTACHED.

Consequence

FAILURE OF THIS CONNECTION COULD LEAD TO FUEL SPILLAGE AND, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FIRE COULD OCCUR.

Remedy

UFI WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 4, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT UFI FILTERS USA AT 800-230-5876.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“DT*: THE CONTACT STATED UNLESS THE TRUNK WAS RAISED ALL THE WAY, THE TRUNK CLOSED SO FAST RESULTING IN HITTING SEVERAL FAMILY MEMBERS IN THE HEAD BUT NO ONE WAS SERIOUSLY INJURED. THE CONTACT TRIED TO CATCH THE TRUNK BEFORE IT SLAMMED SHUT WHICH RESULTED IN THE CONTACT'S FINGER BEING PINNED IN THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · August 11, 2006

“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 LEXUS LS430. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TIRE MADE A SQUEAKING NOISE AFTER IT WAS REPLACED. THE NOISE WAS CAUSED BY LOOSE BOLTS. THE NOISE RECURRED TWO MONTHS AGO AND COULD POSSIBLY RESULT FROM A MANUFACTURER DEFECT WITH THE TIRE BOLTS AND THE WHEEL ASSEMBLY. THE VEHICLE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · October 9, 2007

“ON 9/6/2007 I HAD A FLAT TIRE. I TOOK IT TO THE TIRE PLACE, I BOUGHT A NEW TIRE THAT THEY INSTALLED. AS I DROVE AWAY I HEARD A CLICKING SOUND AND I WENT BACK TO THE STORE. TWO STUDS WERE BACKED UP A LITTLE AND LOOSENED THE NUTS. ON 11/23/2007 I HAD TO REPLACE TWO TIRES. I TIGHTENED THE STUDS. I…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · November 29, 2007

“THE PISTONS THAT HOLD UP THE TRUNK FAILED. THE TRUNK FELL ON ME AND CAUSED INJURY. THESE PARTS SHOULD BE REPLACE AT THE EXPENSE OF LEXUS. IN ADDITION, THE SAME PARTS THAT SUPPORT THE HOOD, ALSO JUST FAILED. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE AND NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED IN ORDER TO PREVENT FURTHER INJURY. *TR”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · July 7, 2014

2002 Lexus LS — common questions

Is the 2002 Lexus LS reliable?

The record is thin — 10 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 2 recalls should be verified as completed.

What are the most common 2002 LS problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are body & structure (5 complaints), tires & wheels (3 complaints), engine (1 complaints).

Does the 2002 Lexus LS have recalls?

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

Which Lexus LS years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the LS years to avoid are 2008, 2007. The cleanest record among LS years belongs to 2024.

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.