2002 Lexus ES
Only 27 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
Only 27 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
- Complaints
- 27
- Recalls
- 0
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
None on file
None on file
Not enough data
Complaints per year
2002: 27 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1996 | 1 |
| 1997 | 2 |
| 1998 | 1 |
| 1999 | 8 |
| 2000 | 6 |
| 2001 | 2 |
| 2002 | 27 |
| 2003 | 23 |
| 2004 | 16 |
| 2005 | 60 |
| 2006 | 12 |
| 2007 | 125 |
| 2008 | 68 |
| 2009 | 28 |
| 2010 | 41 |
| 2011 | 46 |
| 2012 | 31 |
| 2013 | 34 |
| 2014 | 4 |
| 2015 | 5 |
| 2016 | 9 |
| 2017 | 3 |
| 2018 | 5 |
| 2019 | 34 |
| 2020 | 18 |
| 2021 | 28 |
| 2022 | 11 |
| 2023 | 10 |
| 2024 | 9 |
| 2025 | 5 |
Known problem areas
Only 27 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Engine
8 of 27 total reports mention: engine.
Show complaint excerpts
On the night of August 20, 2019, at 9:45, I parked my Lexus ES 300 and went inside the local acme. Acme is approx miles from home. I entered the store and heard over the intercom all shoppers had 12 min before closing.
NHTSA ODI report, 2019-10-17
Also filed under Structure and electrical system
Vehicle speed control
5 of 27 total reports mention: vehicle speed control.
Show complaint excerpts
The contact owns a 2002 Lexus ES 300.
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-01-28
Also filed under Air bags
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 2006-06-08
Also filed under Power train
Structure
5 of 27 total reports mention: structure, most commonly citing body.
Show complaint excerpts
My wife, who drives the Lexus all the time, was preparing to drive the car from the garage to drive downtown. She had her foot on the brake pedal (As is necessary to move the transmission to reverse).
NHTSA ODI report, 2013-08-07
Also filed under Power train
Electrical system
5 of 27 total reports mention: electrical system.
Show complaint excerpts
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...
NHTSA ODI report, 2014-04-20
Power train
5 of 27 total reports mention: power train, most commonly citing automatic transmission.
Safety timeline
No recalls on file for this model year.
0 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
Buy-smart checklist
2002 Lexus ES — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Engine: 8 reports on file for this year.
- Vehicle speed control: 5 reports on file for this year.
- Structure: 5 reports on file for this year.
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 2002 Lexus ES reliable?
- There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
- What are the most common problems with the 2002 Lexus ES?
- The most-reported component is engine, accounting for 30% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2002 Lexus ES have?
- No recalls are on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.