2002 Lexus ES300

■ Significantly worse — known issue year

2002 Lexus ES300
RENDERED 2026-08-02T10:41:56.892Z

This year had more than double the complaints of this model's typical year.

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.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

2002: 153 complaints

View as data table

Year	Complaints
1992	37
1993	43
1994	39
1995	38
1996	37
1997	45
1998	52
1999	27
2000	56
2001	29
2002	153
2003	116
2005	1
2006	3
2013	5

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL 24%

24% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 37 distinct reports on file.

CRASH INJURY

Show complaint excerpts

2002 LEXUS MALFUNCTIONING BRAKE SYSTEM. *MR THE ENGINE SURGED WHILE BRAKING. IT WAS INDICATED THAT THIS MAY BE DUE TO AN INCREASE IN IDLING SPEED WHEN THE A/C WAS OPERATING.

NHTSA ODI report, 20030623

WHILE PULLING INTO PARK WITH FOOT ON THE BRAKES, VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED AND HIT A TREE.

NHTSA ODI report, 20020826

POWER TRAIN 24%

24% of complaints: power train — 36 distinct reports on file.

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL 8%

8% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 13 distinct reports on file.

CRASH INJURY

POWER TRAIN 8%

8% of complaints: power train — 12 distinct reports on file.

CRASH INJURY

Show complaint excerpts

WHILE DRIVING WHEN SUN IS SHINING CONSUMER IS UNABLE TO READ SPEED ODOMETER DUE TO POOR DESIGN, BLACK BACK ROUND WITH WHITE NUMBERS AND A BLACK NEEDLE. DEALER HAS BEEN CONTACTED. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK

NHTSA ODI report, 20020131

TIRES 4%

4% of complaints: tires — 6 distinct reports on file.

SAFETY TIMELINE

R 20011228 — air bags

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 COV

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 R

Campaign 01V372000 — check if this car was fixed

▮ 2002 — complaint volume: 153

R 20020101 — service brakes, hydraulic

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

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 SER

Campaign 01V371000 — check if this car was fixed

I 20040217 — DP (closed 20040305)

THROTTLE CONTROL SYSTEM

I 20040303 — PE (closed 20040722)

THROTTLE CONTROL SYSTEM

I 20050805 — DP (closed 20060105)

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

I 20090408 — DP (closed 20091029)

UNWANTED AND UNINTENDED ACCELERATION

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

2002 Lexus ES300 — pre-purchase inspection

Test/inspect for vehicle speed control issues (37 reports on file for this year).
Test/inspect for power train issues (36 reports on file for this year).
Test/inspect for vehicle speed control issues (13 reports on file for this year).
Verify recall 01V372000 (air bags) has been completed.
Verify recall 01V371000 (service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

● 1992 ● 1996 ● 1995

WORST YEARS

■ 2003 ◆ 2000 ● 1998

See all years ranked →

FAQ

Is the 2002 Lexus ES300 reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2002 Lexus ES300 is rated "significantly worse".

What are the most common problems with the 2002 Lexus ES300?

The most-reported component is vehicle speed control, accounting for 24% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2002 Lexus ES300 have?

2 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.