MYRModel Year Report

2002 Lexus ES300

■ Significantly worse — known issue year
2002 Lexus ES300
RENDERED 2026-11-01T11:36:11.669Z

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
153
Recalls
2

Campaigns on file for 2002

Investigations
4

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
Power train

36% of complaints

Complaints per year

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

2002: 153 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
199237
199343
199439
199538
199637
199745
199852
199927
200056
200129
2002153
2003116
20051
20063
20135

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Power train

36% · 55 reports

Most commonly citing automatic transmission and control module (tcm/pcm/tecm).

CRASHINJURY
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.

NHTSA ODI report, 2002-01-31

Vehicle speed control

33% · 51 reports

Most commonly citing accelerator pedal and cruise control.

CRASHINJURY
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, 2003-06-23

While pulling into park with foot on the brakes, vehicle suddenly accelerated and hit a tree.

NHTSA ODI report, 2002-08-26

Service brakes

10% · 15 reports

Most commonly citing hydraulic and air.

CRASHINJURY

Electrical system

7% · 11 reports

Most commonly citing interior/under dash and ignition.

CRASHINJURY

Engine and engine cooling

6% · 9 reports

Most commonly citing engine and belts and associated pulleys.

CRASHFIRE
Show complaint excerpts

On 1/8/15 at approx. 9:30 am, I was driving to work south on hwy 95 near exit 67 . Suddenly, other drivers were frantically waving at me to pull over onto the shoulder of the highway.

NHTSA ODI report, 2015-01-17

Safety timeline

2 recalls · 4 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. R
    2001-12-28Air bags01V372000 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…

    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…

    Check if this car was fixed →

  2. R
    2002-01-01Service brakes, hydraulic01V371000 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…

    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…

    Check if this car was fixed →

  3. ▮
    2002Complaint volume 153 complaints filed for this model year.
  4. I
    2004-02-17Defect petitionClosed 2004-03-05 Throttle control system
  5. I
    2004-03-03Preliminary evaluationClosed 2004-07-22 Throttle control system
  6. I
    2005-08-05Defect petitionClosed 2006-01-05 Vehicle speed control
  7. I
    2009-04-08Defect petitionClosed 2009-10-29 Unwanted and unintended acceleration

Buy-smart checklist

2002 Lexus ES300 — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Power train: 55 reports on file for this year.
  • Vehicle speed control: 51 reports on file for this year.
  • Service brakes: 15 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 01V372000 · Air bags
  • Recall 01V371000 · Service brakes, hydraulic
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Worst years2 years

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 power train, accounting for 36% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2002 Lexus ES300 have?
2 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.