2002 Lexus IS 300
Only 28 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 28 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
- Complaints
- 28
- Recalls
- 0
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
None on file
None on file
Not enough data
Complaints per year
2002: 28 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2001 | 27 |
| 2002 | 28 |
| 2003 | 21 |
| 2004 | 19 |
| 2005 | 4 |
| 2006 | 1 |
| 2016 | 3 |
| 2017 | 2 |
| 2018 | 6 |
| 2019 | 7 |
| 2020 | 2 |
| 2021 | 1 |
| 2022 | 1 |
Known problem areas
Only 28 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Vehicle speed control
6 of 28 total reports mention: vehicle speed control, most commonly citing accelerator pedal.
Show complaint excerpts
My 2002, Lexus IS300 had a case of sudden unintended acceleration that LED to a crash causing over $10,000 worth of damages to both my car and the other persons car.
NHTSA ODI report, 2005-10-12
Also filed under Service brakes, hydraulic
Power train
5 of 28 total reports mention: power train, most commonly citing clutch assembly and manual transmission.
Service brakes
5 of 28 total reports mention: service brakes, most commonly citing hydraulic.
Show complaint excerpts
I put $3000 on 2002 Lexus and had it for three days when my 6 year old daughter and myself was heading onto commercial turnpike south.
NHTSA ODI report, 2014-05-24
Structure
4 of 28 total reports mention: structure, most commonly citing bumpers and body.
Show complaint excerpts
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 Lexus IS 300. While driving 30 MPH, a glare appeared on the windshield that affected the contact's visibility. The contact noticed that the dashboard was melting and a sticky residue covered its surface.
NHTSA ODI report, 2014-08-19
Rear bumper near exhaust burned out. Had vehicle repaired. Dealer contacted. Please add VIN.
NHTSA ODI report, 2002-05-03
Tires
3 of 28 total reports mention: tires.
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 IS 300 — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Vehicle speed control: 6 reports on file for this year.
- Power train: 5 reports on file for this year.
- Service brakes: 5 reports on file for this year.
FAQ
- Is the 2002 Lexus IS 300 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 IS 300?
- The most-reported component is vehicle speed control, accounting for 21% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2002 Lexus IS 300 have?
- No recalls are on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.