2002 Lexus RX
Only 12 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 12 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
- Complaints
- 12
- Recalls
- 0
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
None on file
None on file
Not enough data
Complaints per year
2002: 12 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1999 | 35 |
| 2000 | 29 |
| 2001 | 19 |
| 2002 | 12 |
| 2003 | 4 |
| 2004 | 40 |
| 2005 | 27 |
| 2006 | 32 |
| 2007 | 58 |
| 2008 | 70 |
| 2009 | 34 |
| 2010 | 77 |
| 2011 | 29 |
| 2012 | 12 |
| 2013 | 18 |
| 2014 | 12 |
| 2015 | 20 |
| 2016 | 28 |
| 2017 | 47 |
| 2018 | 26 |
| 2019 | 34 |
| 2020 | 48 |
| 2021 | 70 |
| 2022 | 29 |
| 2023 | 60 |
| 2024 | 60 |
| 2025 | 23 |
| 2026 | 10 |
Known problem areas
Only 12 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Power train
5 of 12 total reports mention: power train, most commonly citing automatic transmission.
Show complaint excerpts
Transmission wouldnt shift all of the sudden on the high way no prior mechanical issues was t boned and broke my leg abs and trac off lights mechanic says total transmission failure 121000 miles and this is the second owner of this…
NHTSA ODI report, 2021-07-23
Also filed under Vehicle speed control
Vehicle was parked with transmission in park and emergency brake engaged.
NHTSA ODI report, 2006-05-21
I was out of town I was driving, nothing was wrong with my RX at all. It's a 2002 Lexus RX 300, then all of the sudden I go to take off at the stoplight and it was hesitating to take off. My transmission is now completely gone. No warning at all.
NHTSA ODI report, 2012-07-15
Air bags
2 of 12 total reports mention: air bags, most commonly citing side/window.
Show complaint excerpts
A car crashed into side door of passenger and side air did not inflate in my 2002 Lexus RX 300. My car was then in a roll over and no other air bags deployed including the driver side air bag.
NHTSA ODI report, 2007-09-20
The contact owns a 2002 Lexus RX300. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the air bag warning light flashed on the instrument panel. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure.
NHTSA ODI report, 2024-09-06
Vehicle speed control
1 of 12 total reports mentions: vehicle speed control.
Tires
1 of 12 total reports mentions: tires.
Fuel/propulsion system
1 of 12 total reports mentions: fuel/propulsion system.
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 RX — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Power train: 5 reports on file for this year.
- Air bags: 2 reports on file for this year.
- Vehicle speed control: 1 report on file for this year.
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 2002 Lexus RX 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 RX?
- The most-reported component is power train, accounting for 42% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2002 Lexus RX 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.