2002 Lexus SC430
Not enough comparison years on file yet 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.
- Complaints
- 42
- Recalls
- 1
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- Air bags
Campaigns on file for 2002
None on file
43% of complaints
Complaints per year
2002: 42 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2002 | 42 |
| 2003 | 20 |
| 2004 | 6 |
| 2005 | 9 |
| 2006 | 6 |
| 2007 | 17 |
| 2008 | 4 |
| 2009 | 0 |
| 2010 | 0 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Air bags
43% · 18 reportsMost commonly citing sensor/control module.
Show complaint excerpts
Tl*the contact owns a 2002 Lexus SC430. While driving 20 MPH, a bus crashed into the vehicle. The air bags failed to deploy. The vehicle was destroyed and towed to a scrap yard. The contact sustained whiplash.
NHTSA ODI report, 2008-11-14
Getting totally jerked around they call and never follow up. This has been going on for years. Not able to drive the car for years now.
NHTSA ODI report, 2019-03-08
2002 Lexus SC430. Consumer writes in regards to front passenger airbag inflator module safety recall.
NHTSA ODI report, 2017-11-08
Tires
12% · 5 reportsMost commonly citing tread/belt and sidewall.
Show complaint excerpts
About a year ago I bought a 2002 Lexus sc 430 hardtop convertible. The tires had to be replaced at 11,000 miles because the inside tread was cupping and making horrendous growling and vibration noise.
NHTSA ODI report, 2002-03-14
Suspension
10% · 4 reportsMost commonly citing front.
Vehicle speed control
7% · 3 reportsShow complaint excerpts
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 Lexus SC430. The contact stated after shifting the vehicle into drive gear it suddenly accelerated and crashed into a neighbors door, fence, house and air condition.
NHTSA ODI report, 2013-06-18
Speed control failure caused vehicle to lose control.
NHTSA ODI report, 2003-02-03
Structure
5% · 2 reportsMost commonly citing body.
Show complaint excerpts
Tl- the contact owns a 2002 Lexus SC430. The contact had received the recall repair for the air bag. The vehicle had extensive interior and some exterior damages after the repairs.
NHTSA ODI report, 2014-04-15
Safety timeline
1 recall · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
-
R
2019-11-20Air bags19V741000 Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2010-2016 4Runner, 2003-2006 Tundra, 2003-2013 Corolla, 2009-2010 Corolla Matrix, 2004-2005 RAV4, 2002-2007 Sequoia, 2011-2013 Sienna, 2008-2012 Scion xB, 2008-2009 Lexus IS-F,...
Remedy: Toyota will notify owners. Depending on the vehicle model, dealers will replace the front driver inflator, front passenger airbag inflator, the airbag assembly, or the front passenger airbag sub-assembly and inflator.
Buy-smart checklist
2002 Lexus SC430 — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Air bags: 18 reports on file for this year.
- Tires: 5 reports on file for this year.
- Suspension: 4 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 19V741000 · Air bags
FAQ
- Is the 2002 Lexus SC430 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 SC430?
- The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 43% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2002 Lexus SC430 have?
- 1 recall on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.