Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data
Data refreshed
Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
27
Latest Jan 28, 2026
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
0
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
0
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
13
5 injuries, 0 deaths reported
Overview
Our database contains 27 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2002 Lexus ES, most frequently naming the engine, driver assistance and body & structure categories. 24 manufacturer communications are on file.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Complaint activity over time
When owners filed reports about this model year
Monthly complaints peaked at 2 in Oct 2006. Most recent month: 1.View as table
Monthly owner complaints for the 2002 Lexus ES
Month
Complaints filed
Cumulative
Mar 2006
1
1
Apr 2006
1
2
Jun 2006
1
3
Aug 2006
1
4
Oct 2006
2
6
Jan 2007
1
7
Aug 2007
1
8
Oct 2007
1
9
Oct 2011
1
10
Aug 2013
1
11
Apr 2014
1
12
Aug 2014
1
13
Oct 2014
1
14
Nov 2014
1
15
Jun 2015
1
16
Jan 2016
1
17
May 2017
1
18
Oct 2019
1
19
Feb 2020
1
20
Mar 2020
1
21
Jun 2020
1
22
Jul 2020
1
23
Oct 2020
1
24
Dec 2020
1
25
Jul 2022
1
26
Jan 2026
1
27
What owners report
Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Safety recalls
No recalls in our database for this model year
That does not guarantee a specific vehicle is unaffected — recalls are issued against VINs, and new campaigns are announced regularly. Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov.
Recent owner complaints
Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words
The contact owns a 2002 Lexus ES 300. The contact stated that while driving approximately 5 MPH in the driveway and turning into the garage, the vehicle unintentionally accelerated, hit a beam, drove through the garage wall, and into the dining area of the residence, crashed into the furniture, and stopped. The air bags did not deploy. The contact noticed sparks and smoke coming from the dashboard after the impact. There was no injury sustained. There was property damage. The contact stated that she had previously filed a complaint regarding the vehicle's sudden and unintended acceleration. A report police was filed with the police. The vehicle was towed to a tow yard and was later towed back to the residence. The dealer and the manufacturer were not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000.
NHTSA ID
11713910
Incident
Jan 17, 2026
Mileage
110,000 mi
Engine
Filed Jul 23, 2022
During a trip on the highway the accelerator was to low and take harder to accelerate the car. When we arrived home close to parking end the car suddenly accelerated while I was using the brakes pedal. I was lucky to stop on time. Thanks for your attention.
NHTSA ID
11475472
Incident
Jul 23, 2022
ElectricalEngineSteering
Filed Dec 26, 2020
I TRIED TO START MY CAR OUT OF NO WHERE IT WOULDN'T START NO WARNING OR ANYTHING I CHECKED THE STARTER THAT WASN'T IT I'M NOT SURE OFF IT'S THE ENGINE OR AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM
NHTSA ID
11384987
Incident
Dec 21, 2020
Engine
Filed Oct 23, 2020
Fire reported
TL* THE CONTACT'S MOM OWNED A 2002 LEXUS ES 300. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 3 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO EMIT A THICK WHITE, YELLOWISH SMOKE FROM THE DRIVER SIDE HEADLIGHT WITHOUT WARNING. AS THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO PULL THE VEHICLE OVER,THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO LOSE POWER AS A BYSTANDER ALTERED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS ON FIRE. THE CONTACT IMMEDIATELY EXITED THE VEHICLE AND THE AUTHORITIES WERE CALLED TO THE SCENE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT ARRIVED AT THE SCENE AND WAS ABLE TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE. A POLICE AND FIRE REPORT WAS FILED AT THE SCENE. DUE TO THE FIRE, THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. NO INJURIES WERE SUFFERED AS A RESULT OF THE FIRE. THE MANUFACTURER NOR THE DEALER HAVE YET TO BE NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 173,000.
NHTSA ID
11365939
Incident
Oct 23, 2020
Mileage
173,000 mi
Fuel system
Filed Jul 13, 2020
WHEN I STOP AND TRY TO ACCELERATE THE CAR HESITATE AND THEN STARTS TO JERK. IF I GIVE IT HEAVY GAS IT DRIVES NORMAL
NHTSA ID
11339009
Incident
Jul 10, 2020
Mileage
202,736 mi
Fuel systemOther / unspecifiedSteering
Filed Jun 25, 2020
Fire reported
CAR BEGAN TO LURCH, STOPPED, SMOKE AND FLAMES BEGAN COMING OUT OF FRONT OF CAR. FIRE ENLARGED, SEVERAL SMALL EXPLOSIONS. FIREMEN PUT OUT FIRE, BUT FRONT HALF OF CAR TOTALLY BURNT. *TR
NHTSA ID
11330720
Incident
Jun 20, 2020
Mileage
151,000 mi
Driver assistanceElectricalEngine
Filed Mar 12, 2020
I BOUGHT THIS CAR FROM ALL AUTO SALES. THE SAME DAY, LESS THAN AN HOUR LATER I ATTEMPTED TO DRIVE THE CAR HOME AND IT BROKE DOWN IN FRONT OF A RED LIGHT. THE SALESMAN REASSURED ME THAT NOTHING WAS WRONG WITH IT. I TRIED TO START IT BACK UP AND IT WOULDN'T START SO I HAD TO PUSH IT TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, WHILE PREGNANT AND TWO KIDS PRESENT. IT WAS SOLD TO ME "AS IS" AND I HAVE NO TEMP TAGS AND I'M EXPECTED TO PAY A BI WEEKLY CAR NOTE. I HAD TO PAYOUT OF POCKET FOR A TOW TRUCK AND AT THIS POINT I JUST WANT MY MONEY BACK IT'S ONLY BEEN TWO DAYS AND I'M ALREADY EXPERIENCING PROBLEMS OUT OF THIS VEHICLE. PLEASE HELP.
NHTSA ID
11317657
Incident
Mar 9, 2017
Mileage
172 mi
Engine
Filed Feb 4, 2020
THIS IS THE 2ND 2002 LEXUS ES300 IVE OWNED WITH HALF THE MILES OF THE 1ST ONE...YET BOTH CARS CATALYTIC CONVERTORS FAILED!! HOW IS THAT POSSIBLE AT ONLY 136K MILES THE CATALYTIC CONVERTOR NEEDS TO BE REPLACED!! THE 1ST CAR HAD ALMOST 268K MILES WHICH I FELT THE CATALYTIC CONVERTOR FAILURE WASNT AS SURPRISING...BUT BETWEEN MY BOYFRIEND AND I WE HAVE OWNED 4 LEXUS VEHICLES: 1997 ES300 1999 RX300 AND 2 ES300 AND ALL OF THEM HAD CATALYTIC CONVERTOR FAILURES!!! I WAS TOLD BY A MECHANIC AS LONG AS YOU PUT IN THE CORRECT FUEL AND CORRECT OIL THE CONVERTORS SHOULD LAST FOREVER!! SO WHY IS IT THAT LEXUS CARS CONVERTORS FAIL AS LOW AS 136K MILES!! THATS REDICULOUS!!
NHTSA ID
11307112
Incident
Jan 5, 2020
Mileage
136,000 mi
Manufacturer communications
A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.
L-SB-0022-24
STRUCTURE:BODY
Acid rain results from rainwater or other airborne moisture that become acidic due to industrial chemical impurities in the atmosphere. If these acidic compounds settle on an exposed vehicle, especially the horizontal areas such as the hood, roof, and decklid, significant damage to the painted surfaces can occur. Acid rain damage can typically be identified on vehicles by the presence of stains on the paint surface that resemble hard water spots. Unlike water spots however, acid rain damage cannot be removed by regular washing procedures. Also, because acid rain can etch and soften the paint, normal buffing or polishing repair procedures should not be attempted. This can cause further damage and result in visible depressions in the paint surface. The following are the three major categories of acid rain damage: •Minor damage: requires only buffing to repair. •Moderate damage: usually requires neutralizing, color sanding, and buffing. •Severe damage: extending beyond 1/2 mil of clearcoat on a pearl, metallic, or solid color, requires neutralization, sanding, and repainting. In cases where acid rain damage is minor, neutralization and buffing with a liquid-type paint finessing product may provide an adequate repair. Only specially formulated products outlined in this bulletin should be used for that purpose. Unfortunately, other than minor damage, there is no simple method of determining the actual extent (depth) of acid penetration other than color sanding a representative affected area until there is no visible etching or depressions, followed by measuring the amount of paint removed with either a magnetic or digital-type film thickness gauge. The procedures in this bulletin are intended for use by qualified body/paint technicians and should not be attempted by inexperienced personnel. While the quality and durability of paint on Lexus vehicles is continuously being improved, it remains the dealer’s responsibility to protect and maintain the quality of the vehicle’s paint finish after receipt at the dealership prior to the first sale. Perform frequent vehicle washing, as often as daily, during high heat and humidity periods to minimize the potential for paint damage due to acid rain exposure. This is especially important in geographical areas known for high frequency and concentration of acid rain and industrial fallout.
L-SB-0024-24
STRUCTURE:BODY
The condition known as acid rain is caused by airborne chemicals or particles in the atmosphere, which mix with rainwater, nighttime dew, or high humidity to form acidic compounds. If these contaminants settle and remain on a painted vehicle surface, especially the horizonal areas of the hood, roof, and decklid, significant damage can occur. This damage is the result of actual etching of the paint and appears as pitting or water spots. As acid rain droplets on the vehicle surface evaporate, the concentration strength of the acid increases, causing deeper and more rapid damage. This evaporation and corrosive action also occur more rapidly on dark colored cars as direct sun heat increases. While Lexus paint quality, durability, and resistance to environmental factors is continuously being improved, it remains the responsibility of the dealer to protect and maintain the vehicle’s paint finish from the time of arrival at the dealership until retail delivery to the customer. In areas known for high frequency and/or concentration of acid rain, frequent vehicle washing during high heat or humidity periods will minimize the potential for paint damage caused by acid rain. It is further recommended that either reverse osmosis or deionized water be used to prevent water spotting. SUPERSESSION NOTICE The information contained in this bulletin supersedes Service Bulletin No. BO029-91. •The entire bulletin has been updated. Service Bulletin No. BO029-91 is obsolete
L-SB-0022-24
STRUCTURE:BODY
Acid rain results from rainwater or other airborne moisture that become acidic due to industrial chemical impurities in the atmosphere. If these acidic compounds settle on an exposed vehicle, especially the horizontal areas such as the hood, roof, and decklid, significant damage to the painted surfaces can occur. Acid rain damage can typically be identified on vehicles by the presence of stains on the paint surface that resemble hard water spots. Unlike water spots however, acid rain damage cannot be removed by regular washing procedures. Also, because acid rain can etch and soften the paint, normal buffing or polishing repair procedures should not be attempted. This can cause further damage and result in visible depressions in the paint surface. The following are the three major categories of acid rain damage: •Minor damage: requires only buffing to repair. •Moderate damage: usually requires neutralizing, color sanding, and buffing. •Severe damage: extending beyond 1/2 mil of clearcoat on a pearl, metallic, or solid color, requires neutralization, sanding, and repainting. In cases where acid rain damage is minor, neutralization and buffing with a liquid-type paint finessing product may provide an adequate repair. Only specially formulated products outlined in this bulletin should be used for that purpose. Unfortunately, other than minor damage, there is no simple method of determining the actual extent (depth) of acid penetration other than color sanding a representative affected area until there is no visible etching or depressions, followed by measuring the amount of paint removed with either a magnetic or digital-type film thickness gauge. The procedures in this bulletin are intended for use by qualified body/paint technicians and should not be attempted by inexperienced personnel. While the quality and durability of paint on Lexus vehicles is continuously being improved, it remains the dealer’s responsibility to protect and maintain the quality of the vehicle’s paint finish after receipt at the dealership prior to the first sale. Perform frequent vehicle washing, as often as daily, during high heat and humidity periods to minimize the potential for paint damage due to acid rain exposure. This is especially important in geographical areas known for high frequency and concentration of acid rain and industrial fallout.
L-SB-0024-24
STRUCTURE:BODY
The condition known as acid rain is caused by airborne chemicals or particles in the atmosphere, which mix with rainwater, nighttime dew, or high humidity to form acidic compounds. If these contaminants settle and remain on a painted vehicle surface, especially the horizonal areas of the hood, roof, and decklid, significant damage can occur. This damage is the result of actual etching of the paint and appears as pitting or water spots. As acid rain droplets on the vehicle surface evaporate, the concentration strength of the acid increases, causing deeper and more rapid damage. This evaporation and corrosive action also occur more rapidly on dark colored cars as direct sun heat increases. While Lexus paint quality, durability, and resistance to environmental factors is continuously being improved, it remains the responsibility of the dealer to protect and maintain the vehicle’s paint finish from the time of arrival at the dealership until retail delivery to the customer. In areas known for high frequency and/or concentration of acid rain, frequent vehicle washing during high heat or humidity periods will minimize the potential for paint damage caused by acid rain. It is further recommended that either reverse osmosis or deionized water be used to prevent water spotting. SUPERSESSION NOTICE The information contained in this bulletin supersedes Service Bulletin No. BO029-91. •The entire bulletin has been updated. Service Bulletin No. BO029-91 is obsolete
Safety Recall 22
EQUIPMENT
Lexus Safety Recall and Service Campaign - Technician Certification Requirements 4.13.2022
POL: This consolidated Tire Warranty Guide contains the complete warranty terms for all brands of ground and spare tires currently in use by Lexus. This information must be kept near the point of vehicle sale and be available to any customer that requests it. Customers can find this information on the Owner?s section of Lexus.com. Dealers can locate a copy of this guide on the Claims Processing & Resource Center in Dealer Daily as well.
Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.
Compare model years
Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.