CarRecallDB

2002 Lexus ES300 recalls and problems

2 recalls and 153 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2002 Lexus ES300.

2
recalls
153
owner complaints
37
complaints mentioning a crash
5
mentioning a fire

Recalls apply to specific production ranges. To see whether a particular car still has an open recall, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for safety recalls are free at authorised dealers.

2002 Lexus ES300 recalls

Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components, hoses, lines/piping, and fittings

NHTSA campaign 01V371000 · reported December 11, 2001 · TOYOTA MOTOR NORTH AMERICA, INC. · 1,697 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
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 prevent damage to the vehicle during transportation.
The risk
If the brake tube is deformed significantly, it could contact the inner fender panel, and eventually cause damage to the tube due to vibration during driving. Brake tube damage could also lead to brake fluid leakage after extended use of the vehicle.
The fix
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 service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact lexus at 1-888-333-9376.

Air bags: frontal

NHTSA campaign 01V372000 · reported December 11, 2001 · TOYOTA MOTOR NORTH AMERICA, INC. · 19,587 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
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 cover (horn pad) could be torn away allowing the bottom portion of the cover to completely detach from the air bag module.
The risk
If this should occur, there is a possibility that the detached bottom portion may strike the driver causing personal injury.
The fix
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 receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact toyota at 1-800-331-4331 or lexus at 1-888-333-9376.

Most reported problems

Areas named in owner complaints to NHTSA. One complaint can name several areas.

What owners report

Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.

Aug 24, 2018 · Seats · 155,000 miles · crash reported

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 LEXUS ES300. WHILE THE CONTACT WAS STOPPED IN TRAFFIC, THE VEHICLE WAS REAR ENDED AT 45 MPH BY ANOTHER VEHICLE. BOTH THE FRONT DRIVER AND PASSENGER SEATS COLLAPSED. AS A RESULT, THE REAR PASSENGERS SUSTAINED TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE DRIVER AND FRONT…

Dec 18, 2017 · Electronic stability control (ESC) · 100,000 miles

I REPLACED THE BATTERY ON MY LEXUS AND IT WOULD NO LONGER IDLE YOU TAKE YOUR FOOT OFF THE ACCELERATOR AND THE ENGINE DIES.. THE COMPUTER LOST THE IDLE PARAMETERS THIS IS DANGEROUS AS I TURNED LEFT OFF ONE ROAD TO ANOTHER TOOK MY FOOT FROM ACCELARATOR TO BRAKE ENGINE DIED AND I LOST POWER STEERING ALMOST WRECKED MOST…

May 9, 2017 · Vehicle speed control

2002 LEXUS EXCELERATED ON IT'S OWN.I WAS GETTING ON FREEWAY I STEPPED ON GAS TO GO WITH FLOW OF TRAFFIC , THEN TRAFFIC STARTED BACKING UP SO I WENT TO USE BRAKES TO SLOW DOWN BUT CAR KEPT EXCELERATING. I HAD TO USE BOTH FEET TO TRY TO STOP ,THEN I FELT A POP FROM GAS PEDAL AT THAT TIME IT STOPPED EXCELLERATING

Jun 29, 2016 · Fuel/propulsion system · 236,400 miles · fire reported

WHILE DRIVING ON A FREEWAY THE CAR MADE A SUDDEN & BRIEF SHUTTER IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWED BY LOSS OF RESPONSE BY THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. I IMMEDIATELY BEGAN TO MOVE OFF THE FREEWAY KNOWING THAT SOMETHING WAS WRONG WITH MY CAR. UPON GETTING O THE OFF RAMP I SAW FLAMES COMING FROM AROUND THE FRONT LEFT TIRE. I PUT THE CAR…

May 28, 2016 · Air bags

SIDE AIRBAGS NEAR WINDSHIELD ARE LEAKING WHEN IT RAINS. AT FIRST IT WAS A SLOW LEAK, BUT REALLY POURS IN NOW

ES300 model years compared

YearRecallsComplaintsCrashesFires
2000 056171
2001 029111
2002 2153375
2003 0116434
2005 0110

Across all years, the 2002 ES300 has the most complaints (153). All Lexus ES300 years →

Questions

Does the 2002 Lexus ES300 have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2002 Lexus ES300, the most recent reported on December 11, 2001 (Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components, hoses, lines/piping, and fittings). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2002 Lexus ES300?
Owners have filed 153 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is power train (52 complaints), followed by vehicle speed control (50).
How many 2002 Lexus ES300 complaints mention a crash or fire?
37 of 153 complaints report a crash and 5 a fire; 24 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received August 24, 2018.