2002 Lexus ESProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 27 owner complaints about the 2002 Lexus ES, most often about the engine. It has no vehicle safety recalls on record.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through January 28, 2026. Updated daily. Photo: OSX, Public domain.
Where the 2002 Lexus ES has problems
27 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 8 | 4 |
| Power train | 5 | 2 |
| Electrical system | 5 | 2 |
| Vehicle speed control | 5 | 5 |
| Structure | 5 | 5 |
| Wheels | 3 | 2 |
| Air bags | 3 | 3 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 2 | 1 |
| Exterior lighting | 2 | 1 |
| 7 other systems | 9 | 3 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
2002 Lexus ES recalls and how many were fixed
No vehicle safety recalls are on record for this model year.
2002 vs. every other ES year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the ES median. How we score
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
What ES owners report
Recent engine complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
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.
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
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…
Own a 2002 ES?
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