Problem started when car was in for repair of wheel alignment wheels got stolen from dealer collision center lexus not car goes out of alignment while driving on a rough road wearing out tires compliantly about 3 set of tires replaced
Vehicle safety record
2002 Lexus IS300 Problems, complaints & recalls
Owners have filed 45 complaints about the 2002 Lexus IS300 with NHTSA, most often about the body, doors & structure (9) and the wheels & tires (7). Those complaints describe 4 crashes and 2 injuries. There are no recalls for it. For comparison, the 2001 has 35 and the 2003 has 34.
NHTSA data checked
CAbout as many problems as a typical IS300 year, for its age
#154 most complained-about 2002 vehicle
- Complaints
- 45
- Recalls
- 0
- Crashes
- 4
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 2
- Deaths
- 0
Most common 2002 Lexus IS300 problems
Share of all 45 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.
No recalls for the 2002 Lexus IS300
NHTSA lists no recalls for the 2002 Lexus IS300. Recalls can be announced at any time - this page updates daily.
What owners say
Be the first IS300 owner to share.
Problems or none - your experience is exactly what the next buyer is looking for. Write it now
45 complaints about the 2002 Lexus IS300
Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners. Page 1 of 2.
Melting dashboard and around the gear shift and lexus will not do anything about it. Poor customer service for a so called "luxury" brand. I had some paper actually stick to the plastic around the gear shift and when I went to pick it up I had to peel it off then I tried clean it off with just water and a rag and it left marks. I want something done by lexus. A lot of people are having this same problem so why isn't lexus doing anything about it? I want something done! My dash and plastic around the gear shift need...
Read the full complaint
to be replaced and it has nothing to do with normal wear and tear. I just found this site that's why I'm just now reporting it but this has been a problem since about 2014. Lexus should own up to their mistakes and fix them. I will keep calling and keep going to the dealership until something is done!
Car runs great until check engine light comes on followed by vsc and then brake light. When those lights come on it runs rough and brakes make gear noise under driver's side hood area. Brake is very sluggish and almost non existent when it fails. Let it set, clear fault and runs fine until warm again. Have had all brakes checked and in good condition by mechanic today and problem persists. Appears to be an ecu or other electrical and not mechanical problem. Is extremely dangerous and should be addressed by manufacturer.
BRAKE,TRAC OFF,VSC,ABS LIGHT ARE ON
Dashboard is melting on my 2002 is300. This is a safety hazard causing glare on windshield. Also the sticky black dash gets on our skin and likely has harmful chemicals that is being absorbed in our bodies. Lexus refuses to repair this known defect and my vehicle has not been included in the recall. I always thought lexus was the top brand for reliability and quality. My viewpoint of lexus brand has changed after this and I can no longer consider buying lexus in future. Very disappointed in their poor quality control and refusal to stand by their brand.
Like most lexus is300 owners, my car exhibits the "melting" dashboard issue. My main concern is the melting material could be releasing chemicals that is orderless/toxic. Lexus is refusing the repair the issue out of their own pockets.
DASHBOARD IS MELTING. *TR
Over the years my dashboard has deteriorated, the rubber has become sticky and nasty just like all the other lexus vehicles in complaints. I understand there is a recall regarding this matter but not my year. I do not understand why this wouldn't apply to all the 2002 models that are experiencing the exact same issue! Please, could someone enlighten me? Me vehicle has 120,000 miles on it and is in immaculate condition other than the dashboard and sides of console. Help, I love my car and I deserve to be a part of this recall also!! Thank you in advance for your help. *Tr
Something on windshield that makes it hard to see, it impairs my vision. Dashboard is literally melting! It's sticky! Now I don't understand why lexus doesn't take care of their customers and send out a recall. Fix their mistakes and do it right. I understand they tried to pass some cheaper products off on their vehicles but that only bought them some time. Word of mouth is their worst enemy right now. *Tr
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 lexus is 300. While driving 30 mph, a glare appeared on the windshield that affected the contact's visibility. The contact noticed that the dashboard was melting and a sticky residue covered its surface. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified. The approximate failure mileage was 144,500.
As I'm driving the dashboard starts to melt and it's very sticky,paid good money for this car and there's no recall or warrantee for this defect. *Tr
My lexus dashboard is melting away. The dash has already been replaced once by the dealer but it is again melting away. *Tr
I put $3000 on 2002 lexus and had it for three days when my 6 year old daughter and myself was heading onto commercial turnpike south. I was approaching light on corner of 441 and commercial when my brakes just gave out on me completely and I quickly responded and pulled up emergency brake and turned into gas station to have it towed to mechanic and which it was put on machine and detailed everything that was wrong with car including the malfunction on the abs system which controls brakes and steering. I was...
Read the full complaint
saved by not getting onto turnpike and my quick maneuvering to emergency brakes which helped very little. My pedal went completely to the floor. I called and told mosche which was the guy I signed contract with and told him to come and get this car and I want my money back. He told me no refunds and I found out within three days I should of gotten my refund back. They took my car back after I fixed it and paid over $500 for and will not give me another car nor my money back.. They robbed and lie and should not be selling dangerous cars with knowledge of no brakes. I was told to come get the car a week after because of them putting brakes on them so they had knowledge of something wrong with brake system and failed to tell me.. *Tr
I would like to report a problem with my lexus is300 models 2002. There is some type of defect in the frame or front arm bushings that cause excessive wear on the front inner tires. Despite the car being regularly aligned, uneven and excessive tire wear continues to occur on the inner portion of the tires. Tires will sometimes last less than 5,000 miles and have worn down to the steel in the inner sides of the front tires! This is a common occurrence and complaint among is 300 owners. As far as I know, there has...
Read the full complaint
been no fix from lexus and will lead to potential blowouts on the freeway due to tire failures. This condition is unacceptable. Therefore I am requesting an investigation and recall to fix the problem before a fatality occurs due to the resulting tire failure because of the front suspension defect. *Js
Shortly after I purchased my new car (lexus is300 2002), the dashboard, cover to air bag (on dash) and console began to melt/soften and become sticky. When I first reported to lexus, they did not do anything. After a while, I continued to complain and they replaced the cover panel on dash to the air bag but not the entire dashboard/console. In all the years of service at lexus of palm beach, they never offered to repair, even though this did not seem right. After hearing recent story on wptv news (consumer...
Read the full complaint
watchdog, [[redacted]] ), I have now learned that I am not alone and there are countless stories similar to mine. Http://www.Wptv.Com/money/consumer/sticky-shiny-safety-issue-drivers-complain-of-sun-glare-from-melting-dashboards because my car is not under warranty anymore, lexus is still dismissive ---- but I do have record of this issue for years (including when they replaced the air bag dash cover, under warranty, several years ago). I just received email response today from lexus of palm beach, parts manager, [[redacted]] as follows: "thank you for your email inquiry. I understand your concern and as of right now lexus hasn't come out with anything for your matter. If anything does arise, seeing you purchased your vehicle new, all your information is in the data base and you will be contacted first. I wish I had an answer for you right now but we haven't heard anything yet." Given that I had reported this issue while car was previously under warranty (and that lexus had acknowledged issue and replaced portion), I feel that lexus should honor this product and replace the defective dashboard and console at their expense, for both parts and labor. Hope you can help me to resolve this matter, thank you very much! Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.S.C. 552(B)(6). *Tr
Accelerator failure: twice that I can clearly remember. First time happened in 2003 after gentle depression of the gas pedal, it seemed to push itself further and was stuck into the floor resulting in uncontrolled, max acceleration...This was mentioned to the dealer when I took it for service (ray catena lexus, larchmont, ny). After that, it didn't happen until the spring of 2008 where I was on the i95 on my way to work, in rush hour when the car suddenly went from about 40mph to 70 or 80. I managed to weave...
Read the full complaint
around traffic and drove on the shoulder while pressing full force on the brake pedal, pulled on the emergency brake and was finally able to get the car in park. After that occurred, I was followed off he highway by the help truck, took my car to a local mechanic for inspection and nothing was found...I immediately made an appt with the dealer but had to wait until the next day for service. In the meantime, it happened twice more on the highway but I was cautious and stayed away from cars and close to the shoulder. I took it to the dealer and was charged $100 to look at it (lexus of greenwich, ct), was told that it was the floor mat. Interestingly enough, this hasn't happened again and I still have the car but I am very worried that it might. *Tr
Accelerator failure in a lexus is300 about two years my daughter got on a car accident at that time she mentioned that her accelerator got stuck. There has bee a few time that I felt that the accelerator got stuck while driving my car also. I called the dealer and the lexus company for the last 6 months and all they said is that my car is not involve in the recall. That don't mean that my car is not defective, or there need to be a fatal accident for them to take action. *Tr
I would like to report a problem with the lexus is300 models 2001-2005. There is some type of defect in the frame or front arm bushings that cause excessive wear on the front inner tires. Despite the car being regularly aligned, uneven and excessive tire wear continues to occur. Tires will sometimes last less than 8,000 miles and can wear down to the steel in the inner sides. This is a common occurrence and complaint among is 300 owners. As far as I know, there has been no fix from lexus and can lead to...
Read the full complaint
potential blowouts on the freeway due to tire failures. Please also see this message thread documenting some of the problems: http://my.Is/forums/f89/alignment-woes-stock-suspension-need-input-390629/. *Jb
Lexus is300 2002 vehicle rollover on freeway. Defect that caused the car to roll was from the left front wheel/rim broke in half while driving. I was merging and heard something break under the car. My steering wheel turned a hard right forceful and without my control. I tried to straighten the steering wheel out from this involuntary harsh direction of vehicle, it was locked up. I turned completely around facing traffic. All attempts to turn the steering column would not allow me to do so (completely locked...
Read the full complaint
position). The vehicle spun and I heard and felt the back end hit something. The car catapulted over a 8 ft. Fence that separates the access road. The car landed on its roof. My airbags never deployed! Impact crushed the roof into the ground I was suspended upside down by my seat belt. The car engine was still running. I attempted to unlatch my seat belt, it took a few attempts. I could not find a door handle, or window to get out. I tried forcing the drivers door open. It would not move, I was trapped inside the upside down vehicle. In a panic, I feared the car would spill gasoline and catch fire. I turned the ignition off. I then realized no one stopped to help...I forced my body to hit the door over and over, to break it open. I got the side mirror to break allowing the door to open a few inches...Just enough to crawl out. I went back in to find my phone and call 911. At that time a person pulled over. I found my phone and for some reason I decided to take a picture of the vehicle. I captured the broken wheel in the picture. Police asked me what happened, I said over and over "it locked up"...My phone battery died right after I took the picture. I didn't have medical coverage for emergency, so I didn't go to the hospital. The cop said, "people don't walk away from this kind of accident" he advised I go with the ambulance, however I couldn't afford the cost. I didn't realize I was injured, until later. No one has ever seen a wheel do that. *Tr
Vehicle stalls, bucks and sways onto other drivers not an alignment problem when braking the vehicle sways left or right. It is missing a spare tire and jack, I asked on 3 different occasions for this safety equipment and was denied. Also, missing weather strips on all 4 doors the wind enters the car and one day it is going to swing it directly off the road . *Tr
Car was t-boned-unable to open doors-passenger hit head on window- side airbags did not open. *Jb
I have had three sets of cooper zeon 2xs 215/45zr17. There have been problems with all three sets. I was traveling long distance when my rear drivers side tire came apart and rolled away while I was on the on ramp for i24 which is a very busy major highway. I was probably going about 35 mph at the time this occurred. There was approximately $1250 worth of damage to my car not including replacing my tire which I will never buy these type of tires ever again. Also, this delayed my trip to visit my grandmother who...
Read the full complaint
was dying in the hospital at the time. I contacted the local tire company where I had purchased this most recent set of cooper zeon 2xs tires and was told they could not help me due to the fact there was damage to my vehicle. They referred me to cooper tires 800 # where the lady stated the company that handled claims for them would be contacting me to obtain my tire and information regarding the accident. This company, crawford claims, contacted me about a week or so later to inform me of the process. They sent a packet of information including a ups label to mail the tire to cooper tires laboratory for analysis and a form for me to complete along with obtaining quotes for the damages to my vehicle and photos. After all this of course my claim was denied stating there was a cut in tire which caused it to lose air pressure and come apart. I am not sure how this could be determined since their was virtually nothing left of the tire except for the band that fits around my wheel rim. At this point I have turned in the claim to my insurance for repairs which I have a $500 deductible and the tire is not covered under my auto insurance. I am also going to have to replace the other three tires when I can afford to as I do not feel safe driving with the remaining 3 tires on my car. I had requested my defective tire be returned to me upon conclusion of my claim and I still have not received the tire. *Nm
On 8/28/06, at approximately 8:50 am I was driving to work on a two lane, level, straight paved county road. I was driving my 2002 lexus is 300 that had just reached 26,000 miles. (This car has received all regularly scheduled maintenance services from lexus of reno and has not had any problems whatsoever. I am the original owner of this vehicle) the road was clear and dry. I was traveling at approximately 45 mph when I accelerated to pass another vehicle. As I passed, my car kept on accelerating even as I let...
Read the full complaint
up on the accelerator. I attempted to apply the brakes. The engine acceleration was so powerful, the car did not respond well to my attempt to brake, so I took my foot off the brake. The speed on the dashboard was 60 mph and accelerating. I applied the brakes again with all the strength I had and was able to pull the car safely off the road. The engine was racing even when stopped. I moved the shift into park. Even in park the engine was racing. I turned the engine off. My husband was following me and stopped. He drove it 1.5 Miles our office without incident. I then called the reno, nv lexus dealership where I purchased the car. The head of the service department called me back and suggested I have the car towed to the dealership. I asked him if he was aware of any other rapid acceleration problems with these vehicles and he said no. He said the 4 year warranty was up in 7/06 and I would have to pay for any repairs. That afternoon I had the car towed to the reno lexus dealership. On the evening of 8/28/06 I searched the internet and found that the nhtsa had investigated 2002-2003 lexus es 300 models for faulty throttles that may have caused rapid acceleration. So far lexus has not acknowledged a problem. I shared with the rep what I had found on the internet re: problems with rapid acceleration and that I was not picking the car up until lexus replaced the throttle. *Jb
My 2002, lexus is300 had a case of sudden unintended acceleration that led to a crash causing over $10,000 worth of damages to both my car and the other persons car. I have seen other reports of other people wondering if the electronic throttle is suspect in these cases, however I personally believe that the real problem is only partly to blame on the electronic throttle. In my opinion, the problem is the likelihood of the pedal getting stuck under floor mats is too high, combined with the relatively "light"...
Read the full complaint
spring force on the gas pedal because it is a throttle-by-wire system which leads to the floor mat easily holding the pedal down to full throttle causing an accident. I say that this is "negligent pedal design on the part of the car manufacturer". I also believe that they knew this was an issue because they make reference to this in the owners manual on: pg.76 Where there is a caution that states "make sure the floor mat is properly placed on the floor carpet. If the floor mat slips and interferes with the movement of the pedals during driving, it may cause in accident." No manufacturer should be allowed to use that caution as a disclaimer to get away with negligent pedal design. They, fully well knowing that this is a safety issue, should have recalled those car models with a pedal design that has a high risk of getting jammed and redesigned the pedal so that it cannot get stuck by a floor mat. In all the cars that I've owned in the past, if a mat slips it just prevents you from applying full gas pedal, not the opposite of applying full pedal. I strongly move that toyota company recalls all these cars with this potential problem and fix it properly before someone get fatally injured or crippled for life. *Nm the dealer informed the consumer there were 2 codes that indicated there was a problem with the abs. Updated
Dt: the contact owns a 2002 lexus is300. The contact states the vehicle stalls and will not accelerate, the check engine light will come on either on the highway or on off roads. The vehicle will stall at decelerating or accelerating. The only warning prior to this failure is the check engine light coming on. This occurs at various speeds. The engine will restart usually immediately after the failure. It happened about 100-150 times. The car has been to the dealership about 10 times within the last year. The dealership has attempted to repair the vehicle, but has been unsuccessful. The transmission is automatic. *Ak
Lexus IS300: every year compared
All IS300 years2002 Lexus IS300 vs rivals
| Vehicle | Complaints | Recalls | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2002 Lexus IS300 | 45 | 0 | C | |
| 2002 Lexus ES300 | 185 | 2 | F | Compare |
| 2002 Lexus RX300 | 105 | 5 | C | Compare |
| 2002 Lexus SC430 | 52 | 1 | F | Compare |
| 2002 Lexus LS430 | 42 | 0 | D | Compare |
| 2002 Lexus GS300 | 19 | 0 | F | Compare |
| 2002 Lexus LX470 | 10 | 1 | B | Compare |
| 2002 Lexus GS430 | 3 | 0 | F | Compare |
More sales usually means more complaints, so compare similar vehicles of the same year. The grade compares each vehicle with its own model's other years.
Questions about the 2002 Lexus IS300
Does the 2002 Lexus IS300 have any recalls?
NHTSA lists no recalls for the 2002 Lexus IS300 right now. Recalls can be announced at any time, and this page checks NHTSA every day. You can also check your exact vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2002 Lexus IS300?
By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the body, doors & structure (9), wheels & tires (7), acceleration & cruise control (6).
How many complaints has the 2002 Lexus IS300 had?
45 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on November 12, 2001 and the latest on December 9, 2020. Of these, 4 describe a crash and 0 a fire, and together they report 2 injuries and 0 deaths.
Is the 2002 Lexus IS300 a reliable vehicle?
Its Safety Index is 43 out of 100 (grade C: about as many problems as a typical Lexus IS300 year, for its age). The index weighs complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and recalls against how long the vehicle has been on the road, compared with the same model's other years. It is not a measure of every repair - read the complaints and owner experiences, and have any used vehicle inspected before you buy.
Which Lexus IS300 years have the most complaints?
2002 (45), 2001 (35), 2003 (34). See every Lexus IS300 year compared.
What should I do if my 2002 Lexus IS300 has a problem?
If it is a safety problem, stop driving it if it is unsafe and contact your dealer. Report it to NHTSA at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem - enough reports start investigations and recalls - and share your experience here so other owners know what to look for.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked . Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data