Supports to keep trunk mlid open failed and lid came down striking head. This has occurred several times. Dealer from whom I purchased car did not offer to replace defective parts.William
Vehicle safety record
2002 Lexus LS430 Problems, complaints & recalls
Owners have filed 42 complaints about the 2002 Lexus LS430 with NHTSA, most often about the body, doors & structure (17) and the lights (4). Those complaints describe 8 crashes, 1 fire and 21 injuries. There are no recalls for it. For comparison, the 2001 has 52 and the 2003 has 25.
NHTSA data checked
DMore problems than a typical LS430 year, for its age
#160 most complained-about 2002 vehicle
- Complaints
- 42
- Recalls
- 0
- Crashes
- 8
- Fires
- 1
- Injuries
- 21
- Deaths
- 0
Most common 2002 Lexus LS430 problems
Share of all 42 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.
No recalls for the 2002 Lexus LS430
NHTSA lists no recalls for the 2002 Lexus LS430. Recalls can be announced at any time - this page updates daily.
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42 complaints about the 2002 Lexus LS430
Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners. Page 1 of 2.
The pistons that hold up the trunk failed. The trunk fell on me and caused injury. These parts should be replace at the expense of lexus. In addition, the same parts that support the hood, also just failed. This is a safety issue and needs to be addressed in order to prevent further injury. *Tr
As I was turning onto a road from a private driveway the car suddenly accelerated causing the car to cross over both lanes of the road and crash into a mailbox. The result was damage to the front of my car and a broken mailbax post. *Tr
I own a 2002 lexus ls in dec. 2010, While I was taking the groceries out of my trunk, the trunk fell on my head and created an injury to my eyes, I had two surgeries, the trunk unexpectedly just crash on my head, it was very painful, I almost passed out,apparently the springs wore out, there was no warning, I am still hurting and get severe headaches, I wrote to lexus, they just ignored me completely, in my opinion, this is a safety issue and should be dealt with accordingly. I am asking for your immediate attention I saved the old springs for review. [[redacted]] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.S.C. 552(B)(6). *Tr
Failed component: 2 hydraulic supporters on trunk lid. Complaints: the 2 hydraulic supporters on trunk lid were completely failed. I was injured on october 29, 2011 when the lid felled down (closed) on its own weight and hit my head and then my right arm. The supporters are very weak as compared to the trunk lid heavy duty steel structure. I hardly drive the car which registers only 30k miles. The weak hydraulic supporters started to show fatigue about 5 years ago. Eventually, it caught me after several years...
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later. I am pretty sure that this type defects are common for many vehicles of similar years and model. It can cause serious injury if one is not careful, particularly when parking on a sloped driveway. There is no excuse for lexus to use such cheap parts of which reputation emphasizing safety and quality. *Tr
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 lexus ls430. The contact stated that a passenger was struck abruptly in the head by the trunk hatch and sustained several abrasions to the head. The trunk latch failed and would not remain open. The vehicle was not inspected or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000. Updated 03/24/11*lj updated 1/5/12 *cn
The trunk lid of my 2002 lexus ls 430 has two pneumatic struts which provide lift and keep the lid up in the open position. Now, over time the struts slowly failed to keep the trunk lid open, and in a gentle breeze, the lid will come down with guillotine force. It has hit my head several times with painful results and now I am afraid to load items in my trunk without another person there to hold it open. I think that the "lift assist" of the pneumatics should be only auxiliary to a mechanism that holds the trunk in a full open position. I have never had a vehicle whose trunk lid did not stay in the open position once lifted, regardless of age. *Tr
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 lexus ls400. The contact stated that the trunk lid was ajar when it unexpectedly failed and crashed down onto the contacts head. The contact sustained a loss of blood and severe swelling of the head. The contact did not inform the dealer or the manufacturer of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The current mileage was 130,000 and the failure mileage was 120,000. Updated 3/22/11 *cn updated 1/4/11 *cn the consumer stated when his wife opened the trunk lid, it promptly came down on her head, with no warning...Updated 01-30-14 *bf the consumer stated the gas cylinders that held the trunk lid up failed. Updated 01/30/14
Tl-the driver owned a 2002 lexus ls430. He was alerted that smoke was coming from the engine so the vehicle was towed to an authorized dealer where he was informed a valve spring failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileages were 55,000. Sm.
The trunk lid of a 2002 lexus ls430 landed on my wife's head causing injury and bleeding. Gas cylinders are used to hold trunk lid up which failed. I complained about gas cylinders holding hoods up on lexus automobiles in the past and you people did nothing about it. I even contacted lexus about it but went unacknowledged. *Tr
Tl*the contact owns a 2002 lexus ls430. The contact stated that the trunk lid in the rear of the vehicle would suddenly fall down own its own. The failure occurred several times and the most recent occurrence caused the contact to sustain a concussion. The contact called the dealership and the dealer stated that the pistons that held up the trunk needed to be replaced. The contact called the manufacturer who stated that he would have to have the pistons replaced at his expense. The vin was unavailable. The current mileage was approximately 60,000. The failure mileage was approximately 59,000.
2002 Lexus ls430 accelerated and shifted gears unexpectedly causing an uncontrolled vehicle situation. The vehicle plunged about ten feet into the side of a hill. The car was extracted and taken to a body repair shop. *Tr
The trunk lid keeps falling down on my 2002 lexus ls430. Several persons have been hit in the head and shoulders with the heavy lid. This has been going on for some time now. *Tr
On dec. 27, 2009 ,Fully opened the trunk lid of my ls430 & within seconds it crashed down on my neck as I was leaning in to get something. Thought it was just a fluke. Again on march 3,2010, it happened again , hitting me on my head. The 3rd time was on memorial day, may 31, 2010, again on my head. Now I will only open my trunk lid when someone else is present to hold it open for me so it won't fall on me again. *Tr
1. Salt and winter conditions are the events leading up to the failure. 2. The failure is the flaking and pitting of chrome wheels due to apparent inappropriate chroming process. 3. Lexus replaced the 4 wheels in 2006, but unfortunately with another set of chrome wheels that began noticeably displayed pitting and flaking in 2009. *Tr
I had opened the trunk on my lexus ls-430 (2002) to place some personal items for transport. I was leaning down when suddenly the trunk lid came crashing down top of my head with result of pain and swelling. Same had happened to my wife before this incident. It was discovered that the hydraulic trunk struts necessary for the safe operation of the trunk had both failed. *Tr
Tl*the contact owns a 2002 lexus ls430 purchased new. He stated all four passenger compartment windows were de laminating. The dealer advised there were no recalls. The first initial repair was done under warranty, however the failure became progressively worse. The manufacturer would take no liability for the failure. The failure mileage was 45,000 and the current was 110,000. Updated 02/02/10 *bf all of the windows were delaminated resulting in a failure of the safety glass and progressive obstruction on both the left and right sides. Updated 02/04/10.*Jb
Tl*the contact owns a 2002 lexus ls430. When attempting to enter a parking space, the vehicle accelerated without intention. Even after repeated brake application the vehicle would not stop. Consequently she crashed into several vehicles and a building. The vehicle was in the process of being inspected to determine the cause of the failure. There were no injuries. The failure and current mileages were 72,000.
2002 Lexus ls 430 - the trunk struts are no longer working - meaning they no longer keep the trunk open. I and my son have both been hit in the head several times over the past 2 years due to the trunk closing on its own. *Tr
Currently, lexus does not have a service interval for the power steering fluid that is used in the ls430 rack and pinion. I have found the fluid is now dark brown in color and has attached to the power steering reservoir making it impossible to use the opaque reservoir to view the fluid level. The denigrated power steering fluid has occurred within 60,000 miles. This is the only fluid not replaced during the 60,000 mile service the sole purpose of the reservoir is to have the ability to see the current fluid...
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level in the event additional fluid is needed to avoid failure of the steering unit. The cost of this small white plastic reservoir exceeds $250.00 For the part only and does not include labor to replace the unit, fluid and any hoses that may be needed. I have contacted lexus dealership twice over this issue. The technician advocates that I should jostle the reservoir to cause the fluid inside the sealed or capped unit to splash above the blackened ring. This does not allow one to see if the fluid is at a dangerous level. I guess one could be over enthusiastic and damage, crack or break the plastic reservoir or a hose and causing catastrophic failure of the unit or other attached parts. Two items needs to be addressed. If not servicing this power steering fluid, it will decrease the service life of the rack and pinion steering unit! Failure to replace the power steering fluid in a timely manner does cause damage to the opaque white plastic reservoir, making it impossible to read the amount visually inside the reservoir. The current practice by lexus sells parts and avoids safety concerns leading to failure of steering components and or causes pre-mature failure of the steering components. *Tr
My daughter was driving my 2002 lexus 430 ls when she had a seizure. During the seizure her foot hit the gas pedal and she proceeded through several residential areas before crashing into a tree. The airbag was not deployed causing 2 leg and foot fractures. Insurance adjuster agreed that the airbag should have deployed. The car was totaled. The local lexus dealer had completed an annual service on the car within the last 12 months. *Tr
I had opened the trunk on my lexus ls-430 (2002) for my 11 yrs old son to take his sports gears out of the trunk. He was leaning down inside the trunk when suddenly the trunk lid came crashing down striking on his hips, it was good it did" hurt his back. The injury resulted in tremendous pain .After the incident I inspected the trunk and found their was no resistance while going up and down with the trunk and found that the hydraulic trunk struts necessary for the safe operation of the trunk had both failed. .Several times contacted the lexus dealer and lexus corporation to fix the shocks. But they declined, as they stated the car is out of warrant period my car has only 32000 miles. *Tr
Dear sir: I bought my lexus ls 430 brand new in 2002, and I love it very much except for one thing: the braking system. When I press the brake, my ls430 skids (forward), and do not stop in a safe distance. I thought it was my driving skills. But I decided to visit the lexus dealer. The lexus dealer, after driving the car, told me it is normal for the abs system to do that, and I should not press the brake hard. Well, I left the dealer, and a few meters away I was driving around 20-25 ml/h when the car ahead...
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of me stopped, I pressed the brake, but my car - as usual- skidded forward and hit the car in front of me causing very serious damage to my car. I took the car to lexus workshop, which charged the insurance company $ 9000. I contacted the saudi arabian standards organization (www.Saso.Org.Sa) and told them about the barking system failure in this accident. They sent technicians and tested the car at lexus workshop, and found an abnormal forward skidding when pressing the brake at low speed, and wrote me a report of their findings. For your information this is the same organization who discovered the technical failure in the firestone tires fitted on the ford explorer few years ago, which resulted in a very costly recall to ford corp. I wrote the saudi lexus authorized lexus dealer about this problem, but no answer received. I cannot take on this powerful lexus dealer alone. I do need all the help I can find to expose this dangerous braking failure in the lexus ls430. I have many friends who own the same lexus model and have the same complaint. Please advice me how can I stand up to this powerful dealer and the mighty toyota/lexus company. I am worried and scared to death that I might be in a very dangerous situation when I need the braking system of my ls 430 that will fail me as it did today and many times before. To be honest with you: I will definitely sell my lexus l 430 if the brake system is not fixed. *Tr
Dear sir: I bought my lexus ls 430 brand new in 2002, and I love it very much except for one thing: the brake system. When I press the brake, my ls430 skids (forward), and does not stop in time. I thought it was my old man's driving habits. But I decided to visit the lexus dealer. The lexus dealer, after driving the car, told me it is normal for the abs system to do that, and I should not press the brake hard. Well, I left the dealer, and a few meters away I was driving around 20-25 ml/h when the car ahead of...
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me stopped, I pressed the brake, but my car - as usual- skid and hit the car in front of me causing very serious damage to my car ($9000). My question: does this accident prove that the lexus ls 430 abs brake system is flawed such that it skids when you most need it even at very slow speed? And how can I avoid such a dangerous situations in the future ? I asked two of my friends who have lexus ls430, and they totally confirmed my complaint. I am worried and scared to death that I might be in a very dangerous situation when I need the braking system of my ls 430 that will fail me as it did today and many times before. To be honest with you: I will definitely sell my lexus l 430 if your technicians can not fix the skidding problem. Best regards *tr
2002 Lexus ls430 -- the trunk lid struts failed and continually allows the trunk lid to fall on myself, my wife and our nanny. My wife had it fall on her back and hurt herself. We no longer let our nanny open the trunk in fear of her or our one of our young kids (5 & 7 yrs old) getting seriously hurt. *Tr
Lexus LS430: every year compared
All LS430 years2002 Lexus LS430 vs rivals
| Vehicle | Complaints | Recalls | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2002 Lexus LS430 | 42 | 0 | D | |
| 2002 Lexus ES300 | 185 | 2 | F | Compare |
| 2002 Lexus RX300 | 105 | 5 | C | Compare |
| 2002 Lexus SC430 | 52 | 1 | F | Compare |
| 2002 Lexus IS300 | 45 | 0 | C | 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 LS430
Does the 2002 Lexus LS430 have any recalls?
NHTSA lists no recalls for the 2002 Lexus LS430 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 LS430?
By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the body, doors & structure (17), lights (4), acceleration & cruise control (4).
How many complaints has the 2002 Lexus LS430 had?
42 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on November 12, 2001 and the latest on June 1, 2015. Of these, 8 describe a crash and 1 a fire, and together they report 21 injuries and 0 deaths.
Is the 2002 Lexus LS430 a reliable vehicle?
Its Safety Index is 32 out of 100 (grade D: more problems than a typical Lexus LS430 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 LS430 years have the most complaints?
2001 (52), 2002 (42), 2004 (36). See every Lexus LS430 year compared.
What should I do if my 2002 Lexus LS430 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