2002 Lexus Es300 problems
The Lexus ES (Japanese: レクサス・ES, Hepburn: Rekusasu ES) is a series of mid-size executive cars marketed since 1989 by Lexus, the luxury division of Toyota, across multiple generations, each offering V6 engines and a front-engine, front-wheel-drive layout. The first five generations of the ES used the Toyota Camry platform, while the latter generations are more closely related to both the Camry and the Avalon. Manual transmissions were offered until 1993, a lower-displacement inline-four engine became an option in Asian markets in 2010, and a gasoline-electric hybrid version was introduced in 2012. The ES was Lexus's only front-wheel drive vehicle until 1998, when the related RX was introduced, and the sedan occupied the entry-level luxury car segment of the Lexus lineup in North America and other regions until the debut of the IS in 1999. The ES name stands for "Executive Sedan". However, some Lexus importers use the name, "Elegant Sedan".
Introduced in 1989, the first generation ES 250 was one of two vehicles in Lexus's debut range, along with the LS 400. The second generation ES 300 debuted in 1991, followed by the third generation ES 300 in 1996, and the fourth generation ES 300/330 in 2001. The first- through fourth generation sedans shared body styling elements with Japan-market Toyota sedans, and a domestic market equivalent, the Toyota Windom (Japanese: トヨタ・ウィンダム, Toyota Windamu), was sold until the launch of the fifth generation ES in 2006. The word "Windom" is a combination of "win" and the suffix "dom" expresses a state of perpetual victory. The fifth generation ES used body styling marketed by Lexus as L-finesse and debuted in early 2006 as a 2007 model. The sixth generation ES debuted in the first half of 2012 as a 2013 model, and features increased cabin dimensions due to a longer wheelbase which is shared with the full-size XX40 series Avalon.
Lexus has positioned the ES in the comfort luxury segment, with an emphasis on interior amenities, quietness, and ride quality, in contrast with more firm-riding sport sedans. Buyers seeking more performance-focused models are targeted by the Lexus IS and rival makes, with such models offering a sportier drive with differently tuned suspensions. In Europe, Japan and other markets where it was not available until the seventh generation model, the GS sport sedans occupy the mid-size category in the Lexus lineup until it was cancelled August 2020. In the United States, the ES has been the best-selling Lexus sedan for over fifteen years.
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Common 2002 Lexus Es300 problems
Based on complaints from owners of the Lexus ES300 2002, several common problems have been reported:
- Shudder: The car will suddenly shudder with no specific pattern, occurring with no or little acceleration.
- Surging: The car surges approximately half a foot when the air conditioner is on, especially noticeable when slowly moving downhill in traffic.
- Warped Rotors: Warped rotors are a common issue in the 2002 ES300, leading to potential braking problems.
These problems have caused frustration among Lexus ES300 2002 owners, with some resorting to extreme measures like trading in the car due to transmission issues. The uncertainty surrounding the effectiveness of these fixes has added to the dissatisfaction among owners, leading to concerns about the reliability and performance of the 2002 ES300 model.
Are Lexus ES300 reliable?
Super reliable, never had any maintenance issues.
I've owned this Lexus ES300 for 18 years (I'm the original owner). The car currently has 136,000 miles on it. This car is the best car I've ever owned. I take it for its regularly scheduled maintenance and that is really the only thing I do for it.
Are Lexus ES300 expensive to repair?
Lexus ES300 Repair: Service and Maintenance Cost. The annual maintenance cost of a Lexus ES300 is $424.
How many miles will a Lexus ES300 last?
Typically, the Lexus ES will last around 200,000 miles.
Does a 2002 Lexus ES300 need premium gas?
Yes you can. I recommend premium an pretty much all cars though. It burns cleaner, you get better fuel mileage.
2002 Lexus Es300 car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Lexus Es300 problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Power train problems
- Vehicle speed control problems
- Electrical system problems
- Service brakes problems
- Hydraulic problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2002 Lexus Es300 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Latest 25 complaints 2002 Lexus Es300
The NHTSA has received 185 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2002 Lexus Es300. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 2002 Lexus Es300 vehicles.
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-07-23
- VIN: JTHBF30G120
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: 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.
STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2020-12-21
- VIN: JTHBF30G620
- Components: STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
- Summary: 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
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2020-10-23
- Fire: 1
- VIN: JTHBF30G525
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: 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.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2020-07-10
- VIN: JTHBF30G620
- Components: FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: WHEN I STOP AND TRY TO ACCELERATE THE CAR HESITATE AND THEN STARTS TO JERK. IF I GIVE IT HEAVY GAS IT DRIVES NORMAL
STEERING,WHEELS,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2020-06-20
- Fire: 1
- VIN: JTHBF30G920
- Components: STEERING,WHEELS,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: 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
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC),ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2017-03-09
- VIN: JTHBF30G725
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC),ENGINE
- Summary: 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.
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2020-01-05
- VIN: JTHBF30G725
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: 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!!
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,STRUCTURE,ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-08-20
- Fire: 1
- VIN: JTHBF30G020
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,STRUCTURE,ENGINE
- Summary: ON THE NIGHT OF AUGUST 20, 2019, AT 9:45, I PARKED MY LEXUS ES 300 AND WENT INSIDE THE LOCAL ACME. ACME IS APPROX MILES FROM HOME. I ENTERED THE STORE AND HEARD OVER THE INTERCOM ALL SHOPPERS HAD 12 MIN BEFORE CLOSING. I QUICKLY SHOPPED, AND UPON EXITING THE STORE, MY CAR HAD A SIGNIFICANT FIRE, AND THE FIRE COMPANY THAT WAS ACROSS THE STREET HAD TO RESPOND AND PUT IT OUT. MY CAR HAD NO POWER, AND IT MYSTERIOUSLY CAUGHT FIRE. I WAS GIVEN THE DIRECTIVE TO HAVE IT TOWED IMMEDIATELY BY THE POLICE AND FIRE CO WHO WAS ON THE SCENE. I QUICKLY GRABBED ANY SALVAGEABLE PERSONALS AND HAD TO GET A RIDE HOME BY THE POLICE OFFICER. THE FOLLOWING DAY AUGUST 21, 2019, AAA TOWED THE VEHICLE TO MY HOME. I HAD TO ATTACH THE BATTERY CABLE TO HAVE POWER FOR WINDOWS AND LOCKS ALONG WITH THE TRUNK. I GATHERED ALL MY BELONGINGS AND REMOVED THE WIRE. I CALLED THE FIRE MARSHALL FOR A REPORT, AND HE SAID HE COULDN'T GIVE ME A REPORT. IT WAS COMPROMISED BY BEING TOWED. COMPROMISED FOR TOWING WHEN I WAS TOLD OR RATHER DEMANDED TO REMOVE THE VEHICLE OF THE PROPERTY IMMEDIATELY. I GOOGLED THE WORDS LEXUS AND FIRE AND NOTICED BY A FEW POSTS MY ISSUE WAS NOT AN ISOLATED INCIDENT. THEREFORE, I CONTACTED LEXUS, WHO HAD ME TOW MY VEHICLE TO THE LOCAL DEALER. THE CAR SAT AND IS STILL SITTING FOR ALMOST THREE WEEKS BEFORE AN INSPECTOR LOOKED AT IT ON SEPTEMBER 10. 2019. I WENT TO CHECK THE ONLY CAR AFTER AND TOOK A VIDEO OF WHAT I SAW. I WAITED THE 30 DAYS FOR A REPLY IF THEY'D ASSUME RESPONSIBILITY. I GOT MY LETTER ON THE 31ST DAY AND THEY CAN NOT IDENTIFY HOW THE FIRE STARTED AND ASSUME NO LIABILITY. HOW DOES A CAR MYSTERIOUSLY CATCH FIRE PARKED? BECAUSE THIS ISSUE ISN'T ISOLATED, IS THERE ANY RECOURSE ACTION AGAINST LEXUS FOR DAMAGES? I HAVE VIDEOS AND PHOTOS OF THE DAMAGE AFTER THE FIRE AND AFTER THE INSPECTION.
SEATS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2016-09-25
- Number Of Injuries: 3
- Crash: 1
- VIN: JTHBF30G020
- Components: SEATS
- Summary: 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 PASSENGER SUSTAINED HEAD INJURIES, BUT DID NOT REQUIRE MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE DRIVER OF THE OTHER VEHICLE WAS NOT INJURED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A TOW LOT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 155,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. *TT*JB
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC) PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2017-12-08
- Components: ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
- Summary: 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 MECHANICS ARE AWARE OF THIS DEFECT LEXUS REFUSED TO ADMIT IT GOOGLE IT ALL OVER INTERNET
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2017-05-19
- Crash: 1
- VIN: JTHBF30G920
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: IN A COMMERCIAL PARKING LOT, I SHIFTED FROM R TO D TO EXIT A PARKING SPACE AND, WITH MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE PEDAL, MY LEXUS SUDDENLY SPED FORWARD AND RAMMED A PARKED CAR, DRIVING IT INTO A 3RD CAR.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2017-05-06
- VIN: JTHBF30G725
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: 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
UNKNOWN OR OTHER,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2016-06-13
- Fire: 1
- VIN: JTHBF30G320
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: 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 INTO PARK, TURNED THE ENGINE OFF AND EXITED THE VEHICLE. WITHIN A VERY FEW MINUTES THE CAR WAS COMPLETELY ENGULFED IN FLAMES. PASSERS BY WHO STOPPED TO ASSIST ME INDICATED THAT THEY SAW FLAMES UNDERNEATH THE CAR AS I WAS PULLING OFF THE FREEWAY. THERE WAS NO INDICATION OF FIRE (EITHER FLAMES, SMOKE OR GAUGE INDICATIONS) FOR ME S THE DRIVER UNTIL I HAD EXITED TO THE OFF RAMP. THE CAR HAS BEEN DEEMED A TOTAL LOSS WITH CAUSE LISTED AS " UNDETERMINED" BY THE INSURANCE CO.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2016-01-07
- VIN: JTHBF30GX20
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: SIDE AIRBAGS NEAR WINDSHIELD ARE LEAKING WHEN IT RAINS. AT FIRST IT WAS A SLOW LEAK, BUT REALLY POURS IN NOW
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2015-09-02
- VIN: JTHBF30G425
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: LARGE CLOUD OF WHITE/GRAY SMOKE WHEN CAR SITS OVERNIGHT FROM PREVIOUS NIGHT DRIVING. AFTER RESEARCHING ONLINE THIS SEEMS TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM. THERE WAS A LAWSUIT FILED BECAUSE OF THIS. WHY NOT A RECALL????
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2016-01-04
- Fire: 1
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 LEXUS ES300. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THERE WERE FLAMES AND A BLACK SUBSTANCE COMING FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT OF THE VEHICLE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS ABLE TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES SUSTAINED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN AUTO BODY REPAIR CENTER, BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
AIR BAGS,STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2015-12-31
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: JTHBF30G120
- Components: AIR BAGS,STRUCTURE
- Summary: TAKATA RECALL, MY WIFE WAS INVOLVED IN A FRONTAL COLLISION AT @35MPH IN WHICH HER AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. I AM CONCERNED THAT SINCE THE SENSORS WERE KNOCKED OFF DURING THE IMPACT, WHAT COULD HAVE HAPPENED TO PREVENT THE AIRBOYS FROM DEPLOYING? SHE WAS TRAVELING AT 35 MPH INTO AN INTERSECTION WHEN SHE RAN A RED LIGHT AND T-BONED ANOTHER VEHICLE. FORTUNATELY THE VEHICLE SHE HIT WAS A JEEP WRANGLER WITH A STEEL SIDE BUMPER ON ALL SIDES. SO THERE WAY MINIMAL DAMAGE TO THE JEEP.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,WHEELS,SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2013-06-04
- VIN: JTHBF30G225
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,WHEELS,SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: HAD TO REPLACE STATER,BRAKES WOULD START AND ENGINE WOULD STOP.HAD TO HAVE BRAKES REPLACED,LIGHTING INSIDE WOULD SOMETIMES COME ON OTHER TIMES NO LIGHTING INSIDE.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2015-01-08
- Fire: 1
- VIN: JTHBF30G120
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: ON 1/8/15 AT APPROX. 9:30 AM, I WAS DRIVING TO WORK SOUTH ON HWY 95 NEAR EXIT 67 . SUDDENLY, OTHER DRIVERS WERE FRANTICALLY WAVING AT ME TO PULL OVER ONTO THE SHOULDER OF THE HIGHWAY. WHAT THEY SAW ( AND WHICH I COULDN'T), WAS THAT THERE WERE FLAMES UNDER MY CAR. I PULLED OVER AND GOT OUT OF THE CAR. WITHIN SECONDS ( NOT EVEN A FULL MINUTE), THE ENTIRE CAR WAS ENGULFED IN FLAMES AND SOON BECAME A COMPLETE AND TOTAL CHARRED MESS. FORTUNATELY, I WAS NOT PHYSICALLY HURT AND A MARYLAND STATE TROOPER CAME ONTO THE SCENE 2-5 MINUTES AFTER I GOT OUT OF THE CAR. THE CAUSE OF THE FIRE IS UNKNOWN AT THIS TIME. *TR
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2014-10-13
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: JTHBF30G125
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 LEXUS ES 300. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, ANOTHER VEHICLE CRASHED HEAD ON INTO THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE. NONE OF THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED BACK, NECK, FACE, AND SHOULDER INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 115,000.
STRUCTURE,WHEELS,ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2014-10-24
- Fire: 1
- VIN: JTHBF30GX20
- Components: STRUCTURE,WHEELS,ENGINE
- Summary: I ACCELERATED FROM A STOP LIGHT AFTER IT TURNED GREEN. ABOUT 25 FEET THRU THE LIGHT I HEARD THE CAR BEHIND ME BLOWING THEIR HORN CONSTANTLY. I LOOKED IN MY REAR VIEW MIRROR TO SEE WHAT WAS GOING IN. THEN I THOUGHT I NOTICE LIGHT SMOKE COMING FROM MY TAILPIPE. I APPLIED MY RIGHT TURN BLINKER AND PULLED TO THE CURVE. AS SOON AS I PARKED, I COULD SEE ORANGE COLORED FIRE AROUND THE FRONT OF MY CAR AND ALONG THE SIDE OF MY DRIVER/PASSENGER DOORS. I FELT THAT ME AND MY PASSENGER WOULDN'T BE ABLE TO EXIT THE CAR WITHOUT BE BURNT, BUT I KNEW WE NEEDED TO GET OUT IMMEDIATELY. I TRIED TO CALMLY GET MY PASSENGER TO EXIT WHICH WE DID MAINLY BECAUSE SHE HADN'T SEEN THE FLAMES. WE WERE ABLE TO EXIT AND I IMMEDIATELY CALL 911 AND PROCEEDED TO CLEARING PEOPLE FROM NEAR MY CAR. THE FIRE DEPT AND POLICE ARRIVED ABOUT 10-15 MINUTES LATER. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE CAR THEN LEFT. A POLICE OFFICER STAYED UNTIL THE TOW CO ARRIVED. THE CAR WAS TOWED AWAY AND I WAS GIVEN A RIDE TO MY RESIDENCE. *TR
EXTERIOR LIGHTING,STRUCTURE,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2014-08-08
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: JTHBF30GX20
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING,STRUCTURE,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: I OWN A 2002 LEXUS ES300 AND AM THE ORIGINAL OWNER. I HAVE ENJOYED THE EXPERIENCE OF DRIVING THE CAR TO AROUND 175K MILES IN NEARLY 12 YEARS. SO FAR, I DID NOT HAVE ANY MAJOR PROBLEMS WITH THE CAR UNTIL RECENTLY. LAST FRIDAY, AUG 8, 2014, MY WIFE DROVE THE CAR TO A FRIEND'S PLACE AND WAS PARKED IN A PARALLEL PARKING AREA. THERE WERE 3 CARS IN THAT PARKING AREA INCLUDING MY CAR IN 5 CAR PARKING AREA. THE TWO PARKING SPOTS BEHIND MY CAR WERE VACANT. MY WIFE WAS TRYING TO BACK UP TO A SPOT RIGHT IN FRONT OF ANOTHER CAR WHICH WAS PARKED THERE. WHILE TRYING TO BACKUP, THERE WAS A SUDDEN ACCELERATION OF THE ENGINE AND HIT THE CAR RIGHT BEHIND AND THAT CAR WENT AND HIT ANOTHER CAR THAT WAS BEHIND THAT CAR. THE IMPACT WAS SO MUCH THAT THERE WAS SIGNIFICANT DAMAGE TO MY CAR AND ANOTHER CAR THAT WAS RIGHT BEHIND AND MINOR DAMAGE TO THE THIRD CAR. NOT ONLY THE DAMAGE TO ONE CAR RIGHT BEHIND BUT DISPLACED ITS POSITION AND DIRECTION THAT IT WAS PARKED. THE THIRD CAR WAS PUSHED OVER TO THE CURB AND WAS ABOUT TO HIT THE PEDESTRIANS THAT WERE NEARBY. THERE WERE EYE WITNESSES AND POLICE WERE CALLED TO THE ACCIDENT SCENE AND REPORTED THE INCIDENT. AFTER THE INCIDENT OCCURRED, I WAS LOOKING TO SEE IF THERE WERE ANY ISSUES WITH SUDDEN ACCELERATION OF THE CARS AND ANY SAFETY RECALLS. I DID NOTICE THAT THERE WERE QUITE A FEW COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE SUDDEN ACCELERATION AND SAFETY ISSUES ON 2002 LEXUS ES300. I AM KIND OF DISAPPOINTED IN THE WAY THE CAR MALFUNCTIONED AND I WANT TO KNOW WHAT NHTSA IS DOING ABOUT IT AND HOW IT CAN HELP VICTIMS LIKE ME. THANKS AND APPRECIATE YOUR RESPONSE. *TR
POWER TRAIN,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2013-10-25
- VIN: JTHBF30G325
- Components: POWER TRAIN,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE
- Summary: DEALER AND FINANCE COMPANY CLAIM CLEAN TITLE BUT DOCUMENTS REFLECT OTHERWISE. *TR
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-05-01
- VIN: JTHBF30G420
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: WHEN THE TRANSMISSION SHIFTS BETWEEN FIRST AND SECOND GEARS AT A SLOW STEADY SPEED(APPROX 20MPH) THE CAR WILL FREQUENTLY VIOLENTLY JERK. MY CAR HAS 75000 MILES AND HAS DONE IT SINCE DAY ONE. *TR
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2014-04-18
- Fire: 1
- VIN: JTHBF30G520
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
- Summary: I JUST PURCHASED THIS CAR (LEXUS ES 300 2002 SEDAN) FOR MY DAUGHTER LESS THAN A WEEK AGO ON 4/11/2014 FROM A PRIVATE OWNER, WITH 267,000 MILES AND IT RAN WELL FOR A TRANSPORTATION VEHICLE, SEEMS TO HAVE BEEN WELL CARED FOR MECHANICALLY, INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR IS IN GREAT SHAPE AND WAS CHECKED OUT MY FRIEND A LONGTIME MECHANIC. MY DAUGHTER HAD JUST LEFT THE DMV WHICH WAS CLOSED TODAY 4/18/2014 AND STREET DRIVING BACK HOME. THE CAR MADE A LOUD POPPING SOUND, SMOKE STARTED FROM UNDER THE HOOD AND SOON FLAMES AND SHE HAD TO PULL OVER AND DITCH THE CAR. SOON IT BLAZED AND THE WHOLE FRONT END, ENGINE, WINDSHIELD THE FRONT TIRES ALL BURNED. FIRE AND POLICE DEPARTMENTS SHOWED UP, EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE AND DID TRAFFIC CONTROL. THE FIRE DAMAGE WAS CONTROL TO THE FRONT AND ENGINE, THE FIREWALL DID IT'S JOB. ALL THE INTERIORS, DASH AND CONSOLE ARE ALL IN TACT AND IN GOOD CONDITION NO SMOKE DAMAGE. VIN:[XXX] LEXUS ES 2002 INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
2002 Lexus Es300 recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the 2002 Lexus Es300.
- Manufacturer: TOYOTA MOTOR NORTH AMERICA, INC.
- Components: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
- Summary: 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.
- Consequence: IF THIS SHOULD OCCUR, THERE IS A POSSIBILITY THAT THE DETACHED BOTTOM PORTION MAY STRIKE THE DRIVER CAUSING PERSONAL INJURY.
- Remedy: 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.
- Manufacturer: TOYOTA MOTOR NORTH AMERICA, INC.
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
- Summary: 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.
- Consequence: 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.
- Remedy: 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.
Negative 2002 Lexus Es300 car reviews
Positive 2002 Lexus Es300 car reviews
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I had to replace my brakes at around 15,000 miles due to warped rotors, which also meant replacing the tires. Fortunately, Lexus covered the cost. However, I had to replace them again at 39,500 miles, which was at my own expense. I was informed that the area I live in, which is slightly mountainous, is to blame for this. It's interesting to note that my husband has 70,000 miles on his 02 Yukon and has never had any brake problems. Additionally, I would have appreciated a smoother shift in the transmission. Although they did the computer changeover, it did not improve. During my last visit, I was informed that the brake replacement at 14K+ was a recall. However, when I contacted Lexus, I was told that there had never been a recall on the 02 Lexus.
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It's very quiet, even more so than the 98 model I had. Plus, it's very comfortable.
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This is our second Lexus and we absolutely love it! The exterior and interior design are both stunning and the car is packed with all the features you could ever need. While it can be a bit sluggish on pickup, it's still a joy to drive. We have noticed some issues with the transmission, but we're confident that Lexus is aware of the problem and working on a solution. Overall, we highly recommend the 2002 ES300!
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It's such a comfortable car to drive, really smooth and quiet. I'm not sure if seat warmers were even an option at the time, but that would have been a nice touch. Although its luxury is impressive, it would be even better if its performance matched up!
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This car drives like it's brand new! It has required very little maintenance, but has been well taken care of. The interior is in perfect condition and the exterior still looks much like a new Lexus.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2002 Lexus Es300 problems:
2002 Lexus ES300 Problems and Complaints - 10 Issues
Top 2002 Lexus ES300 Problems · Check Engine Light Due to Failed Oxygen Sensor Component · Ignition Coil May Fail After 100,000 Miles · Debris in Idle Air ...
ES300 2002 Transmission Problems — Car Forums at Edmunds.com
Apr 18, 2003 ... 1) Stumble - this occurs when you quickly accelerate and the car hesitates for 1-2 seconds before it kicks in. 2) Shudder - with no pattern, the ...
2002 ES300 problems - ClubLexus - Lexus Forum Discussion
Feb 19, 2016 ... +1 Vacuum Leak, Check the hoses, especially the one that goes to the to of the Throttle body, allot of heat there and it tends to harden the ...
I have my eyes set for a 2000-2001 Lexus ES300, is there anything I ...
Dec 31, 2015 ... Also the next generation 2002-2006 I read they have some sort of problem ... There's usually a common problems thread and/or sticky. ... I have a ...
Did they ever fix the 2002 ES300 Transmission issues? - ClubLexus ...
Mar 15, 2011 ... Lexus never fixed that for me. They reset cpu; explained that the car was learning my driving habits; etc. They did everything except fix it. It ...
Other years of Lexus Es300
Are you having problems with your 2002 Lexus Es300?
Jordyn Hirthe 2024-08-05
I made a mistake when I impulsively bought this Lexus after seeing a good TV ad that featured the GPS (which came with the car). I had previously owned cars of Mercedes Benz and Seville quality, but my Lexus-owning business associates encouraged me to switch brands, claiming that they were dependable and never needed repairs. However, in the first year alone, the front brake rotors had to be replaced twice. I also noticed issues with the engine/transmission match-up and hesitation on acceleration/pausing, but my concerns were dismissed. Later on, Lexus issued a recall letter for these issues. Additionally, the backs of the leather front seats would detach when the electric seat adjustments were initiated. Overall, I am happy to be back in a Mercedes Benz.
Kenyon Christiansen 2024-04-04
I had a 1993 Buick Park Ave Ultra that was supercharged, so I thought the hesitation and lack of power were due to me being used to a different car. Unfortunately, the braking is poor, and the brakes had to be replaced at only 14000 miles. The car still hesitates on acceleration, even after the dealer did a computer fix yesterday. I even had a loaner car, a 2004 ES330, and it had the same problems with brakes, acceleration, and so on.