Model year

2002 Lexus IS

Sedan, gasoline, 4x2, built in Japan. Owner complaints on file from Aug 30, 2006 to Dec 9, 2020.

Recall campaigns covering this model year116k vehicles or units across those campaigns
Owner complaints12Below the median 2002 sedan
Severity index8.32002 sedans average 13.3
First 24 months0Complaints in its first two years
Complaints over time

Complaints about the 2002 Lexus IS peaked in 2014, with 5 filed

Owner complaints about this model year, by the year they were filed with NHTSA.

0246200620082010201220145201620182020202220242026
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file. The lighter column runs through October.
Components

42% of complaints about the 2002 Lexus IS name structure

Owner complaints by component. Hover or focus a bar for the crash, fire, injury or death count.

Structure
5
Tires
2
Airbags
1
Stability and traction control
1
Engine and cooling
1
Lighting
1
Brakes
1
Steering
1
Suspension
1
Visibility and wipers
1
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file. A complaint can name more than one component; it is counted under the first.
Recalls

One recall campaign covers the 2002 Lexus IS

Check a specific vehicle by VIN on NHTSA's site: a campaign may cover only part of a model year's production.

Recall campaigns for the 2002 Lexus IS
CampaignFiledSubjectComponentVehiclesRemedy
09E-012Apr 7, 2009These headlamps fail to conform to the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated…Lighting16,270Refund or buyback
Source: NHTSA ODI recalls file.
Owner complaints

What owners reported about the 2002 Lexus IS

The full text of every complaint filed with NHTSA about this model year, newest first. Complaints are filed by owners and are not verified by NHTSA; NHTSA removes personal details before publishing.

12 complaints on file, page 1 of 1.

  1. Filed Dec 9, 2020Failure Aug 18, 2008116,000 milesLong Beach, CASuspension

    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

    NHTSA complaint 11378605
  2. Filed Feb 3, 2018Failure Feb 2, 2018203,000 milesCastle Rock, COElectronic stability control (esc), Service brakes

    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.

    NHTSA complaint 11066838
  3. Filed Mar 13, 2015Failure May 1, 2014120,000 milesInver Grove Heights, MNStructure

    DASHBOARD IS MELTING. *TR

    NHTSA complaint 10694116
  4. Filed Jan 14, 2015Failure Jan 1, 2010Satsuma, ALStructure

    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

    NHTSA complaint 10672593
  5. Filed Nov 21, 2014Failure Nov 3, 201450,999 milesFremont, NEVisibility/wiper

    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

    NHTSA complaint 10660096
  6. Filed Aug 18, 2014Failure Oct 2, 2012Dania, FLStructure

    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

    NHTSA complaint 10626012
  7. Filed Jul 30, 2014Failure Jan 1, 200540,000 milesFort Lauderdale, FLStructure

    MY LEXUS DASHBOARD IS MELTING AWAY. THE DASH HAS ALREADY BEEN REPLACED ONCE BY THE DEALER BUT IT IS AGAIN MELTING AWAY. *TR

    NHTSA complaint 10617551
  8. Filed May 19, 2014Failure Apr 4, 200660,000 milesDallas, TXSteering, Wheels

    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 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

    NHTSA complaint 10592537
  9. Filed May 1, 2014Failure Dec 1, 2003Wellington, FLUnknown or other

    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 WATCHDOG, [XXX] ), 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, [XXX] 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

    NHTSA complaint 10586059
  10. Filed Apr 29, 2007Failure Apr 27, 2007Silver Spring, MDEngine and engine cooling, Headlights, Door, Temporary/emergency spare tire

    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

    NHTSA complaint 10189197
  11. Filed Mar 8, 2007Failure Dec 1, 2006EL Granada, CAAir bagsCrash1 injured

    CAR WAS T-BONED-UNABLE TO OPEN DOORS-PASSENGER HIT HEAD ON WINDOW- SIDE AIRBAGS DID NOT OPEN. *JB

    NHTSA complaint 10184558
  12. Filed Aug 30, 2006Failure May 18, 2006Evansville, INTires

    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 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

    NHTSA complaint 10167101
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file.
Investigations

NHTSA has not opened an investigation on this model year

Source: NHTSA ODI investigations file.
Service bulletins

28 manufacturer communications cover this model year

Technical service bulletins and other notices the manufacturer sent to dealers. A bulletin is not a recall.

  • L-SB-0024-24 Apr 19, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    The condition known as acid rain is caused by airborne chemicals or particles in the atmosphere, which mix with rainwater, nighttime dew, or high humidity to form acidic compounds. If these contaminants settle and remain on a painted vehicle surface, especi…
  • L-SB-0022-24 Apr 19, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Acid rain results from rainwater or other airborne moisture that become acidic due to industrial chemical impurities in the atmosphere. If these acidic compounds settle on an exposed vehicle, especially the horizontal areas such as the hood, roof, and deckl…
  • L-SB-0021-24 Apr 19, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Lexus vehicles are currently protected with RapgardTM protective film designed to protect the horizontal painted surfaces. This material protects from acid rain, environmental fallout, and rail contamination. Follow the Removal Procedure in this bulletin to…
  • L-SB-0020-24 Apr 19, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Vehicles may occasionally be subjected to contamination by airborne iron particles shed from railroad tracks, train wheels, exposure to heavy machinery facilities, grinding, welding, etc. This type of contamination can be identified by the presence of small…
  • L-SB-0024-24 Apr 19, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    The condition known as acid rain is caused by airborne chemicals or particles in the atmosphere, which mix with rainwater, nighttime dew, or high humidity to form acidic compounds. If these contaminants settle and remain on a painted vehicle surface, especi…
  • L-SB-0022-24 Apr 19, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Acid rain results from rainwater or other airborne moisture that become acidic due to industrial chemical impurities in the atmosphere. If these acidic compounds settle on an exposed vehicle, especially the horizontal areas such as the hood, roof, and deckl…
  • L-SB-0021-24 Apr 19, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Lexus vehicles are currently protected with RapgardTM protective film designed to protect the horizontal painted surfaces. This material protects from acid rain, environmental fallout, and rail contamination. Follow the Removal Procedure in this bulletin to…
  • L-SB-0020-24 Apr 19, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Vehicles may occasionally be subjected to contamination by airborne iron particles shed from railroad tracks, train wheels, exposure to heavy machinery facilities, grinding, welding, etc. This type of contamination can be identified by the presence of small…
  • Safety Recall 22 Apr 13, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Lexus Safety Recall and Service Campaign - Technician Certification Requirements 4.13.2022
  • Lexus PRO19-02 - Jan 12, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    POL: This consolidated Tire Warranty Guide contains the complete warranty terms for all brands of ground and spare tires currently in use by Lexus. This information must be kept near the point of vehicle sale and be available to any customer that requests i…
  • LTT014513 Nov 2, 2013 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Spots in Window Glass - vehicle exterior
  • LSB009213B Dec 19, 2013 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Windshield Wiper Blade Maintenance and cleaning
  • LSB008214 Oct 16, 2014 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Auto matic Transmission Replacement kPrecautions
  • LSB002514B Jul 7, 2014 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Immobilizer and Smart Key Reset
  • LSB002514 Jul 4, 2014 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Immobilizer and Smart Key Reset.
  • LSB002114 Jun 12, 2014 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Techstream ECU Flash Reprogramming Procedure.
  • L-SB-0002-20 Rev Aug 5, 2020 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    TSB: Vehicles may display evidence of a fluid leak or fluid seep from powertrain components. This bulletin explains how to determine the differences between a fluid leak versus a fluid seep. Cases that are determined to be a ?leak? should be repaired acco…
  • L-SB-0002-20 Rev Aug 5, 2020 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    TSB: Vehicles may display evidence of a fluid leak or fluid seep from powertrain components. This bulletin explains how to determine the differences between a fluid leak versus a fluid seep. Cases that are determined to be a ?leak? should be repaired acco…
  • L-SB-0023-20 Jun 23, 2020 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    TSB: SUPERSESSION NOTICE The information contained in this bulletin supersedes Service Bulletin Nos. ST004-01, SU001-08, and L-SB-0174-08. The aforementioned bulletins are obsolete, and any printed versions should be discarded. Be sure to review the ent…
  • Lexus Safety Re May 1, 2020 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Safety Recall and Service Campaign - Technician Certification Requirements
  • L-SB-0179-17 Obs Apr 6, 2020 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    TSB: OBSOLETE NOTICE April 06, 2020: This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see L-SB-0008-20. Replacement Certification Labels and VIN Plates
  • L-SB-0008-20 Apr 6, 2020 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    TSB: SUPERSESSION NOTICE The information contained in this bulletin supersedes Service Bulletin Nos. L-SB-0048-08, PG007-07, PG016-01, PG015-01, PG004-97, PG003-97, PG003-93, PG002-90, L-SB-0048-08, PG007-07, PG016-01, PG015-01, PG004-97, PG003-97, PG003 9…
  • L-SB-0001-18-Rev Jul 1, 2019 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    TSB: REVISION NOTICE July 01, 2019 Rev1: G1668 Applicability has been updated to include 2019 ? 2020 model year Lexus vehicles. G2158 The Techstream Preparation and Process Overview sections have been updated. Any previous printed versions of this bulletin …
  • L-SB-0179-17 Nov 28, 2017 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    TSB: SUPERSESSION NOTICE The information contained in this bulletin supersedes SB Nos. L-SB-0048-08, PG007-07, PG016-01, PG015-01, PG004-97, PG003-97, PG003-93, and PG002-90. Service Bulletin Nos. L-SB-0048-08, PG007-07, PG016-01, PG015-01, PG004-97, PG003-…
  • L-SB-0113-12_Rev Nov 21, 2017 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    TSB: REVISION NOTICE November 22, 2017 Rev1: ? Applicability has been updated to include 2014 ? 2018 model year vehicles. Any previous printed versions of this bulletin should be discarded. In the event that a Lexus vehicle becomes submerged in water, many …
  • L-SB-0021-14 Rev Sep 19, 2016 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    TSB: Revision Notice: Applicability section has been updated to include 2016-2017 applicable model year Lexus vehicles. The Repair Procedure section, Required Tools & Equipment section, and the Repair Procedure section has been updated. Flash reprogramm…
  • L-SB-0143-11 Rev Nov 10, 2013 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Beginning in 1998, Lexus introduced side airbags as optional equipment. Lexus does NOT recommend replacement of original seat covers with non-Lexus leather or other seat cover materials on vehicles due to the following: Seat covers NOT recommended by Lexus…
  • LSB-0059-12 Jul 10, 2012 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    LEXUS: PRECAUTION INFORMATION ON REMOVAL, INSPECTION, INSTALLATION OF ACCELERATOR PEDAL SENSOR ASSEMBLY, WHICH REQUIRES NO LUBRICATION. MODELS 2001-13 CT200H, ES300, 300H, 330, 350, GS300, 350, 450, 450H, 460, GX460, 470, HS250H, IS F, IS250, 250C, 350, 3…
Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications files.