Complaints over time
Complaints about the 2002 Lexus SC peaked in 2019, with 2 filed
Owner complaints about this model year, by the year they were filed with NHTSA.
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file. The lighter column runs through October.
Model year
2002 Lexus SC
Convertible, gasoline, 4x2, built in Japan. Owner complaints on file from Oct 24, 2007 to Sep 29, 2025.
Recall campaigns covering this model year33.21M vehicles or units across those campaigns
Owner complaints5Close to the median 2002 convertible
Severity index20.02002 convertibles average 14.4
First 24 months0Complaints in its first two years
Components
60% of complaints about the 2002 Lexus SC name airbags
Owner complaints by component. Hover or focus a bar for the crash, fire, injury or death count.
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file. A complaint can name more than one component; it is counted under the first.
Recalls
3 recall campaigns cover the 2002 Lexus SC
Check a specific vehicle by VIN on NHTSA's site: a campaign may cover only part of a model year's production.
| Campaign | Filed | Subject | Component | Vehicles | Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 18V-883 | Dec 12, 2018 | These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment… | Airbags | 168,993 | Part replacement |
| 15V-286 | May 13, 2015 | On June 16, 2015 Toyota expanded the recall to cover an additional 769,055 vehicles, including certain model year 2002-2004 Lexus SC, Toyota… | Airbags | 1,069,055 | Part replacement |
| 15V-285 | May 13, 2015 | On June 16, 2015, Toyota expanded the recall to include an additional 1,270,468 vehicles, including model year 2002-2003 and 2005-2007 Sequoia,… | Airbags | 1,973,468 | Part replacement |
Source: NHTSA ODI recalls file.
Owner complaints
What owners reported about the 2002 Lexus SC
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.
5 complaints on file, page 1 of 1.
- Filed Sep 29, 2025Failure Sep 1, 2025220,000 milesDothan, ALSpeedometer/odometer
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2002 Lexus SC430. The contact stated that while attempting to register the vehicle, it was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a dealer sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 110,000, and at the time of registration, it was discovered that the mileage was 220,000.
NHTSA complaint 11690398 - Filed Dec 30, 2019Failure Dec 10, 201977,000 milesDelray Beach, FLSteering, Suspension
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 LEXUS SC. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, AN ABNORMAL NOISE WAS HEARD WHEN THE STEERING WHEEL WAS TURNED. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. ALSO, WHEN DRIVING OVER A BUMP IN THE ROAD, THE FRONT SUSPENSION PULLED TO THE RIGHT. THE VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED AND REPAIRED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 77,000. *DT CONSUMER REQUESTED ISSUE BE REMOVED FROM YOUR DATABASE.*JB
NHTSA complaint 11292050 - Filed Nov 27, 2019Failure Nov 27, 2019Jacksonville, FLAir bags
LEXUS HAS EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME TO PERFORM AIRBAG RECALL REPLACEMENT
NHTSA complaint 11282624 - Filed Sep 14, 2015Failure Sep 14, 2015Reeds Spring, MOAir bags
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 LEXUS SC. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V285000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.
NHTSA complaint 10763531 - Filed Oct 24, 2007Failure Oct 22, 200737,400 milesDunlap, TNAir bagsCrash1 injured
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 LEXUS SC430. THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO A GUARDRAIL WHILE DRIVING OVER 50 MPH. NONE OF THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THE ENTIRE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE WAS COMPLETELY DESTROYED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT IS AWAITING A RESPONSE FROM THE MANUFACTURER. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 37,400. UPDATED 01/07/08.*LJ
NHTSA complaint 10206793
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file.
Investigations
3 NHTSA investigations on file
- EA21002 Engineering analysis, Airbags
Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture
Opened Sep 17, 2021, still open - EA15001 Engineering analysis, Airbags
Air Bag Inflator Rupture
Opened Feb 24, 2015, still open · led to a recall - PE14016 Preliminary evaluation, Airbags
Air Bag Inflator Rupture
Opened Jun 11, 2014, closed Mar 2, 2015 · led to a recall
Source: NHTSA ODI investigations file.
Service bulletins
26 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. - 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… - 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-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… - L-SB-0021-14_Obs Jan 24, 2018 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
TSB: OBSOLETE NOTICE January 22, 2018: This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see L-SB-0001-18. - 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.