2002 Lexus IS 300: problems, recalls and reliability
0 recalls and 28 owner complaints on record; most reports concern power train.
Data updated weekly
0
recalls
28
owner complaints
0
fire reports
-
typical failure mileage, mi
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
No fire reportsNo recall campaigns
Common problems
Computed from 28 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
Limited data: only 28 complaints on record for this model year - too few for percentage statistics. Bars show raw report counts; read them as individual owner reports, not reliability rates. For a fuller picture, check nearby model years.
Power Train (transmission, axles, driveline)5 complaints
Vehicle Speed Control (unintended acceleration, cruise control)5 complaints
Structure (body, frame, doors, rust)4 complaints
Tires3 complaints
Suspension (shocks, springs, ride quality)2 complaints
Service Brakes (brakes)2 complaints
“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.”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · May 2015
“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.”Owner report · Structure · Jun 2013
“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.”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Jan 2010
Show 7 more owner reports
“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”Owner report · Vehicle Speed Control · Mar 2008
“The intial problem is that there is a popping noise that is coming from the brakes. The dealer says that this is normal, and is due to brake shifting. A day later the brakes started to squeal. The rotors and pads were reserfaced twice, and the problem now comes and goes. I feel there is a major issue with the brake system in the lexus is 300, and the noise is not normal. Out of the 5 cars I have owned I never heard this in any of them. *ak”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Feb 2005
“Tire wear and alignment problems on 2002 lexus is300. *bf the front end made a loud sound of rolling marbles. The dealer suggested that it was a normal sound and the fact that the brakes had settled the noise would be heard. *sc *jb”Owner report · Suspension · Sep 2004
“Transmissiong was replaced and clutch. New clutch wore in in 24,000 miles. Claimed it was wear and tear. Never had a clutch go out that early ever!”Owner report · Power Train · Aug 2004
“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”Owner report · Vehicle Speed Control · Jan 2004
“After getting clutch replaced, I press the clutch pedal down and release the pedal, it takes sometimes up to 30 or 40 seconds before the pedal pops back out.. I have to reach down with my hand and pull the pedal up. *nlm”Owner report · Power Train · Jun 2003
“The sunroof/moonroof creaks and crackles. This is not the normal wear and tear. The noise started after 5000 miles on the car. Lexus dealership where I went for service had delay this back and back. They once attempted to fix it but made it worse. There are many users (www.is300.net) with the same problems. This is so annoying that it's like buying a toyota corolla. The same sound applies to the seat belt buckle; I wonder if this is a safety issue. *la”Owner report · Visibility · Jun 2003
When filing, owners marked a crash in 3 of these complaints and injuries in 1 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
How other years compare
Counts are not adjusted for time on the road here - see all IS 300 years ranked fairly for the age-adjusted comparison.
Check your exact IS 300 by VIN
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Is the 2002 Lexus IS 300 reliable?
NHTSA has 28 owner complaints and 0 recall campaigns on record for the 2002 Lexus IS 300. The most complained-about area is power train.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.