2002 Lexus IS: problems, recalls and reliability
1 recall and 40 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is structure (22% of complaints).
Data updated weekly · latest recall Apr 2009
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 40 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“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.”Owner report · Electronic Stability Control (Esc) · Feb 2018
“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
“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”Owner report · Visibility/Wiper · Nov 2014
Show 7 more owner reports
“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
“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”Owner report · Structure · Oct 2012
“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
“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”Owner report · Structure · Jan 2010
“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”Owner report · Suspension · Aug 2008
“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
“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”Owner report · Structure · Apr 2007
When filing, owners marked a crash in 4 of these complaints and injuries in 2 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 1 campaign
SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
Remedy: SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.
Specifications
Factory options offered for the 2002 model year, decoded from the NHTSA vPIC database. Individual vehicles have one of each.
How other years compare
Check your exact IS by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2002 Lexus IS reliable?
NHTSA has 40 owner complaints and 1 recall campaign on record for the 2002 Lexus IS. The most complained-about area is structure (22% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2002 Lexus IS problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 40,200 miles or less.
Does the 2002 Lexus IS have open recalls?
1 recall campaign has been issued, the latest concerning exterior lighting. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.