2002 Lexus SC430: problems, recalls and reliability
1 recall and 42 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is air bags (44% of complaints); the 2003 model year looks more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Oct 2019
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 42 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“There is condensation in the head lamps which affects how well they work at night. The car has not been modified or had any type of injury that would result in condensation being inside the headlight covers. This is a safety issue that needs to be addressed. It impairs how well the headlamps work.”Owner report · Exterior Lighting · May 2018
“2002 lexus sc430. Consumer writes in regards to front passenger airbag inflator module safety recall. *ld the consumer stated the vehicole was taken to have the recall completed, but was told the zone was not currently authorized to complee the repair. Updated 11/08/2017*js”Owner report · Air Bags · Sep 2017
“I had the safety recall, concerning the airbag inflator module, done on my car but now the airbag sensor light stays on.”Owner report · Air Bags · May 2015
Show 7 more owner reports
“Driving the car under normal conditions at about 45 mph and the brakes went completely out without any warning. Im fortunate that I didn't crash the vehicle into something or someone! Contacted lexus to let them know the issue and they basically laughed it off !! Poor customer service!! *tr”Owner report · Service Brakes · Mar 2015
“Tl* the contact owns a 2002 lexus sc430. The contact received a notification for recall NHTSA campaign number: 14v312000 (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 not notified of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.”Owner report · Air Bags · Oct 2014
“Tl* the contact owns a 2002 lexus sc430. The contact received a recall notification for NHTSA campaign number: 14v312000 (air bags); however, the part needed to repair the vehicle was unavailable. The manufacturer was not notified. The contact had not experienced a failure.”Owner report · Air Bags · Sep 2014
“Tl* the contact owns a 2002 lexus sc430. The contact received a notification for recall NHTSA campaign number: 14v312000 (air bags). However, the parts needed to perform the repairs were not available. The contact believed that the manufacturer had exceeded the reasonable amount of time for repair. The dealer stated that the part was not available. The manufacturer was not made aware of the delay. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact had not experienced the failure.”Owner report · Air Bags · Aug 2014
“Received urgent safety recall notice on 8/11/2014. Called local dealer 8/12/2014 a.m. Was told dealership only receives one (1) replacement part per week so I have to be put on waiting list. Approximately 8 people ahead of me! The letter [xxx] , v.p. Toyota north america sent your agency on june 19,2014, stated the recall notice would go to affected customers once "sufficient replacement parts become available". That was 8 weeks ago, yet they can still only send one part per week? This is unacceptable and potentially dangerous. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6). *tr”Owner report · Air Bags · Aug 2014
“Tl* the contact owns a 2002 lexus sc430. The contact received a recall notice for NHTSA campaign number: 14v312000 (air bags); however, the part needed for the repair was unavailable. The manufacturer was notified. An invalid VIN was provided. The contact had not experienced a failure.”Owner report · Air Bags · Aug 2014
“Tl* the contact owns a 2002 lexus sc430. The contact received a notification for NHTSA campaign number: 14v312000 (air bags). However, the part needed 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 notified of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.”Owner report · Air Bags · Jul 2014
When filing, owners marked a crash in 4 of these complaints and injuries in 4 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 1 campaign
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2010-2016 4Runner, 2003-2006 Tundra, 2003-2013 Corolla, 2009-2010 Corolla Matrix, 2004-2005 RAV4, 2002-2007 Sequoia, 2011-2013 Sienna, 2008-2012 Scion xB, 2008-2009 Lexus IS-F, 2007-2012 Yaris and Lexus ES350, 2010-2017 Lexus GX460, 2002-2010 Lexus SC430, 2006-2012 Lexus IS250 and IS350 and 2010-2015 Lexus IS250C and IS350C vehicles. These vehicles had their driver or passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior recall using inflators of the same design. The inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
Remedy: Toyota will notify owners. Depending on the vehicle model, dealers will replace the front driver inflator, front passenger airbag inflator, the airbag assembly, or the front passenger airbag sub-assembly and inflator. The recall began November 20, 2019. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371 or Lexus customer service at 1-800-255-3987. Toyota's numbers for this recall are J0A, J0B, and J0C. Lexus' numbers for this recall are JLI, JLJ, and JLK.
How other years compare
Check your exact SC430 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 SC430 reliable?
NHTSA has 42 owner complaints and 1 recall campaign on record for the 2002 Lexus SC430. The most complained-about area is air bags (44% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2002 Lexus SC430 problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 61,562 miles or less.
Does the 2002 Lexus SC430 have open recalls?
1 recall campaign has been issued, the latest concerning air bags:frontal:driver side:inflator module. 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.