2002 Lexus ES
The Verdict
Worst problem area
Transmission & Drivetrain
Transmission & Drivetrain leads by volume: 57 of 180 complaints (32%) mention it. Complaints mentioning Driver Assistance & Speed Control include more reported injuries (15) than those mentioning any other identified area.
Complaints filed rose from 31 in 2001 to 180 in 2002.
Data last changed . Sources: NHTSA complaints and recalls, EPA fuel economy data. Methodology
Cost, Fuel Economy & Complaint History
| Category | 2000 | 2001 | 2002 | 2003 | 2004 | vs. 2002 Midsize Cars |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Annual fuel cost ($) | 3,100 | 3,100 | 2,950 | 2,950 | 2,950 | |
| Combined MPG | 20 | 20 | 21 | 21 | 21 | |
| City / Highway MPG | 17 / 24 | 17 / 24 | 18 / 27 | 18 / 27 | 18 / 27 | |
| CO₂ tailpipe (g/mi) | 444 | 444 | 423 | 423 | 423 | |
| Complaints filed | 62 | 31 | 180 | 139 | 190 | |
| Recalls issued | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 2 | |
| Crash-involved complaints | 17 | 11 | 45 | 52 | 40 | |
| Fire-involved complaints | 4 | 1 | 10 | 4 | 2 | |
| Injuries reported | 8 | 6 | 29 | 23 | 24 | |
| Deaths reported | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | |
| Configurations compared | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
Not compared: this database has no vehicle sales or registration figures, so a raw count mostly reflects how many were sold, not how safe the vehicle is.
Common questions
How many recalls does the 2002 Lexus ES have?
2 NHTSA recall campaigns as of Sep 16, 2026. Check your VIN with NHTSA to see whether one applies to your car.
What is the most common complaint about the 2002 Lexus ES?
Transmission & Drivetrain: 57 of 180 NHTSA complaints (32%) mention it.
What gas mileage does the 2002 Lexus ES get?
EPA rates it 21 MPG combined.
How much does it cost to fuel a 2002 Lexus ES?
EPA estimates $2,950 a year in fuel costs, using EPA's assumptions.
Similar Vehicles
EPA-Rated Configurations (1)
| Configuration | Transmission | Cylinders | Displacement | Drivetrain | Fuel Type | Vehicle Class | City | Highway | Combined | Annual Fuel Cost | CO₂ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Configuration 1 | Automatic 5-spd | 6 | 3.0L | Front-Wheel Drive | Regular | Midsize Cars | 18 mpg | 27 mpg | 21 mpg | $2,950 | 423 g/mi |
Complaints by Category
| Category | Complaints | Crash-Involved | Fire-Involved | Injuries | Deaths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 22 | 2 | 7 | 1 | 0 |
| Transmission & Drivetrain | 57 | 3 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
| Fuel System | 10 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical | 17 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 0 |
| Brakes | 18 | 5 | 0 | 3 | 0 |
| Steering | 5 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Suspension, Wheels & Tires | 13 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Airbags & Restraints | 12 | 11 | 0 | 12 | 0 |
| Driver Assistance & Speed Control | 55 | 34 | 0 | 15 | 0 |
| Body, Seats & Latches | 8 | 4 | 2 | 5 | 0 |
| Visibility & Lighting | 7 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Other | 10 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
A complaint that names more than one category is counted in each, so the rows can add up to more than the total number of complaints.
Recalls (2)
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS · Campaign 01V371000 · Dec 20, 2001
Defect: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE LEFT FRONT BRAKE TUBE MAY HAVE BEEN DEFORMED PRIOR TO VEHICLE DELIVERY DUE TO IMPROPER INSTALLATION OF A COIL SPRING SPACER THAT WAS INSTALLED TO PREVENT DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE DURING TRANSPORTATION.
Consequence: IF THE BRAKE TUBE IS DEFORMED SIGNIFICANTLY, IT COULD CONTACT THE INNER FENDER PANEL, AND EVENTUALLY CAUSE DAMAGE TO THE TUBE DUE TO VIBRATION DURING DRIVING. BRAKE TUBE DAMAGE COULD ALSO LEAD TO BRAKE FLUID LEAKAGE AFTER EXTENDED USE OF THE VEHICLE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE FRONT BRAKE LINE AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE LINE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JANUARY 1, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT LEXUS AT 1-888-333-9376.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL · Campaign 01V372000 · Dec 20, 2001
Defect: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A THREE-SPOKE STYLE STEERING WHEEL. DURING AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT, IT IS POSSIBLE THAT THE BOTTOM SEAM OF THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG MODULE COVER (HORN PAD) COULD BE TORN AWAY ALLOWING THE BOTTOM PORTION OF THE COVER TO COMPLETELY DETACH FROM THE AIR BAG MODULE.
Consequence: IF THIS SHOULD OCCUR, THERE IS A POSSIBILITY THAT THE DETACHED BOTTOM PORTION MAY STRIKE THE DRIVER CAUSING PERSONAL INJURY.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG MODULE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN DECEMBER 28, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331 OR LEXUS AT 1-888-333-9376.