2002 Lexus ES300: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2002 Lexus ES300: 2 recalls, 153 owner complaints and up to 21 mpg combined.
Recalls
2 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Airbags Vehicle recall #01V372000 · 2001 · 19,587 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: If this should occur, there is a possibility that the detached bottom portion May strike the driver causing personal injury.
The fix: Dealers will replace the driver's side air bag module. Owner notification began December 28, 2001.
Brakes (hydraulic) Vehicle recall #01V371000 · 2001 · 1,697 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: 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.
The fix: Dealers will inspect the front brake line and, if necessary, replace the line. Owner notification began January 1, 2002.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 5 mention a fire, 24 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Transmission & drivetrain (52): the most common themes are hard / delayed shifting (39), stalls / loses power (7).
- Speed control / throttle (50): the most common themes are sudden acceleration (27).
- Electrical (11): the most common themes are noise or vibration (2).
- Brakes (hydraulic) (11): the most common themes are noise or vibration (4), brake failure / soft pedal (3).
The 2002 Lexus ES300 has 153 owner complaints, ranking #1 of 15 ES300 model years for complaints (3.4× the average ES300 year). Complaints peaked in 2004 (38 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 2 years old, at a median of 30,000 miles. Neighboring years: 2001 (29 complaints, 0 recalls), 2003 (116 complaints, 0 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.0 L 6-cyl | Automatic 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 18 | 27 | 21 | Regular |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2002 Lexus ES300.
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Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
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FAQ
Does the 2002 Lexus ES300 have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 2 vehicle recalls for the 2002 Lexus ES300. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2002 Lexus ES300 problems?
Owners have filed 153 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are transmission & drivetrain (52), speed control / throttle (50), electrical (11).
What gas mileage does the 2002 Lexus ES300 get?
EPA ratings run up to 21 mpg combined (3.0 L, Automatic 5-spd), across 1 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2002 Lexus ES300 repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.