There are no safety recalls for the 2002 Lexus IS 300, but owners have filed 28 complaints with NHTSA.
2002 Lexus IS 300 problems reported by owners
| Problem area | Reports | |
|---|
| Vehicle Speed Control | 6 | |
| Power Train | 5 | |
| Structure | 4 | |
| Unknown or Other | 4 | |
| Suspension | 3 | |
| Tires | 3 | |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 3 | |
| Service Brakes | 2 | |
| Visibility | 1 | |
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 1 | |
| Wheels | 1 | |
| Air Bags | 1 | |
Most reported parts
- Power Train › Clutch Assembly — 3
- Structure › Body › Bumpers — 1
- Power Train › Clutch Assembly › Pedal/Hand Lever(Motorcycle) — 1
- Suspension › Front — 1
- Visibility › Sun/Moon Roof Assembly — 1
- Vehicle Speed Control › Accelerator Pedal — 1
- Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Emission Control › Catalytic Convertor — 1
- Power Train › Manual Transmission — 1
Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 35,420 miles (median of owner reports).
Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.
Recent 2002 Lexus IS 300 complaints
Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.
Unknown or Other · reported Mar 26, 2019
Melting dashboard and around the gear shift and lexus will not do anything about it. Poor customer service for a so called "luxury" brand. I had some paper actually stick to the plastic around the gear shift and when I went to pick it up I had to peel it off then I tried clean it off with just water and a rag and it left marks. I want something done by lexus. A lot of people are having this same problem so why isn't lexus doing anything about it? I want something done! My dash and plastic around the gear shift need to be replaced and it has nothing to do with normal wear and tear. I just found…
Unknown or Other · reported Apr 26, 2016
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.
Unknown or Other · reported May 13, 2015
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.
Structure · at 144,500 miles · reported Aug 19, 2014
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.
Service Brakes · at 150,000 miles · reported May 24, 2014
I put $3000 on 2002 lexus and had it for three days when my 6 year old daughter and myself was heading onto commercial turnpike south. I was approaching light on corner of 441 and commercial when my brakes just gave out on me completely and I quickly responded and pulled up emergency brake and turned into gas station to have it towed to mechanic and which it was put on machine and detailed everything that was wrong with car including the malfunction on the ABS system which controls brakes and steering. I was saved by not getting onto turnpike and my quick maneuvering to emergency brakes which…
Frequently asked questions
Does the 2002 Lexus IS 300 have any recalls?
No. NHTSA has no safety recalls for the 2002 Lexus IS 300 as of this update. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls for the latest status.
What is the most common problem with the 2002 Lexus IS 300?
Owners report vehicle speed control problems most often (6 reports), followed by power train (5). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 35,420 miles.
Are Lexus recall repairs free?
Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Lexus dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.