Photo: OSX / Public domain / Wikimedia Commons
2002 Lexus ES: common problems and reliability
One of the worst ES years.
One of the Lexus ES years to avoid. All ES years
186 owner complaints, most about power train. 2 recalls.
Should I buy a 2002 ES?The 2002 Lexus ES has 186 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 2 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are power train and vehicle speed control.
Safety record for the 2002 model year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2002 Lexus ES vehicles (US, public record).
The Year Score compares this year with other ES years only. How we score it
Is 2002 a good year for the ES?
Across the 29 ES model years we track, complaint volume runs from 15 (2018) to 664 (2007). With 186 complaints, the 2002 ES sits above the model's median of 56.
These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.
Where owners report problems
Recalls affecting the 2002 ES
air bags:frontal
Campaign 01V372000VEHICLE 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.
service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components:hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Campaign 01V371000VEHICLE 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.
What owners say across generations
Overwhelmingly positive sentiment centered on exceptional long-term reliability, low operating costs, and a comfortable, quiet, and refined driving experience.
Owner insights cover all generations of the ES. See the full ES owner picture and every model year.
Typical used price
Used ES listings typically run $43,225–$47,448.
Other ES model years
Compare every ES year side by side to see how 2002 ranks against the rest.
Compare the ES against its rivals
Looking at a specific car?
We're building a full check by VIN: the exact trim and engine, its known problems and recalls, what to inspect, a fair price, and how it compares with its rivals. Get an email when it's ready.
One email when it launches. Unsubscribe any time. Privacy