2002 Lexus LS: common problems and reliability
One of the worst LS years.
One of the Lexus LS years to avoid. All LS years
42 owner complaints, most about structure. 2 recalls.
Should I buy a 2002 LS?The 2002 Lexus LS has 42 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 2 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are structure and latches/locks/linkages.
Safety record for the 2002 model year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2002 Lexus LS vehicles (US, public record).
The Year Score compares this year with other LS years only. How we score it
Is 2002 a good year for the LS?
Across the 27 LS model years we track, complaint volume runs from 1 (2023) to 182 (2008). With 42 complaints, the 2002 LS sits above the model's median of 23.
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 LS
exterior lighting
Campaign 09E012000SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
fuel system, gasoline
Campaign 06E056000CERTAIN AFTERMARKET FUEL FILTERS SOLD UNDER THE PUROLATOR BRAND NAME, P/N F65277, SHIPPED FROM JANUARY 16 THROUGH JUNE 2, 2006, FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. DUE TO INCORRECT DESIGN, THE QUICK CONNECTORS MAY NOT FULLY SEAT WITH THE TUBE INTERFACE, EVEN THOUGH THE PERSON MAKING THE CONNECTION MAY BELIEVE THAT THE QUICK CONNECTOR IS FULLY ATTACHED.
What owners say across generations
The sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, characterized by deep owner loyalty and satisfaction with the vehicle's core mission of providing unparalleled long-term comfort, refinement, and reliability.
Owner insights cover all generations of the LS. See the full LS owner picture and every model year.
Typical used price
Used LS listings typically run $35,857–$43,700.
Other LS model years
Compare every LS year side by side to see how 2002 ranks against the rest.
Compare the LS against its rivals
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