2002 Lexus ES300 problems
Owners have filed 194 complaints about the 2002 Lexus ES300 with NHTSA. Power train accounts for 28.4% of them — narrowly the most common, ahead of vehicle speed control at 26.3%.
Complaints194
Crashes50
Fires6
Injuries33
Deaths0
What owners report breaking
Power train 28.4% · 55
Vehicle speed control 26.3% · 51
Service brakes, hydraulic 6.2% · 12
Electrical system 5.7% · 11
Engine and engine cooling 4.6% · 9
Air bags 4.6% · 9
Unknown or other 4.6% · 9
Tires 3.6% · 7
Severity
Of those complaints, 50 describe a crash, 6 describe a fire and 33 report an injury.
Reading the numbers
Filing volume has held steady, 8 in the last three years against 7 in the three before.
The median odometer reading at the time of complaint was 32,005 miles.
In owners' own words
When accelerating in my 2002 Lexus ES300, I experience hesitation of a few seconds before the vehicle begins to increase in speed. This did not seem to be a problem when I first got the vehicle, but over time has become extremely noticeable and dangerous since I drive on the major highways in the washington, dc area. When it was reported to my dealer a few months ago they explained it away and took no action. Power train
1) Stumble - this occurs when you quickly accelerate and the car hesitates for 1-2 seconds before it kicks in. 2) Shudder - with no pattern, the car will suddenly shudder. This occurs with no/little acceleration. 3) Surging - the car surges approx. 1/2 Foot when the air conditioner is on. I have noticed that this problem is intensified when the car is slowly (e.G., In traffic) moving down hill. Power train · reported at 100 miles
I have a 2002 Lexus ES300. If you stomp on the gas while driving in order to merge or pass the engin reves but the car does not pick up speed I.E there is a big dead spot. I took it to the dealor and was told that was how the care was designed to work. I feel that the hesitation is a big safty problem that could lead to a accident. What can be done to get Lexus to fix this problem? Power train
Verbatim from NHTSA filings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
Safety recalls
Checking NHTSA for open recalls…