2002 Lexus IS
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
Have the VIN?
These records cover every 2002 Lexus IS. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
1 recall names the 2002 Lexus IS. Newest first.
Sabersport 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…
Risk and remedy
Risk
Decreased lighting visibility may result in a vehicle crash.
Remedy
Sabersport will notify owners and offer a full refund for the noncompliant combination lamps. the safety recall began on may 11, 2009. owners may contact sabersport at 1-909-598-7589.
Owner complaints
12 complaints1 involved a crash1 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Suspension
Problem started when car was in for repair of wheel alignment wheels got stolen from dealer collision center lexus not car goes out of alignment while driving on a rough road wearing out tires compliantly about 3 set of tires replaced
- Electronic stability control (esc) · Service brakes
Car runs great until check engine light comes on followed by vsc and then brake light. when those lights come on it runs rough and brakes make gear noise under driver's side hood area. brake IS very sluggish and almost non existent when it fails. let it set, clear fault and runs fine until warm…
Car runs great until check engine light comes on followed by vsc and then brake light. when those lights come on it runs rough and brakes make gear noise under driver's side hood area. brake IS very sluggish and almost non existent when it fails. let it set, clear fault and runs fine until warm again. have had all brakes checked and in good condition by mechanic today and problem persists. appears to be an ecu or other electrical and not mechanical problem. IS extremely dangerous and should be addressed by manufacturer.
- Structure
Dashboard IS melting. *tr
- Structure
Over the years my dashboard has deteriorated, the rubber has become sticky and nasty just like all the other lexus vehicles in complaints. I understand there IS a recall regarding this matter but not my year. I do not understand why this wouldn't apply to all the 2002 models that are experiencing…
Over the years my dashboard has deteriorated, the rubber has become sticky and nasty just like all the other lexus vehicles in complaints. I understand there IS a recall regarding this matter but not my year. I do not understand why this wouldn't apply to all the 2002 models that are experiencing the exact same issue! please, could someone enlighten me? me vehicle has 120,000 miles on it and IS in immaculate condition other than the dashboard and sides of console. help, I love my car and I deserve to be a part of this recall also!! thank you in advance for your help. *tr
- Visibility/wiper
Something on windshield that makes it hard to see, it impairs my vision. Dashboard IS literally melting! It's sticky! Now I don't understand why lexus doesn't take care of their customers and send out a recall. Fix their mistakes and do it right. I understand they tried to pass some cheaper products off on their vehicles but that only bought them some time. Word of mouth IS their worst enemy right now. *tr
- Structure
As I'm driving the dashboard starts to melt and it's very sticky,paid good money for this car and there's no recall or warrantee for this defect. *tr
- Structure
My lexus dashboard IS melting away. the dash has already been replaced once by the dealer but it IS again melting away. *tr
- Steering · Wheels
I would like to report a problem with my lexus is300 models 2002. There IS some type of defect in the frame or front arm bushings that cause excessive wear on the front inner tires. Despite the car being regularly aligned, uneven and excessive tire wear continues to occur on the inner portion of…
I would like to report a problem with my lexus is300 models 2002. There IS some type of defect in the frame or front arm bushings that cause excessive wear on the front inner tires. Despite the car being regularly aligned, uneven and excessive tire wear continues to occur on the inner portion of the tires. Tires will sometimes last less than 5,000 miles and have worn down to the steel in the inner sides of the front tires! This IS a common occurrence and complaint among IS 300 owners. As far as I know, there has been no fix from lexus and will lead to potential blowouts on the freeway due to tire failures. This condition IS unacceptable. Therefore I am requesting an investigation and recall to fix the problem before a fatality occurs due to the resulting tire failure because of the front suspension defect. *js
- Unknown or other
Shortly after I purchased my new car (lexus is300 2002), the dashboard, cover to air bag (on dash) and console began to melt/soften and become sticky. when I first reported to lexus, they did not do anything. after a while, I continued to complain and they replaced the cover panel on dash to the…
Shortly after I purchased my new car (lexus is300 2002), the dashboard, cover to air bag (on dash) and console began to melt/soften and become sticky. when I first reported to lexus, they did not do anything. after a while, I continued to complain and they replaced the cover panel on dash to the air bag but not the entire dashboard/console. in all the years of service at lexus of palm beach, they never offered to repair, even though this did not seem right. after hearing recent story on wptv news (consumer watchdog, [xxx] ), I have now learned that I am not alone and there are countless stories similar to mine. http://www.wptv.com/money/consumer/sticky-shiny-safety-issue-drivers-complain-of-sun-glare-from-melting-dashboards because my car IS not under warranty anymore, lexus IS still dismissive ---- but I do have record of this issue for years (including when they replaced the air bag dash cover, under warranty, several years ago). I just received email response today from lexus of palm beach, parts manager, [xxx] as follows: "thank you for your email inquiry. I understand your concern and as of right now lexus hasn't come out with anything for your matter. If anything does arise, seeing you purchased your vehicle new, all your information IS in the data base and you will be contacted first. I wish I had an answer for you right now but we haven't heard anything yet." given that I had reported this issue while car was previously under warranty (and that lexus had acknowledged issue and replaced portion), I feel that lexus should honor this product and replace the defective dashboard and console at their expense, for both parts and labor. hope you can help me to resolve this matter, thank you very much! information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(B)(6). *tr
- Engine and engine cooling · Exterior lighting › Headlights · Structure › Body › Door · Tires › Temporary/emergency spare tire
Vehicle stalls, bucks and sways onto other drivers not an alignment problem when braking the vehicle sways left or right. It IS missing a spare tire and jack, I asked on 3 different occasions for this safety equipment and was denied. also, missing weather strips on all 4 doors the wind enters the car and one day it IS going to swing it directly off the road . *Tr
- Air bags
Car was t-boned-unable to open doors-passenger hit head on window- side airbags did not open. *Jb
- Tires
I have had three sets of cooper zeon 2XS 215/45zr17. There have been problems with all three sets. I was traveling long distance when my rear drivers side tire came apart and rolled away while I was on the on ramp for I24 which IS a very busy major highway. I was probably going about 35 mph at…
I have had three sets of cooper zeon 2XS 215/45zr17. There have been problems with all three sets. I was traveling long distance when my rear drivers side tire came apart and rolled away while I was on the on ramp for I24 which IS a very busy major highway. I was probably going about 35 mph at the time this occurred. there was approximately $1250 worth of damage to my car not including replacing my tire which I will never buy these type of tires ever again. also, this delayed my trip to visit my grandmother who was dying in the hospital at the time. I contacted the local tire company where I had purchased this most recent set of cooper zeon 2XS tires and was told they could not help me due to the fact there was damage to my vehicle. they referred me to cooper tires 800 # where the lady stated the company that handled claims for them would be contacting me to obtain my tire and information regarding the accident. this company, crawford claims, contacted me about a week or so later to inform me of the process. They sent a packet of information including a ups label to mail the tire to cooper tires laboratory for analysis and a form for me to complete along with obtaining quotes for the damages to my vehicle and photos. after all this of course my claim was denied stating there was a cut in tire which caused it to lose air pressure and come apart. I am not sure how this could be determined since their was virtually nothing left of the tire except for the band that fits around my wheel rim. at this point I have turned in the claim to my insurance for repairs which I have a $500 deductible and the tire IS not covered under my auto insurance. I am also going to have to replace the other three tires when I can afford to as I do not feel safe driving with the remaining 3 tires on my car. I had requested my defective tire be returned to me upon conclusion of my claim and I still have not received the tire. *nm
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 11003648The condition known as acid rain is caused by airborne chemicals or particles in the atmosphere, which mix with rainwater, nighttime dew, or high humidity to form acidic compounds. If these contaminants settle and remain on a painted vehicle surface, especially the horizonal areas of the hood, roof, and decklid, significant damage can occur. This damage is the result of actual etching of the paint and appears as pitting or water spots. As acid rain droplets on the vehicle surface evaporate, the concentration strength of the acid increases, causing deeper and more rapid damage. This evaporation and corrosive action also occur more rapidly on dark colored cars as direct sun heat increases. While Lexus paint quality, durability, and resistance to environmental factors is continuously being improved, it remains the responsibility of the dealer to protect and maintain the vehicles paint finish from the time of arrival at the dealership until retail delivery to the customer. In areas known for high frequency and/or concentration of acid rain, frequent vehicle washing during high heat or humidity periods will minimize the potential for paint damage caused by acid rain. It is further recommended that either reverse osmosis or deionized water be used to prevent water spotting. SUPERSESSION NOTICE The information contained in this bulletin supersedes Service Bulletin No. BO029-91. The entire bulletin has been updated. Service Bulletin No. BO029-91 is obsolete
- 11003643Acid rain results from rainwater or other airborne moisture that become acidic due to industrial chemical impurities in the atmosphere. If these acidic compounds settle on an exposed vehicle, especially the horizontal areas such as the hood, roof, and decklid, significant damage to the painted surfaces can occur. Acid rain damage can typically be identified on vehicles by the presence of stains on the paint surface that resemble hard water spots. Unlike water spots however, acid rain damage cannot be removed by regular washing procedures. Also, because acid rain can etch and soften the paint, normal buffing or polishing repair procedures should not be attempted. This can cause further damage and result in visible depressions in the paint surface. The following are the three major categories of acid rain damage: Minor damage: requires only buffing to repair. Moderate damage: usually requires neutralizing, color sanding, and buffing. Severe damage: extending beyond 1/2 mil of clearcoat on a pearl, metallic, or solid color, requires neutralization, sanding, and repainting. In cases where acid rain damage is minor, neutralization and buffing with a liquid-type paint finessing product may provide an adequate repair. Only specially formulated products outlined in this bulletin should be used for that purpose. Unfortunately, other than minor damage, there is no simple method of determining the actual extent (depth) of acid penetration other than color sanding a representative affected area until there is no visible etching or depressions, followed by measuring the amount of paint removed with either a magnetic or digital-type film thickness gauge. The procedures in this bulletin are intended for use by qualified body/paint technicians and should not be attempted by inexperienced personnel. While the quality and durability of paint on Lexus vehicles is continuously being improved, it remains the dealers responsibility to protect and maintain the quality of the vehicles paint finish after receipt at the dealership prior to the first sale. Perform frequent vehicle washing, as often as daily, during high heat and humidity periods to minimize the potential for paint damage due to acid rain exposure. This is especially important in geographical areas known for high frequency and concentration of acid rain and industrial fallout.
- 11003642Lexus vehicles are currently protected with RapgardTM protective film designed to protect the horizontal painted surfaces. This material protects from acid rain, environmental fallout, and rail contamination. Follow the Removal Procedure in this bulletin to remove the RapgardTM protective film within 90 days from initial application. SUPERSESSION NOTICE The information contained in this bulletin supersedes Service Bulletin No. L-PG004-94. The entire bulletin has been updated.
- 11003641Vehicles may occasionally be subjected to contamination by airborne iron particles shed from railroad tracks, train wheels, exposure to heavy machinery facilities, grinding, welding, etc. This type of contamination can be identified by the presence of small, red or brown particles on the paint surface. These particles are often difficult to see on dark color paints but can be easily felt when brushing a hand across horizontal body surfaces such as the hood, roof, or deck lid. Follow the Repair Procedure in this bulletin to clean vehicles that may have been subjected to contamination by airborne iron particles such as rail dust during rail transportation or extended storage near industrial areas.
- 11003593The condition known as acid rain is caused by airborne chemicals or particles in the atmosphere, which mix with rainwater, nighttime dew, or high humidity to form acidic compounds. If these contaminants settle and remain on a painted vehicle surface, especially the horizonal areas of the hood, roof, and decklid, significant damage can occur. This damage is the result of actual etching of the paint and appears as pitting or water spots. As acid rain droplets on the vehicle surface evaporate, the concentration strength of the acid increases, causing deeper and more rapid damage. This evaporation and corrosive action also occur more rapidly on dark colored cars as direct sun heat increases. While Lexus paint quality, durability, and resistance to environmental factors is continuously being improved, it remains the responsibility of the dealer to protect and maintain the vehicles paint finish from the time of arrival at the dealership until retail delivery to the customer. In areas known for high frequency and/or concentration of acid rain, frequent vehicle washing during high heat or humidity periods will minimize the potential for paint damage caused by acid rain. It is further recommended that either reverse osmosis or deionized water be used to prevent water spotting. SUPERSESSION NOTICE The information contained in this bulletin supersedes Service Bulletin No. BO029-91. The entire bulletin has been updated. Service Bulletin No. BO029-91 is obsolete
- 11003588Acid rain results from rainwater or other airborne moisture that become acidic due to industrial chemical impurities in the atmosphere. If these acidic compounds settle on an exposed vehicle, especially the horizontal areas such as the hood, roof, and decklid, significant damage to the painted surfaces can occur. Acid rain damage can typically be identified on vehicles by the presence of stains on the paint surface that resemble hard water spots. Unlike water spots however, acid rain damage cannot be removed by regular washing procedures. Also, because acid rain can etch and soften the paint, normal buffing or polishing repair procedures should not be attempted. This can cause further damage and result in visible depressions in the paint surface. The following are the three major categories of acid rain damage: Minor damage: requires only buffing to repair. Moderate damage: usually requires neutralizing, color sanding, and buffing. Severe damage: extending beyond 1/2 mil of clearcoat on a pearl, metallic, or solid color, requires neutralization, sanding, and repainting. In cases where acid rain damage is minor, neutralization and buffing with a liquid-type paint finessing product may provide an adequate repair. Only specially formulated products outlined in this bulletin should be used for that purpose. Unfortunately, other than minor damage, there is no simple method of determining the actual extent (depth) of acid penetration other than color sanding a representative affected area until there is no visible etching or depressions, followed by measuring the amount of paint removed with either a magnetic or digital-type film thickness gauge. The procedures in this bulletin are intended for use by qualified body/paint technicians and should not be attempted by inexperienced personnel. While the quality and durability of paint on Lexus vehicles is continuously being improved, it remains the dealers responsibility to protect and maintain the quality of the vehicles paint finish after receipt at the dealership prior to the first sale. Perform frequent vehicle washing, as often as daily, during high heat and humidity periods to minimize the potential for paint damage due to acid rain exposure. This is especially important in geographical areas known for high frequency and concentration of acid rain and industrial fallout.
- 11003587Lexus vehicles are currently protected with RapgardTM protective film designed to protect the horizontal painted surfaces. This material protects from acid rain, environmental fallout, and rail contamination. Follow the Removal Procedure in this bulletin to remove the RapgardTM protective film within 90 days from initial application. SUPERSESSION NOTICE The information contained in this bulletin supersedes Service Bulletin No. L-PG004-94. The entire bulletin has been updated.
- 11003586Vehicles may occasionally be subjected to contamination by airborne iron particles shed from railroad tracks, train wheels, exposure to heavy machinery facilities, grinding, welding, etc. This type of contamination can be identified by the presence of small, red or brown particles on the paint surface. These particles are often difficult to see on dark color paints but can be easily felt when brushing a hand across horizontal body surfaces such as the hood, roof, or deck lid. Follow the Repair Procedure in this bulletin to clean vehicles that may have been subjected to contamination by airborne iron particles such as rail dust during rail transportation or extended storage near industrial areas.
- 10214355Lexus Safety Recall and Service Campaign - Technician Certification Requirements 4.13.2022
- 10207945POL: This consolidated Tire Warranty Guide contains the complete warranty terms for all brands of ground and spare tires currently in use by Lexus. This information must be kept near the point of vehicle sale and be available to any customer that requests it. Customers can find this information on the Owner?s section of Lexus.com. Dealers can locate a copy of this guide on the Claims Processing & Resource Center in Dealer Daily as well.
- 10205383Spots in Window Glass - vehicle exterior
- 10205352Windshield Wiper Blade Maintenance and cleaning
- 10205346Auto matic Transmission Replacement kPrecautions
- 10205331Immobilizer and Smart Key Reset
- 10205329Immobilizer and Smart Key Reset.
- 10205327Techstream ECU Flash Reprogramming Procedure.
- 10179697TSB: Vehicles may display evidence of a fluid leak or fluid seep from powertrain components. This bulletin explains how to determine the differences between a fluid leak versus a fluid seep. Cases that are determined to be a ?leak? should be repaired accordingly and will be covered under warranty if applicable. Cases that are determined to be a ?seep? should be documented on the repair order and inspected at the next service interval. Follow the Repair Information in this bulletin to determine if the concern in question is a fluid leak or fluid seep and review the Repair Procedure section to address this condition.
- 10179601TSB: Vehicles may display evidence of a fluid leak or fluid seep from powertrain components. This bulletin explains how to determine the differences between a fluid leak versus a fluid seep. Cases that are determined to be a ?leak? should be repaired accordingly and will be covered under warranty if applicable. Cases that are determined to be a ?seep? should be documented on the repair order and inspected at the next service interval. Follow the Repair Information in this bulletin to determine if the concern in question is a fluid leak or fluid seep and review the Repair Procedure section to address this condition.
- 10177780TSB: SUPERSESSION NOTICE The information contained in this bulletin supersedes Service Bulletin Nos. ST004-01, SU001-08, and L-SB-0174-08. The aforementioned bulletins are obsolete, and any printed versions should be discarded. Be sure to review the entire content of this service bulletin before proceeding. This Service Bulletin provides best practice procedures for vehicle pulling complaint, diagnosis, and repair for 2002 ? 2021 model year Lexus vehicles. This information supplements Repair Manual procedures when the symptoms are: ?Vehicle Pulling: The vehicle moves to the right or left when the driver holds the steering wheel while driving straight ahead without exerting steering effort. ?Steering Wheel Off Center: The vehicle travels straight, but the steering wheel is not pointed straight ahead. The vehicle is not pulling. Before repairing a vehicle pulling to one side, it is necessary to clearly identify the cause of the pulling condition. Frequently, pulling to one side is diagnosed as a wheel alignment concern. However, the actual cause may be related to the lateral force generated by the tires, vehicle damage, road crown or worn components. Performing a wheel alignment when tire force is the cause could result in the wheel alignment being set at a value outside of specifications. This could then cause other problems such as uneven tire wear, etc. A customer may notice a pull to the left when in the left lanes of travel and notice a pull to the right or no pull when traveling in the right lanes of travel on the very same section of roadway. This road crown effect is environmental and cannot be corrected with suspension adjustments or any other wheel or tire modification discussed in this bulletin.
- 10176283Safety Recall and Service Campaign - Technician Certification Requirements
- 10174889TSB: OBSOLETE NOTICE April 06, 2020: This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see L-SB-0008-20. Replacement Certification Labels and VIN Plates
- 10174888TSB: SUPERSESSION NOTICE The information contained in this bulletin supersedes Service Bulletin Nos. L-SB-0048-08, PG007-07, PG016-01, PG015-01, PG004-97, PG003-97, PG003-93, PG002-90, L-SB-0048-08, PG007-07, PG016-01, PG015-01, PG004-97, PG003-97, PG003 93, and PG002-90. The aforementioned bulletins are obsolete, and any printed versions should be discarded. Replacement certification labels (the vinyl label installed on the driver door or door post) and VIN plates (the metal plate riveted to dashboard) (see Figure 1) for most 1990 ? 2020 model year vehicles may be available provided the requests meet the criteria listed in this Service Bulletin.
- 10164328TSB: REVISION NOTICE July 01, 2019 Rev1: G1668 Applicability has been updated to include 2019 ? 2020 model year Lexus vehicles. G2158 The Techstream Preparation and Process Overview sections have been updated. Any previous printed versions of this bulletin should be discarded. SUPERSESSION NOTICE The information contained in this bulletin supersedes Service Bulletin No. L-SB-0021-14. G1765 Applicability has been updated to include applicable 2018 models and 2016 ? 2018 model year RC 300 and 2015 ? 2018 model year RC 350 vehicles. ? Applicability has been updated to exclude 2001 ? 2003 model year ES 300 vehicles. Service Bulletin No. L-SB-0021-14 is obsolete and any printed versions should be discarded. Be sure to review the entire content of this bulletin before proceeding. Flash reprogramming allows the Electronic Control Unit (ECU) software to be updated without replacing the ECU. Flash calibration updates for specific vehicle models/ECUs are released as field-fix procedures described in individual Service Bulletins. This bulletin details the Techstream ECU flash reprogramming process and outlines the use of the Technical Information System (TIS) and the Calibration Update Wizard (CUW). Flash calibration updates can only be applied to the vehicle/ECU combination for which they are intended. ECUs have internal security that will not allow them to be programmed with another ECU?s information. NOTE ECU is a Lexus term used to describe integrated computerized devices responsible for managing the operation of a system or subsystem. For the purposes of this bulletin, the term ECU is used as a generic label for the following SAE J1930 standard references: ? Powertrain Control Module (PCM) ? Engine Control Module (ECM) ? Transmission Control Module (TCM) ? Any other Lexus-specific control unit
- 10133657TSB: SUPERSESSION NOTICE The information contained in this bulletin supersedes SB Nos. L-SB-0048-08, PG007-07, PG016-01, PG015-01, PG004-97, PG003-97, PG003-93, and PG002-90. Service Bulletin Nos. L-SB-0048-08, PG007-07, PG016-01, PG015-01, PG004-97, PG003-97, PG003-93, and PG002-90 are obsolete and any printed versions should be discarded. Be sure to review the entire content of this bulletin before proceeding. Vehicle replacement certification labels (vinyl label installed on driver door or door post) and VIN lates (metal plate riveted to dashboard) may be available from Lexus, provided the request meets one of the criteria listed in this Service Bulletin.
- 10133651TSB: REVISION NOTICE November 22, 2017 Rev1: ? Applicability has been updated to include 2014 ? 2018 model year vehicles. Any previous printed versions of this bulletin should be discarded. In the event that a Lexus vehicle becomes submerged in water, many components may be physically damaged. Electrical and electronic components, including wiring harnesses, are particularly susceptible to corrosion and subsequent malfunction. Although any flooding can be damaging, salt water flooding elevates the potential for abnormal conditions and may increase risks due to its highly corrosive and conductive nature. Salt residue also continues to corrode and remain conductive even after a vehicle dries. This bulletin is intended to assist with safe handling and inspection of flood damaged vehicles and to provide basic guidance on likely needed repairs.
- 10132625TSB: Revision Notice: Applicability section has been updated to include 2016-2017 applicable model year Lexus vehicles. The Repair Procedure section, Required Tools & Equipment section, and the Repair Procedure section has been updated. Flash reprogramming allows the ECU software to be updated without replacing the ECU. Flash calibration updates for specific vehicle models/ECUs are released as field-fix procedures described in individual Service Bulletins. This bulletin details the Techstream ECU flash reprogramming process and outlines use of the Technical Information System (TIS) and the Calibration Update Wizard (CUW). Flash calibration updates can only be applied to the vehicle/ECU combination for which they are intended. ECUs have internal security that will not allow them to be programmed with another ECU?s information.
- 10132074Beginning in 1998, Lexus introduced side airbags as optional equipment. Lexus does NOT recommend replacement of original seat covers with non-Lexus leather or other seat cover materials on vehicles due to the following: Seat covers NOT recommended by Lexus may affect side airbag performance, in general or in part, during an accident. Modifications that negatively affect side airbag performance can result in severe occupant injuries. Seat covers are an integral part of this safety system. Replacing fabric seat covers with non-Lexus leather or other seat cover materials may compromise the effectiveness of this safety system. The design of the seat is complex, integrating safety and strength with comfort and luxury. Lexus strongly discourages modifying original equipment seats that have optional side airbags. Additionally, Lexus strongly advises against the installation or use of aftermarket seat covers, which could impair the performance of the side airbags in the event of an accident.
- 10045639Lexus: precaution information on removal, inspection, installation of accelerator pedal sensor assembly, which requires no lubrication. Models 2001-13 ct200h, es300, 300H, 330, 350, gs300, 350, 450, 450H, 460, gx460, 470, hs250h, IS f, is250, 250C, 350, 350C, lfa, ls430, 460, 600H, lx470, 570, rx330, 350, 400H, 450H, sc430.
Every Lexus IS model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.