2002 Lexus SC430
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Lexus › SC430 › 2002
These records cover every 2002 Lexus SC430. 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 SC430. Newest first.
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2010-2016 4Runner, 2003-2006 Tundra, 2003-2013 Corolla, 2009-2010 Corolla Matrix, 2004-2005 RAV4, 2002-2007 Sequoia, 2011-2013 Sienna, 2008-2012 Scion xB, 2008-2009 Lexus IS-F, 2007-2012 Yaris and Lexus ES350, 2010-2017 Lexus GX460, 2002-2010 Lexus SC430, 2006-2012 Lexus IS250 and IS350…
Risk and remedy
Risk
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy
Toyota will notify owners. Depending on the vehicle model, dealers will replace the front driver inflator, front passenger airbag inflator, the airbag assembly, or the front passenger airbag sub-assembly and inflator. The recall began November 20, 2019. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371 or Lexus customer service at 1-800-255-3987. Toyota's numbers for this recall are J0A, J0B, and J0C. Lexus' numbers for this recall are JLI, JLJ, and JLK.
Owner complaints
42 complaints4 involved a crash4 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Air bags
Getting totally jerked around they call and never follow up. This has been going on for years. not able to drive the car for years now.
- Exterior lighting
There IS condensation in the head lamps which affects how well they work at night. the car has not been modified or had any type of injury that would result in condensation being inside the headlight covers. this IS a safety issue that needs to be addressed. it impairs how well the headlamps work.
- Air bags
2002 lexus sc430. Consumer writes in regards to front passenger airbag inflator module safety recall. *Ld the consumer stated the vehicole was taken to have the recall completed, but was told the zone was not currently authorized to complee the repair. Updated 11/08/2017*js
- Air bags
Takata recall bought this vehicle about a year ago and have not received any notice on what to do to get this fixed.
- Air bags
Had airbag recall done about 1500 miles ago, air bag warning light IS now on , steady ,all the time
- Air bags
I had the safety recall, concerning the airbag inflator module, done on my car but now the airbag sensor light stays on.
- Service brakes
Driving the car under normal conditions at about 45 mph and the brakes went completely out without any warning. Im fortunate that I didn't crash the vehicle into something or someone! Contacted lexus to let them know the issue and they basically laughed it off !! Poor customer service!! *tr
- Air bags
TL* the contact owns a 2002 lexus sc430. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 14v312000 (air bags) however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The specifics of the failure were not available. The failure mileage was 65,000.
- Air bags
TL* the contact owns a 2002 lexus sc430. The contact received a notification for nhtsa campaign ID number: 14v312000 (air bags) and stated that the parts were not available for several months. The dealer was unable to provide a specific date when the parts would become available. The contact was…
TL* the contact owns a 2002 lexus sc430. The contact received a notification for nhtsa campaign ID number: 14v312000 (air bags) and stated that the parts were not available for several months. The dealer was unable to provide a specific date when the parts would become available. The contact was not able to schedule an appointment with the local authorized dealer. The manufacturer was contacted and could not provide an estimated date for when the vehicle would receive the recall repairs. The contact was not experiencing a failure.
- Air bags
TL* the contact owns a 2002 lexus sc430. The contact received a notification for nhtsa campaign number: 14v312000 (air bags). However, the part needed to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.
- Air bags
TL* the contact owns a 2002 lexus sc430. The contact received a notification for recall nhtsa campaign number: 14v312000 (air bags). However, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not notified of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.
- Structure › Body
The hardtop will not go down on the one side - apparently the motors that bring down the hardtop can burn out, causing the issue. for higher-end car, this should not happen so soon. dealer indicated this was a $3,000-plus repair. I have since been driving a sc430 coupe! *tr
- Air bags
TL* the contact owns a 2002 lexus sc430. The contact received a recall notification for nhtsa campaign number: 14v312000 (air bags); however, the part needed to repair the vehicle was unavailable. The manufacturer was not notified. The contact had not experienced a failure.
- Air bags
TL* the contact owns a 2002 lexus sc430. The contact received a notification for recall nhtsa campaign number: 14v312000 (air bags). However, the parts needed to perform the repairs were not available. The contact believed that the manufacturer had exceeded the reasonable amount of time for repair.…
TL* the contact owns a 2002 lexus sc430. The contact received a notification for recall nhtsa campaign number: 14v312000 (air bags). However, the parts needed to perform the repairs were not available. The contact believed that the manufacturer had exceeded the reasonable amount of time for repair. The dealer stated that the part was not available. The manufacturer was not made aware of the delay. The vehicle was not repaired. the contact had not experienced the failure.
- Air bags › Frontal › Sensor/control module
TL* the contact owns a 2002 lexus sc430. The contact stated that the air bag warning indicator illuminated intermittently. The contact stated that the failure occurred after the vehicle was repaired according to nhtsa campaign number: 14v312000 (air bags). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. the approximate failure mileage was 45,000.
- Air bags
Received urgent safety recall notice on 8/11/2014. Called local dealer 8/12/2014 a.m. was told dealership only receives one (1) replacement part per week so I have to be put on waiting list. Approximately 8 people ahead of me! the letter [xxx] , v.p. Toyota north america sent your agency on june…
Received urgent safety recall notice on 8/11/2014. Called local dealer 8/12/2014 a.m. was told dealership only receives one (1) replacement part per week so I have to be put on waiting list. Approximately 8 people ahead of me! the letter [xxx] , v.p. Toyota north america sent your agency on june 19,2014, stated the recall notice would go to affected customers once "sufficient replacement parts become available". that was 8 weeks ago, yet they can still only send one part per week? this IS unacceptable and potentially dangerous. information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(B)(6). *tr
- Air bags
TL* the contact owns a 2002 lexus sc430. The contact received a recall notice for nhtsa campaign number: 14v312000 (air bags); however, the part needed for the repair was unavailable. The manufacturer was notified. An invalid vin was provided. The contact had not experienced a failure.
- Air bags
TL* the contact owns a 2002 lexus sc430. The contact stated recall nhtsa campaign number: 14v312000 (air bags) and nhtsa campaign number: 13v133000 (air bags) had exceeded the reasonable amount of time for repair. The dealer stated the parts were not available for repair. The manufacturer was made aware for the delay. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact had not experienced the failure.
- Air bags · Structure › Body
TL- the contact owns a 2002 lexus sc430. The contact had received the recall repair for the air bag. The vehicle had extensive interior and some exterior damages after the repairs. The damages were to the dashboard, damaged the paint, scratched the tinted windows, the hood, leather seats in which…
TL- the contact owns a 2002 lexus sc430. The contact had received the recall repair for the air bag. The vehicle had extensive interior and some exterior damages after the repairs. The damages were to the dashboard, damaged the paint, scratched the tinted windows, the hood, leather seats in which the authorized dealer had agreed to fix. The air bag inflator assembly kit and cosmetic damages had been repaired. The cosmetic damages had been caused by the mechanics who had repaired the vehicle. The sensor light had illuminated at random after the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 71000. Dyd
- Vehicle speed control
TL* the contact owns a 2002 lexus sc430. The contact stated after shifting the vehicle into drive gear it suddenly accelerated and crashed into a neighbors door, fence, house and air condition. During the crash both the driver and passenger side air bags deployed. The vehicle was destroyed. The…
TL* the contact owns a 2002 lexus sc430. The contact stated after shifting the vehicle into drive gear it suddenly accelerated and crashed into a neighbors door, fence, house and air condition. During the crash both the driver and passenger side air bags deployed. The vehicle was destroyed. The contact and passenger were taken to the hospital. The contact called the manufacturer and filed a complaint. The contact stated the vehicle accelerated after the battery was replaced. The failure mileage was 49,000. updated 7/22/13 *cn
- Air bags
TL* the contact owns a 2002 lexus sc430. The contact stated he received a lexus voluntary recall letter for the air bag inflater and the repair had exceeded a reasonable time to be repaired. The contact feels that the air bag failure could cause the passenger injury at any moment. The manufacturer was not contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure and current mileage was 137,000.
- Vehicle speed control
Unintended acceleration in a parking lot causing my vehicl to crash into another vehicle. Toyota examined the vehicle and said nothing was wrong with it. They refusesd to give me a letter saying the car was safe to drive which I requested in writing twice. updated 02/14/11 *bf
- Suspension › Front
Left ball joint failure. Sheared off causing loss off vehicle control. Finally stopped just feet from going over the edge of a drop off. Damage to left side front end components, left front fender and both front tires destroyed. *Tr
- Traction control system
Vsc and vsc off lights come on when vehicle IS in drive and moving from complete stop. there's no check engine light nor there IS any diagnostic trouble code. reports from discussion board indicate that this IS widespread among toyota and lexus vehicles and reports stated that toyota IS not doing anything about it. *Tr
- Air bags
Tl*the contact owns a 2002 lexus sc430. while driving 20 mph, a bus crashed into the vehicle. the air bags failed to deploy. the vehicle was destroyed and towed to a scrap yard. the contact sustained whiplash. the dealer was notified, but ignored the contact. the failure and current mileages were 69,000. updated 12/12/08 *cn updated 12/15/08. *Jb updated 12/30/08. *Lj updated 01/05/09.*jb
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
- 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
- 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
- 10205330Immobilizer and Smart Key Reset
- 10205329Immobilizer and Smart Key Reset.
- 10205327Techstream ECU Flash Reprogramming Procedure.
- 10205319Brake Pedal Force Gauge SST for Parking Brake Inspection.
- 10205132Safety Recall ELG - for areas of High Absolute Humidity - Update - 2007 MY Parts Available Certain 2002 through 2007 Model Year SC 430 Vehicles Front Passenger Airbag Inflator Module.
- 10205131Safety Recall DSC (supplement to DLC) - Rermedy Notice (Phase 2) - 2007 MY Parts Available 2002 through certain 2007 Model Year SC 430 Vehicles Front Passenger Air Bag Inflator Module.
- 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.
- 10177783TSB: OBSOLETE NOTICE June 23, 2020: This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see L-SB-0023-20.
- 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.
- 10140576TT: Some customers may experience difficulty programming HomeLink.
- 10134473LSB: The procedure in this bulletin is a general guideline on how to properly diagnose the air conditioning system after a component failure. Refer to the applicable Repair Manual for vehicle specific repair procedures and parts.
- 10133926In the recent Bi-annual Floor Mat reminder letter distributed November, 2012, Lexus indicated that we were developing support materials that will help remind dealership customers and associates of the importance of proper floor mat usage.
- 10133923Lexus vehicles are equipped with SRS, including various airbags and in some models, seat belt pre-tensioners, to help reduce the risk of injury in a collision. If a customer expresses any concerns that the SRS airbags or pretensioner devices did not per
- 10133914Flash 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 reprograming process and outlines use of the TIS and the CUW.
- 10133910When servicing interior electrical switches and components, please note the precautions in this bulletin to avoid damaging electrical components and switches. Many lubricants, cleaners, and automotive chemicals contain silicone or other compounds that may contaminate electrical contacts, and therefore increase electrical resistance and decrease switch performance. The use of any cleaners or fluids may increase the risk of further damage to electrical components.
- 10133866Navigation/ Multi Info Display Day Mode Operation
- 10133849A new Special Service Tool (SST 09709-00002) has been introduced to aid in the inspection procedure for certain vehicles equipped with a floor pedal-type parking brake system. This bulletin references the correct method for installing the Brake Pedal Force Gauge. Refer to the appropriate Repair Manual for parking brake pedal travel inspection and adjustment specification.
- 10132778TSB: OBSOLETE NOTICE-June 12, 2014: This bulletin is now obsolete.
- 10132777TSB: 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.
- 10132734TSB: The Immobilizer and Smart Key Reset is a feature that allows the registration of new keys when all master keys are lost. Once the system is reset, all previously registered keys will be erased.
- 10132726TSB: The Immobilizer and Smart Key Reset is a feature that allows the registration of new keys when all master keys are lost. Once the system is reset, all previously registered keys will be erased.
- 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.
- 10132575LSB: The procedure in this bulletin is a general guideline on how to properly diagnose the air conditioning system after a component failure. Refer to the applicable Repair Manual for vehicle specific repair procedures and parts.
- 10132143The technical instructions for Safety Recall DLC (Front Passenger Airbag Inflator Module) require a Techstream Health Check and then a Diagnostic Report (Customer Friendly Health Check.)
- 10132108This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see L-SB-0082-14.
- 10132083Adhesive & sealant cross reference Information
- 10132082Spots in Window glass
- 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.
Every Lexus SC430 model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.