U.S. public vehicle records

2002 Lexus SC430 problems and owner complaints

Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.

Key facts

42 owner complaints analyzed

1 distinct recall campaigns

61,562 mi median reported failure mileage

Scope: 2002 model year. Data updated: 2026-10-01 (October 1, 2026). 24 complaints include usable failure mileage. View data status.

Owner-reported patterns

Most common problems

Air Bags is the most frequently named component, appearing in 17 of 42 complaints (40.5%). A complaint can name multiple components.

Recurring terms in complaint narratives
Topic	Matching reports	Share of complaints
Steering behavior	4	9.5%
Braking behavior	3	7.1%
Transmission and shifting	1	2.4%
Electrical and battery issues	1	2.4%

Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.

Component breakdown

Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.

Air Bags

Suspension

Tires

Vehicle Speed Control

Structure:Body

Air Bags:Frontal:Sensor/Control Module

Electrical System:Wiring:Interior/Under Dash

Electronic Stability Control:Automatic (Asc)

Component breakdown data
Category	Count
Air Bags	17
Suspension	3
Tires	3
Vehicle Speed Control	3
Structure:Body	2
Air Bags:Frontal:Sensor/Control Module	1
Electrical System:Wiring:Interior/Under Dash	1
Electronic Stability Control:Automatic (Asc)	1

Air Bags: 17; Suspension: 3; Tires: 3; Vehicle Speed Control: 3; Structure:Body: 2; Air Bags:Frontal:Sensor/Control Module: 1; Electrical System:Wiring:Interior/Under Dash: 1; Electronic Stability Control:Automatic (Asc): 1

Reported problems by failure mileage

Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.

Under 25,000

25,000 to 49,999

50,000 to 74,999

75,000 to 99,999

100,000 to 149,999

150,000 and above

Under 25,000: 5; 25,000 to 49,999: 5; 50,000 to 74,999: 8; 75,000 to 99,999: 1; 100,000 to 149,999: 5; 150,000 and above: 0

50,000 to 74,999 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (8). 18 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.

Complaints over time

Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2008

2009

2010

2011

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

2002: 1; 2003: 9; 2004: 3; 2005: 2; 2006: 2; 2008: 1; 2009: 1; 2010: 1; 2011: 1; 2013: 2; 2014: 11; 2015: 3; 2016: 2; 2017: 1; 2018: 1; 2019: 1

Pattern summary

Air Bags leads the component reports. Steering behavior appears in 4 complaint narratives. Braking behavior appears in 3 complaint narratives. Transmission and shifting appears in 1 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.

Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.

Complaint evidence

Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.

Owner report 10020146 · 2003-06-26 (June 26, 2003)

WHEN THE VEHICLE HIT ANY KIND OF VARIANCE IN THE ROAD THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD PULL EITHER RIGHT OR LEFT. NLM *TT *JB

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10020146 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10104928 · 2005-01-02 (January 2, 2005)

I OWN A 2002 LEXUS SC430 WHICH HAS BRIDGESTONE POTENZA RUNFLAT TIRES ON IT. I PUT ON A NEW SET OF TIRES 1 YEAR AGO AND 17,000 MILES LATE, THE VEHICLE IS ALL OVER THE ROAD, TIRES WEAR EXCESSIVELY ON THE INSIDES, AND I'VE HAD IT ALIGNED ABOUT 3 TIMES IN THAT 1 YEAR. A FRIEND OF MINE HAD THE SAME VEHICLE AND HE HAD TO GET RID OF IT FOR THE SAME PROBLEM. THE TIRES BECOME VERY NOISY AND IT SOUNDS LIKE ALL THE WHEEL BEARINGS ARE BAD. THE LOCAL DEALERSHIP IS TRYING TO TELL ME THAT THIS HIGH PERFORMANCE TIRE ONLY LASTS 10,000 MILES, BUT WHEN I BROU…

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10104928 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10004060 · 2003-01-28 (January 28, 2003)

WHILE IN MOTION AND IN INCLEMENT WEATHER, THE VEHICLE WENT INTO A 360* SPIN, WHILE MOVING AT ONLY 25 MPH. THE VEHICLE LOST ALL TRACTION. THE BRAKES ON THE VEHICLE ARE INOPERABLE. WHILE ON AN INCLINE AND BRAKING FROM ABOUT 5 MPH THE VEHICLE JUMPED AN ISLAND BEFORE THE BRAKES STOPPED IT. *JG

Owner-reported narrative. 9,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10004060 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10026344 · 2003-06-27 (June 27, 2003)

VEHICLE WHEELS ARE BECOMING OUT OF ROUND CAUSING VEHICLE TO PULL TO THE SIDE WHEN BRAKES ARE APPLIED. *MR VEHICLE VIBRATED AT 65 MPH AND VERY DIFFICULT TO CONTROL. AS A RESULT 2 TIRES AND 2 WHEELS WERE BENT AND HAD TO BE REPLACED. *TT *JB

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10026344 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10520548 · 2013-06-18 (June 18, 2013)

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

Owner-reported narrative. 49,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10520548 at NHTSA ↗

Explore the data

Vehicle analysis explorer

Inspect model-year patterns, reported mileage, monthly activity and the evidence behind each signal.

Data completeness

42 unique complaints in this selection. Analysis snapshot: 2026-10-01.

57.1%Usable mileage24 / 42 records

90.5%Valid incident date38 / 42 records

100.0%Valid filing date42 / 42 records

88.1%Ordered incident and filing dates37 / 42 records

Missing, zero and invalid mileage is excluded. Dates after the snapshot are excluded. Examples are limited selections, not a representative sample.

Problems by model year

Model-wide comparison of the eight most reported components across the model. Cells show counts and shares within each model year. Open a cell for source examples.

From model yearThrough model year

Component complaint heatmap
Component	2002	2003	2004	2005	2006	2007	2008	2009	2010
Air Bags	1740.5% ODI 10248848 · 69,000 mi TLTHE 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 Look up ODI 10248848 at NHTSA ↗	1050.0% ODI 10618919 TL * THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 LEXUS SC430. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V350000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART NEEDED FOR THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE DEALER DID NOT KNOW WHEN THE PART WOULD ARRIVE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. UPDATED 09/16/14LJ UPDATED 1/13/15JS THE CONSUMER STATED THE AIR BAG MODULE WAS REPLACED BY LEXUS OF TAMPA BAY ON 8/18/2014. UPDATED 1/13/2015 *JS Look up ODI 10618919 at NHTSA ↗	466.7% ODI 10702950 TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 LEXUS SC430. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V312000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART NEEDED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE 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. Look up ODI 10702950 at NHTSA ↗	555.6% ODI 10749444 TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 LEXUS SC430. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V285000 (AIR BAGS) AND STATED THAT THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE WITHIN A REASONABLE TIMEFRAME TO SCHEDULE THE RECALL REPAIR. THE DEALER DID NOT GIVE A SPECIFIC DATE FOR WHEN THE PART WOULD BECOME AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER COULD NOT PROVIDE AN ESTIMATED DATE FOR WHEN THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WOULD RECEIVE THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT WAS NOT EXPERIENCING A FAILURE. Look up ODI 10749444 at NHTSA ↗	583.3% ODI 10291217 · 16,000 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 LEXUS SC430. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO DECELERATE AT 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE LURCHED FORWARD. CONSEQUENTLY HE CRASHED INTO 2 IRON GATES. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED BY THE DEALERSHIP THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 16000. Look up ODI 10291217 at NHTSA ↗	17100.0% ODI 10746314 TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 LEXUS SC430. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V286000 (AIR BAGS) AND STATED THAT THE PART NEEDED WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE DEALER DID NOT GIVE A SPECIFIC DATE FOR WHEN THE PART WOULD BECOME AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER COULD NOT PROVIDE AN ESTIMATED DATE FOR WHEN THE VEHICLE WOULD RECEIVE THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT WAS NOT EXPERIENCING A FAILURE. MA 10/2 Look up ODI 10746314 at NHTSA ↗	4100.0% ODI 10870660 TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 LEXUS SC430. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V128000 (AIR BAGS). THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT. UPDATED 07/13/16LJ UPDATED 07/13/16.JB Look up ODI 10870660 at NHTSA ↗	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.
Vehicle Speed Control	37.1% ODI 10005961 SPEED CONTROL FAILURE CAUSED VEHICLE TO LOSE CONTROL. *AK Look up ODI 10005961 at NHTSA ↗	15.0% ODI 10523406 2003 LEXUS SC430. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE SUDDEN ACCELERATION. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED AS SHE PROCEEDED TO PULL OUT OF A PARKING SPACE, SHE THEN PLACE THE VEHICLE IN DRIVE, IT THEN ACCELERATED AT A HIGH SPEED. FINALLY AFTER HITTING A POLE, IT JUMPED THE CURB AND ENDED ON A BUSY STREET. THE DEALERSHIP SENT SOMEONE OUT TO EXPECT THE VEHICLE. THE CONSUMER WAS PROVIDED A DISC THAT SHOWED THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED AT A HIGH SPEED, BUT THEY WOULD NOT SAY THE TRUE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM, WHICH MAY HAVE HAD SOMETHING TO DO WITH THE WHEEL … Look up ODI 10523406 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	222.2% ODI 10293330 · 29,573 mi MY WIFE WAS PULLING INTO OUR DRIVEWAY, AND MOVED HER FOOT FROM ACCELERATOR TO BRAKE ON HER LEXUS SC430. THE DRIVEWAY HAS A DOWNHILL STRETCH OF ABOUT 40 FEET WITH A LEFT TURN REQUIRED AT THE BOTTOM TO ENTER THE GARAGE. INSTEAD OF SLOWING, THE CAR TOOK OFF, WITH THE ENGINE RACING, AND CATAPULTED HER OVER THE EDGE OF THE DRIVEWAY DOWN INTO A RAVINE. SHE SUFFERED A SEVERE INJURY TO HER BACK, AND IS CURRENTLY IN GREAT PAIN. I BELIEVE HER STORY, AS I HAD A SIMILAR INCIDENT WITH THE SAME CAR ABOUT 4 MONTHS AGO, EXCEPT I WAS ABLE TO OVERCOME THE FO… Look up ODI 10293330 at NHTSA ↗	116.7% ODI 10291217 · 16,000 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 LEXUS SC430. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO DECELERATE AT 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE LURCHED FORWARD. CONSEQUENTLY HE CRASHED INTO 2 IRON GATES. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED BY THE DEALERSHIP THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 16000. Look up ODI 10291217 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.
Suspension	37.1% ODI 10020146 WHEN THE VEHICLE HIT ANY KIND OF VARIANCE IN THE ROAD THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD PULL EITHER RIGHT OR LEFT. NLM TT JB Look up ODI 10020146 at NHTSA ↗	15.0% ODI 10070188 · 1,000 mi THE CAR FAILED TO START SIX TIMES IN THE FIRST FIVE MONTHS. IT SEEMS THEY HAVE FOUND THE CAUSE OF THAT PROBLEM. HOWEVER, THE CAR CONTINUES TO MAKE CLUNKING NOISE WHENEVER IT GOES OVER A BUMP. LEXUS TELLS ME THAT IS NORMAL. I SAY IT SOUNDS LIKE A 1973 DODGE I OWNED 30 YEARS AGO. THE CAR ALSO PULLS TO THE RIGHT AT LOW SPEEDS. AGAIN I'M TOLD THIS IS NORMAL AND IS A RESULT OF THE RUN FLAT TIRES. IF SO, THEY SHOULD USE OTHER TIRES. PARKING BRAKE LIGHT CONTINUES TO COME ON INTERMITTENTLY. I HAVE REQUESTED THAT THIS CAR BE REPLACED REPEATEDLY. L… Look up ODI 10070188 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	111.1% ODI 10722476 · 58,000 mi AUTO WAS PARKED IN LOT, IGNITION OFF "IN PARK". STARTED AUTO, PUT GEAR IN REVERSE AND AUTO ACCELERATED VERY RAPIDLY, UNCONTROLLED, DOWN ONE CURB, UP ANOTHER CURB AND FINALLY STOPPED IN GRASSY AREA HAVING GONE ABOUT 150 FEET. Look up ODI 10722476 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.
Tires	37.1% ODI 10004060 · 9,000 mi WHILE IN MOTION AND IN INCLEMENT WEATHER, THE VEHICLE WENT INTO A 360* SPIN, WHILE MOVING AT ONLY 25 MPH. THE VEHICLE LOST ALL TRACTION. THE BRAKES ON THE VEHICLE ARE INOPERABLE. WHILE ON AN INCLINE AND BRAKING FROM ABOUT 5 MPH THE VEHICLE JUMPED AN ISLAND BEFORE THE BRAKES STOPPED IT. *JG Look up ODI 10004060 at NHTSA ↗	210.0% ODI 10139647 · 39,000 mi 2003 LEXUS SC430 HAS PROBLEMS WITH RUN FLAT TIRES AND RIMS. THE RIMS ARE BENT AND DEALER SAID THAT IT WAS RUNOUT CAUSED BY EXCESSIVE DRIVING. I HAVE COMPLAINED TO THREE DEALERS, LEXUS OF GRAPEVINE WHERE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED, LEXUS OF SHREVEPORT/BOSSIER AND PARKE LEXUS OF LITTLE ROCK. I AM CURRENTLY WORKING WITH THE LEXUS DISPUTE SETTLEMENT CTR. *JB Look up ODI 10139647 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	420.0% ODI 10049111 · 300 mi THE CAR VEERS VIOLENTLY TO THE LEFT OR TO THE RIGHT WHEN BRAKING ON A ROAD THAT IS NOT COMPLETELY SMOOTH. DEPENDING UPON THE UNEVENNESS IN THE ROAD, THE CAR WILL JERK THE STEERING WHEEL VIOLENTLY EITHER WAY. WE HAVE HAD THE CAR ACTUALLY CHANGE LANES WHEN BRAKING. LEXUS SAYS THAT THIS IS NORMAL ACTION FOR THIS CAR. IF SO, THERE ARE A LOT OF PEOPLE IN DANGER WHO ARE DRIVING THIS MODEL CAR. THIS HAS HAPPENED SINCE THE CAR WAS NEW. IT NOW HAS ABOUT 3300 MILES ON IT. *NLM Look up ODI 10049111 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.
Structure:Body	24.8% ODI 10582891 · 71,000 mi 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 … Look up ODI 10582891 at NHTSA ↗	15.0% ODI 11013787 · 167,000 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 LEXUS SC430. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, ALL THE INSTRUMENT PANEL INDICATORS ILLUMINATED AND THEN SHUT OFF, AND THE TRANSMISSION DOWNSHIFTED. THE TRANSMISSION FAILURE CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO JERK WHEN THE GEARS WERE SHIFTED. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CONVERTIBLE TOP OF THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT CLOSE AND THAT THE NONE OF THE WINDOWS WOULD CLOSE. AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC STATED THAT THE BATTERY WAS NOT THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE, BUT THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT CONTACTED. THE F… Look up ODI 11013787 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	111.1% ODI 10722476 · 58,000 mi AUTO WAS PARKED IN LOT, IGNITION OFF "IN PARK". STARTED AUTO, PUT GEAR IN REVERSE AND AUTO ACCELERATED VERY RAPIDLY, UNCONTROLLED, DOWN ONE CURB, UP ANOTHER CURB AND FINALLY STOPPED IN GRASSY AREA HAVING GONE ABOUT 150 FEET. Look up ODI 10722476 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.
Steering	12.4% ODI 10020146 WHEN THE VEHICLE HIT ANY KIND OF VARIANCE IN THE ROAD THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD PULL EITHER RIGHT OR LEFT. NLM TT JB Look up ODI 10020146 at NHTSA ↗	210.0% ODI 10162624 THE CONSUMER HAD PROBLEMS WITH 2003 LEXUS SC430. KB NAR* WHEN THE DRIVER APPLIED THE BRAKES THE VEHICLE PULLED TO THE LEFT. THE CONSUMER FEELS THAT THE PROBLEM WAS WITH EITHER THE BRAKES OR STEERING. THE DEALER SUGGESTED REPLACING THE TIRES BUT OFFERED NO INFORMATION ON WHERE TO PURCHASE THEM. Look up ODI 10162624 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.
Electrical System	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	15.0% ODI 11013787 · 167,000 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 LEXUS SC430. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, ALL THE INSTRUMENT PANEL INDICATORS ILLUMINATED AND THEN SHUT OFF, AND THE TRANSMISSION DOWNSHIFTED. THE TRANSMISSION FAILURE CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO JERK WHEN THE GEARS WERE SHIFTED. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CONVERTIBLE TOP OF THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT CLOSE AND THAT THE NONE OF THE WINDOWS WOULD CLOSE. AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC STATED THAT THE BATTERY WAS NOT THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE, BUT THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT CONTACTED. THE F… Look up ODI 11013787 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	116.7% ODI 10750348 · 33,000 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 LEXUS SC430. WHILE DRIVING AT 70 MPH, THE VOLUME AND THE CRUISE CONTROL ON THE STEERING WHEEL WERE ACTIVATED AND THE RADIO AND NAVIGATION FAILED TO FUNCTION. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 33,000. Look up ODI 10750348 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.

Darker cells indicate a larger share of submitted complaints. Components overlap. This measures complaint composition, not failure probability.

Failure mileage by component

Median and middle 50% of usable owner-reported mileages. Ranges require at least five records.

Component failure mileage distribution
Component	Mileage range (25th–75th percentile)	Median	Usable records	Examples
Air Bags	67,250–104,900 mi	70,000 mi	8	ODI 10248848 · 69,000 mi TLTHE 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 Look up ODI 10248848 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10519675 · 137,000 mi 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. Look up ODI 10519675 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10582891 · 71,000 mi 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 … Look up ODI 10582891 at NHTSA ↗
Tires	Too few reports for a range	9,000 mi	1 (sparse)	ODI 10004060 · 9,000 mi WHILE IN MOTION AND IN INCLEMENT WEATHER, THE VEHICLE WENT INTO A 360* SPIN, WHILE MOVING AT ONLY 25 MPH. THE VEHICLE LOST ALL TRACTION. THE BRAKES ON THE VEHICLE ARE INOPERABLE. WHILE ON AN INCLINE AND BRAKING FROM ABOUT 5 MPH THE VEHICLE JUMPED AN ISLAND BEFORE THE BRAKES STOPPED IT. *JG Look up ODI 10004060 at NHTSA ↗
Vehicle Speed Control	Too few reports for a range	40,500 mi	2 (sparse)	ODI 10381988 · 32,000 mi 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 Look up ODI 10381988 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10520548 · 49,000 mi 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 Look up ODI 10520548 at NHTSA ↗
Structure:Body	Too few reports for a range	86,000 mi	2 (sparse)	ODI 10582891 · 71,000 mi 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 … Look up ODI 10582891 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10644976 · 101,000 mi 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 Look up ODI 10644976 at NHTSA ↗
Air Bags:Frontal:Sensor/Control Module	Too few reports for a range	45,000 mi	1 (sparse)	ODI 10622100 · 45,000 mi 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. Look up ODI 10622100 at NHTSA ↗
Electrical System:Wiring:Interior/Under Dash	Too few reports for a range	61,000 mi	1 (sparse)	ODI 10147606 · 61,000 mi DT: THE CONTACT STATED WHEN TURNING ON THE VEHICLE THE DASHBOARD LIGHTS DID NOT ILLUMINATE. THE DASHBOARD GAUGES COULD NOT BE READ IN DIRECT SUNLIGHT. THERE WAS A SENSOR THAT CAUSED THE DASHBOARD TO ILLUMINATE AT DUSK. THE DEALERSHIP DETERMINED THERE WAS NO WAY TO BYPASS THE SENSOR. AK UPDATED 02/07/06.*JB Look up ODI 10147606 at NHTSA ↗
Electronic Stability Control:Automatic (Asc)	Too few reports for a range	9,000 mi	1 (sparse)	ODI 10004060 · 9,000 mi WHILE IN MOTION AND IN INCLEMENT WEATHER, THE VEHICLE WENT INTO A 360* SPIN, WHILE MOVING AT ONLY 25 MPH. THE VEHICLE LOST ALL TRACTION. THE BRAKES ON THE VEHICLE ARE INOPERABLE. WHILE ON AN INCLINE AND BRAKING FROM ABOUT 5 MPH THE VEHICLE JUMPED AN ISLAND BEFORE THE BRAKES STOPPED IT. *JG Look up ODI 10004060 at NHTSA ↗

Complaint and recall timeline

Explore monthly filing activity alongside recall announcements. Up to ten years of monthly history is available.

ComponentPeriod

Solid line: filed complaints. Dashed amber lines: recall announcement dates for this vehicle selection; markers include all recall components. The latest month is partial. Temporal proximity does not establish causation.

Monthly counts, recall campaigns and complaint examples

Monthly complaint and recall timeline
Month	Campaigns announced	Examples
2024-11	None	No examples available for this selection.
2024-12	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-01	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-02	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-03	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-04	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-05	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-06	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-07	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-08	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-09	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-10	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-11	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-12	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-01	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-02	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-03	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-04	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-05	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-06	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-07	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-08	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-09	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-10 (partial)	None	No examples available for this selection.

Emerging complaint spikes

Complete months in the latest six months with at least 10 complaints, at least twice the preceding 12-month average, and at least three square-root deviations above that average.

This is a descriptive screening rule, not a statistical defect finding. Publicity and reporting changes can increase submissions.

No complete months meet the spike thresholds for this selection.

Equal-age model-year comparison

Model-wide cumulative reports during the first three or five calendar years, starting with the model year (age 0). Only fully elapsed windows are compared.

Observation windowFirst model yearSecond model year

2009: 0 complaints · 2010: 0 complaints

Equal observation windows
Model year	Through age 0	Through age 1	Through age 2
2009	0	0	0
2010	0	0	0

Date coverage across each selected cohort

Date basis for all complaints in selected model years
Year	Incident dates used	Filing date fallbacks	Excluded dates
2009	0	0	0
2010	0	0	0

Incident date is preferred when valid and no later than filing; otherwise filing date is used. Model year approximates age. Equal observation time does not adjust for sales, distance driven or reporting delays. One complaint linked to multiple model years can appear in each cohort.

Components reported together

Each cell counts unique complaints naming both components. Open a nonzero cell for examples.

Component co-occurrence matrix
Component	Air Bags	Suspension	Tires	Vehicle Speed Control	Structure:Body	Air Bags:Frontal:Sensor/Control Module	Electrical System:Wiring:Interior/Under Dash	Electronic Stability Control:Automatic (Asc)
Air Bags	—	0	0	0	1 ODI 10582891 · 71,000 mi 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 … Look up ODI 10582891 at NHTSA ↗	0	0	0
Suspension	0	—	0	0	0	0	0	0
Tires	0	0	—	0	0	0	0	1 ODI 10004060 · 9,000 mi WHILE IN MOTION AND IN INCLEMENT WEATHER, THE VEHICLE WENT INTO A 360* SPIN, WHILE MOVING AT ONLY 25 MPH. THE VEHICLE LOST ALL TRACTION. THE BRAKES ON THE VEHICLE ARE INOPERABLE. WHILE ON AN INCLINE AND BRAKING FROM ABOUT 5 MPH THE VEHICLE JUMPED AN ISLAND BEFORE THE BRAKES STOPPED IT. *JG Look up ODI 10004060 at NHTSA ↗
Vehicle Speed Control	0	0	0	—	0	0	0	0
Structure:Body	1 ODI 10582891 · 71,000 mi 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 … Look up ODI 10582891 at NHTSA ↗	0	0	0	—	0	0	0
Air Bags:Frontal:Sensor/Control Module	0	0	0	0	0	—	0	0
Electrical System:Wiring:Interior/Under Dash	0	0	0	0	0	0	—	0
Electronic Stability Control:Automatic (Asc)	0	0	1 ODI 10004060 · 9,000 mi WHILE IN MOTION AND IN INCLEMENT WEATHER, THE VEHICLE WENT INTO A 360* SPIN, WHILE MOVING AT ONLY 25 MPH. THE VEHICLE LOST ALL TRACTION. THE BRAKES ON THE VEHICLE ARE INOPERABLE. WHILE ON AN INCLINE AND BRAKING FROM ABOUT 5 MPH THE VEHICLE JUMPED AN ISLAND BEFORE THE BRAKES STOPPED IT. *JG Look up ODI 10004060 at NHTSA ↗	0	0	0	0	—

Co-reporting does not establish that one component caused another concern.

Recurring narrative patterns

Specific keyword mentions beyond broad component labels. Matching includes negations and comparisons and does not confirm a diagnosis.

Search patterns

2 patterns with matching reports.

Warning lights and dashboard alerts

2 mentions · 4.8% of complaints

Median mileage: 67,474 mi (2 usable records).

ODI 10265361 · 66,948 mi

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

Look up ODI 10265361 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10859889 · 68,000 mi

HAD AIRBAG RECALL DONE ABOUT 1500 MILES AGO, AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT IS NOW ON , STEADY ,ALL THE TIME

Look up ODI 10859889 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

\b(warning light\w*|check engine|dashboard warning\w*|malfunction indicator)\b

Hard or delayed shifting

1 mentions · 2.4% of complaints

Median mileage: 50,000 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 11185031 · 50,000 mi

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.

Look up ODI 11185031 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule