U.S. public vehicle records

2002 Lexus IS 300: complaints, problems and recalls

Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.

Key facts

28 owner complaints analyzed

0 distinct recall campaigns

30,710 mi median reported failure mileage

Scope: 2002 model year. Data updated: 2026-09-30 (September 30, 2026). 22 complaints include usable failure mileage. View data status.

Owner-reported patterns

Most common problems

Vehicle Speed Control is the most frequently named component, appearing in 5 of 28 complaints (17.9%). A complaint can name multiple components.

Recurring terms in complaint narratives
Topic	Matching reports	Share of complaints
Braking behavior	8	28.6%
Transmission and shifting	5	17.9%
Steering behavior	2	7.1%
Engine operation	1	3.6%
Electrical and battery issues	1	3.6%

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.

Vehicle Speed Control

Unknown Or Other

Power Train:Clutch Assembly

Tires

Service Brakes

Structure

Suspension

Air Bags

Vehicle Speed Control: 5; Unknown Or Other: 4; Power Train:Clutch Assembly: 3; Tires: 3; Service Brakes: 2; Structure: 2; Suspension: 2; Air Bags: 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: 10; 25,000 to 49,999: 4; 50,000 to 74,999: 2; 75,000 to 99,999: 2; 100,000 to 149,999: 3; 150,000 and above: 1

Under 25,000 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (10). 6 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

2009

2010

2014

2015

2016

2019

2002: 1; 2003: 5; 2004: 6; 2005: 5; 2006: 1; 2009: 1; 2010: 3; 2014: 2; 2015: 1; 2016: 2; 2019: 1

Pattern summary

Vehicle Speed Control leads the component reports. Braking behavior appears in 8 complaint narratives. Transmission and shifting appears in 5 complaint narratives. Steering behavior appears in 2 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.

Examples from the source records

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

Owner report 10007114 · 2003-02-12 (February 12, 2003)

CONSUMER LOSS CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, WHICH RESULTED IN AN ACCIDENT.*JB

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10007114 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10016921 · 2003-05-02 (May 2, 2003)

CLUTCH THROW OUT BEARING, CLUTCH DISC, PRESSURE PLATE, FLY WHEEL,CLUTCH MASTER CYLINDER REPLACED AFTER 13000 MILES. *NLM

Owner-reported narrative. 13,600 miles reported. Look up ODI 10016921 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10023146 · 2003-06-16 (June 16, 2003)

AFTER GETTING CLUTCH REPLACED, I PRESS THE CLUTCH PEDAL DOWN AND RELEASE THE PEDAL, IT TAKES SOMETIMES UP TO 30 OR 40 SECONDS BEFORE THE PEDAL POPS BACK OUT.. I HAVE TO REACH DOWN WITH MY HAND AND PULL THE PEDAL UP. *NLM

Owner-reported narrative. 14,500 miles reported. Look up ODI 10023146 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10030390 · 2003-07-30 (July 30, 2003)

THE FRONT TIRES AFTER 19.500 MILES INSIDE EDGE OF TIRE DOWN TO STEEL BELT. OUTSIDE EDGE OF TIRE LOOKED BRAND NEW. CONTACTED DEALER AND THE THE DEALER INSPECTED THE CAR. THEY RECOMMENDED REPLACING THE TIRES AND ALIGNING THE FRONT END AT A WHOPPING FEE OF $732.00 AND TOLD ME THAT THIS WAS NORMAL TIRE WEAR FOR 19K MILES. I TOOK THE CAR TO TWO DIFFERENT TIRE SHOPS AND WAS ASSURED THAT THIS IS NOT NORMAL AND THAT A NEGATIVE CAMBER OF THE ALLIGNMENT WOULD CAUSE THIS TYPE OF WEAR PATTERN. I DO NOT DISPUTE A TIRE OF THIS CALIBER WILL WEAR QUICKLY. TH…

Owner-reported narrative. 19,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10030390 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10041638 · 2003-10-11 (October 11, 2003)

THE SUNROOF/MOONROOF CREAKS AND CRACKLES. THIS IS NOT THE NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR. THE NOISE STARTED AFTER 5000 MILES ON THE CAR. LEXUS DEALERSHIP WHERE I WENT FOR SERVICE HAD DELAY THIS BACK AND BACK. THEY ONCE ATTEMPTED TO FIX IT BUT MADE IT WORSE. THERE ARE MANY USERS (WWW.IS300.NET) WITH THE SAME PROBLEMS. THIS IS SO ANNOYING THAT IT'S LIKE BUYING A TOYOTA COROLLA. THE SAME SOUND APPLIES TO THE SEAT BELT BUCKLE; I WONDER IF THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE. *LA

Owner-reported narrative. 5,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10041638 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10055282 · 2004-01-16 (January 16, 2004)

THE VEHICLE SKIDDED INTERMITTENTLY WHEN THE GROUND WAS WET. PROVIDE FURTHER DETAILS. *JB

Owner-reported narrative. 10,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10055282 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10055286 · 2004-01-16 (January 16, 2004)

THE VEHICLE SKIDDED WHEN THE GROUND WAS WET AND ALSO WHEN TRAVELING UPHILL. PROVIDE FURTHER DETAILS. *JB

Owner-reported narrative. 20,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10055286 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10065012 · 2004-03-26 (March 26, 2004)

INTERMITTENTLY WHEN ACCELERATOR PEDAL IS DEPRESSED IT STICKS. WHEN THIS OCCURS VEHICLE ACCELERATES AT A HIGH SPEED. THE BRAKE PEDAL FAILS TO STOP THE ACCELERATION. IGNITION HAS TO BE TURNED OFF TO STOP THE ACCELERATION. VEHICLE HAD BEEN SERVICED SEVERAL TIMES BY THE DEALERSHIP, BUT WAS NOT ABLE TO RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. *AK

Owner-reported narrative. 23,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10065012 at NHTSA ↗

Recall history

0 distinct campaigns affect this selection. Announcement dates below are different from vehicle model years. A campaign may cover multiple years.

No recall campaigns are recorded in this snapshot.

Explore the data

Vehicle analysis explorer

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

Data completeness

28 unique complaints in this selection. Analysis snapshot: 2026-09-30.

78.6%Usable mileage22 / 28 records

82.1%Valid incident date23 / 28 records

100.0%Valid filing date28 / 28 records

82.1%Ordered incident and filing dates23 / 28 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	2016	2017	2018	2019	2020	2021	2022
Unknown Or Other	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	150.0% ODI 11307418 · 25,000 mi IN ONE CALENDAR YEAR ALL 4 TIRES HAVE BEEN REPLACED. ONE BLEW OUT COMPLETELY AND THE LAST ONE WORE OUT UNEVENLY FROM THE INSIDE. CAR HAS BEEN DESIGNED AROUND TIRES AND ARE TOO SMALL FOR THE RIMS CAUSING THEM TO WEAR UNEVENLY. NEGATIVE CAMBER MAY ALSO HAVE INFLUENCED THE WEAR. THE TIRE THAT BLEW OUT WAS WHILE I WAS DRIVING ON A MAJOR HIGHWAY Look up ODI 11307418 at NHTSA ↗	116.7% ODI 11460066 I was driving down the highway at 70 mph and it was windy at the same time. Out of no where my sunroof window exploded shattering the glass. Luckily I usually keep the cover close. It sounded a gun shot that went off. There was nothing around me that would come down and break the window of the sunroof. It just happened out of no where. Look up ODI 11460066 at NHTSA ↗	457.1% ODI 11231267 · 2,000 mi PLEASE SEE IMAGES. WITHOUT WARNING ON THIS NEWS 2019 LEXUS IS 300 WITH APPROXIMATELY 2,000 MILES ON IT THE LEFT REAR FRONT TIRE LITERALLY CAME OFF THE VEHICLE WHILE TRAVELING SOUTH AT LEGAL HIGHWAY SPEED ON I-95 NEAR BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA. THE TIRE COMPLETELY BLEW UP OFF THE VEHICLE AND THE VEHICLE SLAMMED ONTO THE GROUND IN A VERY DANGEROUS MANNER, CAUSING SMOKE AND WHAT LOOKED LIKE A FIRE. THE VEHICLE SWERVED OFF THE SIDE OF THE FREEWAY AND 2 PASSENGERS EXITED QUICKLY FROM THE VEHICLE AND FLORIDA HIGHWAY PATROL WAS CALLED.PLEASE SEE PHOTOS A… Look up ODI 11231267 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	1100.0% ODI 11493859 The Oil Housing Cap cracked during an oil change on my 2021 Lexus IS300. This occurred at my mechanics shop. I would have taken the car to the dealer but the cost for an oil change is double. The mechanic charged me for the part $55.25. When he went to purchase the part from JM Lexus, Sample Road, the parts person said this is a problem that should have been resolved. I called the Parts Manager at JM Lexus to verify this information. He stated that the part is weak and cracks and that this part needs to be replaced a few times a month. I wr… Look up ODI 11493859 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.
Vehicle Speed Control	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	116.7% ODI 11149541 · 240 mi WHEN I ACCELERATE FROM A STOP OR WHILE MOVING ON A ROADWAY, THE ENGINE SEEMS TO STALL. I'M NOT TALKING ABOUT THE NORMAL TURBO SPOOLING STALL. IT LASTS FOR ABOUT 3 TO 5 FULL SECONDS. WHEN YOU NEED POWER TO PREVENT AN ACCIDENT, YOU CAN'T AFFORD THAT TIME LAG, AS IT COULD CAUSE YOUR DEATH. THE DEALER TOLD ME THAT LEXUS SAYS IT'S NORMAL, THEY ALL DO IT. I DON'T FEEL ANY MANUFACTURER WOULD DELIBERATELY BUILD AND SELL A VEHICLE THAT WOULD PUT THE OCCUPANTS IN DANGER OF POSSIBLE DEATH. THE DEALER PICKED UP THE CAR AND AFTER FIVE DAYS CALLED ME TO … Look up ODI 11149541 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.
Structure:Body	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	233.3% ODI 11154859 · 7,000 mi DRIVING ON 285 EAST IN ATLANTA GA 11/29/2018 WHEN MY LEXUS IS 300 SUNROOF EXPLODED. ALL WINDOWS WERE CLOSED TEMPERATURE WAS 37 DEGREES. IT SOUND LIKE A GUN WENT OFF. GLASS FELL FROM THE ROOF AND PIECE OF THE GLASS WENT IN MY LEFT EYE. I MADE APPOINTMENT FOR THE EYE DOCTOR FOR 11/30/2018 Look up ODI 11154859 at NHTSA ↗	114.3% ODI 11493797 2019 LEXUS 300H. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARD TO DEFECTIVE PASSENGER DOOR. Look up ODI 11493797 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.
Suspension	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	150.0% ODI 11184546 · 2,500 mi SINCE THE PURCHASE OF THIS VEHICLE ON MARCH 25, 2017, TWO ALIGNMENTS HAVE BEEN DONE TO THIS VEHICLE. WAS TOLD BY THE SERVICE CENTER THAT THIS KIND OF VEHICLE IN THIS PARTICULAR MODEL NEEDS ALIGNMENTS AT 5K MILES, THAT WOULD BE AT LEAST TWICE A YEAR. I WAS NOT INFORM OF THIS INFORMATION. HAD I KNOWN THIS REQUIREMENT, I WOULD NOT HAVE PURCHASE THIS VEHICLE. ALSO, ACCORDING TO THE LEXUS MANUAL, IF THE STEERING WHEEL STEER TO THE LEFT AND/OR RIGHT IT IS NOT NORMAL AND RECOMMEND TO GET AN ALIGNMENT DONE. IN MY CASE, THE STEERING WHEEL SEEMS FIN… Look up ODI 11184546 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	114.3% ODI 11327445 · 34,000 mi I LEASED A NEW 2019 IS 300 IN DEC 2018 FOR MY THEN 18YR DAUGHTER. SINCE THE START OF THIS CONTRACT, WE HAVE HAD THE CAR SERVICED SEVERAL TIMES FOR MULTIPLE ISSUES: THE AC NOT WORKING, THEN THE "O" RING BEING CRIMPED, SOMETHING BROKEN IN THE FUEL PUMP (CAUSING MY 19YR DAUGHTER TO BE STUCK ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD) AND NOW RECALLED, THE BRAKES, THE SPEAKERS, THE SUNROOF NOT OPENING FULLY, THE CAR JERKS WHEN GOING DOWNHILL, ETC. WE TOOK THE CAR IN FOR SCHEDULED SERVICE ON 5/28/20, AND WHEN MY DAUGHTER PICKED UP HER CAR ON 5/30/20, THEN TIRE LIGHT W… Look up ODI 11327445 at NHTSA ↗	150.0% ODI 11527863 The tires keep coming out of alignment which causes vehicle vibration, a pull to the left and premature wearing of the tires that then have to be replaced every 10-20K miles. Lexus is aware the IS series cars wear tires this way but state its bc this is a high performance vehicle. The vehicle vibration and driveline issues can get bad enough that it could pull a vehicle into a different lane potentially causing an accident. Had it into the Lexus dealership 6+ times for this and after replacement of tires (on 2nd visit) to the recommended ti… Look up ODI 11527863 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.
Tires	133.3% ODI 11256476 · 31,300 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 LEXUS IS 300 EQUIPPED WITH BRIDGESTONE TURANZA ALL SEASON TIRES, SIZE: 225/40/R18 (NA). WHILE THE CONTACT WAS PERFORMING A ROUTINE OIL CHANGE ON THE VEHICLE, HE NOTICED THAT THE INSIDE OF THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE FRONT TIRE TREADS WERE WORN DOWN. DOLAN LEXUS (7175 S VIRGINIA ST, RENO, NV 89511) STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS DUE TO NORMAL WEAR, AND THE TIRES BECAME WORN DOWN QUICKLY. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT HE WOULD GET LESS THAN 15,000 MILES ON THE TIRES. THE TIRES WERE NOT CHANGED. ONE YEAR LATER, WHILE PER… Look up ODI 11256476 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	228.6% ODI 11231267 · 2,000 mi PLEASE SEE IMAGES. WITHOUT WARNING ON THIS NEWS 2019 LEXUS IS 300 WITH APPROXIMATELY 2,000 MILES ON IT THE LEFT REAR FRONT TIRE LITERALLY CAME OFF THE VEHICLE WHILE TRAVELING SOUTH AT LEGAL HIGHWAY SPEED ON I-95 NEAR BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA. THE TIRE COMPLETELY BLEW UP OFF THE VEHICLE AND THE VEHICLE SLAMMED ONTO THE GROUND IN A VERY DANGEROUS MANNER, CAUSING SMOKE AND WHAT LOOKED LIKE A FIRE. THE VEHICLE SWERVED OFF THE SIDE OF THE FREEWAY AND 2 PASSENGERS EXITED QUICKLY FROM THE VEHICLE AND FLORIDA HIGHWAY PATROL WAS CALLED.PLEASE SEE PHOTOS A… Look up ODI 11231267 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.
Structure	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.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.
Engine	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	116.7% ODI 11149541 · 240 mi WHEN I ACCELERATE FROM A STOP OR WHILE MOVING ON A ROADWAY, THE ENGINE SEEMS TO STALL. I'M NOT TALKING ABOUT THE NORMAL TURBO SPOOLING STALL. IT LASTS FOR ABOUT 3 TO 5 FULL SECONDS. WHEN YOU NEED POWER TO PREVENT AN ACCIDENT, YOU CAN'T AFFORD THAT TIME LAG, AS IT COULD CAUSE YOUR DEATH. THE DEALER TOLD ME THAT LEXUS SAYS IT'S NORMAL, THEY ALL DO IT. I DON'T FEEL ANY MANUFACTURER WOULD DELIBERATELY BUILD AND SELL A VEHICLE THAT WOULD PUT THE OCCUPANTS IN DANGER OF POSSIBLE DEATH. THE DEALER PICKED UP THE CAR AND AFTER FIVE DAYS CALLED ME TO … Look up ODI 11149541 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	1100.0% ODI 11493859 The Oil Housing Cap cracked during an oil change on my 2021 Lexus IS300. This occurred at my mechanics shop. I would have taken the car to the dealer but the cost for an oil change is double. The mechanic charged me for the part $55.25. When he went to purchase the part from JM Lexus, Sample Road, the parts person said this is a problem that should have been resolved. I called the Parts Manager at JM Lexus to verify this information. He stated that the part is weak and cracks and that this part needs to be replaced a few times a month. I wr… Look up ODI 11493859 at NHTSA ↗	1100.0% ODI 11496172 Unknown. Clicking sound coming from the passenger side of engine compartment by the vacuum pump. It occurs on cold starts and with the vehicle under load. I have video evidence of the sound. Not sure if it’s related but my breaks sometimes feel like they are not gripping as much Look up ODI 11496172 at NHTSA ↗
Air Bags	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.	150.0% ODI 11492444 Airbags failed to deploy after the car went thru a brick wall at 35 miles per hour. Front impact crash. Car fax report reflects no prior accident. Vehicle was still under warranty & had the “auto nation 162 point check” June 2020 by Tampa Florida by Lexis of Tampa. NOT a single air bag deployed. Look up ODI 11492444 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% 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
Vehicle Speed Control	Too few reports for a range	30,710 mi	4 (sparse)	ODI 10139528 · 35,420 mi MY 2002, LEXUS IS300 HAD A CASE OF SUDDEN UNINTENDED ACCELERATION THAT LED TO A CRASH CAUSING OVER $10,000 WORTH OF DAMAGES TO BOTH MY CAR AND THE OTHER PERSONS CAR. I HAVE SEEN OTHER REPORTS OF OTHER PEOPLE WONDERING IF THE ELECTRONIC THROTTLE IS SUSPECT IN THESE CASES, HOWEVER I PERSONALLY BELIEVE THAT THE REAL PROBLEM IS ONLY PARTLY TO BLAME ON THE ELECTRONIC THROTTLE. IN MY OPINION, THE PROBLEM IS THE LIKELIHOOD OF THE PEDAL GETTING STUCK UNDER FLOOR MATS IS TOO HIGH, COMBINED WITH THE RELATIVELY "LIGHT" SPRING FORCE ON THE GAS PEDAL BECA… Look up ODI 10139528 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10167016 · 26,000 mi ON 8/28/06, AT APPROXIMATELY 8:50 AM I WAS DRIVING TO WORK ON A TWO LANE, LEVEL, STRAIGHT PAVED COUNTY ROAD. I WAS DRIVING MY 2002 LEXUS IS 300 THAT HAD JUST REACHED 26,000 MILES. (THIS CAR HAS RECEIVED ALL REGULARLY SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE SERVICES FROM LEXUS OF RENO AND HAS NOT HAD ANY PROBLEMS WHATSOEVER. I AM THE ORIGINAL OWNER OF THIS VEHICLE) THE ROAD WAS CLEAR AND DRY. I WAS TRAVELING AT APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH WHEN I ACCELERATED TO PASS ANOTHER VEHICLE. AS I PASSED, MY CAR KEPT ON ACCELERATING EVEN AS I LET UP ON THE ACCELERATOR. I ATTEMP… Look up ODI 10167016 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10310943 · 86,000 mi ACCELERATOR FAILURE IN A LEXUS IS300 ABOUT TWO YEARS MY DAUGHTER GOT ON A CAR ACCIDENT AT THAT TIME SHE MENTIONED THAT HER ACCELERATOR GOT STUCK. THERE HAS BEE A FEW TIME THAT I FELT THAT THE ACCELERATOR GOT STUCK WHILE DRIVING MY CAR ALSO. I CALLED THE DEALER AND THE LEXUS COMPANY FOR THE LAST 6 MONTHS AND ALL THEY SAID IS THAT MY CAR IS NOT INVOLVE IN THE RECALL. THAT DON'T MEAN THAT MY CAR IS NOT DEFECTIVE, OR THERE NEED TO BE A FATAL ACCIDENT FOR THEM TO TAKE ACTION. *TR Look up ODI 10310943 at NHTSA ↗
Unknown Or Other	Too few reports for a range	35,420 mi	1 (sparse)	ODI 10139528 · 35,420 mi MY 2002, LEXUS IS300 HAD A CASE OF SUDDEN UNINTENDED ACCELERATION THAT LED TO A CRASH CAUSING OVER $10,000 WORTH OF DAMAGES TO BOTH MY CAR AND THE OTHER PERSONS CAR. I HAVE SEEN OTHER REPORTS OF OTHER PEOPLE WONDERING IF THE ELECTRONIC THROTTLE IS SUSPECT IN THESE CASES, HOWEVER I PERSONALLY BELIEVE THAT THE REAL PROBLEM IS ONLY PARTLY TO BLAME ON THE ELECTRONIC THROTTLE. IN MY OPINION, THE PROBLEM IS THE LIKELIHOOD OF THE PEDAL GETTING STUCK UNDER FLOOR MATS IS TOO HIGH, COMBINED WITH THE RELATIVELY "LIGHT" SPRING FORCE ON THE GAS PEDAL BECA… Look up ODI 10139528 at NHTSA ↗
Power Train:Clutch Assembly	Too few reports for a range	40,200 mi	3 (sparse)	ODI 10016921 · 13,600 mi CLUTCH THROW OUT BEARING, CLUTCH DISC, PRESSURE PLATE, FLY WHEEL,CLUTCH MASTER CYLINDER REPLACED AFTER 13000 MILES. *NLM Look up ODI 10016921 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10112285 · 40,200 mi I OWN A 5-SPEED MANUAL 2002 LEXUS IS300. CURRENTLY, MY CAR HAS 40,000 MILES. EVERYTHING IN THE VEHICLE IS STOCK, NO MODIFIED PARTS AND ACCESORIES. I DRIVE THIS CAR NORMAL LIKE ANY OTHER MANUAL TRANSMISSION CARS. I REV MATCH WHEN I DOWNSHIFT, NEVER RIDE THE CLUTCH ETC...I HAVE BEEN DRIVING MANUAL CARS FOR THE LAST 10 YEARS. A FEW DAYS AGO, I NOTICED THAT THE TRANSMISSION CLUTCHED BEGAN TO SLIP AS I WAS ACCELERATING ON-RAMP ONTO FREEWAY. THE CAR IS DRIVABLE BUT I HAVE TO BE CAREFUL ACCELERATING AND PASSING OR ELSE, THE CLUTCH SLIPS AND CAR WO… Look up ODI 10112285 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10114697 · 62,603 mi TRANSMISSIONG WAS REPLACED AND CLUTCH. NEW CLUTCH WORE IN IN 24,000 MILES. CLAIMED IT WAS WEAR AND TEAR. NEVER HAD A CLUTCH GO OUT THAT EARLY EVER! Look up ODI 10114697 at NHTSA ↗
Tires	Too few reports for a range	19,000 mi	3 (sparse)	ODI 10030390 · 19,000 mi THE FRONT TIRES AFTER 19.500 MILES INSIDE EDGE OF TIRE DOWN TO STEEL BELT. OUTSIDE EDGE OF TIRE LOOKED BRAND NEW. CONTACTED DEALER AND THE THE DEALER INSPECTED THE CAR. THEY RECOMMENDED REPLACING THE TIRES AND ALIGNING THE FRONT END AT A WHOPPING FEE OF $732.00 AND TOLD ME THAT THIS WAS NORMAL TIRE WEAR FOR 19K MILES. I TOOK THE CAR TO TWO DIFFERENT TIRE SHOPS AND WAS ASSURED THAT THIS IS NOT NORMAL AND THAT A NEGATIVE CAMBER OF THE ALLIGNMENT WOULD CAUSE THIS TYPE OF WEAR PATTERN. I DO NOT DISPUTE A TIRE OF THIS CALIBER WILL WEAR QUICKLY. TH… Look up ODI 10030390 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10055282 · 10,000 mi THE VEHICLE SKIDDED INTERMITTENTLY WHEN THE GROUND WAS WET. PROVIDE FURTHER DETAILS. JB Look up ODI 10055282 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10055286 · 20,000 mi THE VEHICLE SKIDDED WHEN THE GROUND WAS WET AND ALSO WHEN TRAVELING UPHILL. PROVIDE FURTHER DETAILS. JB Look up ODI 10055286 at NHTSA ↗
Service Brakes	Too few reports for a range	138,750 mi	2 (sparse)	ODI 10593815 · 150,000 mi I PUT $3000 ON 2002 LEXUS AND HAD IT FOR THREE DAYS WHEN MY 6 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER AND MYSELF WAS HEADING ONTO COMMERCIAL TURNPIKE SOUTH. I WAS APPROACHING LIGHT ON CORNER OF 441 AND COMMERCIAL WHEN MY BRAKES JUST GAVE OUT ON ME COMPLETELY AND I QUICKLY RESPONDED AND PULLED UP EMERGENCY BRAKE AND TURNED INTO GAS STATION TO HAVE IT TOWED TO MECHANIC AND WHICH IT WAS PUT ON MACHINE AND DETAILED EVERYTHING THAT WAS WRONG WITH CAR INCLUDING THE MALFUNCTION ON THE ABS SYSTEM WHICH CONTROLS BRAKES AND STEERING. I WAS SAVED BY NOT GETTING ONTO TURNPIKE… Look up ODI 10593815 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10865919 · 127,500 mi BRAKE,TRAC OFF,VSC,ABS LIGHT ARE ON Look up ODI 10865919 at NHTSA ↗
Structure	Too few reports for a range	144,500 mi	1 (sparse)	ODI 10626445 · 144,500 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 LEXUS IS 300. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, A GLARE APPEARED ON THE WINDSHIELD THAT AFFECTED THE CONTACT'S VISIBILITY. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE DASHBOARD WAS MELTING AND A STICKY RESIDUE COVERED ITS SURFACE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 144,500. Look up ODI 10626445 at NHTSA ↗
Suspension	Too few reports for a range	41,000 mi	2 (sparse)	ODI 10095086 · 20,000 mi TIRE WEAR AND ALIGNMENT PROBLEMS ON 2002 LEXUS IS300. BF THE FRONT END MADE A LOUD SOUND OF ROLLING MARBLES. THE DEALER SUGGESTED THAT IT WAS A NORMAL SOUND AND THE FACT THAT THE BRAKES HAD SETTLED THE NOISE WOULD BE HEARD. SC *JB Look up ODI 10095086 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10306125 · 62,000 mi I WOULD LIKE TO REPORT A PROBLEM WITH THE LEXUS IS300 MODELS 2001-2005. 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. TIRES WILL SOMETIMES LAST LESS THAN 8,000 MILES AND CAN WEAR DOWN TO THE STEEL IN THE INNER SIDES. THIS IS A COMMON OCCURRENCE AND COMPLAINT AMONG IS 300 OWNERS. AS FAR AS I KNOW, THERE HAS BEEN NO FIX FROM LEXUS AND CAN LEAD TO POTENTIAL BLOWOUTS ON THE FREEWAY DUE… Look up ODI 10306125 at NHTSA ↗
Air Bags	Too few reports for a range	100,474 mi	1 (sparse)	ODI 10296922 · 100,474 mi LEXUS IS300 2002 VEHICLE ROLLOVER ON FREEWAY. DEFECT THAT CAUSED THE CAR TO ROLL WAS FROM THE LEFT FRONT WHEEL/RIM BROKE IN HALF WHILE DRIVING. I WAS MERGING AND HEARD SOMETHING BREAK UNDER THE CAR. MY STEERING WHEEL TURNED A HARD RIGHT FORCEFUL AND WITHOUT MY CONTROL. I TRIED TO STRAIGHTEN THE STEERING WHEEL OUT FROM THIS INVOLUNTARY HARSH DIRECTION OF VEHICLE, IT WAS LOCKED UP. I TURNED COMPLETELY AROUND FACING TRAFFIC. ALL ATTEMPTS TO TURN THE STEERING COLUMN WOULD NOT ALLOW ME TO DO SO (COMPLETELY LOCKED POSITION). THE VEHICLE SPUN AND … Look up ODI 10296922 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
2024-10	None	No examples available for this selection.
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 (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

2021: 1 complaints · 2022: 1 complaints

Equal observation windows
Model year	Through age 0	Through age 1	Through age 2
2021	0	1	1
2022	1	1	1

Date coverage across each selected cohort

Date basis for all complaints in selected model years
Year	Incident dates used	Filing date fallbacks	Excluded dates
2021	1	0	0
2022	1	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	Vehicle Speed Control	Unknown Or Other	Power Train:Clutch Assembly	Tires	Service Brakes	Structure	Suspension	Air Bags
Vehicle Speed Control	—	1 ODI 10139528 · 35,420 mi MY 2002, LEXUS IS300 HAD A CASE OF SUDDEN UNINTENDED ACCELERATION THAT LED TO A CRASH CAUSING OVER $10,000 WORTH OF DAMAGES TO BOTH MY CAR AND THE OTHER PERSONS CAR. I HAVE SEEN OTHER REPORTS OF OTHER PEOPLE WONDERING IF THE ELECTRONIC THROTTLE IS SUSPECT IN THESE CASES, HOWEVER I PERSONALLY BELIEVE THAT THE REAL PROBLEM IS ONLY PARTLY TO BLAME ON THE ELECTRONIC THROTTLE. IN MY OPINION, THE PROBLEM IS THE LIKELIHOOD OF THE PEDAL GETTING STUCK UNDER FLOOR MATS IS TOO HIGH, COMBINED WITH THE RELATIVELY "LIGHT" SPRING FORCE ON THE GAS PEDAL BECA… Look up ODI 10139528 at NHTSA ↗	0	0	0	0	0	0
Unknown Or Other	1 ODI 10139528 · 35,420 mi MY 2002, LEXUS IS300 HAD A CASE OF SUDDEN UNINTENDED ACCELERATION THAT LED TO A CRASH CAUSING OVER $10,000 WORTH OF DAMAGES TO BOTH MY CAR AND THE OTHER PERSONS CAR. I HAVE SEEN OTHER REPORTS OF OTHER PEOPLE WONDERING IF THE ELECTRONIC THROTTLE IS SUSPECT IN THESE CASES, HOWEVER I PERSONALLY BELIEVE THAT THE REAL PROBLEM IS ONLY PARTLY TO BLAME ON THE ELECTRONIC THROTTLE. IN MY OPINION, THE PROBLEM IS THE LIKELIHOOD OF THE PEDAL GETTING STUCK UNDER FLOOR MATS IS TOO HIGH, COMBINED WITH THE RELATIVELY "LIGHT" SPRING FORCE ON THE GAS PEDAL BECA… Look up ODI 10139528 at NHTSA ↗	—	0	0	0	0	0	0
Power Train:Clutch Assembly	0	0	—	0	0	0	0	0
Tires	0	0	0	—	0	0	0	0
Service Brakes	0	0	0	0	—	0	0	0
Structure	0	0	0	0	0	—	0	0
Suspension	0	0	0	0	0	0	—	0
Air Bags	0	0	0	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

3 patterns with matching reports.

Brake response concerns

2 mentions · 7.1% of complaints

Median mileage: 16,500 mi (2 usable records).

ODI 10065012 · 23,000 mi

Look up ODI 10065012 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10324386 · 10,000 mi

ACCELERATOR FAILURE: TWICE THAT I CAN CLEARLY REMEMBER. FIRST TIME HAPPENED IN 2003 AFTER GENTLE DEPRESSION OF THE GAS PEDAL, IT SEEMED TO PUSH ITSELF FURTHER AND WAS STUCK INTO THE FLOOR RESULTING IN UNCONTROLLED, MAX ACCELERATION...THIS WAS MENTIONED TO THE DEALER WHEN I TOOK IT FOR SERVICE (RAY CATENA LEXUS, LARCHMONT, NY). AFTER THAT, IT DIDN'T HAPPEN UNTIL THE SPRING OF 2008 WHERE I WAS ON THE I95 ON MY WAY TO WORK, IN RUSH HOUR WHEN THE CAR SUDDENLY WENT FROM ABOUT 40MPH TO 70 OR 80. I MANAGED TO WEAVE AROUND TRAFFIC AND DROVE ON THE …

Look up ODI 10324386 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

Stalling or loss of power

1 mentions · 3.6% of complaints

Median mileage: Unavailable (0 usable records).

ODI 10136215

DT: THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 LEXUS IS300. THE CONTACT STATES THE VEHICLE STALLS AND WILL NOT ACCELERATE, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WILL COME ON EITHER ON THE HIGHWAY OR ON OFF ROADS. THE VEHICLE WILL STALL AT DECELERATING OR ACCELERATING. THE ONLY WARNING PRIOR TO THIS FAILURE IS THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMING ON. THIS OCCURS AT VARIOUS SPEEDS. THE ENGINE WILL RESTART USUALLY IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE FAILURE. IT HAPPENED ABOUT 100-150 TIMES. THE CAR HAS BEEN TO THE DEALERSHIP ABOUT 10 TIMES WITHIN THE LAST YEAR. THE DEALERSHIP HAS ATTEMPTED TO REPAIR …

Look up ODI 10136215 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

\b(stall\w*|loss of power|lost power|engine shut\w* off)\b

Warning lights and dashboard alerts

1 mentions · 3.6% of complaints

Median mileage: Unavailable (0 usable records).

ODI 10136215

Look up ODI 10136215 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

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