Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2002 Lexus ES300 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
When the accelerator is pressed for the purpose of passing or for merging into traffic at varying speeds between 25-50 MPH, the vehicle "lags" or encounters a dead spot before responding (by suddenly speeding off). The vehicle seems to be attempting to decide how to respond to the action of the accelerator being pressed (whether to remain in the current gear, or down-shift for quick acceleration). The 'rpms' will rise extremely high, before the transmission figures out what gear to shift into in order to comply with the request of the driver's action. This 'lag period' is an extremely dangerous time for the vehicle's occupants as the vehicle does not respond like normal vehicles confronted with a "wide-open-throttle" request do. …
Transmission gets confused when shifting into and out of the lower gears, then spends too long trying to figure out what gear to be in. This causes dangerous delays in acceleration, the effect is the same as a momentary engine stall. We have had this happen on several occasions, freeway ramp entrances are certainly the most dangerous place that this has occurred. Dealer acknowledges that there have been complaints about the shifting delays but they say no fix is available. This is our third ES300, the previous models used a cable between the gas pedal and the throttle, this new one uses what is called "fly by wire", a position sensor on the accelarator that a computer is supposed to use to figure out what to tell the engine and transmission. It isn't working very well. …
2002 Lexus ES300 with about 18,000 miles has a problem with hesitation when accelerating after slowing down, especially after completing a turn. It is like the transmission doesn't adjust with the pressing of the gas pedal. Almost had an accident because of the hesitation. Also I have had problems with the car down shifting as I come down a hill. Also a problem with the car trying to decide what gear to be in when going around 20 to 25 miles per hour. You can feel the car change gear. Passengers even have asked what was that? Complained to dealership, and was told it was the way I drive. I had the sb-tc004-03 performed after receiving the letter from Lexus, but it didn't help. May have made it worse.
Dangerous condition exists with 2002 Lexus ES300, where a severe hesitation exists when accelerating at slow roll (< 5mph) at intersection turns, exiting driveways, and generally anywhere when trying to get into flow of traffic when nearly stopped - especially when a turn is involved along with the acceleration. Very dangerous condition exists when trying to enter lane, or make a turn, in front of fast-moving traffic. It seems the car's electronics does not regognize the accelerator's request for fuel under those conditions. This is exactly what complaint /case #100375515 listed and I have the exact same problems. I have taken it back to the dealer twice and another one sheduled for 5/21/2004.
Dangerous condition exists with 2002 Lexus ES300, where a severe hesitation exists when accelerating at slow roll (< 5mph) at intersection turns, exiting driveways, and generally anywhere when trying to get into flow of traffic when nearly stopped - especially when a turn is involved along with the acceleration. Very dangerous condition exists when trying to enter lane, or make a turn, in front of fast-moving traffic. It seems the car's electronics does not regognize the accelerator's request for fuel under those conditions. A prior Lexus TSB addressed transmission shifting at higher speeds, but seems to have created a new, and potentially more dangerous condition.
I have experienced significant delay in downshifting when attempting to merge with traffic in my 2002 Lexus ES300. Following the delay, the transmission shifts to the top of the RPM range effectively resulting in no acceleration, then it up shifts to an appropriate gear. This is a dangerous condition. I have had several near misses from being rear ended as a result. The dealer has duplicated this problem on other 2002's and Lexus in california admits there is a problem but has no fix. I have been told for almost a year now that a fix is coming but still no fix. I hope someone does not get killed from this defect before it gets fixed! Please do something.
I have a 2002 Lexus ES300. My car at slower speeds has been jerking/surging at lower speeds and lurches forward without notice. It is a nightmare to drive this car in traffic. I keep being told its normal, it seems hundreds of others have complained, but I'm not getting anywhere. The Lexus dealership did a software upgrade recently, it only made the matter worse. I hate driving this car, everyone in my family avoids driving it, as we just don't feel comfortable in the way it accelerates and shifts gears. Its a 2002 model, with 49K miles. I avg 25K miles a year driving, do the math, this car sucks, and I avoid using it out of fear/annoyance.
On 11/20/09, I was parked in front of my house in my 2002 Lexus ES300. When I put the car in drive, it boomed forth, and the brake didn't work. I tried to get around the car that was parked in front of me but the speed was such that I hit it. There was damage to my car and the car I hit. The driver was in the car and has since claimed she was injured. I had another instance of unintended acceleration 2 years prior to this incident but was able to stop. I urge you to push Toyota to admit that there are cases of unintended acceleration in models that pre-date the ones they are recalling and to rectify the problem.
Lexus 2002 es 300 82,000 miles transmission went completely out with no warning and was serviced on 02/28/2007 with 58995 miles as an oil change attendant notified my that my transmission fluid looked completely worn out. My starter was replaced by Lexus of tulsa on 01/29/2008 the service manager said he had never seen one completely worn out as this with so few miles. I wonder if I have a lemon. Lexus of tulsa has quoted a transmission replacement of 4200-4600 dollars this is unacceptable. My wife and I have a new baby at home and this is our only car that the baby's car seat can travel in. We need help.
The flaws and failures of the transmission in my 2002 Lexus ES300 were noticeable within 500 miles of driving the new car off the lot. I now have 47,000 miles on the car and Lexus has performed re-programming of the transmission logic. However, that has not helped. It seems that as I drive more mileage the problem of the transmission not knowing what gear to be in is becoming worse. The resulting hesitation is dangerous for the driver and occupants of my car as it results in close-calls with other vehicles hitting me from behind during hesitation.
Transmission complaints in other ES300 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2002 Lexus ES300?
NHTSA has 52 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2002 Lexus ES300, 34% of the model year's 153 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (36 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2002 Lexus ES300 transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain recall for the 2002 Lexus ES300, though it has 2 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2002 Lexus ES300 transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 4,000 miles, and 70% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 1 injury to transmission & drivetrain problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.