2002 Lexus GS300 Problems & Complaints

Averageabout as many complaints as a typical year of the GS300 at the same age

Owners have filed 13 complaints about the 2002 Lexus GS300 with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. That is about average for the GS300 at the same age. The most reported problem area is the speed control & acceleration (5 complaints, typically around 23,000 miles).

13complaints
0recalls
1crashes
0fires
0injuries
1deaths

Most common 2002 Lexus GS300 problems

  • Speed control & acceleration~23,000 miles
    538%
  • Wheels & tires~105,000 miles
    215%
  • Electrical system
    18%
  • Air bags
    18%
  • Brakes~12,000 miles
    18%
  • Suspension~65,000 miles
    18%
  • Fuel & propulsion system~40,000 miles
    18%
  • Transmission & drivetrain~5,000 miles
    18%
  • Seat belts
    18%

Share of the 13 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.

Lexus GS300 complaints by model year

199519981999200020012002200320042006201996038351713126124
Owner complaints per model year, Lexus GS300. Colour = our verdict for that year (red: avoid, orange: caution, green: better than average, blue: too new).

Best GS300 years: 2019, 2004. Years to avoid: 2006, 1998, 2000. Compare all years →

What 2002 Lexus GS300 owners say

Speed control & acceleration

Uncontrolled excessive engine speed up this has happened a few times on two occasions there was high wind from left to right in cold weather. I wonder if the electronic control was fooled. When I complained to the dealer they told me it must be that I was not used to a electronic gas pedal!!!

40,000 miles · Jan 2010

Vehicle experienced hesitation while driving to the intersection, and vehicle will not go forward with any power. Consumer pressed the accelerator, but the vehicle will not move with any force. Consumer took the vehicle to the dealer, but received no assistance.

Accelerator pedal · 20,000 miles · Dec 2004

2002 Lexus GS300 engines & fuel economy

EngineTransmissionDriveMPG city / hwy / combined
3.0L 6-cyl5-speed automaticRWD16 / 23 / 19
4.3L 8-cyl5-speed automaticRWD16 / 21 / 18

EPA ratings. Class: Midsize car.

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2002 Lexus GS300 a good car?

Based on 13 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2002 GS300 rates average: about as many complaints as a typical year of the GS300 at the same age. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.

What is the most common problem with the 2002 Lexus GS300?

The speed control & acceleration — 5 complaints, 38% of all complaints for this model year, most often about accelerator pedal. Next are the wheels & tires (2) and electrical system (1).

How many recalls does the 2002 Lexus GS300 have?

NHTSA lists no recalls for the 2002 Lexus GS300. You can still confirm with your VIN using our VIN recall check.

What are the best and worst years of the Lexus GS300?

The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2019 and 2004. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2006, 1998 and 2000. See the full Lexus GS300 years comparison.

At what mileage do 2002 Lexus GS300 problems happen?

The median mileage reported in complaints is about 23,000 miles; 75% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.

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.