Most common 2002 Lexus IS problems
Share of the 12 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Lexus IS complaints by model year
Best IS years: 2014, 2013, 2015. Years to avoid: 2008, 2009, 2010, 2012, 2007. Compare all years →
What 2002 Lexus IS owners say
Body & structure
Over the years my dashboard has deteriorated, the rubber has become sticky and nasty just like all the other Lexus vehicles in complaints. I understand there IS a recall regarding this matter but not my year. I do not understand why this wouldn't apply to all the 2002 models that are experiencing the exact same issue! Please, could someone enlighten me? Me vehicle has 120,000 miles on it and IS in immaculate condition other than the dashboard and sides of console. Help, I love my car and I deserve to be a part of this recall also!! Thank you in advance for your help.
Vehicle stalls, bucks and sways onto other drivers not an alignment problem when braking the vehicle sways left or right. It IS missing a spare tire and jack, I asked on 3 different occasions for this safety equipment and was denied. Also, missing weather strips on all 4 doors the wind enters the car and one day it IS going to swing it directly off the road .
Wheels & tires
I would like to report a problem with my Lexus is300 models 2002. 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 on the inner portion of the tires. Tires will sometimes last less than 5,000 miles and have worn down to the steel in the inner sides of the front tires! This IS a common occurrence and complaint among IS 300 owners. As far as I know, there has been no fix from Lexus and will lead to potential blowouts on the freeway due to tire failures. This condition IS unacceptable. Therefore I am requesting an investigation and recall to fix the problem before a fatality occurs due to the resulting tire failure because of the front suspension defect.
Vehicle stalls, bucks and sways onto other drivers not an alignment problem when braking the vehicle sways left or right. It IS missing a spare tire and jack, I asked on 3 different occasions for this safety equipment and was denied. Also, missing weather strips on all 4 doors the wind enters the car and one day it IS going to swing it directly off the road .
2002 Lexus IS engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.0L 6-cyl | 5-speed manual | RWD | 16 / 23 / 19 |
| 3.0L 6-cyl | 5-speed automatic | RWD | 16 / 23 / 18 |
EPA ratings. Class: Compact car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2002 Lexus IS a good car?
Based on 12 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2002 IS rates better than average: 50% fewer complaints than a typical year of the IS 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 IS?
The body & structure — 5 complaints, 42% of all complaints for this model year, most often about body › door. Next are the wheels & tires (3) and air bags (1).
How many recalls does the 2002 Lexus IS have?
NHTSA lists no recalls for the 2002 Lexus IS. You can still confirm with your VIN using our VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Lexus IS?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2014, 2013 and 2015. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2008, 2009, 2010, 2012 and 2007. See the full Lexus IS years comparison.
At what mileage do 2002 Lexus IS problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 116,000 miles; 17% 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.