Most common 2002 Lexus LS problems
Share of the 7 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Lexus LS complaints by model year
Best LS years: 2013, 2012, 2011. Years to avoid: 2018, 2006. Compare all years →
What 2002 Lexus LS owners say
Body & structure
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 Lexus ls400. The contact stated that the trunk lid was ajar when it unexpectedly failed and crashed down onto the contacts head. The contact sustained a loss of blood and severe swelling of the head. The contact did not inform the dealer or the manufacturer of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The current mileage was 130,000 and the failure mileage was 120,000. Updated 3/22/11 updated 1/4/11 the consumer stated when his wife opened the trunk lid, it promptly came down on her head, with no warning...updated 01-30-14 the consumer stated the gas cylinders that held the trunk lid up failed. Updated 01/30/14
Dt*: the contact stated unless the trunk was raised all the way, the trunk closed so fast resulting in hitting several family members in the head but no one was seriously injured. The contact tried to catch the trunk before it slammed shut which resulted in the contact's finger being pinned in the trunk. The contact had an x-ray performed and the results displayed ligament damage. The dealership was contacted and referred the contact to the manufacturer.
2002 Lexus LS engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4.3L 8-cyl | 5-speed automatic | RWD | 16 / 23 / 19 |
EPA ratings. Class: Midsize car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2002 Lexus LS a good car?
Based on 7 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2002 LS rates average: 1.2× as many complaints as a typical year of the LS 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 LS?
The body & structure — 4 complaints, 57% of all complaints for this model year, most often about body › trunk lid. Next are the wheels & tires (2) and suspension (1).
How many recalls does the 2002 Lexus LS have?
NHTSA lists no recalls for the 2002 Lexus LS. You can still confirm with your VIN using our VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Lexus LS?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2013, 2012 and 2011. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2018 and 2006. See the full Lexus LS years comparison.
At what mileage do 2002 Lexus LS problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 80,000 miles; 0% 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.