Most common 2002 Lexus RX problems
Share of the 12 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Lexus RX complaints by model year
Best RX years: 2012, 2013, 2014. Years to avoid: 2023, 2024, 2021, 2022, 2025. Compare all years →
What 2002 Lexus RX owners say
Transmission & drivetrain
Transmission wouldnt shift all of the sudden on the high way no prior mechanical issues was t boned and broke my leg abs and trac off lights mechanic says total transmission failure 121000 miles and this is the second owner of this vehicle
Vehicle was parked with transmission in park and emergency brake engaged. While unattended the vehicle started moving forward slowly, I (the driver) jumped into front seat to apply the foot brake and pedal went to floor (no brakes!) vehicle could not be stopped and ran in to the wall of my garage.
2002 Lexus RX engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.0L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | FWD | 17 / 21 / 18 |
| 3.0L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 4WD/AWD | 16 / 21 / 18 |
EPA ratings. Class: Wagon.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2002 Lexus RX a good car?
Based on 12 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2002 RX rates better than average: 54% fewer complaints than a typical year of the RX 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 RX?
The transmission & drivetrain — 5 complaints, 42% of all complaints for this model year, most often about automatic transmission. Next are the air bags (2) and engine & cooling (1).
How many recalls does the 2002 Lexus RX have?
NHTSA lists no recalls for the 2002 Lexus RX. You can still confirm with your VIN using our VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Lexus RX?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2012, 2013 and 2014. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2023, 2024, 2021, 2022 and 2025. See the full Lexus RX years comparison.
At what mileage do 2002 Lexus RX problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 116,000 miles; 25% 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.