The Lemon Index2002 Lexus ES. Advanced data.
The raw numbers: engines, recall campaign numbers, failure mileage and manufacturer communications.
Engines and drivetrains 1
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / hwy / combined | Fuel | Fuel cost/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.0L 6-cyl | Auto 5-spd | FWD | 18 / 27 / 21 | Regular | $2,950 |
EPA test versions for this model year. Fuel cost is the EPA's current estimate, not the price in that year.
Failure mileage by system
Half of owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 16,800 and 92,000 miles. Median 40,000, from 110 complaints with a mileage.
| System | Median | Middle half | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|
| Transmission & drivetrain | 10,000 | 1,000–48,800 | 31 |
| Speed control | 45,000 | 20,000–84,500 | 39 |
| Electrical | 50,000 | 20,100–257,700 | 5 |
| Brakes | 5,000 | 100–19,500 | 5 |
| Airbags | 72,000 | 30,500–111,200 | 10 |
Mileage owners typed into their NHTSA complaint, all complaints for this model year. People report some problems late, so read it as a range.
Complaints by system
| System | Share of complaints |
|---|---|
| Transmission & drivetrain | 43% |
| Speed control | 26% |
| Brakes | 12% |
| Electrical | 10% |
| Tires | 7% |
One complaint can name more than one system, so shares can add to more than 100%.
Severity, all complaints
| Total | Crashes | Fires | Injuries | Deaths | Tows |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 179 | 45 | 10 | 21 | 0 | 7 |
As reported by owners to NHTSA. Not verified.
Recall campaigns 2
01V372000 Dec 2001 Air Bags / Frontal
Defect. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A THREE-SPOKE STYLE STEERING WHEEL. DURING AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT, IT IS POSSIBLE THAT THE BOTTOM SEAM OF THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG MODULE COVER (HORN PAD) COULD BE TORN AWAY ALLOWING THE BOTTOM PORTION OF THE COVER TO COMPLETELY DETACH FROM THE AIR BAG MODULE.
Risk. IF THIS SHOULD OCCUR, THERE IS A POSSIBILITY THAT THE DETACHED BOTTOM PORTION MAY STRIKE THE DRIVER CAUSING PERSONAL INJURY.
Remedy. DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG MODULE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN DECEMBER 28, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331 OR LEXUS AT 1-888-333-9376.
01V371000 Dec 2001 Service Brakes, Hydraulic / Foundation Components / Hoses, Lines/Piping, And Fittings
Defect. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE LEFT FRONT BRAKE TUBE MAY HAVE BEEN DEFORMED PRIOR TO VEHICLE DELIVERY DUE TO IMPROPER INSTALLATION OF A COIL SPRING SPACER THAT WAS INSTALLED TO PREVENT DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE DURING TRANSPORTATION.
Risk. IF THE BRAKE TUBE IS DEFORMED SIGNIFICANTLY, IT COULD CONTACT THE INNER FENDER PANEL, AND EVENTUALLY CAUSE DAMAGE TO THE TUBE DUE TO VIBRATION DURING DRIVING. BRAKE TUBE DAMAGE COULD ALSO LEAD TO BRAKE FLUID LEAKAGE AFTER EXTENDED USE OF THE VEHICLE.
Remedy. DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE FRONT BRAKE LINE AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE LINE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JANUARY 1, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT LEXUS AT 1-888-333-9376.
NHTSA investigations
| Status | Subject | Opened | Closed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Closed | Unwanted and unintended acceleration | 2009 | 2009 |
| Closed | Vehicle speed control | 2005 | 2006 |
| Closed | Throttle control system | 2004 | 2004 |
| Closed | Throttle control system | 2004 | 2004 |
Manufacturer communications 102
Lexus filed 102 service communications for this car with NHTSA.
- Information regarding a revised valve body assembly developed to improve harsh 2-3 shift…
- The purpose of this service bulletin is to provide information regarding the installation of…
- The purpose of this bulletin is to provide precautions to follow when installing an automatic
Nearby model years
Sources: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer communications; EPA fuel economy data; YouTube video titles. Complaints are owner reports, not proof of a defect.
Updated
Free to use with credit: Source: The Lemon Index (lemonindex.com)
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