Model year guide

2002 Lexus is300

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2002 Lexus is300 is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 2 on record.

2002 Lexus is300 — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

2002 Lexus is300 at a glance

Safety recallsNone
Owner complaints45
Combined18–19 mpg

Included: that car's specs and build sheet, model-year recall campaigns and a fair price.

2002 Lexus is300 recalls 0

No NHTSA safety-recall campaigns are on record for the 2002 Lexus is300.

Source: U.S. NHTSA, checked 14 Oct 2026. A campaign covers the model year; to see whether a particular car still needs the repair, check its VIN on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer.

2002 Lexus is300 common problems

The most-reported problem areas across all 45 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Structure
Inspect for rust, fresh undercoating, mismatched paint, uneven panel gaps and any sign of prior collision or frame repair.
Vehicle Speed Control
Test cruise control and throttle response, and watch for any hesitation or unintended acceleration.
Service Brakes
Brakes should feel firm and quiet — no grinding, pulsing or pulling. Check for an ABS light and uneven pad/rotor wear.
Power Train
Drive through every gear: watch for slipping, hard or delayed shifts, and shudder. Check for transmission/driveline leaks and noises.
Tires
Check tread depth, the DOT age date, and that all four tires match with even wear. Look for bulges or cracks.
Exterior Lighting
Confirm all headlights, brake lights, turn signals and reverse lights work, with no moisture inside the housings.

2002 Lexus is300 MPG & running costs

Combined18–19 mpg
City16 mpg
Highway23 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$4,450
EPA size classCompact Cars
TransmissionAutomatic (S5) or Manual 5-spd
Passenger volume89 cu ft
Cargo volume22 cu ft
5-yr fuel cost vs average new car$10,250 more

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov. The EPA lists 2 versions of this model year; combined is shown as a range and the other figures are averages.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 2002 Lexus is300 costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$22,250
Fuel only$22,250
Per mile$0.30

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. There aren't enough comparable listings to estimate depreciation for this model, so it is left out. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

Investigations & service bulletins

Manufacturer service bulletins 77

Technical notes the manufacturer sent to dealers about known issues and fixes. Useful to mention to a mechanic — they are not recalls and repairs may not be covered. Showing the 10 most recent of 77.

Vehicles may occasionally be subjected to contamination by airborne iron particles shed from railroad tracks, train wheels, exposure to heavy machinery facilities, grinding, welding, etc. This type of contamination can be identified by the presence of small, r…

Bulletin L-SB-0020-24 · Structure · Apr 2024

Lexus vehicles are currently protected with RapgardTM protective film designed to protect the horizontal painted surfaces. This material protects from acid rain, environmental fallout, and rail contamination. Follow the Removal Procedure in this bulletin to re…

Bulletin L-SB-0021-24 · Structure · Apr 2024

Acid rain results from rainwater or other airborne moisture that become acidic due to industrial chemical impurities in the atmosphere. If these acidic compounds settle on an exposed vehicle, especially the horizontal areas such as the hood, roof, and decklid,…

Bulletin L-SB-0022-24 · Structure · Apr 2024

The condition known as acid rain is caused by airborne chemicals or particles in the atmosphere, which mix with rainwater, nighttime dew, or high humidity to form acidic compounds. If these contaminants settle and remain on a painted vehicle surface, especiall…

Bulletin L-SB-0024-24 · Structure · Apr 2024

Vehicles may occasionally be subjected to contamination by airborne iron particles shed from railroad tracks, train wheels, exposure to heavy machinery facilities, grinding, welding, etc. This type of contamination can be identified by the presence of small, r…

Bulletin L-SB-0020-24 · Structure · Apr 2024

Lexus vehicles are currently protected with RapgardTM protective film designed to protect the horizontal painted surfaces. This material protects from acid rain, environmental fallout, and rail contamination. Follow the Removal Procedure in this bulletin to re…

Bulletin L-SB-0021-24 · Structure · Apr 2024

Acid rain results from rainwater or other airborne moisture that become acidic due to industrial chemical impurities in the atmosphere. If these acidic compounds settle on an exposed vehicle, especially the horizontal areas such as the hood, roof, and decklid,…

Bulletin L-SB-0022-24 · Structure · Apr 2024

The condition known as acid rain is caused by airborne chemicals or particles in the atmosphere, which mix with rainwater, nighttime dew, or high humidity to form acidic compounds. If these contaminants settle and remain on a painted vehicle surface, especiall…

Bulletin L-SB-0024-24 · Structure · Apr 2024

Lexus Safety Recall and Service Campaign - Technician Certification Requirements 4.13.2022

Bulletin Safety Recall 22 · Equipment · Apr 2022

POL: This consolidated Tire Warranty Guide contains the complete warranty terms for all brands of ground and spare tires currently in use by Lexus. This information must be kept near the point of vehicle sale and be available to any customer that requests it.…

Bulletin Lexus PRO19-02 - · Tires, Wheels, Equipment · Jan 2022

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, listed for the IS300. Model-year data, not specific to one car.

2002 Lexus is300 trims & engines on record

Trims
300
Engines
3.0L 6-cyl 215 hp

2002 Lexus is300 vehicles on record

Other Lexus is300 model years

2002 Lexus is300 — frequently asked questions

Does the 2002 Lexus is300 have any safety recalls?

NHTSA lists no safety-recall campaigns for the 2002 Lexus is300. Whether an individual car still needs a recall repair depends on its VIN — check it on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer. Recall repairs are done at no charge.

What are the most common problems with the 2002 Lexus is300?

Across all 45 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are structure, vehicle speed control, service brakes.

What gas mileage does the 2002 Lexus is300 get?

The 2002 Lexus is300 has U.S. EPA estimates of 18–19 mpg combined, depending on engine and trim (2 versions).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.