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2002 Lexus LS430 problems

The most common problem on the 2002 Lexus LS430 is body and structure, typically around 65,000 miles. Its complaint count is close to a typical LS430 model year.

Typical yearClose to a typical year
Year score
71/100
Owner complaints
30
Recalls
0
Service bulletins
69
Worst area
Body
Fuel economy
19mpg

The worst 2002 Lexus LS430 problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

  • Body
    10
  • Locks
    6
  • Acceleration
    4
  • Airbags
    3
  • Brakes
    3

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

  • Body
    10
  • Locks
    6
  • Acceleration
    4
  • Airbags
    3
  • Brakes
    3
  • Seat belts
    2
  • Steering
    2
  • Visibility
    2
  • Engine
    1
  • Fuel system
    1
  • Wheels
    1

Recalls

No recalls on record for this model year.

Technical service bulletins for the 2002 Lexus LS430 69

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

See all 69 bulletins for the 2002 Lexus LS430

2002 Lexus LS430 fuel economy

Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.

EngineDriveCityHighwayCombined
4.3L 8‑cylRWD162319

What 2002 Lexus LS430 owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Apr 19, 2013 · Acceleration, Body · 46,000 miles · LA · crash

As I was turning onto a road from a private driveway the car suddenly accelerated causing the car to cross over both lanes of the road and crash into a mailbox. The result was damage to the front of my car and a broken mailbax post.

Filed Apr 10, 2012 · Body · 65,000 miles · TX · 1 injury

I own a 2002 lexus ls in dec. 2010, while I was taking the groceries out of my trunk, the trunk fell on my head and created an injury to my eyes, I had two surgeries, the trunk unexpectedly just crash on my head, it was very painful, I almost passed out,apparently the springs wore out, there was no warning, I am still hurting and get severe headaches, I wrote to lexus, they just ignored me completely, in my opinion, this is a safety issue and should be dealt with accordingly. I am asking for your immediate attention I saved the old springs for review. [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).

Filed Nov 7, 2011 · Body · CA · 1 injury

Failed component: 2 hydraulic supporters on trunk lid. Complaints: the 2 hydraulic supporters on trunk lid were completely failed. I was injured on october 29, 2011 when the lid felled down (closed) on its own weight and hit my head and then my right arm. The supporters are very weak as compared to the trunk lid heavy duty steel structure. I hardly drive the car which registers only 30k miles. The weak hydraulic supporters started to show fatigue about 5 years ago. Eventually, it caught me after several years later. I am pretty sure that this type defects are common for many vehicles of similar years and model. It can cause serious injury if one is not careful, particularly when parking on a sloped driveway. There is no excuse for lexus to use such cheap parts of which reputation emphasizing safety and quality.

Filed Mar 2, 2011 · Body · 120,000 miles · NJ · 1 injury

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 lexus ls430. The contact stated that a passenger was struck abruptly in the head by the trunk hatch and sustained several abrasions to the head. The trunk latch failed and would not remain open. The vehicle was not inspected or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000. Updated 03/24/11*lj updated 1/5/12

Filed Feb 25, 2011 · Body, Locks · 40,000 miles · TX · 1 injury

The trunk lid of my 2002 lexus ls 430 has two pneumatic struts which provide lift and keep the lid up in the open position. Now, over time the struts slowly failed to keep the trunk lid open, and in a gentle breeze, the lid will come down with guillotine force. It has hit my head several times with painful results and now I am afraid to load items in my trunk without another person there to hold it open. I think that the "lift assist" of the pneumatics should be only auxiliary to a mechanism that holds the trunk in a full open position. I have never had a vehicle whose trunk lid did not stay in the open position once lifted, regardless of age.

Filed Nov 15, 2010 · Engine · 55,000 miles · FL · fire

Tl-the driver owned a 2002 lexus ls430. He was alerted that smoke was coming from the engine so the vehicle was towed to an authorized dealer where he was informed a valve spring failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileages were 55,000. Sm.

Filed Nov 1, 2010 · Body · 120,000 miles · NJ · 1 injury

The trunk lid of a 2002 lexus ls430 landed on my wife's head causing injury and bleeding. Gas cylinders are used to hold trunk lid up which failed. I complained about gas cylinders holding hoods up on lexus automobiles in the past and you people did nothing about it. I even contacted lexus about it but went unacknowledged.

Filed Oct 26, 2010 · Body · 59,000 miles · CT · 1 injury

Tl*the contact owns a 2002 lexus ls430. The contact stated that the trunk lid in the rear of the vehicle would suddenly fall down own its own. The failure occurred several times and the most recent occurrence caused the contact to sustain a concussion. The contact called the dealership and the dealer stated that the pistons that held up the trunk needed to be replaced. The contact called the manufacturer who stated that he would have to have the pistons replaced at his expense. The VIN was unavailable. The current mileage was approximately 60,000. The failure mileage was approximately 59,000.

Filed Oct 21, 2010 · Airbags, Fuel system · 69,500 miles · CA · crash · 1 injury

2002 lexus ls430 accelerated and shifted gears unexpectedly causing an uncontrolled vehicle situation. The vehicle plunged about ten feet into the side of a hill. The car was extracted and taken to a body repair shop.

Filed Jun 14, 2010 · Body, Locks · 80,000 miles · TN

The trunk lid keeps falling down on my 2002 lexus ls430. Several persons have been hit in the head and shoulders with the heavy lid. This has been going on for some time now.

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Questions about the 2002 Lexus LS430

Is the 2002 Lexus LS430 reliable?

Owners have filed 30 complaints about the 2002 Lexus LS430, close to a typical LS430 model year.

What is the 2002 Lexus LS430 year score?

The 2002 Lexus LS430 scores 71 out of 100 (average). The score compares it with the other model years of the Lexus LS430: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.

What is the most common problem with the 2002 Lexus LS430?

Body and structure, with 10 complaints, typically around 65,000 miles. Next is locks (6).

How many recalls does the 2002 Lexus LS430 have?

No recalls on record.

What gas mileage does the 2002 Lexus LS430 get?

Official estimates for the 2002 Lexus LS430 range from 19 mpg combined. The most efficient version (4.3L 8-cyl, RWD) gets 16 city and 23 highway.

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