2002 Lexus ES Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 5about this part
- Share
- 19%of 27 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 45,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 5 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2002 Lexus ES, 19% of the 27 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 45,000 miles. 2 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“When my vehicle is immediately put in drive gear from reverse gear, foot taken off the brake and tap the gas pedal, my vehicle surges forward as if it is in full throttle. As result, my vehicle jumped the curb and impacted a brick wall. I suffered a bloody nose and a cut on my hand. The vehicle suffered frontal damage and is undriveable. I have contacted the auto manufacturer. They will tow and inspect it.”
NHTSA complaint #10159293, filed 2006-06, 28,900 miles“This vehicle hesitates intermittently in traffic and has a dangerous loss of power. When I pull out into traffic, or turn a corner, the vehicle occasionally loses power and will not engage for several seconds, then the vehicle will proceed. I have also had the transmission completely blow up and the vehicle completely lost power, and had to be towed. The dealer has denied that this problem exists, and that I am the only one that is experiencing this problem. They have refused any assistance.”
NHTSA complaint #10154949, filed 2006-04, 34,000 miles“My wife, who drives the Lexus all the time, was preparing to drive the car from the garage to drive downtown. She had her foot on the brake pedal (as is necessary to move the transmission to reverse). The moment it was engaged the car leaped backward, leaving tire marks on the cement of the garage and also the driveway itself. Her efforts to stop the car by stomping on the brake pedal had no effect. …”
NHTSA complaint #10534175, filed 2013-08, 58,920 miles“The transmission on this vehicle will hesitate and surge causing erratic behavior. This behavior is dangerous and annoying. One never knows how it will react. I would like this fixed once and for all. The dealer has not been able to fix after several attempts. The Lexus user group has many complaints regarding this behavior. This is a problem that may get someone injured.”
NHTSA complaint #10167071, filed 2006-08, 56,000 miles“Transmission shifts roughly and sometimes abruptly in the lower gears. The downshift at times is very hard. The vehicle will also surge forward at times or will not accelerate for several seconds after the accelerator is depressed.”
NHTSA complaint #10171497, filed 2006-10Related service bulletins
- 10179697Aug 5, 2020TSB: Vehicles may display evidence of a fluid leak or fluid seep from powertrain components. This bulletin explains how to determine the differences between a fluid leak versus a…
- 10179601Aug 5, 2020TSB: Vehicles may display evidence of a fluid leak or fluid seep from powertrain components. This bulletin explains how to determine the differences between a fluid leak versus a…
- 10205346Oct 16, 2014Auto matic Transmission Replacement kPrecautions
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 1 | 10% |
| 2019 | 5 | 15% |
| 2018 | 1 | 20% |
| 2016 | 1 | 11% |
| 2013 | 1 | 3% |
| 2010 | 2 | 5% |
| 2008 | 1 | 1% |
| 2007 | 4 | 3% |
| 2006 | 1 | 8% |
| 2005 | 24 | 41% |
| 2004 | 2 | 13% |
| 2003 | 5 | 22% |
| 2002 | 5 | 19% |
| 2000 | 1 | 17% |
Other parts of the 2002 Lexus ES
8 complaintsElectrical system
5 complaintsBody and structure
5 complaintsVehicle speed control
5 complaintsAir bags
3 complaintsFuel system
3 complaintsWheels
3 complaintsBrakes
2 complaintsEngine cooling
2 complaintsExterior lighting
2 complaintsSteering
2 complaintsElectronic stability control
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2002 Lexus ES
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology