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Vehicle speed controlPart report

2002 Lexus ES Vehicle speed control Problems

Complaints
5about this part
Share
19%of 27 total for the year
Median mileage
104,000miles
Trend
Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.

NHTSA recorded 5 complaints about the vehicle speed control of the 2002 Lexus ES, 19% of the 27 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 104,000 miles. 5 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.

“In a commercial parking lot, I shifted from r to d to exit a parking space and, with my foot on the brake pedal, my Lexus suddenly sped forward and rammed a parked car, driving it into a 3rd car.”

NHTSA complaint #10990663, filed 2017-05, 80,000 miles

“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

“I own a 2002 Lexus es300 and am the original owner. I have enjoyed the experience of driving the car to around 175k miles in nearly 12 years. So far, I did not have any major problems with the car until recently. Last friday, aug 8, 2014, my wife drove the car to a friend's place and was parked in a parallel parking area. There were 3 cars in that parking area including my car in 5 car parking area. The two parking spots behind my car were vacant. My wife was trying to back up to a spot right in front of another car which was parked there. …”

NHTSA complaint #10622618, filed 2014-08, 175,000 miles

“I was backing into a parking space at my town's transfer station. As I came to a stop, I began to shift into park with my foot on the brake, the car suddenly accelerated out of my control. The vehicle smashed into a three foot concrete wall coming to a stop. The car suffered extensive back end damage. I was taken by ambulance to a local hospital for xrays of my neck and spine. Thankfully I am not injured. This vehicle was not under my control. It was as if it had a mind of it's own. I am a clear headed, forty eight year old female. I have a perfect driving record. …”

NHTSA complaint #10430071, filed 2011-10, 104,000 miles

“The contact owns a 2002 Lexus ES 300. The contact stated that while driving approximately 5 MPH in the driveway and turning into the garage, the vehicle unintentionally accelerated, hit a beam, drove through the garage wall, and into the dining area of the residence, crashed into the furniture, and stopped. The air bags did not deploy. The contact noticed sparks and smoke coming from the dashboard after the impact. There was no injury sustained. There was property damage. The contact stated that she had previously filed a complaint regarding the vehicle's sudden and unintended acceleration. …”

NHTSA complaint #11713910, filed 2026-01, 110,000 miles

Vehicle speed control: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
2024111%
2023110%
202219%
201939%
2013515%
201213%
201137%
2009311%
200823%
200732%
20051525%
2004531%
2003626%
2002519%
1999225%

Other parts of the 2002 Lexus ES

Engine
8 complaints
Electrical system
5 complaints
Body and structure
5 complaints
Transmission and drivetrain
5 complaints
Air bags
3 complaints
Fuel system
3 complaints
Wheels
3 complaints
Brakes
2 complaints
Engine cooling
2 complaints
Exterior lighting
2 complaints
Steering
2 complaints
Electronic 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