2002 Lexus ES300 Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 3about this part
- Share
- 2%of 153 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 19,006miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 3 complaints about the steering of the 2002 Lexus ES300, 2% of the 153 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 19,006 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.
“1. While pulling into a parking space, at 2-4 MPH, with my foot on the brake, the car suddenly accelerated at full speed, jumping the curb and hitting a tree with full force. Because of previous concerns with throttle problems noted with the dealership at 1000 and 5000 mile check, I immediately called the Lexus dealership. After a conference call with Lexus roadside assistance and the dealership, my car was flat bedded to the dealership. The frontal crash rendered the vehicle un-drivable. Radiator damage with leakage of fluid covered a portion of the parking lot. …”
NHTSA complaint #10045944, filed 2003-11, 12 miles“Car pulls very hard to left on highway. Dealer has tried to correct this by alignments, new tires and switching tires. If I am on the highway in the left lane, I will never have to turn left! Even on a left hand curve, I have to turn right to keep from going off of the left side of the highway. ***note the 3 loaner ES300's did the same thing. Lexus customer service has told me that this is the way the car is designed! I have gotten the car to track somewhat better by switching my tires, but now I can't rotate the tires! Frustrated!”
NHTSA complaint #10062003, filed 2004-03“The contact owns a 2002 Lexus ES300. While driving at speeds of 5 MPH and exiting onto a ramp in light rain, the contact loss control of the vehicle. The vehicle crashed into the left railing. The contact did not sustain any injuries. The vehicle was towed to a local service shop. No repairs were made to the vehicle to date. The failure and current mileages were under 38,500. Updated 03/04/10.”
NHTSA complaint #10301882, filed 2010-01, 38,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10177783Jun 23, 2020TSB: OBSOLETE NOTICE June 23, 2020: This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see L-SB-0023-20.
- 10017720Dec 21, 2001Repair manual supplement - vehicle pulling to one side. All lexus 2002 - 2006 models. *tt all '02 - '07 models. Lexus.
Steering: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2003 | 2 | 2% |
| 2002 | 3 | 2% |
| 2000 | 1 | 2% |
| 1999 | 1 | 4% |
| 1998 | 1 | 2% |
| 1997 | 2 | 4% |
| 1996 | 5 | 14% |
| 1995 | 3 | 8% |
| 1994 | 3 | 8% |
| 1993 | 1 | 2% |
| 1992 | 1 | 3% |
Other parts of the 2002 Lexus ES300
52 complaintsVehicle speed control
50 complaintsBrakes
14 complaintsElectrical system
11 complaintsAir bags
9 complaintsEngine cooling
9 complaintsOther or unknown
8 complaintsFuel system
7 complaintsTires
7 complaintsEngine
3 complaintsSuspension
3 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
3 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2002 Lexus ES300
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 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