Owners have filed 37 complaints
about the 2002 Lexus IS 300 with NHTSA between 2002 and 2019.
The largest single group is the acceleration & cruise control.
Across this model's run it ranks 1 of 5 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 73
Against the median year of the Lexus IS 300. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 100
37.8% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 82
48% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade:
A
B
C
D
F
ungraded
What breaks on a 2002 Lexus IS 300
Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.
Acceleration & Cruise Control
616.2%
2 crashes, 0 fires · median 26,000 mi
Brakes
513.5%
1 crashes, 0 fires · median 40,000 mi
Transmission & Drivetrain
513.5%
Median failure at 14,500 miles
Other & Unspecified
410.8%
1 crashes, 0 fires · median 35,420 mi
Body & Structure
410.8%
1 crashes, 0 fires · median 122,487 mi
Tires
38.1%
Median failure at 19,000 miles
Suspension
38.1%
Median failure at 20,000 miles
Equipment & Accessories
12.7%
1 crashes, 0 fires · median 100,474 mi
Stability & Traction Control
12.7%
Median failure at 127,500 miles
Wheels
12.7%
1 crashes, 0 fires · median 100,474 mi
Windows, Mirrors & Wipers
12.7%
Median failure at 5,000 miles
Steering
12.7%
1 crashes, 0 fires · median 100,474 mi
Airbags
12.7%
1 crashes, 0 fires · median 100,474 mi
Engine & Cooling
12.7%
Median failure at 94,000 miles
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
13.2%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
13.2%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
929.0%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
722.6%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
26.5%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
26.5%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
825.8%
150,000+ miles
13.2%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
May 2002peak 5Mar 2019
Complaints that involved harm
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 86,000 milesLong Beach, CACrash
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
ACCELERATOR FAILURE IN A LEXUS IS300 ABOUT TWO YEARS MY DAUGHTER GOT ON A CAR ACCIDENT AT THAT TIME SHE MENTIONED THAT HER ACCELERATOR GOT STUCK. THERE HAS BEE A FEW TIME THAT I FELT THAT THE ACCELERATOR GOT STUCK WHILE DRIVING MY CAR ALSO. I CALLED THE DEALER AND THE LEXUS COMPANY FOR THE LAST 6 MONTHS AND ALL THEY SAID IS THAT MY CAR IS NOT INVOLVE IN THE RECALL. THAT DON'T MEAN THAT MY CAR IS NOT DEFECTIVE, OR THERE NEED TO BE A FATAL ACCIDENT FOR THEM TO TAKE ACTION.
NHTSA complaint #10310943 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,474 milesRosevillle, CACrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
LEXUS IS300 2002 VEHICLE ROLLOVER ON FREEWAY. DEFECT THAT CAUSED THE CAR TO ROLL WAS FROM THE LEFT FRONT WHEEL/RIM BROKE IN HALF WHILE DRIVING. I WAS MERGING AND HEARD SOMETHING BREAK UNDER THE CAR. MY STEERING WHEEL TURNED A HARD RIGHT FORCEFUL AND WITHOUT MY CONTROL. I TRIED TO STRAIGHTEN THE STEERING WHEEL OUT FROM THIS INVOLUNTARY HARSH DIRECTION OF VEHICLE, IT WAS LOCKED UP. I TURNED COMPLETELY AROUND FACING TRAFFIC. ALL ATTEMPTS TO TURN THE STEERING COLUMN WOULD NOT ALLOW ME TO DO SO (COMPLETELY LOCKED POSITION). THE VEHICLE SPUN AND I HEARD AND FELT THE BACK END HIT SOMETHING. THE CAR CATAPULTED OVER A 8 FT. FENCE THAT SEPARATES THE ACCESS ROAD. THE CAR LANDED ON ITS ROOF. MY AIRBAGS NEVER DEPLOYED! IMPACT CRUSHED THE ROOF INTO THE GROUND I WAS SUSPENDED UPSIDE DOWN BY MY SEAT BELT. THE CAR ENGINE WAS STILL RUNNING. I ATTEMPTED TO UNLATCH MY SEAT BELT, IT TOOK A FEW ATTEMPTS. I COULD NOT FIND A DOOR HANDLE, OR WINDOW TO GET OUT. I TRIED FORCING THE DRIVERS DOOR OPEN. IT WOULD NOT MOVE, I WAS TRAPPED INSIDE THE UPSIDE DOWN VEHICLE. IN A PANIC, I FEARED THE CAR WOULD SPILL GASOLINE AND CATCH FIRE. I TURNED THE IGNITION OFF. I THEN REALIZED NO ONE STOPPED TO HELP...I FORCED MY BODY TO HIT THE DOOR OVER AND OVER, TO BREAK IT OPEN. I GOT THE SIDE MIRROR TO BREAK ALLOWING THE DOOR TO OPEN A FEW INCHES...JUST ENOUGH TO CRAWL OUT. I WENT BACK IN TO FIND MY PHONE AND CALL 911. AT THAT TIME A PERSON PULLED OVER. I FOUND MY PHONE AND FOR SOME REASON I DECIDED TO TAKE A PICTURE OF THE VEHICLE. I CAPTURED THE BROKEN WHEEL IN THE PICTURE. POLICE ASKED ME WHAT HAPPENED, I SAID OVER AND OVER "IT LOCKED UP"...MY PHONE BATTERY DIED RIGHT AFTER I TOOK THE PICTURE. I DIDN'T HAVE MEDICAL COVERAGE FOR EMERGENCY, SO I DIDN'T GO TO THE HOSPITAL. THE COP SAID, "PEOPLE DON'T WALK AWAY FROM THIS KIND OF ACCIDENT" HE ADVISED I GO WITH THE AMBULANCE, HOWEVER I COULDN'T AFFORD THE COST. I DIDN'T REALIZE I WAS INJURED, UNTIL LATER. NO ONE HAS EVER SEEN A WHEEL DO THAT.
NHTSA complaint #10296922 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,474 milesRosevillle, CACrash1 injured
WHEELS
LEXUS IS300 2002 VEHICLE ROLLOVER ON FREEWAY. DEFECT THAT CAUSED THE CAR TO ROLL WAS FROM THE LEFT FRONT WHEEL/RIM BROKE IN HALF WHILE DRIVING. I WAS MERGING AND HEARD SOMETHING BREAK UNDER THE CAR. MY STEERING WHEEL TURNED A HARD RIGHT FORCEFUL AND WITHOUT MY CONTROL. I TRIED TO STRAIGHTEN THE STEERING WHEEL OUT FROM THIS INVOLUNTARY HARSH DIRECTION OF VEHICLE, IT WAS LOCKED UP. I TURNED COMPLETELY AROUND FACING TRAFFIC. ALL ATTEMPTS TO TURN THE STEERING COLUMN WOULD NOT ALLOW ME TO DO SO (COMPLETELY LOCKED POSITION). THE VEHICLE SPUN AND I HEARD AND FELT THE BACK END HIT SOMETHING. THE CAR CATAPULTED OVER A 8 FT. FENCE THAT SEPARATES THE ACCESS ROAD. THE CAR LANDED ON ITS ROOF. MY AIRBAGS NEVER DEPLOYED! IMPACT CRUSHED THE ROOF INTO THE GROUND I WAS SUSPENDED UPSIDE DOWN BY MY SEAT BELT. THE CAR ENGINE WAS STILL RUNNING. I ATTEMPTED TO UNLATCH MY SEAT BELT, IT TOOK A FEW ATTEMPTS. I COULD NOT FIND A DOOR HANDLE, OR WINDOW TO GET OUT. I TRIED FORCING THE DRIVERS DOOR OPEN. IT WOULD NOT MOVE, I WAS TRAPPED INSIDE THE UPSIDE DOWN VEHICLE. IN A PANIC, I FEARED THE CAR WOULD SPILL GASOLINE AND CATCH FIRE. I TURNED THE IGNITION OFF. I THEN REALIZED NO ONE STOPPED TO HELP...I FORCED MY BODY TO HIT THE DOOR OVER AND OVER, TO BREAK IT OPEN. I GOT THE SIDE MIRROR TO BREAK ALLOWING THE DOOR TO OPEN A FEW INCHES...JUST ENOUGH TO CRAWL OUT. I WENT BACK IN TO FIND MY PHONE AND CALL 911. AT THAT TIME A PERSON PULLED OVER. I FOUND MY PHONE AND FOR SOME REASON I DECIDED TO TAKE A PICTURE OF THE VEHICLE. I CAPTURED THE BROKEN WHEEL IN THE PICTURE. POLICE ASKED ME WHAT HAPPENED, I SAID OVER AND OVER "IT LOCKED UP"...MY PHONE BATTERY DIED RIGHT AFTER I TOOK THE PICTURE. I DIDN'T HAVE MEDICAL COVERAGE FOR EMERGENCY, SO I DIDN'T GO TO THE HOSPITAL. THE COP SAID, "PEOPLE DON'T WALK AWAY FROM THIS KIND OF ACCIDENT" HE ADVISED I GO WITH THE AMBULANCE, HOWEVER I COULDN'T AFFORD THE COST. I DIDN'T REALIZE I WAS INJURED, UNTIL LATER. NO ONE HAS EVER SEEN A WHEEL DO THAT.
NHTSA complaint #10296922 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,474 milesRosevillle, CACrash1 injured
STEERING
LEXUS IS300 2002 VEHICLE ROLLOVER ON FREEWAY. DEFECT THAT CAUSED THE CAR TO ROLL WAS FROM THE LEFT FRONT WHEEL/RIM BROKE IN HALF WHILE DRIVING. I WAS MERGING AND HEARD SOMETHING BREAK UNDER THE CAR. MY STEERING WHEEL TURNED A HARD RIGHT FORCEFUL AND WITHOUT MY CONTROL. I TRIED TO STRAIGHTEN THE STEERING WHEEL OUT FROM THIS INVOLUNTARY HARSH DIRECTION OF VEHICLE, IT WAS LOCKED UP. I TURNED COMPLETELY AROUND FACING TRAFFIC. ALL ATTEMPTS TO TURN THE STEERING COLUMN WOULD NOT ALLOW ME TO DO SO (COMPLETELY LOCKED POSITION). THE VEHICLE SPUN AND I HEARD AND FELT THE BACK END HIT SOMETHING. THE CAR CATAPULTED OVER A 8 FT. FENCE THAT SEPARATES THE ACCESS ROAD. THE CAR LANDED ON ITS ROOF. MY AIRBAGS NEVER DEPLOYED! IMPACT CRUSHED THE ROOF INTO THE GROUND I WAS SUSPENDED UPSIDE DOWN BY MY SEAT BELT. THE CAR ENGINE WAS STILL RUNNING. I ATTEMPTED TO UNLATCH MY SEAT BELT, IT TOOK A FEW ATTEMPTS. I COULD NOT FIND A DOOR HANDLE, OR WINDOW TO GET OUT. I TRIED FORCING THE DRIVERS DOOR OPEN. IT WOULD NOT MOVE, I WAS TRAPPED INSIDE THE UPSIDE DOWN VEHICLE. IN A PANIC, I FEARED THE CAR WOULD SPILL GASOLINE AND CATCH FIRE. I TURNED THE IGNITION OFF. I THEN REALIZED NO ONE STOPPED TO HELP...I FORCED MY BODY TO HIT THE DOOR OVER AND OVER, TO BREAK IT OPEN. I GOT THE SIDE MIRROR TO BREAK ALLOWING THE DOOR TO OPEN A FEW INCHES...JUST ENOUGH TO CRAWL OUT. I WENT BACK IN TO FIND MY PHONE AND CALL 911. AT THAT TIME A PERSON PULLED OVER. I FOUND MY PHONE AND FOR SOME REASON I DECIDED TO TAKE A PICTURE OF THE VEHICLE. I CAPTURED THE BROKEN WHEEL IN THE PICTURE. POLICE ASKED ME WHAT HAPPENED, I SAID OVER AND OVER "IT LOCKED UP"...MY PHONE BATTERY DIED RIGHT AFTER I TOOK THE PICTURE. I DIDN'T HAVE MEDICAL COVERAGE FOR EMERGENCY, SO I DIDN'T GO TO THE HOSPITAL. THE COP SAID, "PEOPLE DON'T WALK AWAY FROM THIS KIND OF ACCIDENT" HE ADVISED I GO WITH THE AMBULANCE, HOWEVER I COULDN'T AFFORD THE COST. I DIDN'T REALIZE I WAS INJURED, UNTIL LATER. NO ONE HAS EVER SEEN A WHEEL DO THAT.
NHTSA complaint #10296922 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,474 milesRosevillle, CACrash1 injured
STRUCTURE:BODY
LEXUS IS300 2002 VEHICLE ROLLOVER ON FREEWAY. DEFECT THAT CAUSED THE CAR TO ROLL WAS FROM THE LEFT FRONT WHEEL/RIM BROKE IN HALF WHILE DRIVING. I WAS MERGING AND HEARD SOMETHING BREAK UNDER THE CAR. MY STEERING WHEEL TURNED A HARD RIGHT FORCEFUL AND WITHOUT MY CONTROL. I TRIED TO STRAIGHTEN THE STEERING WHEEL OUT FROM THIS INVOLUNTARY HARSH DIRECTION OF VEHICLE, IT WAS LOCKED UP. I TURNED COMPLETELY AROUND FACING TRAFFIC. ALL ATTEMPTS TO TURN THE STEERING COLUMN WOULD NOT ALLOW ME TO DO SO (COMPLETELY LOCKED POSITION). THE VEHICLE SPUN AND I HEARD AND FELT THE BACK END HIT SOMETHING. THE CAR CATAPULTED OVER A 8 FT. FENCE THAT SEPARATES THE ACCESS ROAD. THE CAR LANDED ON ITS ROOF. MY AIRBAGS NEVER DEPLOYED! IMPACT CRUSHED THE ROOF INTO THE GROUND I WAS SUSPENDED UPSIDE DOWN BY MY SEAT BELT. THE CAR ENGINE WAS STILL RUNNING. I ATTEMPTED TO UNLATCH MY SEAT BELT, IT TOOK A FEW ATTEMPTS. I COULD NOT FIND A DOOR HANDLE, OR WINDOW TO GET OUT. I TRIED FORCING THE DRIVERS DOOR OPEN. IT WOULD NOT MOVE, I WAS TRAPPED INSIDE THE UPSIDE DOWN VEHICLE. IN A PANIC, I FEARED THE CAR WOULD SPILL GASOLINE AND CATCH FIRE. I TURNED THE IGNITION OFF. I THEN REALIZED NO ONE STOPPED TO HELP...I FORCED MY BODY TO HIT THE DOOR OVER AND OVER, TO BREAK IT OPEN. I GOT THE SIDE MIRROR TO BREAK ALLOWING THE DOOR TO OPEN A FEW INCHES...JUST ENOUGH TO CRAWL OUT. I WENT BACK IN TO FIND MY PHONE AND CALL 911. AT THAT TIME A PERSON PULLED OVER. I FOUND MY PHONE AND FOR SOME REASON I DECIDED TO TAKE A PICTURE OF THE VEHICLE. I CAPTURED THE BROKEN WHEEL IN THE PICTURE. POLICE ASKED ME WHAT HAPPENED, I SAID OVER AND OVER "IT LOCKED UP"...MY PHONE BATTERY DIED RIGHT AFTER I TOOK THE PICTURE. I DIDN'T HAVE MEDICAL COVERAGE FOR EMERGENCY, SO I DIDN'T GO TO THE HOSPITAL. THE COP SAID, "PEOPLE DON'T WALK AWAY FROM THIS KIND OF ACCIDENT" HE ADVISED I GO WITH THE AMBULANCE, HOWEVER I COULDN'T AFFORD THE COST. I DIDN'T REALIZE I WAS INJURED, UNTIL LATER. NO ONE HAS EVER SEEN A WHEEL DO THAT.
NHTSA complaint #10296922 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,474 milesRosevillle, CACrash1 injured
EQUIPMENT
LEXUS IS300 2002 VEHICLE ROLLOVER ON FREEWAY. DEFECT THAT CAUSED THE CAR TO ROLL WAS FROM THE LEFT FRONT WHEEL/RIM BROKE IN HALF WHILE DRIVING. I WAS MERGING AND HEARD SOMETHING BREAK UNDER THE CAR. MY STEERING WHEEL TURNED A HARD RIGHT FORCEFUL AND WITHOUT MY CONTROL. I TRIED TO STRAIGHTEN THE STEERING WHEEL OUT FROM THIS INVOLUNTARY HARSH DIRECTION OF VEHICLE, IT WAS LOCKED UP. I TURNED COMPLETELY AROUND FACING TRAFFIC. ALL ATTEMPTS TO TURN THE STEERING COLUMN WOULD NOT ALLOW ME TO DO SO (COMPLETELY LOCKED POSITION). THE VEHICLE SPUN AND I HEARD AND FELT THE BACK END HIT SOMETHING. THE CAR CATAPULTED OVER A 8 FT. FENCE THAT SEPARATES THE ACCESS ROAD. THE CAR LANDED ON ITS ROOF. MY AIRBAGS NEVER DEPLOYED! IMPACT CRUSHED THE ROOF INTO THE GROUND I WAS SUSPENDED UPSIDE DOWN BY MY SEAT BELT. THE CAR ENGINE WAS STILL RUNNING. I ATTEMPTED TO UNLATCH MY SEAT BELT, IT TOOK A FEW ATTEMPTS. I COULD NOT FIND A DOOR HANDLE, OR WINDOW TO GET OUT. I TRIED FORCING THE DRIVERS DOOR OPEN. IT WOULD NOT MOVE, I WAS TRAPPED INSIDE THE UPSIDE DOWN VEHICLE. IN A PANIC, I FEARED THE CAR WOULD SPILL GASOLINE AND CATCH FIRE. I TURNED THE IGNITION OFF. I THEN REALIZED NO ONE STOPPED TO HELP...I FORCED MY BODY TO HIT THE DOOR OVER AND OVER, TO BREAK IT OPEN. I GOT THE SIDE MIRROR TO BREAK ALLOWING THE DOOR TO OPEN A FEW INCHES...JUST ENOUGH TO CRAWL OUT. I WENT BACK IN TO FIND MY PHONE AND CALL 911. AT THAT TIME A PERSON PULLED OVER. I FOUND MY PHONE AND FOR SOME REASON I DECIDED TO TAKE A PICTURE OF THE VEHICLE. I CAPTURED THE BROKEN WHEEL IN THE PICTURE. POLICE ASKED ME WHAT HAPPENED, I SAID OVER AND OVER "IT LOCKED UP"...MY PHONE BATTERY DIED RIGHT AFTER I TOOK THE PICTURE. I DIDN'T HAVE MEDICAL COVERAGE FOR EMERGENCY, SO I DIDN'T GO TO THE HOSPITAL. THE COP SAID, "PEOPLE DON'T WALK AWAY FROM THIS KIND OF ACCIDENT" HE ADVISED I GO WITH THE AMBULANCE, HOWEVER I COULDN'T AFFORD THE COST. I DIDN'T REALIZE I WAS INJURED, UNTIL LATER. NO ONE HAS EVER SEEN A WHEEL DO THAT.
NHTSA complaint #10296922 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Richmond, VA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
MELTING DASHBOARD AND AROUND THE GEAR SHIFT AND LEXUS WILL NOT DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT. POOR CUSTOMER SERVICE FOR A SO CALLED "LUXURY" BRAND. I HAD SOME PAPER ACTUALLY STICK TO THE PLASTIC AROUND THE GEAR SHIFT AND WHEN I WENT TO PICK IT UP I HAD TO PEEL IT OFF THEN I TRIED CLEAN IT OFF WITH JUST WATER AND A RAG AND IT LEFT MARKS. I WANT SOMETHING DONE BY LEXUS. A LOT OF PEOPLE ARE HAVING THIS SAME PROBLEM SO WHY ISN'T LEXUS DOING ANYTHING ABOUT IT? I WANT SOMETHING DONE! MY DASH AND PLASTIC AROUND THE GEAR SHIFT NEED TO BE REPLACED AND IT HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR. I JUST FOUND THIS SITE THAT'S WHY I'M JUST NOW REPORTING IT BUT THIS HAS BEEN A PROBLEM SINCE ABOUT 2014. LEXUS SHOULD OWN UP TO THEIR MISTAKES AND FIX THEM. I WILL KEEP CALLING AND KEEP GOING TO THE DEALERSHIP UNTIL SOMETHING IS DONE!
NHTSA complaint #11191756 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 127,500 milesReno, NV
SERVICE BRAKES
BRAKE,TRAC OFF,VSC,ABS LIGHT ARE ON
NHTSA complaint #10865919 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 127,500 milesReno, NV
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
BRAKE,TRAC OFF,VSC,ABS LIGHT ARE ON
NHTSA complaint #10865919 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lake Forest, CA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
DASHBOARD IS MELTING ON MY 2002 IS300. THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD CAUSING GLARE ON WINDSHIELD. ALSO THE STICKY BLACK DASH GETS ON OUR SKIN AND LIKELY HAS HARMFUL CHEMICALS THAT IS BEING ABSORBED IN OUR BODIES. LEXUS REFUSES TO REPAIR THIS KNOWN DEFECT AND MY VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. I ALWAYS THOUGHT LEXUS WAS THE TOP BRAND FOR RELIABILITY AND QUALITY. MY VIEWPOINT OF LEXUS BRAND HAS CHANGED AFTER THIS AND I CAN NO LONGER CONSIDER BUYING LEXUS IN FUTURE. VERY DISAPPOINTED IN THEIR POOR QUALITY CONTROL AND REFUSAL TO STAND BY THEIR BRAND.
NHTSA complaint #10861558 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
EL Monte, CA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
LIKE MOST LEXUS IS300 OWNERS, MY CAR EXHIBITS THE "MELTING" DASHBOARD ISSUE. MY MAIN CONCERN IS THE MELTING MATERIAL COULD BE RELEASING CHEMICALS THAT IS ORDERLESS/TOXIC. LEXUS IS REFUSING THE REPAIR THE ISSUE OUT OF THEIR OWN POCKETS.
NHTSA complaint #10716315 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 144,500 milesSummit, WI
STRUCTURE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 LEXUS IS 300. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, A GLARE APPEARED ON THE WINDSHIELD THAT AFFECTED THE CONTACT'S VISIBILITY. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE DASHBOARD WAS MELTING AND A STICKY RESIDUE COVERED ITS SURFACE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 144,500.
NHTSA complaint #10626445 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 150,000 milesLauderdale Lakes, FL
SERVICE BRAKES
I PUT $3000 ON 2002 LEXUS AND HAD IT FOR THREE DAYS WHEN MY 6 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER AND MYSELF WAS HEADING ONTO COMMERCIAL TURNPIKE SOUTH. I WAS APPROACHING LIGHT ON CORNER OF 441 AND COMMERCIAL WHEN MY BRAKES JUST GAVE OUT ON ME COMPLETELY AND I QUICKLY RESPONDED AND PULLED UP EMERGENCY BRAKE AND TURNED INTO GAS STATION TO HAVE IT TOWED TO MECHANIC AND WHICH IT WAS PUT ON MACHINE AND DETAILED EVERYTHING THAT WAS WRONG WITH CAR INCLUDING THE MALFUNCTION ON THE ABS SYSTEM WHICH CONTROLS BRAKES AND STEERING. I WAS SAVED BY NOT GETTING ONTO TURNPIKE AND MY QUICK MANEUVERING TO EMERGENCY BRAKES WHICH HELPED VERY LITTLE. MY PEDAL WENT COMPLETELY TO THE FLOOR. I CALLED AND TOLD MOSCHE WHICH WAS THE GUY I SIGNED CONTRACT WITH AND TOLD HIM TO COME AND GET THIS CAR AND I WANT MY MONEY BACK. HE TOLD ME NO REFUNDS AND I FOUND OUT WITHIN THREE DAYS I SHOULD OF GOTTEN MY REFUND BACK. THEY TOOK MY CAR BACK AFTER I FIXED IT AND PAID OVER $500 FOR AND WILL NOT GIVE ME ANOTHER CAR NOR MY MONEY BACK.. THEY ROBBED AND LIE AND SHOULD NOT BE SELLING DANGEROUS CARS WITH KNOWLEDGE OF NO BRAKES. I WAS TOLD TO COME GET THE CAR A WEEK AFTER BECAUSE OF THEM PUTTING BRAKES ON THEM SO THEY HAD KNOWLEDGE OF SOMETHING WRONG WITH BRAKE SYSTEM AND FAILED TO TELL ME..
NHTSA complaint #10593815 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 10,000 milesMount Vernon, NY
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
ACCELERATOR FAILURE: TWICE THAT I CAN CLEARLY REMEMBER. FIRST TIME HAPPENED IN 2003 AFTER GENTLE DEPRESSION OF THE GAS PEDAL, IT SEEMED TO PUSH ITSELF FURTHER AND WAS STUCK INTO THE FLOOR RESULTING IN UNCONTROLLED, MAX ACCELERATION...THIS WAS MENTIONED TO THE DEALER WHEN I TOOK IT FOR SERVICE (RAY CATENA LEXUS, LARCHMONT, NY). AFTER THAT, IT DIDN'T HAPPEN UNTIL THE SPRING OF 2008 WHERE I WAS ON THE I95 ON MY WAY TO WORK, IN RUSH HOUR WHEN THE CAR SUDDENLY WENT FROM ABOUT 40MPH TO 70 OR 80. I MANAGED TO WEAVE AROUND TRAFFIC AND DROVE ON THE SHOULDER WHILE PRESSING FULL FORCE ON THE BRAKE PEDAL, PULLED ON THE EMERGENCY BRAKE AND WAS FINALLY ABLE TO GET THE CAR IN PARK. AFTER THAT OCCURRED, I WAS FOLLOWED OFF HE HIGHWAY BY THE HELP TRUCK, TOOK MY CAR TO A LOCAL MECHANIC FOR INSPECTION AND NOTHING WAS FOUND...I IMMEDIATELY MADE AN APPT WITH THE DEALER BUT HAD TO WAIT UNTIL THE NEXT DAY FOR SERVICE. IN THE MEANTIME, IT HAPPENED TWICE MORE ON THE HIGHWAY BUT I WAS CAUTIOUS AND STAYED AWAY FROM CARS AND CLOSE TO THE SHOULDER. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER AND WAS CHARGED $100 TO LOOK AT IT (LEXUS OF GREENWICH, CT), WAS TOLD THAT IT WAS THE FLOOR MAT. INTERESTINGLY ENOUGH, THIS HASN'T HAPPENED AGAIN AND I STILL HAVE THE CAR BUT I AM VERY WORRIED THAT IT MIGHT.
NHTSA complaint #10324386 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 86,000 milesLong Beach, CACrash
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
ACCELERATOR FAILURE IN A LEXUS IS300 ABOUT TWO YEARS MY DAUGHTER GOT ON A CAR ACCIDENT AT THAT TIME SHE MENTIONED THAT HER ACCELERATOR GOT STUCK. THERE HAS BEE A FEW TIME THAT I FELT THAT THE ACCELERATOR GOT STUCK WHILE DRIVING MY CAR ALSO. I CALLED THE DEALER AND THE LEXUS COMPANY FOR THE LAST 6 MONTHS AND ALL THEY SAID IS THAT MY CAR IS NOT INVOLVE IN THE RECALL. THAT DON'T MEAN THAT MY CAR IS NOT DEFECTIVE, OR THERE NEED TO BE A FATAL ACCIDENT FOR THEM TO TAKE ACTION.
NHTSA complaint #10310943 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 62,000 milesMission Viejo, CA
SUSPENSION
I WOULD LIKE TO REPORT A PROBLEM WITH THE LEXUS IS300 MODELS 2001-2005. THERE IS SOME TYPE OF DEFECT IN THE FRAME OR FRONT ARM BUSHINGS THAT CAUSE EXCESSIVE WEAR ON THE FRONT INNER TIRES. DESPITE THE CAR BEING REGULARLY ALIGNED, UNEVEN AND EXCESSIVE TIRE WEAR CONTINUES TO OCCUR. TIRES WILL SOMETIMES LAST LESS THAN 8,000 MILES AND CAN WEAR DOWN TO THE STEEL IN THE INNER SIDES. THIS IS A COMMON OCCURRENCE AND COMPLAINT AMONG IS 300 OWNERS. AS FAR AS I KNOW, THERE HAS BEEN NO FIX FROM LEXUS AND CAN LEAD TO POTENTIAL BLOWOUTS ON THE FREEWAY DUE TO TIRE FAILURES. PLEASE ALSO SEE THIS MESSAGE THREAD DOCUMENTING SOME OF THE PROBLEMS: HTTP://MY.IS/FORUMS/F89/ALIGNMENT-WOES-STOCK-SUSPENSION-NEED-INPUT-390629/.
NHTSA complaint #10306125 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,474 milesRosevillle, CACrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
LEXUS IS300 2002 VEHICLE ROLLOVER ON FREEWAY. DEFECT THAT CAUSED THE CAR TO ROLL WAS FROM THE LEFT FRONT WHEEL/RIM BROKE IN HALF WHILE DRIVING. I WAS MERGING AND HEARD SOMETHING BREAK UNDER THE CAR. MY STEERING WHEEL TURNED A HARD RIGHT FORCEFUL AND WITHOUT MY CONTROL. I TRIED TO STRAIGHTEN THE STEERING WHEEL OUT FROM THIS INVOLUNTARY HARSH DIRECTION OF VEHICLE, IT WAS LOCKED UP. I TURNED COMPLETELY AROUND FACING TRAFFIC. ALL ATTEMPTS TO TURN THE STEERING COLUMN WOULD NOT ALLOW ME TO DO SO (COMPLETELY LOCKED POSITION). THE VEHICLE SPUN AND I HEARD AND FELT THE BACK END HIT SOMETHING. THE CAR CATAPULTED OVER A 8 FT. FENCE THAT SEPARATES THE ACCESS ROAD. THE CAR LANDED ON ITS ROOF. MY AIRBAGS NEVER DEPLOYED! IMPACT CRUSHED THE ROOF INTO THE GROUND I WAS SUSPENDED UPSIDE DOWN BY MY SEAT BELT. THE CAR ENGINE WAS STILL RUNNING. I ATTEMPTED TO UNLATCH MY SEAT BELT, IT TOOK A FEW ATTEMPTS. I COULD NOT FIND A DOOR HANDLE, OR WINDOW TO GET OUT. I TRIED FORCING THE DRIVERS DOOR OPEN. IT WOULD NOT MOVE, I WAS TRAPPED INSIDE THE UPSIDE DOWN VEHICLE. IN A PANIC, I FEARED THE CAR WOULD SPILL GASOLINE AND CATCH FIRE. I TURNED THE IGNITION OFF. I THEN REALIZED NO ONE STOPPED TO HELP...I FORCED MY BODY TO HIT THE DOOR OVER AND OVER, TO BREAK IT OPEN. I GOT THE SIDE MIRROR TO BREAK ALLOWING THE DOOR TO OPEN A FEW INCHES...JUST ENOUGH TO CRAWL OUT. I WENT BACK IN TO FIND MY PHONE AND CALL 911. AT THAT TIME A PERSON PULLED OVER. I FOUND MY PHONE AND FOR SOME REASON I DECIDED TO TAKE A PICTURE OF THE VEHICLE. I CAPTURED THE BROKEN WHEEL IN THE PICTURE. POLICE ASKED ME WHAT HAPPENED, I SAID OVER AND OVER "IT LOCKED UP"...MY PHONE BATTERY DIED RIGHT AFTER I TOOK THE PICTURE. I DIDN'T HAVE MEDICAL COVERAGE FOR EMERGENCY, SO I DIDN'T GO TO THE HOSPITAL. THE COP SAID, "PEOPLE DON'T WALK AWAY FROM THIS KIND OF ACCIDENT" HE ADVISED I GO WITH THE AMBULANCE, HOWEVER I COULDN'T AFFORD THE COST. I DIDN'T REALIZE I WAS INJURED, UNTIL LATER. NO ONE HAS EVER SEEN A WHEEL DO THAT.
NHTSA complaint #10296922 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,474 milesRosevillle, CACrash1 injured
WHEELS
LEXUS IS300 2002 VEHICLE ROLLOVER ON FREEWAY. DEFECT THAT CAUSED THE CAR TO ROLL WAS FROM THE LEFT FRONT WHEEL/RIM BROKE IN HALF WHILE DRIVING. I WAS MERGING AND HEARD SOMETHING BREAK UNDER THE CAR. MY STEERING WHEEL TURNED A HARD RIGHT FORCEFUL AND WITHOUT MY CONTROL. I TRIED TO STRAIGHTEN THE STEERING WHEEL OUT FROM THIS INVOLUNTARY HARSH DIRECTION OF VEHICLE, IT WAS LOCKED UP. I TURNED COMPLETELY AROUND FACING TRAFFIC. ALL ATTEMPTS TO TURN THE STEERING COLUMN WOULD NOT ALLOW ME TO DO SO (COMPLETELY LOCKED POSITION). THE VEHICLE SPUN AND I HEARD AND FELT THE BACK END HIT SOMETHING. THE CAR CATAPULTED OVER A 8 FT. FENCE THAT SEPARATES THE ACCESS ROAD. THE CAR LANDED ON ITS ROOF. MY AIRBAGS NEVER DEPLOYED! IMPACT CRUSHED THE ROOF INTO THE GROUND I WAS SUSPENDED UPSIDE DOWN BY MY SEAT BELT. THE CAR ENGINE WAS STILL RUNNING. I ATTEMPTED TO UNLATCH MY SEAT BELT, IT TOOK A FEW ATTEMPTS. I COULD NOT FIND A DOOR HANDLE, OR WINDOW TO GET OUT. I TRIED FORCING THE DRIVERS DOOR OPEN. IT WOULD NOT MOVE, I WAS TRAPPED INSIDE THE UPSIDE DOWN VEHICLE. IN A PANIC, I FEARED THE CAR WOULD SPILL GASOLINE AND CATCH FIRE. I TURNED THE IGNITION OFF. I THEN REALIZED NO ONE STOPPED TO HELP...I FORCED MY BODY TO HIT THE DOOR OVER AND OVER, TO BREAK IT OPEN. I GOT THE SIDE MIRROR TO BREAK ALLOWING THE DOOR TO OPEN A FEW INCHES...JUST ENOUGH TO CRAWL OUT. I WENT BACK IN TO FIND MY PHONE AND CALL 911. AT THAT TIME A PERSON PULLED OVER. I FOUND MY PHONE AND FOR SOME REASON I DECIDED TO TAKE A PICTURE OF THE VEHICLE. I CAPTURED THE BROKEN WHEEL IN THE PICTURE. POLICE ASKED ME WHAT HAPPENED, I SAID OVER AND OVER "IT LOCKED UP"...MY PHONE BATTERY DIED RIGHT AFTER I TOOK THE PICTURE. I DIDN'T HAVE MEDICAL COVERAGE FOR EMERGENCY, SO I DIDN'T GO TO THE HOSPITAL. THE COP SAID, "PEOPLE DON'T WALK AWAY FROM THIS KIND OF ACCIDENT" HE ADVISED I GO WITH THE AMBULANCE, HOWEVER I COULDN'T AFFORD THE COST. I DIDN'T REALIZE I WAS INJURED, UNTIL LATER. NO ONE HAS EVER SEEN A WHEEL DO THAT.
NHTSA complaint #10296922 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,474 milesRosevillle, CACrash1 injured
STEERING
LEXUS IS300 2002 VEHICLE ROLLOVER ON FREEWAY. DEFECT THAT CAUSED THE CAR TO ROLL WAS FROM THE LEFT FRONT WHEEL/RIM BROKE IN HALF WHILE DRIVING. I WAS MERGING AND HEARD SOMETHING BREAK UNDER THE CAR. MY STEERING WHEEL TURNED A HARD RIGHT FORCEFUL AND WITHOUT MY CONTROL. I TRIED TO STRAIGHTEN THE STEERING WHEEL OUT FROM THIS INVOLUNTARY HARSH DIRECTION OF VEHICLE, IT WAS LOCKED UP. I TURNED COMPLETELY AROUND FACING TRAFFIC. ALL ATTEMPTS TO TURN THE STEERING COLUMN WOULD NOT ALLOW ME TO DO SO (COMPLETELY LOCKED POSITION). THE VEHICLE SPUN AND I HEARD AND FELT THE BACK END HIT SOMETHING. THE CAR CATAPULTED OVER A 8 FT. FENCE THAT SEPARATES THE ACCESS ROAD. THE CAR LANDED ON ITS ROOF. MY AIRBAGS NEVER DEPLOYED! IMPACT CRUSHED THE ROOF INTO THE GROUND I WAS SUSPENDED UPSIDE DOWN BY MY SEAT BELT. THE CAR ENGINE WAS STILL RUNNING. I ATTEMPTED TO UNLATCH MY SEAT BELT, IT TOOK A FEW ATTEMPTS. I COULD NOT FIND A DOOR HANDLE, OR WINDOW TO GET OUT. I TRIED FORCING THE DRIVERS DOOR OPEN. IT WOULD NOT MOVE, I WAS TRAPPED INSIDE THE UPSIDE DOWN VEHICLE. IN A PANIC, I FEARED THE CAR WOULD SPILL GASOLINE AND CATCH FIRE. I TURNED THE IGNITION OFF. I THEN REALIZED NO ONE STOPPED TO HELP...I FORCED MY BODY TO HIT THE DOOR OVER AND OVER, TO BREAK IT OPEN. I GOT THE SIDE MIRROR TO BREAK ALLOWING THE DOOR TO OPEN A FEW INCHES...JUST ENOUGH TO CRAWL OUT. I WENT BACK IN TO FIND MY PHONE AND CALL 911. AT THAT TIME A PERSON PULLED OVER. I FOUND MY PHONE AND FOR SOME REASON I DECIDED TO TAKE A PICTURE OF THE VEHICLE. I CAPTURED THE BROKEN WHEEL IN THE PICTURE. POLICE ASKED ME WHAT HAPPENED, I SAID OVER AND OVER "IT LOCKED UP"...MY PHONE BATTERY DIED RIGHT AFTER I TOOK THE PICTURE. I DIDN'T HAVE MEDICAL COVERAGE FOR EMERGENCY, SO I DIDN'T GO TO THE HOSPITAL. THE COP SAID, "PEOPLE DON'T WALK AWAY FROM THIS KIND OF ACCIDENT" HE ADVISED I GO WITH THE AMBULANCE, HOWEVER I COULDN'T AFFORD THE COST. I DIDN'T REALIZE I WAS INJURED, UNTIL LATER. NO ONE HAS EVER SEEN A WHEEL DO THAT.
NHTSA complaint #10296922 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,474 milesRosevillle, CACrash1 injured
STRUCTURE:BODY
LEXUS IS300 2002 VEHICLE ROLLOVER ON FREEWAY. DEFECT THAT CAUSED THE CAR TO ROLL WAS FROM THE LEFT FRONT WHEEL/RIM BROKE IN HALF WHILE DRIVING. I WAS MERGING AND HEARD SOMETHING BREAK UNDER THE CAR. MY STEERING WHEEL TURNED A HARD RIGHT FORCEFUL AND WITHOUT MY CONTROL. I TRIED TO STRAIGHTEN THE STEERING WHEEL OUT FROM THIS INVOLUNTARY HARSH DIRECTION OF VEHICLE, IT WAS LOCKED UP. I TURNED COMPLETELY AROUND FACING TRAFFIC. ALL ATTEMPTS TO TURN THE STEERING COLUMN WOULD NOT ALLOW ME TO DO SO (COMPLETELY LOCKED POSITION). THE VEHICLE SPUN AND I HEARD AND FELT THE BACK END HIT SOMETHING. THE CAR CATAPULTED OVER A 8 FT. FENCE THAT SEPARATES THE ACCESS ROAD. THE CAR LANDED ON ITS ROOF. MY AIRBAGS NEVER DEPLOYED! IMPACT CRUSHED THE ROOF INTO THE GROUND I WAS SUSPENDED UPSIDE DOWN BY MY SEAT BELT. THE CAR ENGINE WAS STILL RUNNING. I ATTEMPTED TO UNLATCH MY SEAT BELT, IT TOOK A FEW ATTEMPTS. I COULD NOT FIND A DOOR HANDLE, OR WINDOW TO GET OUT. I TRIED FORCING THE DRIVERS DOOR OPEN. IT WOULD NOT MOVE, I WAS TRAPPED INSIDE THE UPSIDE DOWN VEHICLE. IN A PANIC, I FEARED THE CAR WOULD SPILL GASOLINE AND CATCH FIRE. I TURNED THE IGNITION OFF. I THEN REALIZED NO ONE STOPPED TO HELP...I FORCED MY BODY TO HIT THE DOOR OVER AND OVER, TO BREAK IT OPEN. I GOT THE SIDE MIRROR TO BREAK ALLOWING THE DOOR TO OPEN A FEW INCHES...JUST ENOUGH TO CRAWL OUT. I WENT BACK IN TO FIND MY PHONE AND CALL 911. AT THAT TIME A PERSON PULLED OVER. I FOUND MY PHONE AND FOR SOME REASON I DECIDED TO TAKE A PICTURE OF THE VEHICLE. I CAPTURED THE BROKEN WHEEL IN THE PICTURE. POLICE ASKED ME WHAT HAPPENED, I SAID OVER AND OVER "IT LOCKED UP"...MY PHONE BATTERY DIED RIGHT AFTER I TOOK THE PICTURE. I DIDN'T HAVE MEDICAL COVERAGE FOR EMERGENCY, SO I DIDN'T GO TO THE HOSPITAL. THE COP SAID, "PEOPLE DON'T WALK AWAY FROM THIS KIND OF ACCIDENT" HE ADVISED I GO WITH THE AMBULANCE, HOWEVER I COULDN'T AFFORD THE COST. I DIDN'T REALIZE I WAS INJURED, UNTIL LATER. NO ONE HAS EVER SEEN A WHEEL DO THAT.
NHTSA complaint #10296922 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,474 milesRosevillle, CACrash1 injured
EQUIPMENT
LEXUS IS300 2002 VEHICLE ROLLOVER ON FREEWAY. DEFECT THAT CAUSED THE CAR TO ROLL WAS FROM THE LEFT FRONT WHEEL/RIM BROKE IN HALF WHILE DRIVING. I WAS MERGING AND HEARD SOMETHING BREAK UNDER THE CAR. MY STEERING WHEEL TURNED A HARD RIGHT FORCEFUL AND WITHOUT MY CONTROL. I TRIED TO STRAIGHTEN THE STEERING WHEEL OUT FROM THIS INVOLUNTARY HARSH DIRECTION OF VEHICLE, IT WAS LOCKED UP. I TURNED COMPLETELY AROUND FACING TRAFFIC. ALL ATTEMPTS TO TURN THE STEERING COLUMN WOULD NOT ALLOW ME TO DO SO (COMPLETELY LOCKED POSITION). THE VEHICLE SPUN AND I HEARD AND FELT THE BACK END HIT SOMETHING. THE CAR CATAPULTED OVER A 8 FT. FENCE THAT SEPARATES THE ACCESS ROAD. THE CAR LANDED ON ITS ROOF. MY AIRBAGS NEVER DEPLOYED! IMPACT CRUSHED THE ROOF INTO THE GROUND I WAS SUSPENDED UPSIDE DOWN BY MY SEAT BELT. THE CAR ENGINE WAS STILL RUNNING. I ATTEMPTED TO UNLATCH MY SEAT BELT, IT TOOK A FEW ATTEMPTS. I COULD NOT FIND A DOOR HANDLE, OR WINDOW TO GET OUT. I TRIED FORCING THE DRIVERS DOOR OPEN. IT WOULD NOT MOVE, I WAS TRAPPED INSIDE THE UPSIDE DOWN VEHICLE. IN A PANIC, I FEARED THE CAR WOULD SPILL GASOLINE AND CATCH FIRE. I TURNED THE IGNITION OFF. I THEN REALIZED NO ONE STOPPED TO HELP...I FORCED MY BODY TO HIT THE DOOR OVER AND OVER, TO BREAK IT OPEN. I GOT THE SIDE MIRROR TO BREAK ALLOWING THE DOOR TO OPEN A FEW INCHES...JUST ENOUGH TO CRAWL OUT. I WENT BACK IN TO FIND MY PHONE AND CALL 911. AT THAT TIME A PERSON PULLED OVER. I FOUND MY PHONE AND FOR SOME REASON I DECIDED TO TAKE A PICTURE OF THE VEHICLE. I CAPTURED THE BROKEN WHEEL IN THE PICTURE. POLICE ASKED ME WHAT HAPPENED, I SAID OVER AND OVER "IT LOCKED UP"...MY PHONE BATTERY DIED RIGHT AFTER I TOOK THE PICTURE. I DIDN'T HAVE MEDICAL COVERAGE FOR EMERGENCY, SO I DIDN'T GO TO THE HOSPITAL. THE COP SAID, "PEOPLE DON'T WALK AWAY FROM THIS KIND OF ACCIDENT" HE ADVISED I GO WITH THE AMBULANCE, HOWEVER I COULDN'T AFFORD THE COST. I DIDN'T REALIZE I WAS INJURED, UNTIL LATER. NO ONE HAS EVER SEEN A WHEEL DO THAT.
NHTSA complaint #10296922 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 26,000 milesQuincy, CA
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
ON 8/28/06, AT APPROXIMATELY 8:50 AM I WAS DRIVING TO WORK ON A TWO LANE, LEVEL, STRAIGHT PAVED COUNTY ROAD. I WAS DRIVING MY 2002 LEXUS IS 300 THAT HAD JUST REACHED 26,000 MILES. (THIS CAR HAS RECEIVED ALL REGULARLY SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE SERVICES FROM LEXUS OF RENO AND HAS NOT HAD ANY PROBLEMS WHATSOEVER. I AM THE ORIGINAL OWNER OF THIS VEHICLE) THE ROAD WAS CLEAR AND DRY. I WAS TRAVELING AT APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH WHEN I ACCELERATED TO PASS ANOTHER VEHICLE. AS I PASSED, MY CAR KEPT ON ACCELERATING EVEN AS I LET UP ON THE ACCELERATOR. I ATTEMPTED TO APPLY THE BRAKES. THE ENGINE ACCELERATION WAS SO POWERFUL, THE CAR DID NOT RESPOND WELL TO MY ATTEMPT TO BRAKE, SO I TOOK MY FOOT OFF THE BRAKE. THE SPEED ON THE DASHBOARD WAS 60 MPH AND ACCELERATING. I APPLIED THE BRAKES AGAIN WITH ALL THE STRENGTH I HAD AND WAS ABLE TO PULL THE CAR SAFELY OFF THE ROAD. THE ENGINE WAS RACING EVEN WHEN STOPPED. I MOVED THE SHIFT INTO PARK. EVEN IN PARK THE ENGINE WAS RACING. I TURNED THE ENGINE OFF. MY HUSBAND WAS FOLLOWING ME AND STOPPED. HE DROVE IT 1.5 MILES OUR OFFICE WITHOUT INCIDENT. I THEN CALLED THE RENO, NV LEXUS DEALERSHIP WHERE I PURCHASED THE CAR. THE HEAD OF THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT CALLED ME BACK AND SUGGESTED I HAVE THE CAR TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP. I ASKED HIM IF HE WAS AWARE OF ANY OTHER RAPID ACCELERATION PROBLEMS WITH THESE VEHICLES AND HE SAID NO. HE SAID THE 4 YEAR WARRANTY WAS UP IN 7/06 AND I WOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR ANY REPAIRS. THAT AFTERNOON I HAD THE CAR TOWED TO THE RENO LEXUS DEALERSHIP. ON THE EVENING OF 8/28/06 I SEARCHED THE INTERNET AND FOUND THAT THE NHTSA HAD INVESTIGATED 2002-2003 LEXUS ES 300 MODELS FOR FAULTY THROTTLES THAT MAY HAVE CAUSED RAPID ACCELERATION. SO FAR LEXUS HAS NOT ACKNOWLEDGED A PROBLEM. I SHARED WITH THE REP WHAT I HAD FOUND ON THE INTERNET RE: PROBLEMS WITH RAPID ACCELERATION AND THAT I WAS NOT PICKING THE CAR UP UNTIL LEXUS REPLACED THE THROTTLE.
NHTSA complaint #10167016 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 35,420 milesRichmond, 00Crash
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
MY 2002, LEXUS IS300 HAD A CASE OF SUDDEN UNINTENDED ACCELERATION THAT LED TO A CRASH CAUSING OVER $10,000 WORTH OF DAMAGES TO BOTH MY CAR AND THE OTHER PERSONS CAR. I HAVE SEEN OTHER REPORTS OF OTHER PEOPLE WONDERING IF THE ELECTRONIC THROTTLE IS SUSPECT IN THESE CASES, HOWEVER I PERSONALLY BELIEVE THAT THE REAL PROBLEM IS ONLY PARTLY TO BLAME ON THE ELECTRONIC THROTTLE. IN MY OPINION, THE PROBLEM IS THE LIKELIHOOD OF THE PEDAL GETTING STUCK UNDER FLOOR MATS IS TOO HIGH, COMBINED WITH THE RELATIVELY "LIGHT" SPRING FORCE ON THE GAS PEDAL BECAUSE IT IS A THROTTLE-BY-WIRE SYSTEM WHICH LEADS TO THE FLOOR MAT EASILY HOLDING THE PEDAL DOWN TO FULL THROTTLE CAUSING AN ACCIDENT. I SAY THAT THIS IS "NEGLIGENT PEDAL DESIGN ON THE PART OF THE CAR MANUFACTURER". I ALSO BELIEVE THAT THEY KNEW THIS WAS AN ISSUE BECAUSE THEY MAKE REFERENCE TO THIS IN THE OWNERS MANUAL ON: PG.76 WHERE THERE IS A CAUTION THAT STATES "MAKE SURE THE FLOOR MAT IS PROPERLY PLACED ON THE FLOOR CARPET. IF THE FLOOR MAT SLIPS AND INTERFERES WITH THE MOVEMENT OF THE PEDALS DURING DRIVING, IT MAY CAUSE IN ACCIDENT." NO MANUFACTURER SHOULD BE ALLOWED TO USE THAT CAUTION AS A DISCLAIMER TO GET AWAY WITH NEGLIGENT PEDAL DESIGN. THEY, FULLY WELL KNOWING THAT THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE, SHOULD HAVE RECALLED THOSE CAR MODELS WITH A PEDAL DESIGN THAT HAS A HIGH RISK OF GETTING JAMMED AND REDESIGNED THE PEDAL SO THAT IT CANNOT GET STUCK BY A FLOOR MAT. IN ALL THE CARS THAT I'VE OWNED IN THE PAST, IF A MAT SLIPS IT JUST PREVENTS YOU FROM APPLYING FULL GAS PEDAL, NOT THE OPPOSITE OF APPLYING FULL PEDAL. I STRONGLY MOVE THAT TOYOTA COMPANY RECALLS ALL THESE CARS WITH THIS POTENTIAL PROBLEM AND FIX IT PROPERLY BEFORE SOMEONE GET FATALLY INJURED OR CRIPPLED FOR LIFE. *NM THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONSUMER THERE WERE 2 CODES THAT INDICATED THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH THE ABS. UPDATED
NHTSA complaint #10139528 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 35,420 milesRichmond, 00Crash
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
MY 2002, LEXUS IS300 HAD A CASE OF SUDDEN UNINTENDED ACCELERATION THAT LED TO A CRASH CAUSING OVER $10,000 WORTH OF DAMAGES TO BOTH MY CAR AND THE OTHER PERSONS CAR. I HAVE SEEN OTHER REPORTS OF OTHER PEOPLE WONDERING IF THE ELECTRONIC THROTTLE IS SUSPECT IN THESE CASES, HOWEVER I PERSONALLY BELIEVE THAT THE REAL PROBLEM IS ONLY PARTLY TO BLAME ON THE ELECTRONIC THROTTLE. IN MY OPINION, THE PROBLEM IS THE LIKELIHOOD OF THE PEDAL GETTING STUCK UNDER FLOOR MATS IS TOO HIGH, COMBINED WITH THE RELATIVELY "LIGHT" SPRING FORCE ON THE GAS PEDAL BECAUSE IT IS A THROTTLE-BY-WIRE SYSTEM WHICH LEADS TO THE FLOOR MAT EASILY HOLDING THE PEDAL DOWN TO FULL THROTTLE CAUSING AN ACCIDENT. I SAY THAT THIS IS "NEGLIGENT PEDAL DESIGN ON THE PART OF THE CAR MANUFACTURER". I ALSO BELIEVE THAT THEY KNEW THIS WAS AN ISSUE BECAUSE THEY MAKE REFERENCE TO THIS IN THE OWNERS MANUAL ON: PG.76 WHERE THERE IS A CAUTION THAT STATES "MAKE SURE THE FLOOR MAT IS PROPERLY PLACED ON THE FLOOR CARPET. IF THE FLOOR MAT SLIPS AND INTERFERES WITH THE MOVEMENT OF THE PEDALS DURING DRIVING, IT MAY CAUSE IN ACCIDENT." NO MANUFACTURER SHOULD BE ALLOWED TO USE THAT CAUTION AS A DISCLAIMER TO GET AWAY WITH NEGLIGENT PEDAL DESIGN. THEY, FULLY WELL KNOWING THAT THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE, SHOULD HAVE RECALLED THOSE CAR MODELS WITH A PEDAL DESIGN THAT HAS A HIGH RISK OF GETTING JAMMED AND REDESIGNED THE PEDAL SO THAT IT CANNOT GET STUCK BY A FLOOR MAT. IN ALL THE CARS THAT I'VE OWNED IN THE PAST, IF A MAT SLIPS IT JUST PREVENTS YOU FROM APPLYING FULL GAS PEDAL, NOT THE OPPOSITE OF APPLYING FULL PEDAL. I STRONGLY MOVE THAT TOYOTA COMPANY RECALLS ALL THESE CARS WITH THIS POTENTIAL PROBLEM AND FIX IT PROPERLY BEFORE SOMEONE GET FATALLY INJURED OR CRIPPLED FOR LIFE. *NM THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONSUMER THERE WERE 2 CODES THAT INDICATED THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH THE ABS. UPDATED
NHTSA complaint #10139528 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 35,420 milesRichmond, 00Crash
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
MY 2002, LEXUS IS300 HAD A CASE OF SUDDEN UNINTENDED ACCELERATION THAT LED TO A CRASH CAUSING OVER $10,000 WORTH OF DAMAGES TO BOTH MY CAR AND THE OTHER PERSONS CAR. I HAVE SEEN OTHER REPORTS OF OTHER PEOPLE WONDERING IF THE ELECTRONIC THROTTLE IS SUSPECT IN THESE CASES, HOWEVER I PERSONALLY BELIEVE THAT THE REAL PROBLEM IS ONLY PARTLY TO BLAME ON THE ELECTRONIC THROTTLE. IN MY OPINION, THE PROBLEM IS THE LIKELIHOOD OF THE PEDAL GETTING STUCK UNDER FLOOR MATS IS TOO HIGH, COMBINED WITH THE RELATIVELY "LIGHT" SPRING FORCE ON THE GAS PEDAL BECAUSE IT IS A THROTTLE-BY-WIRE SYSTEM WHICH LEADS TO THE FLOOR MAT EASILY HOLDING THE PEDAL DOWN TO FULL THROTTLE CAUSING AN ACCIDENT. I SAY THAT THIS IS "NEGLIGENT PEDAL DESIGN ON THE PART OF THE CAR MANUFACTURER". I ALSO BELIEVE THAT THEY KNEW THIS WAS AN ISSUE BECAUSE THEY MAKE REFERENCE TO THIS IN THE OWNERS MANUAL ON: PG.76 WHERE THERE IS A CAUTION THAT STATES "MAKE SURE THE FLOOR MAT IS PROPERLY PLACED ON THE FLOOR CARPET. IF THE FLOOR MAT SLIPS AND INTERFERES WITH THE MOVEMENT OF THE PEDALS DURING DRIVING, IT MAY CAUSE IN ACCIDENT." NO MANUFACTURER SHOULD BE ALLOWED TO USE THAT CAUTION AS A DISCLAIMER TO GET AWAY WITH NEGLIGENT PEDAL DESIGN. THEY, FULLY WELL KNOWING THAT THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE, SHOULD HAVE RECALLED THOSE CAR MODELS WITH A PEDAL DESIGN THAT HAS A HIGH RISK OF GETTING JAMMED AND REDESIGNED THE PEDAL SO THAT IT CANNOT GET STUCK BY A FLOOR MAT. IN ALL THE CARS THAT I'VE OWNED IN THE PAST, IF A MAT SLIPS IT JUST PREVENTS YOU FROM APPLYING FULL GAS PEDAL, NOT THE OPPOSITE OF APPLYING FULL PEDAL. I STRONGLY MOVE THAT TOYOTA COMPANY RECALLS ALL THESE CARS WITH THIS POTENTIAL PROBLEM AND FIX IT PROPERLY BEFORE SOMEONE GET FATALLY INJURED OR CRIPPLED FOR LIFE. *NM THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONSUMER THERE WERE 2 CODES THAT INDICATED THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH THE ABS. UPDATED
NHTSA complaint #10139528 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Miami, FL
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
DT: THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 LEXUS IS300. THE CONTACT STATES THE VEHICLE STALLS AND WILL NOT ACCELERATE, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WILL COME ON EITHER ON THE HIGHWAY OR ON OFF ROADS. THE VEHICLE WILL STALL AT DECELERATING OR ACCELERATING. THE ONLY WARNING PRIOR TO THIS FAILURE IS THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMING ON. THIS OCCURS AT VARIOUS SPEEDS. THE ENGINE WILL RESTART USUALLY IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE FAILURE. IT HAPPENED ABOUT 100-150 TIMES. THE CAR HAS BEEN TO THE DEALERSHIP ABOUT 10 TIMES WITHIN THE LAST YEAR. THE DEALERSHIP HAS ATTEMPTED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE, BUT HAS BEEN UNSUCCESSFUL. THE TRANSMISSION IS AUTOMATIC.
NHTSA complaint #10136215 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 62,603 milesCovington, WA
POWER TRAIN:CLUTCH ASSEMBLY
TRANSMISSIONG WAS REPLACED AND CLUTCH. NEW CLUTCH WORE IN IN 24,000 MILES. CLAIMED IT WAS WEAR AND TEAR. NEVER HAD A CLUTCH GO OUT THAT EARLY EVER!
NHTSA complaint #10114697 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 40,000 milesAshburn, VA
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:ROTOR
THE INTIAL PROBLEM IS THAT THERE IS A POPPING NOISE THAT IS COMING FROM THE BRAKES. THE DEALER SAYS THAT THIS IS NORMAL, AND IS DUE TO BRAKE SHIFTING. A DAY LATER THE BRAKES STARTED TO SQUEAL. THE ROTORS AND PADS WERE RESERFACED TWICE, AND THE PROBLEM NOW COMES AND GOES. I FEEL THERE IS A MAJOR ISSUE WITH THE BRAKE SYSTEM IN THE LEXUS IS 300, AND THE NOISE IS NOT NORMAL. OUT OF THE 5 CARS I HAVE OWNED I NEVER HEARD THIS IN ANY OF THEM.
NHTSA complaint #10112438 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 40,000 milesAshburn, VA
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:CALIPER
THE INTIAL PROBLEM IS THAT THERE IS A POPPING NOISE THAT IS COMING FROM THE BRAKES. THE DEALER SAYS THAT THIS IS NORMAL, AND IS DUE TO BRAKE SHIFTING. A DAY LATER THE BRAKES STARTED TO SQUEAL. THE ROTORS AND PADS WERE RESERFACED TWICE, AND THE PROBLEM NOW COMES AND GOES. I FEEL THERE IS A MAJOR ISSUE WITH THE BRAKE SYSTEM IN THE LEXUS IS 300, AND THE NOISE IS NOT NORMAL. OUT OF THE 5 CARS I HAVE OWNED I NEVER HEARD THIS IN ANY OF THEM.
NHTSA complaint #10112438 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 40,200 milesWarren, MI
POWER TRAIN:CLUTCH ASSEMBLY
I OWN A 5-SPEED MANUAL 2002 LEXUS IS300. CURRENTLY, MY CAR HAS 40,000 MILES. EVERYTHING IN THE VEHICLE IS STOCK, NO MODIFIED PARTS AND ACCESORIES. I DRIVE THIS CAR NORMAL LIKE ANY OTHER MANUAL TRANSMISSION CARS. I REV MATCH WHEN I DOWNSHIFT, NEVER RIDE THE CLUTCH ETC...I HAVE BEEN DRIVING MANUAL CARS FOR THE LAST 10 YEARS. A FEW DAYS AGO, I NOTICED THAT THE TRANSMISSION CLUTCHED BEGAN TO SLIP AS I WAS ACCELERATING ON-RAMP ONTO FREEWAY. THE CAR IS DRIVABLE BUT I HAVE TO BE CAREFUL ACCELERATING AND PASSING OR ELSE, THE CLUTCH SLIPS AND CAR WON'T ACCELERATE. BECAUSE OF THIS PREMATURE CLUTCH FAILURE, I CAN'T DRIVE THE CAR AS IT WAS INTENDED TO BE. I DRIVE IT REALLY SLOW. PAINFULLY SLOW. I CAN'T BELIEVE LEXUS (TOYOTA) WON'T WARRANTY THIS ITEM. MOST MANUAL TRANSMISSION CARS' CLUTCHES HAVE A LIFETIME OF AT LEAST 100,000 MILES. AS AN ENGINEER, I SEE THIS AS A MANUFACTURER DEFECT. BECAUSE OF THIS INCIDENT, I WILL NEVER EVER PERSUADE POTENTIAL LEXUS BUYERS IN BUYING LEXUS VEHICLES.
NHTSA complaint #10112285 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 1 milesAtlanta, GA
POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION
LOUD THUMPING NOISE FROM REAR OF TRUNK, ON MANUAL TRANSMISSIONS WHEN SHIFTING BETWEEN 1ST, 2ND, AND 3RD.
NHTSA complaint #10096229 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.