Owners have filed 46 complaints
about the 2002 Lexus SC430 with NHTSA between 2002 and 2019.
The largest single group is the airbags.
Across this model's run it ranks 1 of 4 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 — 89
Against the median year of the Lexus SC430. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 79
15.2% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 57
33% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
1,000 – 9,999 miles
622.2%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
13.7%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
518.5%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
933.3%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
13.7%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
518.5%
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.
Mar 2002peak 4Mar 2019
Complaints that involved harm
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 49,000 milesNaples, FLCrash2 injured
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 LEXUS SC430. THE CONTACT STATED AFTER SHIFTING THE VEHICLE INTO DRIVE GEAR IT SUDDENLY ACCELERATED AND CRASHED INTO A NEIGHBORS DOOR, FENCE, HOUSE AND AIR CONDITION. DURING THE CRASH BOTH THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE CONTACT AND PASSENGER WERE TAKEN TO THE HOSPITAL. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER AND FILED A COMPLAINT. THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED AFTER THE BATTERY WAS REPLACED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 49,000. UPDATED 7/22/13
NHTSA complaint #10520548 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 32,000 milesVilla Park, CACrash
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
UNINTENDED ACCELERATION IN A PARKING LOT CAUSING MY VEHICL TO CRASH INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. TOYOTA EXAMINED THE VEHICLE AND SAID NOTHING WAS WRONG WITH IT. THEY REFUSESD TO GIVE ME A LETTER SAYING THE CAR WAS SAFE TO DRIVE WHICH I REQUESTED IN WRITING TWICE. UPDATED 02/14/11
NHTSA complaint #10381988 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 69,000 milesSeattle, WACrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 LEXUS SC430. WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH, A BUS CRASHED INTO THE VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED TO A SCRAP YARD. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED WHIPLASH. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED, BUT IGNORED THE CONTACT. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 69,000. UPDATED 12/12/08 *CN UPDATED 12/15/08. *JB UPDATED 12/30/08. *LJ UPDATED 01/05/09.
NHTSA complaint #10248848 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 44,000 milesCarmichael, CA1 injured
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:TRUNK LID:LOCK
TRUNK LID DROPPED AND HIT ME ON THE HEAD BECAUSE THE AIR(?) CYLINDERS HAVE FAILED AND WILL NO LONGER SUPPORT THE TRUNK LID WHEN IT IS OPEN.
NHTSA complaint #10152827 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Spring, TXCrash
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
SPEED CONTROL FAILURE CAUSED VEHICLE TO LOSE CONTROL.
NHTSA complaint #10005961 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 50,000 milesHuntley, MT
AIR BAGS
GETTING TOTALLY JERKED AROUND THEY CALL AND NEVER FOLLOW UP. THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR YEARS. NOT ABLE TO DRIVE THE CAR FOR YEARS NOW.
NHTSA complaint #11185031 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 62,123 milesLewiston, ME
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
THERE IS CONDENSATION IN THE HEAD LAMPS WHICH AFFECTS HOW WELL THEY WORK AT NIGHT. THE CAR HAS NOT BEEN MODIFIED OR HAD ANY TYPE OF INJURY THAT WOULD RESULT IN CONDENSATION BEING INSIDE THE HEADLIGHT COVERS. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE THAT NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED. IT IMPAIRS HOW WELL THE HEADLAMPS WORK.
NHTSA complaint #11092111 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Monument, CO
AIR BAGS
2002 LEXUS SC430. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO FRONT PASSENGER AIRBAG INFLATOR MODULE SAFETY RECALL. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICOLE WAS TAKEN TO HAVE THE RECALL COMPLETED, BUT WAS TOLD THE ZONE WAS NOT CURRENTLY AUTHORIZED TO COMPLEE THE REPAIR. UPDATED 11/08/2017
NHTSA complaint #11034972 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Robersonville, NC
AIR BAGS
TAKATA RECALL BOUGHT THIS VEHICLE ABOUT A YEAR AGO AND HAVE NOT RECEIVED ANY NOTICE ON WHAT TO DO TO GET THIS FIXED.
NHTSA complaint #10860961 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 68,000 milesEnterprise, AL
AIR BAGS
HAD AIRBAG RECALL DONE ABOUT 1500 MILES AGO, AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT IS NOW ON , STEADY ,ALL THE TIME
NHTSA complaint #10859889 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 125,000 milesBlue Springs, MO
AIR BAGS
I HAD THE SAFETY RECALL, CONCERNING THE AIRBAG INFLATOR MODULE, DONE ON MY CAR BUT NOW THE AIRBAG SENSOR LIGHT STAYS ON.
NHTSA complaint #10732173 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 125,000 milesFrankfort, KY
SERVICE BRAKES
DRIVING THE CAR UNDER NORMAL CONDITIONS AT ABOUT 45 MPH AND THE BRAKES WENT COMPLETELY OUT WITHOUT ANY WARNING. IM FORTUNATE THAT I DIDN'T CRASH THE VEHICLE INTO SOMETHING OR SOMEONE! CONTACTED LEXUS TO LET THEM KNOW THE ISSUE AND THEY BASICALLY LAUGHED IT OFF !! POOR CUSTOMER SERVICE!!
NHTSA complaint #10693669 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 65,000 milesScottsdale, AZ
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 LEXUS SC430. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V312000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE SPECIFICS OF THE FAILURE WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 65,000.
NHTSA complaint #10673019 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SAN Francisco, CA
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 LEXUS SC430. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A NOTIFICATION FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V312000 (AIR BAGS). HOWEVER, THE PART NEEDED TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.
NHTSA complaint #10660937 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SAN Francisco, CA
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 LEXUS SC430. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A NOTIFICATION FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 14V312000 (AIR BAGS) AND STATED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE FOR SEVERAL MONTHS. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO PROVIDE A SPECIFIC DATE WHEN THE PARTS WOULD BECOME AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT WAS NOT ABLE TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT WITH THE LOCAL AUTHORIZED DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND COULD NOT PROVIDE AN ESTIMATED DATE FOR WHEN THE VEHICLE WOULD RECEIVE THE RECALL REPAIRS. THE CONTACT WAS NOT EXPERIENCING A FAILURE.
NHTSA complaint #10660946 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Chattanooga, TN
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 LEXUS SC430. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A NOTIFICATION FOR RECALL NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V312000 (AIR BAGS). HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.
NHTSA complaint #10651352 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 101,000 milesPhiladelphia, PA
STRUCTURE:BODY
THE HARDTOP WILL NOT GO DOWN ON THE ONE SIDE - APPARENTLY THE MOTORS THAT BRING DOWN THE HARDTOP CAN BURN OUT, CAUSING THE ISSUE. FOR HIGHER-END CAR, THIS SHOULD NOT HAPPEN SO SOON. DEALER INDICATED THIS WAS A $3,000-PLUS REPAIR. I HAVE SINCE BEEN DRIVING A SC430 COUPE!
NHTSA complaint #10644976 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bristow, VA
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 LEXUS SC430. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTIFICATION FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V312000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART NEEDED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.
NHTSA complaint #10639738 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Charleston, SC
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 LEXUS SC430. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A NOTIFICATION FOR RECALL NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V312000 (AIR BAGS). HOWEVER, THE PARTS NEEDED TO PERFORM THE REPAIRS WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT BELIEVED THAT THE MANUFACTURER HAD EXCEEDED THE REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR REPAIR. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE DELAY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED THE FAILURE.
NHTSA complaint #10630343 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 45,000 milesOakland Gardens, NY
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 LEXUS SC430. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED INTERMITTENTLY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE OCCURRED AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED ACCORDING TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V312000 (AIR BAGS). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 45,000.
NHTSA complaint #10622100 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 98,200 milesApollo Beach, FL
AIR BAGS
RECEIVED URGENT SAFETY RECALL NOTICE ON 8/11/2014. CALLED LOCAL DEALER 8/12/2014 A.M. WAS TOLD DEALERSHIP ONLY RECEIVES ONE (1) REPLACEMENT PART PER WEEK SO I HAVE TO BE PUT ON WAITING LIST. APPROXIMATELY 8 PEOPLE AHEAD OF ME! THE LETTER [XXX] , V.P. TOYOTA NORTH AMERICA SENT YOUR AGENCY ON JUNE 19,2014, STATED THE RECALL NOTICE WOULD GO TO AFFECTED CUSTOMERS ONCE "SUFFICIENT REPLACEMENT PARTS BECOME AVAILABLE". THAT WAS 8 WEEKS AGO, YET THEY CAN STILL ONLY SEND ONE PART PER WEEK? THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE AND POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
NHTSA complaint #10621686 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Talihina, OK
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 LEXUS SC430. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V312000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART NEEDED FOR THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. AN INVALID VIN WAS PROVIDED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.
NHTSA complaint #10618908 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Chino Hills, CA
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 LEXUS SC430. THE CONTACT STATED RECALL NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V312000 (AIR BAGS) AND NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13V133000 (AIR BAGS) HAD EXCEEDED THE REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR REPAIR. THE DEALER STATED THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE FOR REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE FOR THE DELAY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED THE FAILURE.
NHTSA complaint #10606198 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 71,000 milesOrem, UT
AIR BAGS
TL- THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 LEXUS SC430. THE CONTACT HAD RECEIVED THE RECALL REPAIR FOR THE AIR BAG. THE VEHICLE HAD EXTENSIVE INTERIOR AND SOME EXTERIOR DAMAGES AFTER THE REPAIRS. THE DAMAGES WERE TO THE DASHBOARD, DAMAGED THE PAINT, SCRATCHED THE TINTED WINDOWS, THE HOOD, LEATHER SEATS IN WHICH THE AUTHORIZED DEALER HAD AGREED TO FIX. THE AIR BAG INFLATOR ASSEMBLY KIT AND COSMETIC DAMAGES HAD BEEN REPAIRED. THE COSMETIC DAMAGES HAD BEEN CAUSED BY THE MECHANICS WHO HAD REPAIRED THE VEHICLE. THE SENSOR LIGHT HAD ILLUMINATED AT RANDOM AFTER THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 71000. DYD
NHTSA complaint #10582891 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 71,000 milesOrem, UT
STRUCTURE:BODY
TL- THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 LEXUS SC430. THE CONTACT HAD RECEIVED THE RECALL REPAIR FOR THE AIR BAG. THE VEHICLE HAD EXTENSIVE INTERIOR AND SOME EXTERIOR DAMAGES AFTER THE REPAIRS. THE DAMAGES WERE TO THE DASHBOARD, DAMAGED THE PAINT, SCRATCHED THE TINTED WINDOWS, THE HOOD, LEATHER SEATS IN WHICH THE AUTHORIZED DEALER HAD AGREED TO FIX. THE AIR BAG INFLATOR ASSEMBLY KIT AND COSMETIC DAMAGES HAD BEEN REPAIRED. THE COSMETIC DAMAGES HAD BEEN CAUSED BY THE MECHANICS WHO HAD REPAIRED THE VEHICLE. THE SENSOR LIGHT HAD ILLUMINATED AT RANDOM AFTER THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 71000. DYD
NHTSA complaint #10582891 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 49,000 milesNaples, FLCrash2 injured
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 LEXUS SC430. THE CONTACT STATED AFTER SHIFTING THE VEHICLE INTO DRIVE GEAR IT SUDDENLY ACCELERATED AND CRASHED INTO A NEIGHBORS DOOR, FENCE, HOUSE AND AIR CONDITION. DURING THE CRASH BOTH THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE CONTACT AND PASSENGER WERE TAKEN TO THE HOSPITAL. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER AND FILED A COMPLAINT. THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED AFTER THE BATTERY WAS REPLACED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 49,000. UPDATED 7/22/13
NHTSA complaint #10520548 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 137,000 milesPhiladelphia, PA
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 LEXUS SC430. THE CONTACT STATED HE RECEIVED A LEXUS VOLUNTARY RECALL LETTER FOR THE AIR BAG INFLATER AND THE REPAIR HAD EXCEEDED A REASONABLE TIME TO BE REPAIRED. THE CONTACT FEELS THAT THE AIR BAG FAILURE COULD CAUSE THE PASSENGER INJURY AT ANY MOMENT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 137,000.
NHTSA complaint #10519675 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 32,000 milesVilla Park, CACrash
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
UNINTENDED ACCELERATION IN A PARKING LOT CAUSING MY VEHICL TO CRASH INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. TOYOTA EXAMINED THE VEHICLE AND SAID NOTHING WAS WRONG WITH IT. THEY REFUSESD TO GIVE ME A LETTER SAYING THE CAR WAS SAFE TO DRIVE WHICH I REQUESTED IN WRITING TWICE. UPDATED 02/14/11
NHTSA complaint #10381988 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 136,032 milesLOS Angeles, CA
SUSPENSION:FRONT
LEFT BALL JOINT FAILURE. SHEARED OFF CAUSING LOSS OFF VEHICLE CONTROL. FINALLY STOPPED JUST FEET FROM GOING OVER THE EDGE OF A DROP OFF. DAMAGE TO LEFT SIDE FRONT END COMPONENTS, LEFT FRONT FENDER AND BOTH FRONT TIRES DESTROYED.
NHTSA complaint #10325474 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 66,948 milesSAN Dimas, CA
TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM
VSC AND VSC OFF LIGHTS COME ON WHEN VEHICLE IS IN DRIVE AND MOVING FROM COMPLETE STOP. THERE'S NO CHECK ENGINE LIGHT NOR THERE IS ANY DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE. REPORTS FROM DISCUSSION BOARD INDICATE THAT THIS IS WIDESPREAD AMONG TOYOTA AND LEXUS VEHICLES AND REPORTS STATED THAT TOYOTA IS NOT DOING ANYTHING ABOUT IT.
NHTSA complaint #10265361 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.