2002 LEXUS RX — Problems, Recalls & Safety Data
N/A
Safety Rating
13
Owner Complaints
0
Recalls
0
Service Bulletins
0
Investigations
Overview of the 2002 LEXUS RX
The 2002 LEXUS RX has received a total of 13 safety complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The most commonly reported problems involve the Power Trainautomatic Transmission (3 complaints), Power Train (2 complaints), and Unknown Or Other (2 complaints).
Recalls for the 2002 LEXUS RX
There are no recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2002 LEXUS RX. No Active Recalls
Owner Complaints for the 2002 LEXUS RX
13 complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2002 LEXUS RX. Below is a breakdown by vehicle component.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Injuries | Deaths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Power Trainautomatic Transmission | 3 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Power Train | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Unknown Or Other | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Air Bags | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Air Bagssidewindow | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Engine | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuelpropulsion System | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Tires | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
Most Recent Complaints
I want to raise concern about the safety issue and health issues relating to the new LED headlights on cars now. In the morning and evenings, I regularly encounter these extremely bright headlights. It's a big distraction and my driving visual field is impacted by these lights. I would like to see this addressed and resolved! Please advise. Sincerely, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The contact owns a 2002 Lexus RX300. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the air bag warning light flashed on the instrument panel. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not yet diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 190,000.
The system component that malfunctioned was the Fuel Tank Overfill Check Valve, also referred to the Rollover Valve located in the top of the gas tank. The valve is suppose to prevent any fuel purging or fuel leaking during a rollover accident. Unfortunately, the valve can malfunction during normal refueling without the owner being aware. For a few years, I have been smelling fuel fumes during and after refueling. I would sometimes discover a pool of raw fuel under the gas tank and charcoal canister during/after refueling and up to 12 miles later. The vehicle started hesitating, missing and actually stalling after refueling. Three professional mechanics couldn't solve the problem. In an attempt to eliminate this safety issue, I replaced the gas tank, gas filler tube, fuel vapor purge valve and charcoal canister. I finally discovered a tube from the malfunctioning Overfill Valve was sending raw fuel directly to the charcoal canister, filling the charcoal canister and ultimately overflowing onto the ground outside of the vehicle. I decided to cut a hole in the vehicle floor under the rear seat and replace the Fuel Tank Overfill Check Valve. The design of the replacement valve was different from the original and incorporated a float type check valve rather than just the simple diaphragm in the original. Maybe Toyota/Lexus quietly redesigned the valve, but all owners should be aware of the redesign and the vehicles should be recalled. Thousands of these vehicles are still on the road because people love them. These vehicles and the valves are aging and failing. Dangerous fire potential certainly exist. One previous owner did have this problem, I believe, and his vehicle burned to the ground. It's an extreme safety issue not just because of the hesitating/stalling in traffic after refueling, but mostly because of the raw fuel leaking from the charcoal canister under the vehicle right in the immediate vicinity of the hot exhaust and the gas tank.
4 new tyres were installed by Firestone but driver side wore out despite balancing rotation, alignment performed during install. TyrePlus sister concern replaced with new tyre and prorated as the tyre was at fault. Same tyre blew out on the road. The tread, side all etc damaged the wire harness and car went out of control causing damage to suspension and fuel tank. Fuel began to leak. Car is toatled due to several other damages. TyrePlus does not want to take ownership. However they have all records of up to date maintenance. They referred me to Bridgestone wherein I need to submit 2 estimates. Tyre purchase dates maintenence etc. I have secured the tread and parts of the tyre which blew out and they want me to submit that. I am hesitatnt to submit it as they may tamper with the proof I have to fix it.
Transmission wouldnt shift all of the sudden on the high way no prior mechanical issues was t boned and broke my leg abs and trac off lights mechanic says total transmission failure 121000 miles and this is the second owner of this vehicle
Safety Rating for the 2002 LEXUS RX
NHTSA has not yet tested the 2002 LEXUS RX in its New Car Assessment Program.
Technical Service Bulletins for the 2002 LEXUS RX
No technical service bulletins have been reported for this vehicle.
NHTSA Investigations for the 2002 LEXUS RX
There are no NHTSA defect investigations on record for this vehicle.
Other Model Years of the LEXUS RX
- 1999 LEXUS RX — 41 complaints
- 2000 LEXUS RX — 30 complaints
- 2001 LEXUS RX — 25 complaints
- 2002 LEXUS RX (current)
- 2003 LEXUS RX — 4 complaints
- 2004 LEXUS RX — 55 complaints
- 2005 LEXUS RX — 39 complaints
- 2006 LEXUS RX — 52 complaints
- 2007 LEXUS RX — 78 complaints
Other LEXUS Models
- LEXUS ES350 — 1,531 total complaints
- LEXUS RX350 — 1,065 total complaints
- LEXUS IS 250 — 938 total complaints
- LEXUS ES300 — 862 total complaints
- LEXUS RX300 — 849 total complaints
- LEXUS ES — 817 total complaints
- LEXUS IS — 765 total complaints
- LEXUS RX330 — 659 total complaints