Sign inCreate free garage
Research · Midsize Cars

2002 Lexus LS430Recalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 0 safety recalls and 42 owner complaints for the 2002 Lexus LS430. Most complaints involve structure (14) and latches/locks/linkages (6). The EPA rates it 19 mpg combined.

Check a VINAdd to my garage
Combined MPG
19mpg
EPA · 1 version
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
0campaigns
NHTSA
Owner complaints
42
Top: structure
Fuel cost / yr
$4,050est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

NHTSA campaigns for this model year
0 recalls found in NHTSA data for the 2002 Lexus LS430 as of Nov 8, 2026.
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 8, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

42 complaints filed with NHTSA · Nov 2001 – Jun 2015
  1. Structure14
  2. Latches/locks/linkages6
  3. Vehicle speed control4
  4. Exterior lighting4
  5. Air bags3
  6. Wheels3
  7. Engine and engine cooling2
  8. Visibility2
  9. Steering2

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

By model year

Complaints for each LS430 model year we’ve synced.

View as table
Model yearNHTSA complaints
200152
200242
200325
200436
200526
200617
Crashes reported
8
Fires reported
1
Injuries reported
21
Deaths reported
0
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 8, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

What owners report most

Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component

Structure

14 reports1 crash
“SUPPORTS TO KEEP TRUNK MLID OPEN FAILED AND LID CAME DOWN STRIKING HEAD. THIS HAS OCCURRED SEVERAL TIMES. DEALER FROM WHOM I PURCHASED CAR DID NOT OFFER TO REPLACE DEFECTIVE PARTS.WILLIAM”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jun 1, 2015StructureODI 10722618

Latches/locks/linkages

6 reports
“THE TRUNK LID OF MY 2002 LEXUS LS 430 HAS TWO PNEUMATIC STRUTS WHICH PROVIDE LIFT AND KEEP THE LID UP IN THE OPEN POSITION. NOW, OVER TIME THE STRUTS SLOWLY FAILED TO KEEP THE TRUNK LID OPEN, AND IN A GENTLE BREEZE, THE LID WILL COME DOWN WITH GUILLOTINE FORCE. IT HAS HIT MY HEAD SEVERAL TIMES WITH PAINFUL RESULTS AND NOW I AM AFRAID TO LOAD ITEMS IN MY TRUNK WITHOUT ANOTHER PERSON THERE TO HOLD IT OPEN. I THINK THAT THE "LIFT ASSIST" OF THE PNEUMATICS SHOULD BE ONLY AUXILIARY TO A MECHANISM THAT HOLDS THE TRUNK IN A FULL OPEN POSITION. I HAVE NEVER HAD A VEHICLE WHOSE TRUNK LID DID NOT STAY IN THE OPEN POSITION ONCE LIFTED, REGARDLESS OF AGE. *TR”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Feb 25, 2011Structure, Latches/locks/linkagesODI 10384496

Vehicle speed control

4 reports3 crashes
“AS I WAS TURNING ONTO A ROAD FROM A PRIVATE DRIVEWAY THE CAR SUDDENLY ACCELERATED CAUSING THE CAR TO CROSS OVER BOTH LANES OF THE ROAD AND CRASH INTO A MAILBOX. THE RESULT WAS DAMAGE TO THE FRONT OF MY CAR AND A BROKEN MAILBAX POST. *TR”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Apr 19, 2013Structure, Vehicle speed controlCrash reportedODI 10508825
All 2002 LS430 problemsSend a problem to a mechanic on findmechanic.ai
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 8, 2026
04 —Key specs

Engines, transmissions & drive

1 version rated by the EPA
EPA class
Midsize Cars
Engines
4.3L 8-cyl
Transmissions
Automatic 5-spd
Drive
Rear-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Premium Gasoline

Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.

Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 8, 2026EPA listing
05 —Fuel economy

EPA fuel economy by version

City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
VersionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
LS 430
Auto 5-spd, 8 cyl, 4.3 L · Rear-Wheel Drive
162319$4,050468
  • LS 430
    Auto 5-spd, 8 cyl, 4.3 L
    16 city · 23 hwy · $4,050/yr
    19
    mpg comb.
Estimate your fuel costCost of ownership
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 8, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
06 —Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

1 tested variant
NHTSA has not published 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2002 Lexus LS430 as of Nov 8, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 8, 2026Vehicle 4670
07 —Maintenance

Maintenance basics

General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
ItemMilesTimeNote
Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi6–12 monthsFollow the oil-life monitor if fitted
Tire rotation5,000–7,500 miEvery oil changeCheck pressure monthly
Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi1–2 yearsSooner in dusty areas
Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi1–2 years
Brake fluid—2–3 yearsAbsorbs moisture over time
Coolant60,000–100,000 mi5–10 yearsLong-life coolants last longer
Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi—Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end
12V battery—3–5 yearsHeat shortens battery life
  • Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
    6–12 months
  • Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
    Every oil change
  • Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Brake fluid—
    2–3 years
  • Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
    5–10 years
  • Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
    —
  • 12V battery—
    3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
09 —FAQ

2002 LS430 questions

How many recalls does the 2002 Lexus LS430 have?

0 recalls found in NHTSA data as of Nov 8, 2026.

What are the most common 2002 Lexus LS430 problems?

Owners filed 42 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are structure (14), latches/locks/linkages (6), vehicle speed control (4). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

What MPG does the 2002 Lexus LS430 get?

The EPA rates the 2002 Lexus LS430 at 19 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (1 version rated).

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 8, 2026