2002 model year · NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports · Updated September 2026
2002 · All trims · All engines
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According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2002 Lexus ES has 3 documented known issues, with 2 rated critical. The most serious are XV20 ES 300 (1MZ-FE): Engine Oil Sludge / Gelation Blocking Oil Passages ($600-$5,500 repair) and XV20/XV30 ES 300 and ES 330: U140E Automatic Transmission Slipping and Hesitation ($400-$4,000 repair). Across all issues with published estimates, repair costs range from $350 to $5,500. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.
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According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2002 Lexus ES has 3 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: XV20 ES 300 (1MZ-FE): Engine Oil Sludge / Gelation Blocking Oil Passages, XV20/XV30 ES 300 and ES 330: U140E Automatic Transmission Slipping and Hesitation, XV20/XV30 ES (1MZ-FE): Knock Sensor Sub-Harness Chafes and Sets P0325 / P0330. Of these, 2 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.
The 2002 Lexus ES has 3 known issues compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports. 2 issues are rated critical: XV20 ES 300 (1MZ-FE): Engine Oil Sludge / Gelation Blocking Oil Passages and XV20/XV30 ES 300 and ES 330: U140E Automatic Transmission Slipping and Hesitation. Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.
Repair costs for known Lexus ES issues range from $350 to $5,500, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, XV20 ES 300 (1MZ-FE): Engine Oil Sludge / Gelation Blocking Oil Passages, typically costs $600-$5,500 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.
The 3.0L 1MZ-FE V6 in the 1997-2002 ES 300 is one of the core engines in Toyota's oil-gelation controversy. A combination of crankcase ventilation design and a 7,500-mile service interval let oil oxidize into a thick sludge that coats the valve covers and plugs the oil pickup scr… Repairs typically run $600-$5,500. Severity: high.
The U140E four/five-speed automatic used behind the 1MZ-FE and 3MZ-FE in the ES 300 and ES 330 has two distinct documented failure patterns. Higher-mileage 1999-2003 ES 300 units slip - typically after the fluid warms up a couple of minutes - as the clutch packs and valve body we… Repairs typically run $400-$4,000. Severity: high.
Content on this page was compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, owner reports, and public automotive data. While we strive for accuracy, this information may contain errors. Always verify repair procedures and specifications with your vehicle's service manual or a qualified mechanic.
On the 1MZ-FE V6 the two knock sensors sit in the valley between the cylinder heads, and their sub-harness bakes there under the intake manifold. The wire insulation hardens and chafes, shorting the signal wire to ground and setting P0325 (knock sensor 1 circuit) and/or P0330 (kn… Repairs typically run $350-$900. Severity: medium.
