NHTSA — Air Bags: Frontal Problems

10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
5 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
5 / 0
Average Mileage:
32,202 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2002 Lexus ES 300 seat belts / air bags problems

seat belts / air bags problem

Find something helpful? Spread the word.
Get notified about new defects, investigations, recalls & lawsuits for the 2002 Lexus ES 300:

Unsubscribe any time. We don't sell/share your email.

2002 Lexus ES 300 Owner Comments

problem #5

Aug 042011

ES 300 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 74,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The contact owns a 2002 Lexus ES300. The contact stated that while at a stand still and depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle suddenly accelerated. The vehicle continued to accelerate until crashing into the vehicle in front of the contact. As a result, the contact experienced pain on the right shoulder, chest and upper arm. The driver of the vehicle that was crashed into was transported by ambulance to the hospital because she experienced back pain. The police reported to the scene and a report was filed. The vehicle sustained damage to the front end and was towed to an auto body shop. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a complaint was filed. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 74,000. Updated 08/30/11 the consumer also stated the air bags failed to deploy. Updated 11/30/11

- Missouri City , TX, USA

problem #4

Jan 132006

ES 300 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 70,000 miles
: the consumer stated while driving at 30 mph, in wet conditions a vehicle turned in front of him without warning. This caused the consumer to broadside the other vehicle with his front end. The brakes were suddenly applied and the airbags did not deploy. All of the occupants were wearing seat belts, but the shoulder straps did not catch, causing minor injuries. There was a police report taken at the scene. The vehicle was towed to a salvage yard and the insurance company deemed the vehicle totaled. Updated 3/9/2006 -

- Baltimore, MD, USA

problem #3

Nov 102003

ES 300 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 12 miles
1. while pulling into a parking space, at 2-4 mph, with my foot on the brake, the car suddenly accelerated at full speed, jumping the curb and hitting a tree with full force. Because of previous concerns with throttle problems noted with the dealership at 1000 and 5000 mile check, I immediately called the Lexus dealership. After a conference call with Lexus roadside assistance and the dealership, my car was flat bedded to the dealership. The frontal crash rendered the vehicle un-drivable. Radiator damage with leakage of fluid covered a portion of the parking lot. The Lexus dealership said they was no problem with the car. I could have been killed or somebody else live could have been in danger. 2. the front air bags did not inflate. 3. the brake rotors had to be corrected at 1500 miles and a "part" was ordered and put on the care to correct this problem. 4. the car when driving at above 50 pulls to the left and from the beginning it felt as though the car was uneven even when not moving. At that time I requested a written explanation of this problem and told my record at the dealership would substantiate this. On the night of the accident I learned by reviewing complaints from the office of defect investigations on the NHTSA web site that the problems have been known by the corporate office of Lexus from as early as January, 2002 in regards to all of the above problems. I also found out there have been two recalls on this vehicle that I was not informed about. I will be requesting an investigation with the Lexus East regional office and discussing this with the rockville Lexus office. I believe that this car is unsafe to drive. I brought the Lexus vehicle even with it's price tag because of its reputation and to drive my 3 year old grandson and 1 year old granddaughter in the safest manner I could facilitate. I am sure that my son and daughter-in-law will not allow this after this crash!!!! updated 7/3/12

- Rockville, MD, USA

problem #2

Aug 072003

ES 300 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 17,000 miles
When pulling into a parking space traveling at less then 10 miles per hour, the car suddenly accelerated, proceeded forward hitting another parked car head on. The vehicle then jumped a curb and hit a second car. When attempting to stop the car using the brakes, the brake pedal was depressed but the car did not stop. In addition the air bag failed to deploy. Significant damage was done to two other vehicles beside mine. Updated 7/3/12

- Naperville, IL, USA

problem #1

May 302002

(reported on)

ES 300

  • miles
Consumer states that the vehicle was involved in a frontal collision, upon impact the air bags did not deploy. The dealer and manufacturer were notified. Please provide additional information.

- Chesterfield, MO, USA

Not what you are looking for?