2002 Lexus SC Recalls, Problems & Safety Rating

3 safety recalls on file

The 2002 Lexus SC has 3 safety recalls on file with NHTSA.

Owners have filed 5 complaints with NHTSA, including 1 crash, 1 injury.

The most-reported problem area is Air Bags (3 reports).

3Recalls
5Owner complaints
1Crashes reported
n/aNHTSA safety rating
Is the repair still open on your SC?

A recall covers specific vehicles. Your VIN shows whether yours still needs the free repair.

2002 Lexus SC recalls

Passenger airbag inflator may explode, sending metal shards

Recall 18V883Dec 12, 2018168,993 vehicles affected

The passenger-side frontal airbag inflator in these vehicles may rupture during a crash that requires the airbag to deploy.

Passenger airbag inflator may rupture, sending metal fragments at occupants

Recall 15V285May 13, 20151,973,468 vehicles affected

The passenger side frontal airbag inflator in these vehicles may build up excessive internal pressure when the airbag deploys, causing the inflator to rupture.

Passenger airbag inflator may rupture in crash

Recall 15V286May 13, 20151,069,055 vehicles affected

The front passenger airbag inflator in these vehicles can rupture when the airbag deploys in a crash.

Most common 2002 Lexus SC problems

Problem areas named in the 5 complaints owners filed with NHTSA.

Problem areaReports
Air Bags3
Steering1
Suspension1
Electrical System1

What owners report

2025-09-29, Electrical System
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2002 Lexus SC430. The contact stated that while attempting to register the vehicle, it was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a dealer sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 110,000, and at the time of registration, it was discovered that the mileage was 220,000.
2019-12-30, Steering
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 LEXUS SC. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, AN ABNORMAL NOISE WAS HEARD WHEN THE STEERING WHEEL WAS TURNED. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. ALSO, WHEN DRIVING OVER A BUMP IN THE ROAD, THE FRONT SUSPENSION PULLED TO THE RIGHT. THE VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED AND REPAIRED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 77,000. *DT CONSUMER REQUESTED ISSUE BE REMOVED FROM YOUR DATABASE.*JB
2019-11-27, Air Bags
LEXUS HAS EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME TO PERFORM AIRBAG RECALL REPLACEMENT
2015-09-14, Air Bags
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 LEXUS SC. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V285000 (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 ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.
2007-10-24, Air Bags
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 LEXUS SC430. THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO A GUARDRAIL WHILE DRIVING OVER 50 MPH. NONE OF THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THE ENTIRE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE WAS COMPLETELY DESTROYED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT IS AWAITING A RESPONSE FROM THE MANUFACTURER. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 37,400. UPDATED 01/07/08.*LJ

2002 Lexus SC questions

Does the 2002 Lexus SC have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 3 safety recalls for the 2002 Lexus SC: Passenger airbag inflator may explode, sending metal shards; Passenger airbag inflator may rupture, sending metal fragments at occupants; Passenger airbag inflator may rupture in crash. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.

What are the most common problems with the 2002 Lexus SC?

Based on 5 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are Air Bags (3), Steering (1), Suspension (1).

How do I check if a recall on my 2002 Lexus SC has been fixed?

Enter your 17-character VIN in our VIN recall check. It shows open recalls that have not been repaired on your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.

Other Lexus SC years

Other 2002 Lexus models