Three problems related to service brakes have been reported for the 2002 Lexus ES300. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
When driving at a low speed, the vehicle surged forward. The consumer took the vehicle to the dealership for inspection on five separate occasions, but the problem continued the dealer acknowledged the situation but did not know how to fix it. There was excessive belt squealing in the morning, the brake pedal pulsated and the key would no turn in the ignition.
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.
Brake rotors were replaced, entire new brake kit installed and all four tire were replaced prior to reaching 20k miles. The consumer has not been pleased with the shifting performance of the vehicle. The automatic transmission demonstrate erratic, rough and inconsistent shifting. The manufacturer installed a software upgrade but it only slightly improved the performance. The consumer also had a 2000 Lexus GS 300 which had a more dramatic transmission problem. The local dealer insisted that nothing was wrong with the vehicle.