Lexus

SC (Z40)

2002-2010 · Grand Tourer · 2 engines
Best Engine ⚠️ Caution (3.2)
131 NHTSA Complaints
1 Recalls
0 Fire Reports
14 Crash Reports
📋 Inspection checklist

Engine Reliability Ratings

Lexus SC Unidentified Engine

⚠️ Caution (3.2)
24 complaints 6.0 per year
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Complaint Breakdown

wheels tires
7
exterior
5
suspension
4
safety systems
3
body
2

Known Issues

Wheels & Tires Issues (7 complaints)
Exterior Issues (5 complaints)
Suspension Issues (4 complaints)

3UZ-FE

4.3L 8-cyl / 300 hp
⚠️ Caution (2.7)
107 complaints 15.3 per year Gasoline
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Complaint Breakdown

safety systems
73
other
9
wheels tires
8
brakes
7
electrical
6

Known Issues

Safety Systems Issues (73 complaints)
Wheels & Tires Issues (8 complaints)
Brakes Issues (7 complaints)

Vehicle-Level Issues

These issues affect the Lexus SC regardless of engine variant.

Safety Systems Issues (73 complaints)
safety_systems critical
Wheels & Tires Issues (15 complaints)
wheels_tires critical
Brakes Issues (7 complaints)
brakes critical
Exterior Issues (5 complaints)
exterior critical

Recalls (1)

19V741000Oct 16, 2019critical
Air Bags

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2010-2016 4Runner, 2003-2006 Tundra, 2003-2013 Corolla, 2009-2010 Corolla Matrix, 2004-2005 RAV4, 2002-2007 Sequoia, 2011-2013 Sienna, 2008-2012 Scion xB, 2008-2009 Lexus IS-F, 2007-2012 Yaris and Lexus ES350, 2010-2017 Lexus GX460, 2002-2010 Lexus SC430, 2006-2012 Lexus IS250 and IS350 and 2010-2015 Lexus IS250C and IS350C vehicles. These vehicles had their driver or passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior recall using inflators of the same design. The inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common 2002-2010 Lexus SC problems?

The 2002-2010 Lexus SC has accumulated 131 NHTSA complaints. The most frequently reported problem areas are Safety Systems, Wheels & Tires, Brakes. As with any used vehicle, an inspection before buying and a vehicle history report are recommended.

Which Lexus SC engine is most reliable?

The 2002-2010 Lexus SC was offered with 2 engine options. Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 4.3L 8-cyl has the lowest complaint density and is considered the most reliable choice for buyers.

Is the 2002-2010 Lexus SC a good used car?

The 2002-2010 Lexus SC can be a sound used car depending on trim, mileage, and maintenance history. With 131 total NHTSA complaints on record, prospective buyers should review the known problem areas and check for open recalls before buying.

How many NHTSA complaints does the 2002-2010 Lexus SC have?

The 2002-2010 Lexus SC has 131 complaints filed with NHTSA as of our latest data pull. Complaint counts reflect owner-reported issues and do not necessarily indicate defects or safety risks on their own.

What recalls affect the 2002-2010 Lexus SC?

There is 1 NHTSA recall affecting some 2002-2010 Lexus SC vehicles. Recall status varies by VIN — check the NHTSA recall database at recalls.nhtsa.dot.gov with your specific VIN to confirm which campaigns apply.

What should I check before buying a used Lexus SC?

Before buying a used Lexus SC, verify all open recalls are completed via the NHTSA VIN lookup tool. Pay particular attention to Safety Systems, Wheels & Tires, Brakes, which are the most commonly reported problem areas. Request maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the vehicle, and run a vehicle history report to check for prior accidents or title issues.

Does the SC have NHTSA crash test ratings?

NHTSA has not published crash test ratings for the 2002-2010 Lexus SC. Not all vehicles are tested each year. For the latest NHTSA safety information, visit nhtsa.gov/ratings.

Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 131 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-05-23.

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