Lexus IS reliability and problems by year
Owners have filed 414 complaints about the Lexus IS with NHTSA since 2010, most often about airbags and other or unspecified. Lexus has filed 9 warranty extensions and 17 service campaigns for it, and there are 12 safety recalls on file.
From NHTSA's public data files, downloaded 2026-10-10.
How reliable is the Lexus IS? What NHTSA's records show
We don't give the IS a reliability score. NHTSA publishes complaint counts but no sales figures, so complaints can't be turned into a rate or compared between models. Here is what's on file for model years 2010 on.
- Owner complaints
- 414
- Filed with NHTSA, all model years
- Warranty extensions
- 9
- Filed by Lexus
- Service campaigns
- 17
- Filed by Lexus
- Safety recalls
- 12
- Each covers part of the model
Every model year compared
Complaints rise with how many were sold and how long they've been on the road, so a newer or rarer year will show fewer. Compare years of the IS with each other.
| Year | Complaints | Most named | Recalls | Warranty / campaigns |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | Cruise control and speed control (100%) | 0 | 0 |
| 2025 | 1 | Body and structure (100%) | 0 | 0 |
| 2024 | 1 | Visibility (100%) | 0 | 0 |
| 2023 | 5 | Transmission and drivetrain (20%) | 0 | 1 |
| 2022 | 5 | Engine (40%) | 1 | 1 |
| 2021 | 3 | Other or unspecified (100%) | 0 | 8 |
| 2020 | 9 | Other or unspecified (33%) | 0 | 3 |
| 2019 | 10 | Other or unspecified (60%) | 2 | 4 |
| 2018 | 9 | Engine (22%) | 1 | 7 |
| 2017 | 22 | Fuel and propulsion (27%) | 2 | 6 |
| 2016 | 18 | Brakes (28%) | 0 | 7 |
| 2015 | 30 | Electrical system (30%) | 3 | 12 |
| 2014 | 65 | Electrical system (22%) | 4 | 11 |
| 2013 | 14 | Engine (29%) | 4 | 10 |
| 2012 | 44 | Airbags (61%) | 5 | 12 |
| 2011 | 65 | Airbags (66%) | 7 | 12 |
| 2010 | 112 | Airbags (60%) | 8 | 12 |
Look up one model year, or a VIN
See the complaints, recalls and warranty extensions for a single IS model year, with the typical mileage when owners reported each problem.
Acknowledged by Lexus
Warranty extensions and service campaigns Lexus filed with NHTSA for the IS, in its own words. A warranty extension means Lexus pays for the repair beyond the normal warranty.
- Warranty extensionFeb 2023· Fuel system· model years 2014–2015, 2017–2019
On December 20, 2022, a settlement of claims for certain low pressure fuel pumps was approved by the federal court.
- Warranty extensionFeb 2023· Brakes· model years 2015–2016, 2018–2020
On December 20, 2022, a settlement of claims for certain low pressure fuel pumps was approved by the federal court.
- Warranty extensionJul 2022· Airbags· model years 2010–2015
CSP: On July 30, 2018, a settlement of claims for Economic Loss related to Takata airbag inflators was approved for full implementation.
- Warranty extensionAug 2020· Mobility equipment· model years 2010–2017
Ti: Technical instructions for limited service campaign klg customer support program 19LE05 safety connect system ? Vehicle location inaccurate
- Warranty extensionOct 2019· Equipment and accessories· model years 2010–2017
Area Letter: The Data Communication Module (DCM) in the subject vehicles is equipped with software to identify the location of the vehicle using the Global Positioning System (GPS) to support features of the Safety Connect system.
- Warranty extensionOct 2019· Equipment and accessories· model years 2010–2017
Technical instructions: Technical instructions for limited service campaign klg customer support program 19LE05 safety connect system ?
- Warranty extensionNov 2018· Electrical system· model years 2010–2015
Dealer Packet: November 14 , 2018 The inspection application is now available.
- Warranty extensionOct 2018· Electrical system· model years 2010–2015
Customer Support Program Bulletin: Lexus has received reports indicating that a combination of high humidity, high temperatures, and light intensity may cause the surface of the Dashboard (Instrument Panel) and/or certain interior trim panels in some of the subject vehicles to…
- Warranty extensionSep 2018· Electrical system· model years 2010–2015
Dealer Email: Lexus has received reports indicating that a combination of high humidity, high temperatures, and light intensity may cause the surface of the dashboard (instrument panel) and/or certain interior trim panels in some of the subject vehicles to become cracked and/or…
- Service campaignOct 2024· Other or unspecified· model years 2023
The subject vehicles were delivered with only one (1) Smart Key on select models since October 2022 due to a global semiconductor shortage impacting certain microchips. The affected vehicles were delivered with one (1) Smart Key and a second mechanical key.
- Service campaignJun 2024· Other or unspecified· model years 2021
Service Campaign completion is an important part of our commitment to meet guest expectations of Lexus products. Lexus will be conducting follow-up notifications to remind owners of the incomplete campaign status and upcoming expiration date for the campaigns listed
- Service campaignOct 2022· Body and structure· model years 2021
Ti: Technical instructions limited service campaign 22LD01 optional body-colored rear spoiler designed for: Certain 2021 Model year is 300 vehicles
- Service campaignOct 2022· Body and structure· model years 2021
Ti: Technical instructions limited service campaign 22LD02 optional body-colored rear spoiler designed for: Certain 2021 Model year is 300 vehicles
- Service campaignApr 2022· Body and structure· model years 2021
Ti: Technical instructions limited service campaign 22LD02 optional body-colored rear spoiler designed for: Certain 2021 Model year is 300 vehicles
- Service campaignApr 2022· Equipment and accessories· model years 2010–2022
Lexus Safety Recall and Service Campaign - Technician Certification Requirements 4.13.2022
- Service campaignApr 2022· Body and structure· model years 2021
Ti: Technical instructions limited service campaign 22LD01 optional body-colored rear spoiler designed for: Certain 2021 Model year is 300 vehicles
- Service campaignApr 2022· Body and structure· model years 2021
Ti: Technical instructions limited service campaign 22LD02 optional body-colored rear spoiler designed for: Certain 2021 Model year is 300 vehicles
- Service campaignOct 2019· Equipment and accessories· model years 2010–2021
Region Letter: Lexus plans to conduct Safety Recall/Special Campaign follow-up notifications to owners whose vehicles have not yet had the following Safety Recall/Special Service Campaign repairs completed. Please note the following information for Area associates.
- Service campaignJun 2019· Electrical system· model years 2016
Technical instructions: Technical instructions for limited service campaign gld safety connect system certain 2015 MY Gs 350, ls 460, RC350 and certain 2016 MY Gx 460, is 200t/300/350, nx 200t
- Service campaignApr 2019· Electrical system· model years 2018
Technical Instructions: Update 4/5/2019: Note added on p. 5. TECHNICAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR SPECIAL SERVICE CAMPAIGN KLA ENGINE ECU SOFTWARE UPDATE CERTAIN: 2018 GS 350 2018 RC300 & RC 350 2018 IS 300 and IS 350 2018 RX 350 and RX 350L
- Service campaignNov 2018· Equipment and accessories· model years 2018
Dealer Daily Message: In our continuing effort to encourage increased customer participation in Special Service Campaigns, Lexus will be piloting a new method for contacting customers whose vehicles have compatible multimedia head units in Special Service Campaign JLH.
- Service campaignOct 2018· Electrical system· model years 2018
Technical instructions: Technical instructions for special service campaign jlh intelligent clearance sonar (ics) system reprogram
- Service campaignDec 2017· Engine and cooling· model years 2010–2012
Technical Instructions: Limited Service Campaign ELE. Engine Cooling Fans. Certain 2008-2012 Model Year IS F.
- Service campaignJan 2017· Equipment and accessories· model years 2014–2015
Dealer Daily: Lexus has launched Limited Service Campaign GLM. Refer to the Dealer Letter, FAQ, and Technical Instructions on TIS for additional information. in areas with heavy road salt application.
- Service campaignNov 2014· Engine and cooling· model years 2010–2012
Limited Service Campaign LSC ELE Certain 2008 through 2012 Model Year ISF Vehicles Engine Cooling Fans.
- Service campaignJul 2013· Equipment and accessories· model years 2010–2013
Certain service publications, Technical Service Bulletins, Service Campaign Technical Instructions and Service & Parts Operation Communication Bulletins may reference specifically required adhesives and sealants
What owners report most
The parts of the car owners named in their complaints, across every IS model year. Unverified, and not a failure rate.
- Airbags159 (38%)
- Other or unspecified55 (13%)
- Engine41 (10%)
- Electrical system40 (10%)
- Fuel and propulsion33 (8%)
- Body and structure31 (7%)
- Cruise control and speed control22 (5%)
- Brakes16 (4%)
Safety recalls
12 recalls cover at least one IS model year. Each covers a range of VINs, not every car. Check one car at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) recalled certain 2018-2019 4Runner, Highlander, Camry, Land Cruiser, Sequoia, Sienna, Tacoma and Tundra, and Lexus RC 300, RC 350, GS 350, GX 460, IS 300, LC 500, LS…
These vehicles had their driver or passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior recall using inflators of the same design.
Virgin Islands or "Zone A." Toyota is also recalling certain 2011-2013 Toyota Corolla, Corolla Matrix, Lexus IS250, IS350, 2011-2016 4Runner, 2011-2015 Scion xB, Lexus IS350C, IS250C, 2011-2014 Toyota Sienna, Lexus…
The diaphragms in the fuel pulsation dampers may harden over time and develop cracks, possibly causing a fuel leak.
VI or "Zone A." Toyota is also recalling certain 2010 Scion xB, Toyota Corolla, Corolla Matrix, Yaris, 4Runner, Lexus IS250, IS350, IS250C, IS350C, ES350, IS-F, GX460, and Pontiac Vibe vehicles sold, ever registered, in…
Virgin Islands, or "Zone A." Additionally, unless included in "Zone A" above, Toyota is recalling certain 2009 Toyota Corolla, Corolla Matrix, Yaris, Yaris HB, Scion xB, Pontiac Vibe, Lexus, ES350, IS250, IS350, and…
Virgin Islands, or "Zone A." Additionally, unless included in "Zone A" above, Toyota is recalling certain model year 2008 Scion xB and Lexus IS F, 2007-2008 Toyota Yaris, 2006-2008 Lexus IS250 and Lexus IS350 and…
Due to anti-corrosion plating remnants, fuel may leak from where the fuel pressure sensor is attached to the fuel delivery pipe.
These vehicles, equipped with the 2GR-FSE engine, use bolts to secure the housing and sprocket of the Variable-Valve Timing (VVT) system gear assembly.
The nuts that fasten the wiper arms may be insufficiently torqued such that if the wiper arms are restricted by an external load, such as a buildup of heavy snow, one or both of the wipers may become inoperative.
NHTSA investigations
Defect investigations NHTSA opened. Many close without a recall.
- EA21002Engineering analysis· opened Sep 2021, still open· Airbags· model years 2010–2018
Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture
NHTSA's own page for the 2027 Lexus IS has the complaint text and every document.
Common questions
Is the Lexus IS reliable?
We don't score reliability: NHTSA publishes complaint counts but no sales figures, so complaints can't be turned into a rate or compared between models. What's on file for model years 2010 on: 414 owner complaints, 9 warranty extensions and 17 service campaigns Lexus filed, and 12 safety recalls. The model years with the most complaints are 2010 (112), 2011 (65), 2014 (65). Whether a known problem was fixed on one car is what its service records show.
What are the most common problems with the Lexus IS?
Across every model year since 2010, owners' complaints to NHTSA most often name airbags (38%), other or unspecified (13%), engine (10%). Lexus has filed 9 warranty extensions covering the IS, listed on this page.
Which IS model years have the most complaints?
2010 (112), 2011 (65), 2014 (65). Complaint counts rise with how many were sold and how long they've been on the road, so compare years of the IS with each other rather than with other models.
Has Lexus extended the warranty on the IS?
Yes: fuel system (model years 2014–2015, 2017–2019); brakes (model years 2015–2016, 2018–2020); airbags (model years 2010–2015), and 6 more. A dealer does a covered repair for free within the extended time or mileage.
How do I check recalls on a IS?
Enter the car's 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. That answers for one vehicle; the 12 recalls listed here are for the model, and each covers only part of it.