Which Lexus IS years should you avoid?

The Lexus IS years to avoid are 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009, 2008, 2007 and 2006: they have the lowest Year Scores on owner complaints per year on the road, crash and fire reports, and recalls, against the model's other years. The best year is 2021 (few owner reports). Graded from 23 model years of NHTSA data.

What are the most common Lexus IS problems?

Across all years, the most-reported areas are air bags (674 complaints), structure (413 complaints), engine (183 complaints).

Lexus IS years to avoid and best years

Avoid: 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009, 2008, 2007, 2006 (lowest Year Scores on complaints per year on the road, crash reports and recalls)

Best: 2021 (few owner reports)

23 model years of NHTSA owner complaints and recalls · How we grade

Across 23 model years, the Lexus IS has 2,309 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 50 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are air bags and structure. 2006 drew the most complaints (426), 1999 the fewest (1).

Model years tracked

2,309

Owner complaints

Recalls

Median per year

Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for Lexus IS vehicles (US, public record).

Which IS years have the most problems?

Complaint volume by model year. Raw NHTSA totals, not adjusted for sales volume or time on the road, so older and higher-selling years accumulate more. Every year links to its full breakdown.

Year	Complaints	Recalls	Most reported
2023	15	0	back over prevention
2022	13	1	fuel/propulsion system
2020	9	0	power train
2019	10	0	tires
2018	9	0	engine
2017	22	2	fuel/propulsion system
2016	18	0	service brakes
2015	30	0	electrical system
2014	65	2	electrical system
2013	50	2	visibility/wiper
2012	127	2	air bags
2011	158	3	air bags
2010	262	6	air bags
2009	132	8	air bags
2008	370	8	air bags
2007	388	3	structure
2006	426	7	structure
2005	32	1	structure
2004	58	1	structure
2003	34	1	structure
2002	45	1	structure
2001	35	1	vehicle speed control
1999	1	1	—

Highest: 2006 (426 complaints). Lowest: 1999 (1).

Where owners report problems

air bags674

structure413

engine183

visibility/wiper178

vehicle speed control154

What owners say

Mixed sentiment heavily dependent on generation and powertrain. The IS is widely recognized for its strong long-term reliability, comfortable ride, and luxury feel, particularly when compared to German competitors.

Very frequentCarbon buildup on intake valves (IS 250 with 4GR-FSE engine)
Causes loss of power, rough idle, poor fuel economy, requires periodic cleaning.
Very frequentWater pump and front cover oil leaks (2GR-FSE V6 engine)
Common failure requiring expensive repair (engine removal for front cover, ~20-25 hours labor).
Very frequentSevere diesel engine issues (IS220d with 2AD-FHV engine)
Chronic DPF filter and EGR valve clogging leading to very high fuel consumption, potential for catastrophic engine failure (head gasket, seals) especially with poor maintenance.
RecurrentSteering lock ECU failure (early generations, e.g., 2008 IS 350)
Causes no-start conditions, expensive diagnostic and repair process.
RecurrentFuel consumption discrepancy
Real-world MPG often poor, with reports of 10-15 MPG in city driving for IS 300/350, significantly lower than EPA estimates.

Owner insights cover all generations of the IS. Individual model years are broken down above.

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