2001 Lexus IS: common problems and reliability
One of the weaker IS years.
35 owner complaints, most about vehicle speed control. 1 recall.
Should I buy a 2001 IS?The 2001 Lexus IS has 35 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 1 recall on record. The most-reported areas are vehicle speed control and tires.
Safety record for the 2001 model year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2001 Lexus IS vehicles (US, public record).
The Year Score compares this year with other IS years only. How we score it
Is 2001 a good year for the IS?
Across the 27 IS model years we track, complaint volume runs from 1 (1999) to 426 (2006). With 35 complaints, the 2001 IS sits about the same as the model's median of 32.
These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.
Where owners report problems
Recalls affecting the 2001 IS
exterior lighting
Campaign 09E012000SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
What owners say across generations
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.
Owner insights cover all generations of the IS. See the full IS owner picture and every model year.
Other IS model years
Compare every IS year side by side to see how 2001 ranks against the rest.
Compare the IS against its rivals
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