2010 Lexus IS: common problems and reliability

The 2010 Lexus IS has 259 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 5 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are air bags and vehicle speed control. Owners most often flag carbon buildup on intake valves (is 250 with 4gr-fse engine) — causes loss of power, rough idle, poor fuel economy, requires periodic cleaning. frequency: very frequent.

Safety record for the 2010 model year

259
Owner complaints
5
Recalls
41
Crash reports
0
Fire reports

Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2010 Lexus IS vehicles (US, public record).

Where owners report problems

air bags
149
vehicle speed control
26
power train
19
engine
19
fuel/propulsion system
12

Recalls affecting the 2010 IS

air bags:frontal:passenger side:inflator module

Campaign 19V005000

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2014-2016 Toyota 4Runner, 2014-2015 Scion xB, Lexus IS350C, IS250C, 2014 Toyota Sienna, Lexus IS-F, and 2014-2017 Lexus GX460 vehicles sold, or ever …

air bags:frontal:passenger side:inflator module

Campaign 18V024000

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2013 Scion xB, Toyota Corolla, Corolla Matrix, Sienna, 4Runner, Lexus IS250, IS350, IS250C, IS350C, IS-F, and GX460 vehicles sold, ever registered, i…

fuel system, gasoline:delivery:hoses, lines/piping, and fittings

Campaign 14V647000

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2007-2010 Lexus LS vehicles manufactured May 9, 2006, to July 20, 2010, 2006-2011 Lexus GS vehicles manufactured January 6, 2005, to Septe…

air bags:frontal:passenger side:inflator module

Campaign 16V340000

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2008-2011 Scion xB and Lexus IS F, 2009-2011 Toyota Corolla and Corolla Matrix, 2006-2011 Toyota Yaris, Lexus IS250 and Lexus IS350, 2010-…

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. However, significant and recurring criticisms

  • Carbon buildup on intake valves (IS 250 with 4GR-FSE engine) — causes loss of power, rough idle, poor fuel economy, requires periodic cleaning. Frequency: very frequent.
  • Water pump and front cover oil leaks (2GR-FSE V6 engine) — common failure requiring expensive repair (engine removal for front cover, ~20-25 hours labor). Frequency: very frequent.
  • Severe 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. Frequency: very frequent.
  • Steering lock ECU failure (early generations, e.g., 2008 IS 350) — causes no-start conditions, expensive diagnostic and repair process. Frequency: recurrent.
  • Fuel 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. Frequency: recurrent.

Owner insights cover all generations of the IS.

Typical used price

Used IS listings typically run $48,233–$55,018 across 2025 to 2026 model years.

Other IS model years

2020 IS2017 IS2016 IS2015 IS2013 IS2008 IS2006 IS2005 IS2002 IS2001 IS1999 IS
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