2013 Lexus IS: common problems and reliability

The 2013 Lexus IS has 42 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 2 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are visibility/wiper and engine. 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 2013 model year

42
Owner complaints
2
Recalls
10
Crash reports
0
Fire reports

Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2013 Lexus IS vehicles (US, public record).

Is 2013 a good year for the IS?

Across the 13 IS model years we track, complaint volume runs from 1 (1999) to 426 (2006). With 42 complaints, the 2013 IS sits abovethe 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

visibility/wiper
12
engine
10
air bags
8
visibility
4
fuel/propulsion system
4

Recalls affecting the 2013 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

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.

  • 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.

Owner insights cover all generations of the IS. See the full IS owner picture and every model year.

Typical used price

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

Other IS model years

Compare every IS year side by side to see how 2013 ranks against the rest.

Compare the IS against its rivals