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).

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. 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 IS2010 IS2008 IS2006 IS2005 IS2002 IS2001 IS1999 IS
Full Lexus IS owner reportCompare against another car