Lexus IS years to avoid and best years
Newer Lexus IS years have more owner complaints per year than the older ones. 2021 has the most complaints per year, at 0 (2 complaints). Among years old enough to compare, the fewest complaints per year are 2016 at 0 (from 2 complaints), 2019 at 0 (from 2 complaints), and 2018 at 0 (from 3 complaints). The Lexus IS 2025 and 2026 model years are too early to compare: none has had 3 full years on the road yet.
Data as of .
2021
2016
2019
2018
2025–26
Lexus IS reliability by year
Each year is complaints filed in that year’s first 3 years on the road, divided by however many of those years have passed. A model year younger than 3 years is too early to compare, so it is left out of the years named as having the fewest or the most complaints. Recalls are a separate count. The numbers are for the US-market Lexus IS. How we count.
By model year
| Year | Per year on the road | Complaints | Recalls | Most-filed complaint | Avg. combined MPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Too early | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | 22 |
| 2025 Too early | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | 22.4 |
| 2024 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | 22.4 |
| 2023 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | 22.4 |
| 2022 | 0 | 0 | 1 | — | 22.4 |
| 2021 Most | 0 | 2 | 0 | — | 23 |
| 2020 → | 0 | 6 | 0 | Engine, Fuel and propulsion system | 22.3 |
| 2019 Fewest | 0 | 2 | 0 | Tires | 22.3 |
| 2018 Fewest | 0 | 3 | 0 | Engine | 23.3 |
| 2017 → | 0 | 10 | 0 | Fuel and propulsion system | 22.5 |
| 2016 Fewest | 0 | 2 | 0 | Fuel and propulsion system | 22.5 |
| 2015 → | 0 | 9 | 0 | Electrical system | 22.7 |
| 2014 → | 0 | 12 | 0 | Engine | 22 |
| 2013 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | 21.8 |
| 2012 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | 21.5 |
Years with a → link have a full model-year page.
What owners file about
Generations
- Body styles
- Sedan, Convertible
- Oil
- 0W-20 (IS 250); 5W-30 (IS 350)
- Tire size
- 225/45R17, 225/40R18 front / 225/45R17 (AWD), 245/45R17 or 255/40R18 (RWD) rear
Known issues for this generation
Recall 19V-741 covers certain 2006-2012 IS 250 and IS 350, 2008-2009 IS F, and 2010-2015 IS 250C and IS 350C vehicles (among many Toyota, Scion, and Lexus models) that had a frontal air bag inflator replaced under a prior recall using an inflator of the same design. Those inflators may explode from propellant degradation after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature, and temperature cycling, and an explosion may send sharp metal fragments at the occupants; depending on the model, dealers replace the driver inflator, the passenger inflator, or the air bag assembly. Recall 17V-006 covers certain 2012 IS 250, IS 350, and IS F vehicles sold or ever registered in Zone A states and territories, along with 2012 Toyota 4Runner, Corolla, Corolla Matrix, Sienna, Yaris, Scion xB and Lexus ES 350, GX 460 and LFA vehicles, for passenger frontal air bag inflators that may rupture. Recall 18V-024 covers certain 2013 IS 250, IS 350, IS 250C, IS 350C, and IS F vehicles sold or ever registered in Zone A, along with 2013 Scion xB, Toyota Corolla, Corolla Matrix, Sienna, 4Runner and Lexus GX 460 vehicles, for the same passenger frontal inflator hazard; depending on the model, dealers replace the front passenger inflator or the air bag assembly.
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- Body styles
- Sedan
- Oil
- 0W-20
- Tire size
- 205/55R16, 225/45R17, 225/40R18, 235/45R18, 235/40R19 front / 205/55R16, 225/45R17, 235/45R18, 235/40R19; staggered rears 255/35R18 (with 225/40R18 front), 265/35R19 (with 235/40R19 front) rear
Known issues for this generation
Recall 20V-012 covers certain 2018-2019 IS 300 and 2014-2015 and 2018-2019 IS 350 vehicles, plus certain 2017 IS 200t and 2014 IS F vehicles, among many other Toyota and Lexus models; the low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail and stall the engine while driving, and dealers replace the fuel pump. Recall 20V-682 is an expansion of 20V-012 and covers certain 2019 IS 300 and IS 350 vehicles (with 2017 IS 200t and many other Toyota and Lexus models) for the same failure mode; dealers replace the fuel pump assembly with an improved one. Recall 26V-222 covers certain 2022 IS vehicles along with 2015-2022 Lexus RC and 2016-2020 GS vehicles for low-pressure fuel pump failure; dealers replace the fuel pump assembly, and Toyota mailed interim owner letters before the final remedy was available.
Frequently asked questions
Which Lexus IS years have fewer owner complaints?
Among years old enough to compare, the fewest complaints per year are 2016 at 0 (from 2 complaints), 2019 at 0 (from 2 complaints), and 2018 at 0 (from 3 complaints).
Which Lexus IS year has the most owner complaints?
2021 has the most complaints per year, at 0 (2 complaints).
How do Lexus IS owner complaints compare by year?
Newer Lexus IS years have more owner complaints per year than the older ones.
Which Lexus IS years are too early to compare?
The Lexus IS 2025 and 2026 model years are too early to compare: none has had 3 full years on the road yet.
What generation is the 2015 Lexus IS?
3rd generation (2014-present).
Did the 2021 Lexus IS start a new generation?
No. The 2021 IS is a major facelift of the third generation (XE30), not a new platform generation.