2020 Lexus IS reliability
NHTSA's file on the 2020 Lexus IS holds 6 complaints after 7 years, a rate of 0 per year. IS years here cluster close together — the other years’ median is 0 complaints per year. NHTSA has no recalls on file for this model year.
.jpg){kind=link}
6
0
0
7
The complaints owners file most often name Engine (2 of 6), then Fuel and propulsion system (2) and Powertrain (1).
The 2019 IS has 2 complaints, 0 per year, and the 2021 has 2 complaints, 0 per year. The 2020 has about the same number of complaints per year as the 2019. The 2020 has fewer complaints per year than the 2021.
The complaint rate is complaints filed in this year’s first 3 years on the road, divided by however many of those years have passed. Recalls are a separate count. The numbers are for the US-market 2020 Lexus IS. How we count. Data as of .
Recalls (0)
No recalls on file with NHTSA for this model year.
Complaints by component (6 total)
0
0
0
0
Complaints filed per year
Excerpts from recent NHTSA complaint filings
-
"Sunroof exploded outwards while driving on the freeway. Temperature about 56degrees F, humidity 92% pressure 29.94. Unsafe, glass exploding, sharp glass"
-
"While I was driving, my sunroof on the top exploded. There was no rock impact, no external or internal impact. I called Lexus and they told me it’s not covered. The Lexus representative said to submit a claim with…"
-
"Vehicle steering wheel gets slightly stuck around 70+ mph on highway. Possible issue with the EPS, steering rack, 4 pin point connecter. Lexus isn’t able to diagnose it"
-
"I am filing this updated complaint to supplement my prior complaint (NHTSA ID No. XXX, filed January 27, 2026) regarding a recurring, safety-critical engine defect in my 2020 Lexus IS300 RWD, 8AR-FTS engine. DEFECT:…"
-
"This vehicle has a recurring, safety-critical defect involving intermittent engine misfires, flashing MILs, reduced engine power, sudden loss of acceleration, and noticeable engine shaking. Despite multiple repair…"
NHTSA crash ratings
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 Lexus IS 300 4 DR AWD | 5 stars | 4 stars | 5 stars | 5 stars |
| 2020 Lexus IS 300 4 DR RWD | 5 stars | 4 stars | 5 stars | 5 stars |
| 2020 Lexus IS 350 4 DR AWD | 5 stars | 4 stars | 5 stars | 5 stars |
| 2020 Lexus IS 350 4 DR RWD | 5 stars | 4 stars | 5 stars | 5 stars |
Stars are how this vehicle did in NHTSA crash tests. They are a safety result, separate from the complaint record. Not rated means that test was not run for this version.
Fuel economy
| Trim | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Combined | Annual fuel cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IS 300 | 2L, 4-cyl | Automatic (8-speed) | Rear-wheel drive | 21 | 30 | 24 MPG | $3300 |
| IS 300 all-wheel drive | 3.5L, 6-cyl | Automatic (6-speed) | All-wheel drive | 18 | 24 | 21 MPG | $3800 |
| IS 350 | 3.5L, 6-cyl | Automatic (8-speed) | Rear-wheel drive | 20 | 28 | 23 MPG | $3450 |
| IS 350 all-wheel drive | 3.5L, 6-cyl | Automatic (6-speed) | All-wheel drive | 19 | 26 | 21 MPG | $3800 |
Specs and fitment
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.
Compare
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2020 Lexus IS reliable?
NHTSA's file on the 2020 Lexus IS holds 6 complaints after 7 years, a rate of 0 per year. IS years here cluster close together — the other years’ median is 0 complaints per year. NHTSA has no recalls on file for this model year.
What are common problems with a 2020 Lexus IS?
The complaints owners file most often name Engine (2 of 6), then Fuel and propulsion system (2) and Powertrain (1).
Is the 2020 Lexus IS more reliable than the years next to it?
The 2019 IS has 2 complaints, 0 per year, and the 2021 has 2 complaints, 0 per year. The 2020 has about the same number of complaints per year as the 2019. The 2020 has fewer complaints per year than the 2021.
Has the 2020 Lexus IS been recalled?
NHTSA has no recalls on file for the 2020 Lexus IS.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2020 Lexus IS?
Owners have filed 6 complaints about the 2020 Lexus IS with NHTSA.
What mpg does a 2020 Lexus IS get?
EPA-rated combined fuel economy for the 2020 Lexus IS is 22.3 MPG. See the fuel economy table on this page for city and highway figures by engine and transmission.
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.