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Lexus Is Problems

The Lexus IS is a compact luxury sport sedan that has been in production since 1999, competing with the BMW 3 Series and Mercedes C-Class. While generally maintaining Lexus reliability standards, certain model years have shown elevated complaint volumes, particularly regarding structure and air bag concerns. The 2006-2008 model years generated the most complaints, coinciding with the second-generation launch. Recent model years show significantly improved reliability.

1,514
Total Complaints
5
Total Recalls
26
Model Years
2
Reported Deaths
!

Years to Avoid

These years have significantly more complaints than average.

2008 2007 2006
✓

Best Years

These years have the fewest reported problems.

1999 2001 2004

Common Problem Categories

Structure 286
Air Bags 224
Unknown Or Other 216
Visibility/wiper 144
Engine 130

Complaints by Model Year

All Model Years

Year ↓ Complaints Recalls Crashes Fires Rating
2025 2 0 0 0 Good
2024 2 0 0 0 Good
2023 4 0 0 0 Good
2022 12 0 0 0 Good
2021 4 0 2 0 Good
2020 2 0 0 0 Good
2019 4 0 0 0 Good
2018 6 0 0 0 Good
2017 22 0 0 0 Good
2016 2 0 0 0 Good
2015 28 0 0 0 Good
2014 24 0 0 0 Good
2013 24 0 8 0 Good
2012 46 0 10 0 Average
2011 30 0 0 0 Average
2010 94 0 24 0 Below Average
2009 108 1 12 0 Below Average
2008 286 1 14 0 Avoid
2007 328 1 20 0 Avoid
2006 362 2 10 18 Avoid
2005 26 0 4 0 Good
2004 24 0 2 0 Good
2003 36 0 18 0 Average
2002 34 0 2 0 Average
2001 2 0 2 0 Good
1999 2 0 0 0 Good

Lexus Is Years to Avoid

2006, 2007, 2008, 2009

Best Lexus Is Years

1999, 2001, 2016, 2020, 2024, 2025

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common problems with the Lexus IS?

The most frequently reported issues involve structural concerns, air bags, visibility and wiper systems, and engine problems. Structure-related complaints account for 286 reports.

Which Lexus IS years should I avoid?

The 2006 model year leads with 362 complaints, followed by 2007 (328), 2008 (286), and 2009 (108). These second-generation launch years experienced significant structural and air bag issues.

What are the best years for the Lexus IS?

The 2016, 2020, 2024, and 2025 model years have the fewest complaints with only 2 complaints each. The 2019, 2021, and 2023 years also show excellent reliability with 4 complaints each.

Is the Lexus IS a reliable car overall?

The Lexus IS is generally reliable, especially in more recent model years. However, 2006-2009 models had notable issues. The third-generation (2014+) and especially 2019+ models demonstrate the strong reliability expected from Lexus.