Last updated: 2026-10-10
BMW 5 Series vs Lexus IS: Reliability Compared
BMW 5 Series
Lexus IS
Choosing between the BMW 5 Series and the Lexus IS? This page compares their reliability scores, NHTSA recall history, owner-reported complaints, and estimated annual repair costs so you can make a confident long-term ownership decision between these two midsize sedans.
Our reliability scores are based on NHTSA recall and complaint data, independent repair cost estimates, and sales-normalized complaint rates. The Lexus IS currently leads with an average score of 83/100 compared to 67/100. Scroll down for the full year-by-year breakdown, common problem areas, and repair cost comparison.
Verdict
The Lexus IS is more reliable than the BMW 5 Series, scoring 83/100 vs 67/100.
Key Differences
- 1Lexus IS has 48 fewer total recalls
- 2Lexus IS scores 16 points higher in reliability
- 3Lexus IS has 3.2 fewer complaints per 10k sold
Category Scoreboard
BMW 5 Series vs Lexus IS: Which Is More Reliable?
| Metric | BMW 5 Series | Lexus IS |
|---|---|---|
| Reliability Score | 67/100 | 83/100 |
| Years Tracked | 8 | 9 |
| Total Recalls | 54 | 6 |
| Complaints per 10k Sold | 3.9 | 0.7 |
| Year Wins | 0 | 8 |
What Are the Common Problems With the BMW 5 Series and Lexus IS?
| Component | BMW 5 Series | Lexus IS |
|---|---|---|
| AIR BAGS | 0.5Very Low | —None |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 0.4Very Low | —None |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 0.4Very Low | —None |
| ENGINE | 0.3Very Low | —None |
| POWER TRAIN | 0.2Very Low | —None |
| SEAT BELTS | 0.1Very Low | —None |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 0.1Very Low | —None |
| FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | 0.1Very Low | —None |
| VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL | 0.1Very Low | —None |
| FUEL SYSTEM | 0.1Very Low | —None |
| EXTERIOR LIGHTING | 0.1Very Low | —None |
| BACK OVER PREVENTION | —None | —None |
| STRUCTURE | —None | —None |
| FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | —None | —None |
| WHEELS | —None | —None |
| TIRES | —None | —None |
Complaints per 10,000 units sold, aggregated across all tracked model years from NHTSA owner reports.
How Does BMW 5 Series vs Lexus IS Reliability Compare by Year?
| Year | BMW 5 Series | Lexus IS | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 71/1001R / 0C | 87/1000R / 0C | Lexus IS |
| 2025 | 71/1005R / 0C | 83/1000R / 1C | Lexus IS |
| 2023 | 70/1002R / 7C | 83/1000R / 9C | Lexus IS |
| 2022 | 68/1003R / 13C | 83/1000R / 13C | Lexus IS |
| 2021 | 66/1008R / 21C | 83/1000R / 1C | Lexus IS |
| 2020 | 67/1007R / 10C | 83/1000R / 3C | Lexus IS |
| 2019 | 62/10011R / 67C | 79/1004R / 8C | Lexus IS |
| 2018 | 59/10017R / 212C | 81/1002R / 6C | Lexus IS |
Best years to cross-shop: The 2023 BMW 5 Series scored 70/100 and the 2023 Lexus IS scored 83/100 — the strongest shared model years that have been on the road for at least two years, where available.
BMW 5 Series vs Lexus IS: Common Questions
- Is the BMW 5 Series more reliable than the Lexus IS?
- Based on our data, the Lexus IS is more reliable with an average score of 83/100 compared to 67/100. That's a significant difference worth considering.
- Which has more recalls, the BMW 5 Series or the Lexus IS?
- The BMW 5 Series has more recalls (54) compared to the Lexus IS (6). More recalls don't always mean worse reliability — some are minor — but it's worth reviewing what each recall covers.
- Which has fewer owner complaints, the BMW 5 Series or the Lexus IS?
- Adjusted for sales volume, the Lexus IS has a lower complaint rate at 0.7 per 10,000 vehicles sold versus 3.9 for the BMW 5 Series. Normalizing by sales gives a fairer comparison than raw totals.
Related Reliability Comparisons
More BMW 5 Series comparisons
Decided between BMW 5 Series and Lexus IS? Run a VIN check before you buy — uncover hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls.
How we score the BMW 5 Series and Lexus IS
Scores weight complaint severity at 35%, repair costs at 30%, recall impact at 20%, and the spread of complaints across systems at 15%, with complaint counts adjusted for US sales. Read the full methodology.
See incorrect data? Report an issue