Last updated: 2026-03-04
Lexus IS Reliability by Year
The Lexus IS averages 82/100 across 8 model years, rated excellent.
Lexus IS Reliability Overview
The Lexus IS, spanning model years 2018 to 2026, maintains an average reliability score of 83 out of 100, indicating excellent reliability overall. Common issues reported by owners include structural concerns, particularly with the sunroof in earlier models, and visibility problems in recent years, with no recalls and minimal complaints in the latest 2026 model year. Repair costs are rated as excellent, making the Lexus IS a reliable choice for those prioritizing low maintenance expenses.
Current generation: 3rd gen (2014–2023), facelifted 2020.
Best & Worst Lexus IS Years
Best Lexus IS Years to Buy
The best Lexus IS year is 2025 with a reliability score of 83/100, rated excellent. Other strong picks include 2024 (83/100) and 2023 (83/100).
Lexus IS Years to Avoid
No Lexus IS years are statistical outliers in our data — all years score consistently.
See full Lexus IS years-to-avoid analysis →Lexus IS Reliability Score Trend
Lexus IS reliability has remained consistent across model years, averaging 82/100.
Scores 0–100. Higher is better.
| Year | Score | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 81/100 | Excellent |
| 2019 | 79/100 | Good |
| 2020 | 83/100 | Excellent |
| 2021 | 83/100 | Excellent |
| 2022 | 83/100 | Excellent |
| 2023 | 83/100 | Excellent |
| 2024 | 83/100 | Excellent |
| 2025 | 83/100 | Excellent |
Year-by-Year Reliability
2026 Lexus IS
0 recalls · 0 complaints
The 2026 Lexus IS has excellent reliability. There are 0 recalls and 0 owner complaints on file for the 2026 Lexus IS.
2025 Lexus IS
0 recalls · 1 complaints
The 2025 Lexus IS has excellent reliability. There are 0 recalls and 1 owner complaint on file for the 2025 Lexus IS. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Structure (1).
2024 Lexus IS
0 recalls · 3 complaints
The 2024 Lexus IS has excellent reliability. There are 0 recalls and 3 owner complaints on file for the 2024 Lexus IS. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Visibility (3).
2023 Lexus IS
0 recalls · 9 complaints
The 2023 Lexus IS has excellent reliability. There are 0 recalls and 9 owner complaints on file for the 2023 Lexus IS. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Structure (3), Visibility (3), Power Train (3).
2022 Lexus IS
0 recalls · 13 complaints
The 2022 Lexus IS has excellent reliability. There are 0 recalls and 13 owner complaints on file for the 2022 Lexus IS. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Suspension (3), Power Train (3), Fuel Propulsion System (3).
2021 Lexus IS
0 recalls · 1 complaints
The 2021 Lexus IS has excellent reliability. There are 0 recalls and 1 owner complaint on file for the 2021 Lexus IS. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Unknown Or Other (1).
2020 Lexus IS
0 recalls · 3 complaints
The 2020 Lexus IS has excellent reliability. There are 0 recalls and 3 owner complaints on file for the 2020 Lexus IS. Severity signals include 1 crash-related complaint. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Suspension (1), Air Bags (1), Unknown Or Other (1).
2019 Lexus IS
4 recalls · 8 complaints
The 2019 Lexus IS has good reliability. There are 4 recalls and 8 owner complaints on file for the 2019 Lexus IS. Severity signals include 1 crash-related complaint and 1 fire-related complaint. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Tires (2), Unknown Or Other (2), Electrical System (1).
2018 Lexus IS
2 recalls · 6 complaints
The 2018 Lexus IS has excellent reliability. There are 2 recalls and 6 owner complaints on file for the 2018 Lexus IS. Severity signals include 1 crash-related complaint. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Structure (2), Fuel System, Gasoline (1), Power Train (1).
Lexus IS Repair Costs
Reliability Rating
4.5/5
Lexus IS Years to Avoid
See which model years have the most problems
Most Reliable Lexus Models
Compare all Lexus models by reliability
Compare Lexus IS With Similar Sedans
The Lexus IS competes with other midsize sedans such as BMW 5-Series, Mercedes-Benz E-Class, and Mercedes-Benz C-Class.
BMW 5-Series reliability
8 years tracked · 330 complaints
Mercedes-Benz E-Class reliability
8 years tracked · 469 complaints
Mercedes-Benz C-Class reliability
8 years tracked · 2186 complaints
BMW 4-Series reliability
9 years tracked · 579 complaints
Lexus NX reliability
9 years tracked · 321 complaints
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is the Lexus IS reliable?
- Yes, the Lexus IS is considered reliable with an average score of 82/100, rated excellent. Most model years show consistent reliability with below-average problem rates.
- What is the best year for the Lexus IS?
- The best year for the Lexus IS is 2025 with a reliability score of 83/100, rated excellent. It has 0 recalls and 1 owner complaints on record. See full 2025 Lexus IS analysis →
- What are the Lexus IS years to avoid?
- No Lexus IS years in our database are statistical outliers — all tracked model years score consistently within the model average. See full years-to-avoid analysis →
- How much does it cost to maintain a Lexus IS?
- Annual maintenance cost estimates are not available for the Lexus IS. Based on its reliability score and complaint patterns, check individual year pages for repair cost details when available.
How We Calculate Reliability Scores
Auto Reliability Index scores are calculated on a 0–100 scale using a weighted formula that combines multiple public data sources. Each factor is weighted based on its predictive value for real-world ownership experience.
Key Ranking Factors
Complaint Severity
NHTSA owner complaints weighted by component category (e.g., powertrain, safety systems, electronics, cosmetic) — safety-critical issues carry more weight than cosmetic ones. Adjusted for sales volume so high-volume models aren't unfairly penalized.
Repair Costs
Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.
Recall Impact
Number of NHTSA recalls weighted by severity. “Stop driving” and fire-risk recalls are penalized more heavily than minor software or labeling recalls.
Issue Diversity
Measures how many major vehicle systems (engine, transmission, electrical, braking, etc.) have recorded complaints. A vehicle with issues spread across many systems may indicate systemic quality issues.
Scores are grouped into four tiers:
- 80–100: Excellent — Top-tier reliability, minimal issues
- 60–79: Good — Reliable with some minor concerns
- 40–59: Mixed — Notable issues, research before buying
- 0–39: Risky — Significant problems, proceed with caution
Data is sourced from NHTSA recall records, owner complaint filings, and independent repair databases. Scores are recalculated as new data becomes available. While the weighting model is proprietary, all underlying data sources are public and traceable.
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