Last updated: 2026-10-10
2019 Lexus IS Reliability Report
The 2019 Lexus IS has good reliability, but two owners reported a tire coming off its rim, and four recalls are on record.
Recalls
4
Complaints
8
Complaint Rate
5.4per 10,000 sold
Est. Repair Cost
$551
Annual Fuel Cost
$2,900–$3,300
Detailed Score Breakdown
Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume
Independent repair cost ratings
Recall count weighted by severity
Breadth of reported problem categories
The Verdict
The weakest scored IS year, though still rated good, with four recalls and two owner reports of a tire separating from its rim.
Top Issues to Watch
- TIRES (2)
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (1)
- STRUCTURE (1)
Generation & Refresh (US)
2019 is year 6 of the Third generation (XE30).
- Redesigned for the 2014 model year.
- Well-established in its generation — most early issues should be resolved.
- A refresh arrives in 2020.
- 3rd generation IS (US).
What this means for buyers
Well into the generation cycle — most design and manufacturing issues should be resolved by now.
2014: Third generation (XE30) Launch
Generation start — new platform.
2019: This Model Year
2019 is year 6 of the Third generation (XE30).
2020: Mid-Cycle Refresh
Updated features and styling tweaks.
Should You Buy the 2019 Lexus IS?
Reliability is good, and well above average among 2019 sedans. Within the IS line, though, it is the weakest of nine scored years. Both neighbors stand higher: 2018 is excellent and rates about the same, and 2020 is excellent and rates better.
Owners filed 8 complaints, and the one clear pattern is tires. Two owners describe a tire separating from its rim or coming off the car. In the worse case, it happened at highway speed with about 2,000 miles on the car. It dropped onto the pavement, gave off smoke and swerved off the road, with a crash, possible fire and 2 injuries reported. The other owner got a low tire pressure warning, heard an odd noise, and found the rear tire off the rim. Four recalls are on record, two in the gasoline fuel system.
Run the VIN through federal recall records and confirm the fuel system work was done. Look closely at the tires on any car you test. The 2020 had 3 complaints and no recalls.
Compared to the 2020 Lexus IS, which scored 4 points higher. See also the 2018 Lexus IS for an earlier comparison.
Pros
- +Acceptable reliability score
- +Below-average complaint rate for Sedan
- +5-star NHTSA crash rating
Cons
- −Moderate recall count
- −TIRES: Tire separates from its rim or comes off the car (2 complaints)
- −UNKNOWN OR OTHER: Sunroof glass shatters without warning at highway speed, and broken glass falls... (2 complaints)
- −1 fire incident reported in owner complaints
Compare 2019 Lexus IS With
2019 Genesis G70
Reliability: 55/100
2019 Volvo S60
Reliability: 72/100
2019 BMW 5 Series
Reliability: 62/100
2019 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
Reliability: 54/100
2019 Mercedes-Benz A-Class
Reliability: 55/100
Common Problem Categories
Safety
LOW RISK- 4 manufacturer recalls issued
Other
HIGH RISK- UNKNOWN OR OTHER (2)
- TIRES (2)
Recall Overview
4
recalls on record
A moderate 4 recalls are on file for the 2019 Lexus IS. Each one points to a specific safety or compliance issue identified by the manufacturer or NHTSA — check the list below before buying.
NHTSA.gov →Complaint Breakdown
5.4
per 10,000 soldSegment avg: 19.1
Safety Incidents
1
Crashes
1
Fires
3
Injuries
0
Deaths
NHTSA 5/5 Stars
Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.
2019 Lexus IS Recall Details
4 recalls have been issued for the 2019 Lexus IS. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) recalled certain 2018-2019 4Runner, Highlander, Camry, Land Cruiser, Sequoia, Sienna, Tacoma and Tundra, and Lexus RC 300, RC 350, GS 350, GX 460, IS 300, LC 500, LS 500, LX 570, RX 350L, and 2019 Toyota Avalon and Corolla, and certain Lexus NX 300, and ES 350 vehicles on January 13, 2020. On March 4, 2020, Toyota expanded the recall to include certain 2014-2015 Toyota 4Runner and Land Cruiser, 2018 Avalon, Corolla, 2014 FJ Cruiser, 2017 Sienna and Lexus 2018 ES 350, 2018-2019 GS 300, 2013-2014 GS350, 2014-2015 GX 460, IS 350 and LX 570, 2014 IS F, 2018-2019 IS 350, LC 500H and LS 500H, 2013-2015 LS 460, 2015 NX 200T and RC350, 2017 RC 200T and RX 350. Toyota also removed the 2018-2019 Toyota 4Runner and Land Cruiser and 2018-2019 Lexus GX 460 and LX 570 and 2019 NX300 from inclusion in this recall. On March 19, 2020, Toyota expanded the recall to include 2015 Lexus GS350 vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
Consequence
If the fuel pump fails, the engine can stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump, free of charge. The recall began May 4, 2020. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371 or Lexus customer service at 1-800-255-3987. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 20TB02 and 20TA02 for Toyota vehicles and 20LB01 and 20LA01 for Lexus vehicles.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2018-2019 4Runner, 2019-2020 Avalon, 2019 Corolla Hatchback, 2017-2019 Highlander, 2018-2020 Camry, 2020 Corolla, 2018-2019 Land Cruiser, 2017-2020 Tacoma, 2019-2020 RAV4, 2019-2020 Sequoia, 2017-2020 Sienna, 2019-2020 Tundra, 2018-2020 Lexus ES350, 2017 Lexus GS200t, 2017-2019 Lexus GS350, 2019 Lexus GS300, 2018-2020 Lexus LC500h, 2019-2020 Lexus LS500, 2018-2019 Lexus GX460, 2017 Lexus IS200t, 2019 Lexus IS300, 2019 Lexus IS350, 2018-2020 Lexus LC500, 2018 Lexus LS500, 2019 Lexus LS500h, 2018-2019 Lexus LX570, 2017 Lexus RC200t, 2019 Lexus RC300, RC350, 2017 and 2019-2020 Lexus RX350, 2018-2020 RX350L, 2019 Lexus UX200, 2018-2019 Lexus NX300 vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
Consequence
If the fuel pump fails, the engine can stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump assembly with an improved one, free of charge. Owners of specific models were notified that remedy parts were available starting January 21, 2021. Owners of other models will be notified as remedy parts become available. Remedy parts should be available for all affected vehicles by late March 2021. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371 or Lexus customer service at 1-800-255-3987. Note: This recall is an expansion of recall 20V-012. Toyota's number for this recall is 20TA02. Lexus' number for this recall is 20LA01.
Buying a used 2019 Lexus IS? Check its history first
Tires problems lead owner complaints about the 2019 Lexus IS, and 4 recalls were issued for it. A VIN check shows whether this car's recall work was done, plus accident, title, and odometer history.
- Accidents
- Open Recalls
- Title History
- Odometer Rollback
2019 Lexus IS NHTSA Safety Ratings
Overall Safety Rating
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)
Gas Powertrain
Rollover risk: 9.5%
Safety Technologies
Lexus ISRepair Costs & Maintenance
Maintenance Rating
4.5Maintenance rating: 4.5 out of 5Based on NHTSA complaint patterns, recall severity, and publicly available cost benchmarks.
Est. Annual Maintenance
$551
Category-level averages derived from publicly available industry reports (AAA, CarMD). Model-level estimates produced by Auto Reliability Index.
2019 Lexus IS Example Repair Prices
National average price ranges for common repairs. These are not model-year-specific failure predictions.
| Repair | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Brake Hose Replacement | $227 – $291 |
| Blower Motor Replacement | $442 – $478 |
| Drive Axle Assembly Leak Inspection | $76 – $112 |
| AC Compressor Clutch Replacement | $1,424 – $1,566 |
| Camshaft Position Sensor Replacement | $358 – $466 |
| Axle Shaft Seal Replacement | $431 – $618 |
| Liftgate Glass Support Strut Replacement | $188 – $217 |
| Heater Hose Replacement | $417 – $517 |
| Parking Brake Shoe Replacement | $477 – $619 |
| Air Conditioning Receiver Drier Assembly Replacement | $544 – $852 |
Estimates based on national average repair costs. Actual costs may vary by location and shop.
MPG & Annual Running Costs
Gas
21–24 MPG
Running cost: $3,450–$3,850/yr
Fuel + repair
19–21 city / 26–30 hwy MPG
Running cost includes EPA fuel-cost estimate and independent repair-cost data (repair cost estimated at model level). Excludes routine maintenance, depreciation, and insurance. Data as of 2019 EPA label cycle.
Gas trims
| Trim | Drive | Trans. | City | Hwy | Comb | Fuel Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IS 300 2.0L 4-cyl | Rear-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S8) | 21 | 30 | 24 | $2,900 |
| IS 350 3.5L 6-cyl | Rear-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S8) | 20 | 28 | 23 | $3,000 |
| IS 300 AWD 3.5L 6-cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S6) | 19 | 26 | 21 | $3,300 |
| IS 350 AWD 3.5L 6-cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S6) | 19 | 26 | 21 | $3,300 |
Used Buying Checklist
Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing a 2019 Lexus IS.
Inspect each tire's bead and sidewall where it meets the rim for gaps, bulges, or damage.
Check whether the car runs Bridgestone Turanza EL400 tires and read the DOT code on each tire.
Make sure the low tire pressure warning light goes off after startup, and check all four pressures with a gauge.
Look over the sunroof glass for chips, cracks, or star marks before the test drive.
Run the VIN through federal recall records and ask for paperwork showing every open recall was completed.
Call a Lexus dealer before you buy to confirm any open recall repair has parts available and can be scheduled.
2019 Lexus IS Common Problems by Component
8 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
2 complaintsThe sunroof glass shatters without warning at highway speed, and broken glass falls on the people inside. One passenger gets a cut arm that needs no medical treatment. The other complaint in this category is not about a failure. It complains that a recall repair has been waiting since January without being fixed, which points to a dealer or parts delay. Only 2 complaints fall here, so these read as separate reports rather than a pattern.
TIRES
2 complaintsSafety-relatedA tire separates from its rim or comes off the car. Both filings describe this. In the more serious case, it happens at highway speed on a car with about 2,000 miles. The car drops onto the pavement, gives off smoke, and swerves off the road. That report lists a crash, possible fire, and 2 injuries. The other case starts with a low tire pressure warning at low speed and an odd noise. The rear tire turns out to be off the rim, with the sidewall still attached to the wheel. One report names Bridgestone Turanza EL400 tires.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1 complaintThe vin to my car does not match with the motor. I find this odd. When I looked up my car vin on Kelly blue book the description was a 4 cylinder but how because I spicifically bought the 6 cylinder. also I just noticed that my car has two safety recalls that I just had found today. Another thing that I will tell you (you will find this odd at first) but once you investigate you will understand. i bought my car and about a month later I received an email from best buy geek squad about a remote to my car. someone is targeting me is what I'm trying to tell you you may be wondering. I'm sorry to admit this but I'm a victim of human trafficking labor trafficking tax scams by my ex wife and this women is out of control every day I am constantly submitting complaints every where. The reason I complicated so much is to have documents that I am being targeted and discriminated committed hate crimes against me human rights violations and she does not stop. She is now law enforcement. can we please do something about this manic. She will not stop until she kills me black widow serial killer she already had 1st babydaddy killed I had another truck before this one and someone has taken out the screws to the Motor mounts if I would had crashed would the engine not ended up in my lap? I also had an issue with a rental car from Enterprise I'll tell you about that one later ok Please investigate my phone number is [XXX] I'll be expecting your response. can you send a text 1st because I don't really pick up phone calls that I don't recognize I get a lot of harassment by my ex wife and the business that are in my ein when you get a hold of me ill gladly submit all evidence needed to bring her to justice INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
STRUCTURE (1 complaints)
STRUCTURE
1 complaint2019 LEXUS 300H. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARD TO DEFECTIVE PASSENGER DOOR.
SUSPENSION (1 complaints)
SUSPENSION
1 complaintI LEASED A NEW 2019 IS 300 IN DEC 2018 FOR MY THEN 18YR DAUGHTER. SINCE THE START OF THIS CONTRACT, WE HAVE HAD THE CAR SERVICED SEVERAL TIMES FOR MULTIPLE ISSUES: THE AC NOT WORKING, THEN THE "O" RING BEING CRIMPED, SOMETHING BROKEN IN THE FUEL PUMP (CAUSING MY 19YR DAUGHTER TO BE STUCK ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD) AND NOW RECALLED, THE BRAKES, THE SPEAKERS, THE SUNROOF NOT OPENING FULLY, THE CAR JERKS WHEN GOING DOWNHILL, ETC. WE TOOK THE CAR IN FOR SCHEDULED SERVICE ON 5/28/20, AND WHEN MY DAUGHTER PICKED UP HER CAR ON 5/30/20, THEN TIRE LIGHT WAS ON. THE SERVICE MANAGER HAD AIR PUT IN THE TIRE AND SENT HER ON HER WAY. WHEN I ARRIVED FROM CALIFORNIA (WHERE I LIVE) ON 6/1/20, THE TIRE LIGHT WAS ON AGAIN, SO I TOOK THE CAR FOR SERVICE. NOW, WE ARE FACED WITH IMPROPER WEAR TO THE INSIDE OF ALL 4 TIRES (THE STEEL CORDS/BELTS ARE COMING THROUGH THE TIRES). THE SERVICE MANAGER, TOM (AT PERFORMANCE LEXUS IN MASON, OH), TOLD ME YESTERDAY, 6/4/20, THIS IS HOW THE SUSPENSION IS MADE ON THIS VEHICLE AND THE TIRES ONLY LAST ABOUT 20,000 MILES, NOW THEY ARE IN DANGEROUS CONDITION, SO I NEED TO PURCHASE A DIFFERENT BRAND (MICHELIN) OF NEW TIRES AND DO AN ALIGNMENT BEFORE IT CAN BE DRIVEN. I ASKED "IF THE TIRES ARE IN SUCH A DANGEROUS CONDITION, WHY WOULD YOU ALLOW MY DAUGHTER TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE OFF THE LOT, AND IF THIS IS RELATED TO THE SUSPENSION, HOW WILL PURCHASING NEW TIRES AND DOING AN ALIGNMENT RESOLVE/PREVENT THIS ISSUE FROM OCCURRING IN THE FUTURE?" ALSO, I FOUND THE SERVICE RECEIPT UNDER THE FLOOR MAT, IT WAS NOT GIVEN TO MY DAUGHTER. I AM UNABLE TO UPLOAD THE SERVICE RECEIPT AND VIDEO. THIS IS THE WEB ADDRESS:HTTPS://96331.ISERVICEAUTO.COM/2C5EF112FEF7D5956EA2B11427B76465C68621C4 *TR
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (1 complaints)
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
1 complaintTL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2019 LEXUS IS 300. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V012000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER HAD EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. LONGO LEXUS LOCATED AT (3530 N PECK RD, EL MONTE, CA 91731) WAS CONTACTED AND IT WAS CONFORMED THAT THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT WAS INSTRUCTED TO NO LONGER DRIVE THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT WAS GIVEN THE OPTION OF A LOANER VEHICLE, BUT DECLINED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
Best & Worst Lexus IS Years
Best Lexus IS Years to Buy
Based on reliability index scoreLexus IS Years to Avoid
No Lexus IS years are statistical outliers in our data.
Scores stay between 79 and 87 across 9 scored model years.
Lexus IS Reliability Score Trend
Scores 0–100. Higher is better. Current year highlighted.
| 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 |
| 2026 | 87/100 | Excellent |
Lexus IS Reliability Compared to Other Years
2019 Lexus IS Common Questions
10 questions from 2019 Lexus IS owners.
Stalling and stopping
My vehicle only has 30,800,000 miles. If the fuel pump which is a recalled part is the manufacture responsible There is no way of knowing, it stalls when accelerating A few days
No power steering
i just bought a 2006 lexus rx400h and i have zero power steering, a p/s light and "check hybrid system" and "check vsc system" as well as p1421, p3298, c1310, c1336 codes, it has a brand new car battery More than a week
Braking malfunction
After about 100 miles all the dash lites came on,cel,anti skid parking brake ECT. It said pull over right away and have towed to dealer. Well I was not to far from home so drove it home. The brake pedal was very hard to push so I drove slow and tried not to use brake pedal. I could use it if I did it gently. Next morning , drove it to shop and they called me back and said they got a code c1247 which was brake pedal stroke sensor. Replaced that and had it calibrated. After driving around 70 miles it did the same thing. Stiff brake ,lites on dash, so took it back and it came back with the same code so they erased the code on the obd and it drives perfect until I hit the 70 mi and does it again. This has happened like 5times and even took it to different shops. All they do is reset code and they tell me it is good to go .Could it be in the brake booster? When I tell them the problem is still there they all have said " it's probably the abs module but they are just guessing. Booster? When the dash lites are off it rides perfect for 70 miles or so More than a month
Repair estimate
Is it worth it to repair a 2007 Lexus RX400h that needs the compressor, condenser and hybrid battery replaced? Car no longer turns on. The heat/AC would make the car run rough. More than a month
Seatbelt alarm
The seatbelt alarm for the rear middle seatbelt goes off even when no one is sitting in the back seats and no items are on the seats either. The only way I’ve been keeping this from triggering every time I drive is to keep the middle seatbelt latched. I’ve been told that it is a faulty sensor in the latch and it should be replaced. Is this the only way? More than a year
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 2019 Lexus IS reliable?
What are the most common problems with the 2019 Lexus IS?
Does the 2019 Lexus IS have tire problems?
Has the 2019 Lexus IS been recalled?
Is the 2019 Lexus IS better than the 2020 or 2018?
Don’t buy a 2019 Lexus IS without checking its VIN first — hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls could cost you thousands.
How we score the 2019 Lexus IS
Of the four inputs behind this score, the 2019 Lexus IS does best on repair costs (90/100) and worst on complaint severity (71/100). 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.
Get notified when new recalls or reliability data is added for the Lexus IS.
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