Last updated: 2026-03-04
2019 Lexus IS Reliability Score & Common Problems
The 2019 Lexus IS scores 79/100 ("Good"). With 4 recalls and 8 owner complaints, reliability is acceptable but not class-leading.
2019 is year 6 of the Third generation (XE30).
Recalls
4
Complaints
8
Complaint Rate
5.4
per 10k sold
Below avgEst. Annual Cost
$551
Major Repair Risk
N/A
NHTSA Rating
5/5
Score Breakdown
Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume
Independent repair cost ratings
Recall count weighted by severity
Breadth of reported problem categories
Acceptable reliability — worth considering with a pre-purchase inspection.
Top Issues
4 recalls on record
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.
Third generation (XE30)
Should You Buy the 2019 Lexus IS?
The 2019 Lexus IS scores 79/100 ("Good"), placing it in acceptable but not class-leading territory. 2019 is year 6 of the Third generation (XE30).
With 8 owner complaints, some reported issues may need attention, but we don't yet see evidence of a single dominant failure mode.
A pre-purchase inspection is recommended for used examples, with particular attention to tires (2). An extended warranty may provide additional peace of mind.
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
- UNKNOWN OR OTHER: Owners of the 2019 Lexus IS report issues related to unresolved recalls and... (2 complaints)
- TIRES: Owners of the 2019 Lexus IS report issues with tires, specifically Bridgestone... (2 complaints)
- 1 fire incident reported in owner complaints
Compare 2019 Lexus IS With
2019 BMW 5-Series
Score: 62/100
2019 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
Score: 54/100
2019 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
Score: 50/100
2019 BMW 4-Series
Score: 55/100
2019 Lexus NX
Score: 77/100
Common Problem Categories
Safety
- 4 manufacturer recalls issued
Other
- UNKNOWN OR OTHER (2)
- TIRES (2)
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (1)
- STRUCTURE (1)
- SUSPENSION (1)
- FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (1)
Recall Overview
4
recalls on record
The 2019 Lexus IS has 4 recalls on record. This is a moderate number. Each recall represents a safety or compliance issue identified by the manufacturer or NHTSA. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships, regardless of warranty status.
NHTSA.gov →Complaint Breakdown
5.4
per 10k soldSegment avg: 15.3
Safety Incidents
Crashes
1
Fires
1
Injuries
3
Deaths
0
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.
2019 Lexus IS NHTSA Safety Ratings
Overall Safety Rating
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)
Gas Powertrain
Rollover risk: 9.5%
Safety Technologies
Lexus IS Repair 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.
When Buying a Used 2019 Lexus IS
Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing, based on the most common reported issues.
- Inspect tires for signs of wear or damage, especially Bridgestone Turanza EL400
- Check for any unresolved recalls and verify completion of recall repairs
- Test sunroof operation and inspect for any signs of stress or damage
- Verify alignment and suspension condition, especially if tires show uneven wear
Check Any 2019 Lexus IS's History Before You Buy
Reliability scores tell you what to expect from the 2019 IS in general — but every car has its own story. Uncover past accidents, title issues, odometer rollbacks, and service records for a specific Lexus IS with a free VIN lookup.
Powered by VINExposed.com — free vehicle history reports using public title and safety data.
2019 Lexus IS Common Problems by Component
8 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
2 complaintsOwners of the 2019 Lexus IS report issues related to unresolved recalls and unexpected sunroof shattering. One complaint indicates a recall that has not been addressed since January, though specific details about the recall are not provided. Another owner describes the sudden shattering of the sunroof while driving, resulting in glass falling into the cabin and causing minor injury to a passenger. This incident suggests a potential safety risk, particularly if glass falls at highway speeds. These reports do not specify mileage, but the sudden nature of the sunroof issue could be a concern for potential buyers considering this model.
TIRES
2 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2019 Lexus IS report issues with tires, specifically Bridgestone Turanza EL400. Complaints frequently mention tire detachment or blowouts, with one incident involving a tire detaching from the rim at low speed and another at highway speed, leading to a crash and fire. Symptoms include the low tire pressure warning light and abnormal sounds prior to tire failure. The issues are noted at mileages of approximately 2,000 and 19,300 miles. Safety implications are significant, with reports of a crash, vehicle damage, and injuries. These patterns suggest potential concerns for used car buyers regarding tire reliability and safety.
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.
When Do 2019 Lexus IS Problems Start?
Based on owner complaint patterns, here's when common issues tend to appear.
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. 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 |
Lexus IS Reliability Compared to Other Years
| Year | Score | vs Prior Year | Rating | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 83/100 (predicted) | — | Predicted | 0 | 0 |
| 2025 | 83/100 | 0 | Excellent | 0 | 1 |
| 2024 | 83/100 | 0 | Excellent | 0 | 3 |
| 2023 | 83/100 | 0 | Excellent | 0 | 9 |
| 2022 | 83/100 | 0 | Excellent | 0 | 13 |
| 2021 | 83/100 | 0 | Excellent | 0 | 1 |
| 2020 | 83/100 | +4 | Excellent | 0 | 3 |
| 2019(selected) | 79/100 | -2 | Good | 4 | 8 |
| 2018 | 81/100 | — | Excellent | 2 | 6 |
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?
How many recalls does the 2019 Lexus IS have?
Is the 2019 Lexus IS expensive to maintain?
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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