Last updated: 2026-10-10

Lexus IS

Lexus IS Years to Avoid

9 scored model years (2018–2026) · model average 83/100

No model year from 2018 to 2026 is one to avoid. What changes between years is recall count and complaint volume: 2019 has the most recalls, and 2022 drew the most complaints. The year to buy is 2024, which has no recalls and few complaints.

Verdict

Avoid
No outlier years
Buy
2024 83/100
Model average
83/100
See best year ↓See all years ranked ↓

What Are Common Lexus IS Problems?

TIRES

2 complaints

Most reported in 2019

2019: A tire separates from its rim or comes off the car.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

2 complaints

Most reported in 2019

2019: The sunroof glass shatters without warning at highway speed, and broken glass falls on the people inside.

STRUCTURE

2 complaints

Most reported in 2018

2018: The glass sunroof panel shatters without warning while the car is moving.

Best Lexus IS Year to Buy Instead

83
ExcellentReliability score: 83 out of 100, rated Excellent

2024 Lexus IS

2024 has been on the road long enough to judge. It shows no recalls and only three owner complaints, all about visibility. Compare that with 2019, which has four recalls and one fire report, and 2018, which has two recalls. 2024 also draws far fewer complaints per car sold than 2022 or 2023.

Score: 83/100 (Excellent)0 recalls3 complaints
View full 2024reliability report →
VIN History Report

Found a Safe Year? Check the Specific Car

Even the 2024 Lexus IS has 0 recalls on file. A VIN check confirms the recall work on the exact car and shows its accident, title, and service history.

No VIN? Just hit “Check VIN” to look one up.

  • Accidents
  • Open Recalls
  • Title History
  • Odometer Rollback

All Lexus IS Years by Generation

Lexus IS Reliability Scores by Year

Excellent Good Mixed Risky

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Lexus IS years should I avoid?
None. Our analysis found no year well below the model's own average. 2019 and 2018 rate lowest, but both still rate good or better. If you want to lower risk further, pick 2024 over those two.
What is the worst Lexus IS year?
2019 is the weakest. It has four recalls, eight owner complaints, and one fire report. Tires and electrical system were among its most reported areas. It still rates good, so treat it as a year to inspect closely, not to rule out.
Which Lexus IS years have transmission problems?
The data shows no transmission pattern. Power train complaints appear in small numbers for 2018, 2022, and 2023, with three each in the last two. No year is flagged for it, and the data does not name a specific part.
Is the 2022 Lexus IS a bad year?
No. 2022 drew the most owner complaints, 13, and the highest rate per car sold. They were spread across suspension, power train, and fuel propulsion system. It has no recalls and still rates excellent, so it is worth a careful test drive.
Is 2026 the most reliable Lexus IS year?
Not in a way you can rely on. 2026 ranks high and has no complaints, but it is too new to have collected any. 2024 is the better pick because it has two years of owner reports behind it.

How we score every Lexus IS model year

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.

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