Last updated: 2026-03-04

Lexus IS

0 Lexus IS Years to Avoid

Years that score significantly below the Lexus IS average of 82/100

All Lexus IS years score consistently around the model average of 82/100 — no years are statistical outliers. The best year is 2025 83/100 and the weakest is 2019 79/100.

Verdict

All Lexus IS years score consistently around the model average of 82/100 (79–83 range) — no years are statistical outliers. The best is 2025 83/100 and the weakest is 2019 79/100.

See best year ↓See all years ranked ↓

What Are Common Lexus IS Problems?

Top reported issues across all Lexus IS model years, based on NHTSA owner complaints.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

2 complaints

Most reported in 2019

TIRES

2 complaints

Most reported in 2019

STRUCTURE

2 complaints

Most reported in 2018

Best Lexus IS Year to Buy Instead

83
ExcellentReliability score: 83 out of 100, rated Excellent

2020 Lexus IS

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).

Score: 83/100 (Excellent)0 recalls3 complaints
View full 2020 reliability report →

All Lexus IS Years by Generation

All model years ranked by reliability score, grouped by generation.

Lexus IS Reliability Scores by Year

2018 Lexus IS (2018)81/100
2020 Lexus IS (2020)83/100
2021 Lexus IS (2021)83/100
2022 Lexus IS (2022)83/100
2023 Lexus IS (2023)83/100
2024 Lexus IS (2024)83/100
2025 Lexus IS (2025)83/100
Excellent Good Mixed Risky

Our data covers 2018–2025 model years.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Lexus IS years should you avoid?
All Lexus IS years in our database score consistently around the model average of 82/100. No years are statistical outliers, though some are stronger than others.
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 ("Excellent"). It has 0 recalls and 1 owner complaints.
How many recalls does the Lexus IS have?
Across all years in our database, the Lexus IS has a total of 6 recalls. Recall counts vary by year — check individual model year reports for details.
Is a used Lexus IS worth buying?
Yes, especially the 2025 model year, which scores 83/100. Stick to years at or above the model average of 82/100 for the best ownership experience.
What are common Lexus IS problems?
The most common Lexus IS problems are unknown or other (2 complaints), tires (2 complaints), structure (2 complaints). These issues are reported across multiple model years based on NHTSA owner complaint data.
Is the Lexus IS reliable long-term?
The Lexus IS has an average reliability score of 82/100 across all model years in our database, rated "excellent". Overall, it is a reliable vehicle, though some model years perform better than others.
Which Lexus IS generation is most reliable?
The most reliable Lexus IS generation is the Third generation (XE30) with an average score of 82/100. Compare generations in our all-years-by-generation section above.
Is the 2025 Lexus IS a good used buy?
Yes, the 2025 Lexus IS is the highest-scoring model year with a reliability score of 83/100 ("Excellent"). It has 0 recalls and 1 owner complaints, making it a solid used buy.

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

1

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.

2

Repair Costs

Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.

3

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.

4

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.

See incorrect data? Report an issue