Lexus IS Generations Ranked By Reliability
As a sub-brand of Toyota, Lexus is one of the most reliable brands on the market. The IS is the company’s compact luxury sedan that’s been around since 2000 in the US, with customers loving the premium interior and nimble driving dynamics. The latest IS facelift brings it in line with cars like the BMW 3-series and Audi A4 with sportier styling and extra creature comforts.
Lexus
Founded in 1989, Lexus is a premium automaker created by Toyota as a rival to Mercedes-Benz and BMW. Its first model, the Lexus LS, became renowned as a true S-Class rival at a fraction of the cost and is known as one of the most reliable cars in the world. Subsequent models from the brand have achieved equal fame, including the IS, RX, and LX. With global sales of 824,258 cars in 2023, Lexus has become a prime example of how a start-up can enter the premium space and succeed, something few rivals have managed since.
- Founded
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1989
- Founder
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Eiji Toyoda, Toyota
- Headquarters
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Nagoya, Japan
- Owned By
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Toyota Motor Corporation
- Current CEO
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Takashi Watanabe (President)
Overall, all Lexus IS generations are extremely reliable, but there are some key problems with some models. In this article, we’ve done research to find out which Lexus IS generations are the most reliable and which are the ones to avoid.
This analysis includes all generations of the Lexus IS. Notably, not enough time has passed to assess the reliability of newer models accurately. Recall, complaint, and all accompanying data are accurate as of the date of publication, but are subject to change.
We have consulted a variety of reputable sources, including J.D. Power, NHTSA, and Car Complaints, while also taking into account the number and severity of consumer complaints/recalls. It must be noted that J.D. Power ratings are an assessment of initial reliability, not long-term reliability.
Lexus IS History
The Lexus IS debuted in Japan in 1998 under the XE10 codename. It was bound to be a pure driver’s car, engineered by the legendary Nobuaki Katayama, who you’ll know from the acclaimed Toyota AE86. The first IS only arrived in North America for the 2001 model year, though.
In the USA, it was powered by a 3.0-liter inline-six engine that was revered by the press for being charismatic and refined.
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The XE20 second generation was similar, with customers loving the quality interior at debut. A skunk works team within Lexus also made the first V8 IS in 2007 to compete against cars like the BMW M3 or Mercedes C63 AMG.
The XE30 is the current generation of Lexus IS, in production since 2013. It’s received two facelifts, with the previous one being in 2020 for the 2021 model year. It’s enjoyed good sales figures in the US, even if it’s no longer as fresh as its German rivals in some aspects.
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Lexus IS: Generations And Key Specs |
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|---|---|---|---|---|
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Generation |
Model Years |
Engine Options |
Transmission |
Key Features |
|
1st Gen |
2001 – 2005 |
3.0L I6 |
5-speed manual, 5-speed automatic |
This generation’s gauge cluster was designed to look like a racing chronograph watch. |
|
2nd Gen |
2006 – 2013 |
2.5L V6, 3.5L V6, 5.0L V8 |
6-speed manual, 6-speed automatic, 8-speed automatic |
The first time the V8 has been offered in the now-loved IS F range-topper. A convertible was also available. |
|
3rd Gen |
2014 – present |
2.0L Turbo I4, 2.5L V6, 3.5L V6, 5.0L V8 |
6- or 8-speed automatic |
The current generation has received two facelifts after being on sale for 12 years. |
3
Second Generation (2006 – 2013)
All Lexus IS generations are very reliable, but that doesn’t mean they’re free of complaints. The second IS generation ranks third mainly due to the interiors becoming sticky and some reports of engines using more oil than usual.
Car Complaints marks 2007 as the year for the most complaints, with 42 total complaints on their website, mainly to do with the interiors melting into people’s hands and sunlight reflecting off the dashboard to affect the driver’s vision.
“I have a 2007 Lexus IS250 and it has had a sticky dashboard for a long time. Recently, it has gotten worse since the heat has caused it to melt and is sticky shiny. If I attempt to wipe anything off of it, it will get stuck. Horrible design and needs to be fixed. They need to extend their bulletin to address this problem. It is not fair for the consumer. After this incident, i will never buy another Lexus again.”
– Lexus IS 250 Owner, Car Complaints
Common Issues: Second-Gen Lexus IS
- Interiors melting
- Engines burning excessive oil
- Gearbox failures
- Some electrical glitches
J.D. Power quality and reliability score average: 85
The 2006 Lexus IS also accumulated 16 recalls, the most of any Lexus IS model year. Some had to do with pedal entrapment, which could cause an open throttle and pose dangerous scenarios at high speeds. Another was for the variable valve timing system possibly separating from the gear housing, which isn’t very ideal.
Overall, we’re naming the second-generation IS as the worst for reliability due to a tendency for the interior plastics to melt. One owner on Car Complaints suggested it would cost $3,000 to have their dashboard repaired.
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2
Third Generation (2014 – Present)
Lexus IS reliability crept up in the third generation, even though it shares similar quality and reliability ratings as the second generation. There were fewer recalls after the 2013 model year with the only serious issue being the passenger airbag having a tendency to rupture (only those manufactured by Takata).
This affected only the first two years of production of the third-generation car and was carried over from the older model.
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Common Issues: Third-Gen Lexus IS
- Airbags failing to deploy
- Electrical issues
- Excessive wear on tires
- Fuel pump issues
Highest J.D. Power quality and reliability score average: 85
Some customers on the NHTSA website have complained that the tires are being worn out faster than usual, and they suspect the issue is with the weight of the vehicle.
“Both front tires have excessive wear, being so severe that the cords are showing on the inner edge. The remaining portion of the tires look fine. I was informed that the car came with a factory notice that the tires are prone to excessive wear.”
Car Complaints doesn’t list many issues with this car, but two drivers did mention unwanted acceleration when the car is in drive and waiting at an intersection. One mentioned that both he and his wife have had this issue happen multiple times, sometimes lurching forward when the car is still in park.
With so much technology on modern cars, it’s an incredible record for Lexus to stay at the top of many reliability comparisons. There may be a few complaints listed for this generation of IS, but its overall reliability rating still puts many German rivals to shame.
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1
First Generation (2001 – 2005)
These cars are loved by owners and we can’t find many reports of serious issues affecting them. The 2005 model year of the Lexus IS actually won an award in J.D. Power’s quality awards for being so reliable.
There isn’t much data on Car Complaints or the NHTSA website, with the only repeated complaint being the dashboard becoming sticky after some use. This is similar to the troubles the second generation had, but it’s nowhere near as serious.
Common Issues: First-Gen Lexus IS
- Radiator cracks
- Unresponsive acceleration (mainly on autos)
- Rust
- Oil leaks
J.D. Power quality and reliability score average: N/A
As you can tell, there aren’t many issues with this car. Browsing owner’s forums solidifies this car’s status as a dependable family car, with many being on over 150,000 miles and still going strong.
Most mention that regular maintenance is key, as the timing belts may snap or oil leaks may appear if the car isn’t serviced properly. These Toyota-derived engines are legendary for their dependability, you can’t go wrong with the first-generation Lexus IS. The less complex electronics of the first-gen IS also make it less prone to issues in this area.
Summary: An Engaging Yet Dependable Luxury Sedan
The Lexus IS set out to be a luxury car for drivers – and it hit the nail on the head in the first generation as drivers loved its smooth power delivery and always-ready-to-go dependability.
We would recommend looking for a first or third generation car if IS reliability is at the top of your list, as Lexus faltered slightly on the second iteration. The car had modern looks and a plush interior, but the materials aged badly, which is especially disconcerting in a luxury car.
All that being said, it’s possible to purchase any example of the Lexus IS and enjoy a level of reliability that often evades the car’s European rivals.
Sources: JD Power, NHTSA, Car Complaints, Lexus
