MotorDeets

2013 Lexus Is 250: Recalls, Problems & MPG

Here are the deets on the 2013 Lexus Is 250: 2 recalls, 5 owner complaints and up to 24 mpg combined.

2vehicle recalls
5owner complaints
1mention a crash
24best combined mpg
2013 Lexus Is 250
Photo: A. Bailey · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons. Representative photo of this generation; trim may differ.

Recalls

2 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.

Airbags Vehicle recall #18V024000 · 2018 · 628,018 vehicles

What's wrong: S. Vi or "zone a." Toyota is also recalling certain 2010 Scion xb, Toyota corolla, corolla matrix, yaris, 4runner, Lexus is250, is350, is250c, is350c, es350, is-f, gx460, and Pontiac vibe vehicles sold, ever registered, in the states of az, ar, de, dc, il, in, ks, ky, md, mo, ne, nv, nj, nm, nc, oh, ok, pa, tn, va, and wv or "zone b." Toyota is also recalling certain 2009 Scion xb, Toyota corolla, corolla matrix,…

Why it matters: An inflator explosion May result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

The fix: Toyota will notify the Toyota, Scion and Lexus owners. General motors will contact the Pontiac owners. Depending on the vehicle model, dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, or replace the air bag assembly. The recall began on January 29, 2018.

Airbags Vehicle recall #19V005000 · 2019 · 1,299,448 vehicles

What's wrong: S. Virgin islands or "zone a." Toyota is also recalling certain 2011-2013 Toyota corolla, corolla matrix, Lexus is250, is350, 2011-2016 4runner, 2011-2015 Scion xb, Lexus is350c, is250c, 2011-2014 Toyota sienna, Lexus is-f, 2011-2017 Lexus gx460, and 2011-2012 Lexus es350 vehicles ever registered in the states of arizona, arkansas, delaware, district of columbia, illinois, indiana, kansas, kentucky, maryland,…

Why it matters: An inflator explosion May result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

The fix: Toyota will notify owners. Depending on the vehicle model, dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, or replace the air bag assembly. The recall began February 15, 2019.

Most-reported problems

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 0 mention a fire, 1 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.

Wheels2
Airbags2
Suspension1
Engine1
Steering1
Speed control / throttle1

What owners describe

The 2013 Lexus Is 250 has 5 owner complaints, ranking #10 of 11 Is 250 model years for complaints (well below the 65 average). Complaints peaked in 2018 (2 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 5 years old, at a median of 39,000 miles. Neighboring years: 2012 (17 complaints, 4 recalls), 2014 (35 complaints, 0 recalls).

Engines & fuel economy (EPA)

EngineTransmissionDriveCityHwyComb.Fuel
2.5 L 6-cylAutomatic (S6)Rear-Wheel Drive212924Premium
2.5 L 6-cylAutomatic (S6)All-Wheel Drive212723Premium

Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.

Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2013 Lexus Is 250.

eManualOnline Download (PDF), keep forever

Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.

Most $25–$78, one-time
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Mitchell 1 DIY Online access, factory-level data

Pro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.

From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yr
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ALLDATAdiy Online access, factory OEM info

OEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.

From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yr
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Haynes Print book or AllAccess online

Step-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.

Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/mo
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FAQ

Does the 2013 Lexus Is 250 have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 2 vehicle recalls for the 2013 Lexus Is 250. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What are the most common 2013 Lexus Is 250 problems?

Owners have filed 5 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are wheels (2), airbags (2), suspension (1).

What gas mileage does the 2013 Lexus Is 250 get?

EPA ratings run up to 24 mpg combined (2.5 L, Automatic (S6)), across 2 engine and transmission combos.

Where can I get a 2013 Lexus Is 250 repair manual?

eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.

Other Is 250 years

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