MotorDeets

Lexus Is 300 problems, recalls & best years

The deets on every Is 300 from 2001 to 2022: 122 owner complaints and 3 recalls across 13 model years.

The model years with the most owner complaints are 2002 (28), 2001 (27), 2003 (21). Best fuel economy: 26 mpg combined (2018).

Lexus Is 300
Photo: Ethan Llamas · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons. Representative photo of this generation; trim may differ.

Problem areas across all years

Body & structure21
Speed control / throttle18
Other / unknown18
Suspension14
Transmission & drivetrain12
Tires11
Airbags9
Engine7

Year by year

YearRecallsComplaintsBest mpg
200102718
200202819
200302118
200401918
20050418
200601–
20160321
20170221
20181626
20192724
20200224
20210125
20220125

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 Lexus Is 300.

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

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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

What is the worst year for the Lexus Is 300?

The model years with the most owner complaints are 2002 (28), 2001 (27), 2003 (21).

How many recalls has the Lexus Is 300 had?

Across 2001–2022, NHTSA lists 3 vehicle recall campaigns by model year (a campaign that covers several years counts once per year).