Lexus Is problems, recalls & best years
The deets on every Is from 1999 to 2026: 596 owner complaints and 17 recalls across 27 model years.
The model years with the most owner complaints are 2006 (143), 2007 (122), 2008 (102). Best fuel economy: 26 mpg combined (2018).

Problem areas across all years
Year by year
| Year | Recalls | Complaints | Best mpg | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1999 | 0 | 1 | – | |
| 2001 | 0 | 1 | 18 | |
| 2002 | 0 | 12 | 19 | |
| 2003 | 0 | 12 | 18 | |
| 2004 | 0 | 10 | 18 | |
| 2005 | 0 | 12 | 18 | |
| 2006 | 7 | 143 | 24 | |
| 2007 | 3 | 122 | 24 | |
| 2008 | 3 | 102 | 24 | |
| 2009 | 2 | 40 | 24 | |
| 2010 | 1 | 40 | 24 | |
| 2011 | 0 | 15 | 24 | |
| 2012 | 0 | 18 | 24 | |
| 2013 | 0 | 9 | 24 | |
| 2014 | 0 | 12 | 24 | |
| 2015 | 0 | 9 | 24 | |
| 2016 | 0 | 2 | 26 | |
| 2017 | 0 | 11 | 26 | |
| 2018 | 0 | 3 | 26 | |
| 2019 | 0 | 2 | 24 | |
| 2020 | 0 | 6 | 24 | |
| 2021 | 0 | 2 | 25 | |
| 2022 | 1 | 4 | 20 | |
| 2023 | 0 | 5 | 20 | |
| 2024 | 0 | 1 | 20 | |
| 2025 | 0 | 1 | 20 | |
| 2026 | 0 | 1 | 22 |
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.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yrStep-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.
Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/moHeads up: we may earn a commission if you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you. Prices checked 2026-10 and can change. We never host or link to pirated manuals. Disclosure
FAQ
What is the worst year for the Lexus Is?
The model years with the most owner complaints are 2006 (143), 2007 (122), 2008 (102).
How many recalls has the Lexus Is had?
Across 1999–2026, NHTSA lists 17 vehicle recall campaigns by model year (a campaign that covers several years counts once per year).