2009 Lexus Is: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2009 Lexus Is: 2 recalls, 40 owner complaints and up to 24 mpg combined.
Recalls
2 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Speed control / throttle Vehicle recall #09V388000 · 2009 · 4,445,056 vehicles
What's wrong: The accelerator pedal can get stuck in the wide open position due to its being trapped by an unsecured or incompatible driver's floor mat.
Why it matters: A stuck open accelerator pedal May result in very high vehicle speeds and make it difficult to stop the vehicle, which could cause a crash, serious injury or death.
The fix: Toyota filed an amended defect report on November 25, 2009, stating that dealers will modify the accelerator pedal and, on certain vehicles, alter the shape of the floor surface under the pedal. These changes address the risk of pedal entrapment due to interference with the floor mat. Redesigned…
Fuel system Vehicle recall #11V029000 · 2011 · 244,779 vehicles
What's wrong: Due to insufficient tightening of the fuel pressure sensor connected to an engine fuel delivery pipe with nickel phosphorus plating, there is a possibility that, over time, the pressure sensor could loosen. If loosening occurs, fuel could leak past a gasket used in the connection between the sensor and the pipe and through the threaded portion of the sensor.
Why it matters: Fuel leakage, in the presence of an ignition source, could result in a fire.
The fix: Dealers will inspect for fuel leakage from the threaded portion of the fuel pressure sensor and if a fuel leak is not confirmed, dealers will further tighten the fuel pressure sensor with the proper torque. If a fuel leak is confirmed, the gasket between the sensor and the fuel deliver pipe will be…
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 0 mention a fire, 4 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Speed control / throttle (10): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Other / unknown (10): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (2).
- Visibility/Wiper (5): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Airbags (4): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
The 2009 Lexus Is has 40 owner complaints, ranking #4 of 27 Is model years for complaints (1.8× the average Is year). Complaints peaked in 2010 (8 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 7 years old, at a median of 36,750 miles. Neighboring years: 2008 (102 complaints, 3 recalls), 2010 (40 complaints, 1 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5 L 6-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 21 | 29 | 24 | Premium |
| 2.5 L 6-cyl | Automatic (S6) | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 20 | 26 | 22 | Premium |
| 2.5 L 6-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 18 | 26 | 21 | Premium |
| 3.5 L 6-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 18 | 25 | 20 | Premium |
| 5.0 L 8-cyl | Automatic (S8) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 16 | 23 | 18 | Premium |
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 2009 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.
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FAQ
Does the 2009 Lexus Is have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 2 vehicle recalls for the 2009 Lexus Is. 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 2009 Lexus Is problems?
Owners have filed 40 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are speed control / throttle (10), other / unknown (10), visibility/wiper (5).
What gas mileage does the 2009 Lexus Is get?
EPA ratings run up to 24 mpg combined (2.5 L, Automatic (S6)), across 5 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2009 Lexus Is 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.