MotorDeets

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).

Lexus Is
Photo: Aethonatic · CC0 · Wikimedia Commons. Representative photo of this generation; trim may differ.

Problem areas across all years

Body & structure146
Other / unknown116
Airbags116
Visibility/Wiper79
Engine71
Electrical44
Fuel & propulsion35
Steering34

Year by year

YearRecallsComplaintsBest mpg
199901–
20010118
200201219
200301218
200401018
200501218
2006714324
2007312224
2008310224
200924024
201014024
201101524
201201824
20130924
201401224
20150924
20160226
201701126
20180326
20190224
20200624
20210225
20221420
20230520
20240120
20250120
20260122

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.

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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.

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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

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).