Lexus Is ReliabilityAll Years Ranked (2001–2025)
Side-by-side reliability scores, risk levels, and owner-cost projections for every Lexus Is we've analyzed. Identify the best years to buy, the ones to avoid, and the problems that follow the Is across generations.
Average Score
90/100
Best Year
2022 Lexus Is
Score 93
Weakest Year
2006 Lexus Is
Score 83
Every Lexus Is Ranked
Sorted by reliability score. Each link opens the full year-specific report.
A paragon of reliability in the luxury sport sedan segment, offering significant peace of mind for owners.
Top risks: Infotainment System · Brake System Wear · Climate Control Actuators
A supremely reliable luxury sport sedan that prioritizes durability and peace of mind over cutting-edge tech.
Top risks: Infotainment System · Brake Components · Minor Electrical Sensors
A paragon of reliability in its class, offering enduring luxury with remarkably few headaches.
Top risks: Infotainment System · Ignition Coils/Spark Plugs · Water Pump (V6)
A supremely reliable luxury sport sedan that prioritizes durability and owner satisfaction.
Top risks: Infotainment System · Brake System Wear · Interior Trim/Rattles
A paragon of reliability in the luxury sport sedan segment, demanding minimal fuss from its owners.
Top risks: Infotainment System · Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS) · Brake System Wear
A supremely reliable luxury sedan that prioritizes long-term peace of mind over cutting-edge tech or outright sportiness.
Top risks: Infotainment & Connectivity · Engine Carbon Buildup (Direct Injection) · Minor Electrical Sensors/Switches
A modern classic that's built to last, offering driving pleasure with minimal headaches.
Top risks: Front Lower Ball Joints · Oxygen Sensors (O2 Sensors) · VVTi Oil Control Valve / Gasket Leaks
A truly excellent blend of sportiness and reliability, provided you address common age-related wear items.
Top risks: Front Suspension Components · Engine Sensors & Seals · Interior & Electrical Cosmetics
A remarkably dependable luxury sport sedan that demands proactive maintenance for its few known weaknesses.
Top risks: Engine (Direct-Injection Carbon Buildup) · Cooling System (Water Pump) · Interior (Dashboard/Door Panel Melting)
A supremely reliable luxury sport sedan that will reward owners with minimal headaches and strong value retention.
Top risks: Engine (2.5L V6) · Cooling System · Infotainment System
A supremely reliable luxury sport sedan that consistently outperforms its European rivals in long-term dependability.
Top risks: Infotainment System · Oxygen/Air-Fuel Ratio Sensors · A/C Condenser/Compressor
A testament to Japanese engineering, the 2018 IS offers near-bulletproof reliability with very few major drawbacks.
Top risks: Infotainment System · Front Brake Components · HVAC Blower Motor
A steadfast luxury performer that consistently delivers on its promise of unwavering dependability.
Top risks: Fuel System & Induction · Infotainment & Electrical Glitches · Brake Components (Rotors)
A premium used sport sedan offering exceptional long-term value, particularly when opting for the robust IS 350.
Top risks: Engine (IS 250 Specific) · Interior Dashboard · Cooling System
A premium sedan offering exceptional long-term reliability and peace of mind for savvy luxury buyers.
Top risks: Engine Cooling System · Infotainment System · Front Suspension Bushings
A supremely reliable luxury sedan with minor tech and direct-injection caveats.
Top risks: Infotainment System · Engine Carbon Buildup · Front Lower Control Arm Bushings
A testament to Toyota's engineering prowess, this IS is a high-value used luxury car with minimal core reliability concerns.
Top risks: Emissions System · Front Suspension & Steering · Interior & Electrical Components
A remarkably durable and engaging sport sedan that continues to offer exceptional value, provided a few age-related weak spots are addressed.
Top risks: Suspension - Lower Ball Joints · Exhaust System - Oxygen Sensors · Body - Rust/Corrosion
An incredibly reliable and engaging compact luxury sedan, requiring attention to a few predictable wear points.
Top risks: Front Suspension Components · Braking System · Interior Trim & Plastics
A well-engineered luxury compact offering a smooth, reliable ride, provided you address its specific known cosmetic and engine maintenance items.
Top risks: Engine Carbon Buildup · Interior Dashboard/Door Panels · Water Pump Failure
A remarkably durable luxury compact, offering impressive reliability despite a few well-documented, but manageable, weak points.
Top risks: Engine (IS 250 Carbon Buildup) · Interior Material Degradation · Suspension Bushings & Components
A premium, reliable daily driver with few major Achilles' heels if you choose wisely and maintain proactively.
Top risks: Engine (IS 250 Carbon Buildup) · Interior (Dashboard Cracking/Melting) · Cooling System (Water Pump)
A premium, reliable daily driver that demands attention to its specific, well-documented weaknesses for long-term satisfaction.
Top risks: Engine (IS250 Specific) · Interior Materials · Cooling System
A supremely reliable luxury compact, but the 2.5L engine demands specific attention to avoid costly carbon-related issues.
Top risks: Engine (IS250 only) · Interior Plastics · Water Pump
A premium, comfortable, and generally stout luxury sedan, but the IS250 demands vigilance for its specific engine quirks.
Top risks: Engine (IS250 Carbon Buildup) · Engine (Water Pump) · Suspension & Steering
Problems That Follow the Is Across Generations
Issues that appear in the top-3 risks across multiple model years — the cost of ownership you can actually predict.
Infotainment System
Appears in 10 model years · 40% of generations
Cooling System
Appears in 3 model years · 12% of generations
Brake System Wear
Appears in 3 model years · 12% of generations
Front Suspension Components
Appears in 2 model years · 8% of generations
Engine Carbon Buildup
Appears in 2 model years · 8% of generations
Engine (IS 250 Carbon Buildup)
Appears in 2 model years · 8% of generations
Cooling System (Water Pump)
Appears in 2 model years · 8% of generations