Lexus IS 300 Problems by Year

We compared every Lexus IS 300 model year from 2001–2019 using 108 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, 2 recalls and federal defect investigations. The years to avoid are 2001 and 2002, which drew far more complaints than other IS 300 years at the same age. The best years are 2018, 2004 and 2019.

6model years
108complaints
2recalls
2001, 2002worst years
2018, 2004best years

Complaints by model year

2001200220032004201820192728211967
Owner complaints per model year, Lexus IS 300. Colour = our verdict for that year (red: avoid, orange: caution, green: better than average, blue: too new).
YearComplaintsvs. typical*RecallsTop problemVerdict
20197−18%2Wheel & TireAverage
20186−52%1Fuel SystemGood
200419−50%—AccelerationGood
200321−50%—BodyGood
2002282.0×—AccelerationCaution
2001272.0×—AccelerationCaution

* Complaints compared with the median IS 300 year at the same age, so new and old years are judged fairly. How this works.

Most common Lexus IS 300 problems

  • Body & structureworst: 2003
    2019%
  • Speed control & accelerationworst: 2002
    1817%
  • Other / not specified
    1514%
  • Wheels & tiresworst: 2002
    1312%
  • Suspensionworst: 2001
    1110%
  • Transmission & drivetrainworst: 2002
    1110%
  • Engine & coolingworst: 2001
    87%
  • Brakesworst: 2002
    87%
  • Air bagsworst: 2004
    87%
  • Fuel & propulsion systemworst: 2018
    76%
  • Windows, wipers & sunroofworst: 2001
    44%
  • Electrical systemworst: 2001
    44%
  • Steeringworst: 2001
    33%
  • Stability & traction controlworst: 2002
    22%
  • Equipment & accessoriesworst: 2002
    11%

Latest Lexus IS 300 recalls

Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Fuel pump

NHTSA recall 20V-682 · Nov 4, 2020 · 1,525,742 vehicles

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2018-2019 4Runner, 2019-2020 Avalon, 2019 Corolla Hatchback, 2017-2019 Highlander, 2018-2020 Camry, 2020 Corolla, 2018-2019 Land Cruiser, 2017-2020 Tacoma, 2019-2020 RAV4, 2019-2020 Sequoia, 2017-2020 Sienna, 2019-2020 Tundra, 2018-2020 Lexus ES350, 2017…

Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump assembly with an improved one, free of charge. Owners of specific models were notified that remedy parts were available starting January 21, 2021.

Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Fuel pump

NHTSA recall 20V-012 · Jan 13, 2020 · 1,830,752 vehicles

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) recalled certain 2018-2019 4Runner, Highlander, Camry, Land Cruiser, Sequoia, Sienna, Tacoma and Tundra, and Lexus RC 300, RC 350, GS 350, GX 460, IS 300, LC 500, LS 500, LX 570, RX 350L, and 2019 Toyota Avalon and Corolla, and certain Lexus NX 300, and ES 350 vehicles on…

Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump, free of charge. The recall began May 4, 2020. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371 or Lexus customer service at 1-800-255-3987.

Frequently asked questions

What years of the Lexus IS 300 should you avoid?

2001 and 2002 — these years have the most complaints relative to other IS 300 years at the same age, led by speed control & acceleration problems in the 2001.

What is the best year for the Lexus IS 300?

2018 has the fewest complaints compared with other IS 300 years at the same age, followed by 2004 and 2019. Newer years can look better simply because fewer complaints have come in yet, so we compare like with like.

What are the most common Lexus IS 300 problems?

Across all years, owners report the most problems with the body & structure (20), speed control & acceleration (18) and wheels & tires (13). Body complaints peak in the 2003 model year.

How many recalls has the Lexus IS 300 had?

2 recalls across 2001–2019. The model year with the most is 2019.

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.