Most common 2001 Lexus IS 300 problems
Share of the 27 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Lexus IS 300 complaints by model year
Best IS 300 years: 2018, 2004, 2019. Years to avoid: 2001, 2002. Compare all years →
What 2001 Lexus IS 300 owners say
Speed control & acceleration
Tl contact owns a 2001 Lexus is300. While attempting to make a right turn from a service road onto a main highway the contact had her foot on the brake pedal while waiting to make a turn. When the contact slowly removed her foot from the brake pedal and slightly depressed the accelerator pedal there was an extreme increase in the engine rpms. The engine roared loudly and it accelerated at a rapid rate of speed causing the vehicle to crash into the rear of a preceding vehicle. The contacts vehicle was pushed backwards from the impact of the crash. The vehicle continued to accelerate, crashed into the vehicle again and did not stop accelerating. Instead of allowing the vehicle to proceed into the highway she made the decision to crash the right side of the vehicle into a cement wall. The police were called to the scene and a report was filed accordingly. There were no injuries. …
On three separate occasions within prior three months of incident date, when tapping accelerator to the floor briefly (fraction of a second) and then releasing, cars throttle remained completely open (maximum rpms) even with foot off of the accelerator pedal. Cars throttle system equipped with "drive by wire" or a wireless computer controlled throttle. On prior two occasions, vehicle's ignition had to be shut off by removing keys from ignition while driving in the middle of the street. On third occasion, due to trying to avoid obstacles driver had no time to shut car off. Car struck rocks and veered off into lake. Car totaled.
Engine & cooling
Tl contact owns a 2001 Lexus IS 300. While driving 50 MPH, the contact noticed smoke rising from under the hood, followed by a loud noise. The vehicle shut off and was unable to be restarted. The vehicle was towed to the dealer who diagnosed the cause of failure as the timing belt. The dealer did not make the repair. The vehicle was towed to a mechanic who stated that there was oil build-up inside the engine. He recommended that the engine be replaced. As of June 6, 2007, the engine has not been repaired. The current mileage IS 140,000 and failure mileage was 70,000.
Tl contact owns a 2001 Lexus is300. While driving approximately 45 MPH, the contact noticed smoke emitting from the engine. The contact pulled over and shut the vehicle off. When she opened the hood, she saw smoke coming from the radiator and a crack at the top of the radiator. The vehicle was towed to an authorized dealer where the crack was confirmed and the vehicle was repaired. The current and failure mileages were approximately 114,000.
Suspension
I purchased a car from a dealer in malden I heard a sound that was not familiar to me and requested the dealer check it as I had just picked up the vehicle. I made several calls and was told the dealer was with a customer or busy. On March 1, 2011 I took the vehicle to get inspected in stoughton and received a report with a passing grade. Regardless I still heard the sound and elected to drive to the dealership on March 2, 2011. The dealer was too busy that day and it was arranged for me to return on March 9 of the following week. I left the vehicle at the dealers on the night before (8th) and was told to come back at 5 pm the 9th. When I got to the dealer I was told they could find nothing wrong and was given my keys back. I left for home and a short time later the ball joint on the left front let go causing damage to the wheel well and wheel.. …
As the original owner of this make/model I have noticed that it goes through tires like not other call I have ever known. I am lucky to get 10-12K miles from a set of tires. In the time I have owned this vehicle I have had to purchase multiple tire sets as well as a lifetime alignment duet to the excessive wear on the tires, this wear IS on the inner portion of the front tires. I have been told it IS the camber portion of the suspension that causes this. I am a model driver who takes all precautions in the care of my vehicle. With this being said there are times that a new tire can go from good to totally bad in months. For example this past July 2011 I took my car in for tires and alignment by oct 2011 my front tires were worn out on the inside portion. Consumer can supply proof. …
2001 Lexus IS 300 engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.0L 6-cyl | 5-speed automatic | RWD | 16 / 21 / 18 |
EPA ratings. Class: Subcompact car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2001 Lexus IS 300 a good car?
Based on 27 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2001 IS 300 rates use caution: 2.0× as many complaints as a typical year of the IS 300 at the same age. It is one of the IS 300 years we suggest avoiding. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2001 Lexus IS 300?
The speed control & acceleration — 5 complaints, 19% of all complaints for this model year, most often about accelerator pedal. Next are the engine & cooling (4) and suspension (4).
How many recalls does the 2001 Lexus IS 300 have?
NHTSA lists no recalls for the 2001 Lexus IS 300. You can still confirm with your VIN using our VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Lexus IS 300?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2018, 2004 and 2019. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2001 and 2002. See the full Lexus IS 300 years comparison.
At what mileage do 2001 Lexus IS 300 problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 65,000 miles; 25% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
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.