Most common 2018 Lexus IS 300 problems
Share of the 6 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 →
2018 Lexus IS 300 recalls (1)
Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Fuel pump
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.
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into a possible defect involving the 2018 Lexus IS 300:
Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture
From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited.
What 2018 Lexus IS 300 owners say
Fuel & propulsion system
The contact owns a 2018 Lexus IS300. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle felt sluggish. The contact then heard an abnormal cranking noise underneath the hood of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the failure could not be duplicated. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that she recorded the noise then took the vehicle back to the dealer; however, the dealer informed her that the fuel injectors might need to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, while the accelerator pedal was depressed, the vehicle failed to accelerate as needed. The contact stated that additional pressure on the accelerator pedal was needed for the vehicle to perform as designed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was notified of a possible buy back. …
When I accelerate from a stop or while moving on a roadway, the engine seems to stall. I'm not talking about the normal turbo spooling stall. It lasts for about 3 to 5 full seconds. When you need power to prevent an accident, you can't afford that time lag, as it could cause your death. The dealer told me that Lexus says it's normal, they all do it. I don't feel any manufacturer would deliberately build and sell a vehicle that would put the occupants in danger of possible death. The dealer picked up the car and after five days called me to say nothing IS wrong and they can't fix the problem because Lexus company says it's normal. At this point I'm refusing to drive the car, it's extremely dangerous. I have only driven it about 188 miles since buying it almost 1 month ago. I called the dealer about my concern after having the car only 20 days.
2018 Lexus IS 300 engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | 8-speed automatic | RWD | 22 / 32 / 26 |
EPA ratings. Class: Compact car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2018 Lexus IS 300 a good car?
Based on 6 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2018 IS 300 rates better than average: 52% fewer complaints than a typical year of the IS 300 at the same age. It is one of the best IS 300 years by this measure. 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 2018 Lexus IS 300?
The fuel & propulsion system — 3 complaints, 50% of all complaints for this model year, most often about fuel injection system › injectors. Next are the body & structure (2) and engine & cooling (1).
How many recalls does the 2018 Lexus IS 300 have?
There is 1 recall for the 2018 Lexus IS 300, the most recent from January 13, 2020 (fuel pump). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the 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 2018 Lexus IS 300 problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 7,000 miles; 100% 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.