Most common 2005 Lexus IS problems
Share of the 12 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Lexus IS complaints by model year
Best IS years: 2014, 2013, 2015. Years to avoid: 2008, 2009, 2010, 2012, 2007. Compare all years →
What 2005 Lexus IS owners say
Body & structure
I have a 2005 is300 that IS having a melting dashboard and panel issue. This IS a well known issue in the Lexus forums on the internet. The melting dashboard and panel issue IS caused by the hot sun. Lexus has not acknowledge this issue and also refusing to cover the cost of repairing/replacing the defective parts.
On the dashboard, the square of material where the SRS air bag IS, on the passenger side, keeps melting when it's exposed to heat. The airbag decomposes over time due to an error in design/manufacturing, and that Lexus IS aware of the situation due to other customers that have had the same problem. I have safety concerns about the condition of the air bag as this continues to deteriorate overtime. This situation May affect the quality and strength of the air bag. . After research I discovered this problem has occurred in Lexus vehicles as far back as 2002.
2005 Lexus IS engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.0L 6-cyl | 5-speed manual | RWD | 16 / 23 / 18 |
| 3.0L 6-cyl | 5-speed automatic | RWD | 16 / 23 / 18 |
EPA ratings. Class: Compact car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2005 Lexus IS a good car?
Based on 12 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2005 IS rates average: about as many complaints as a typical year of the IS at the same age. 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 2005 Lexus IS?
The body & structure — 5 complaints, 42% of all complaints for this model year. Next are the brakes (2) and transmission & drivetrain (2).
How many recalls does the 2005 Lexus IS have?
NHTSA lists no recalls for the 2005 Lexus IS. You can still confirm with your VIN using our VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Lexus IS?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2014, 2013 and 2015. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2008, 2009, 2010, 2012 and 2007. See the full Lexus IS years comparison.
At what mileage do 2005 Lexus IS problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 47,000 miles; 57% 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.