Most common 2009 Lexus IS problems
Share of the 40 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 →
2009 Lexus IS recalls (2)
Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery
Toyota is recalling certain model year 2006-2009 Lexus is and model year 2006-2007 Lexus gs vehicles. Due to insufficient tightening of the fuel pressure sensor connected to an engine fuel delivery pipe with nickel phosphorus plating, there is a possibility that, over time, the pressure sensor could loosen.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect for fuel leakage from the threaded portion of the fuel pressure sensor and if a fuel leak is not confirmed, dealers will further tighten the fuel pressure sensor with the proper torque.
Vehicle speed control › Accelerator pedal
Toyota is recalling certain model year 2004-2010 passenger vehicles. The accelerator pedal can get stuck in the wide open position due to its being trapped by an unsecured or incompatible driver's floor mat.
Remedy: Toyota filed an amended defect report on November 25, 2009, stating that dealers will modify the accelerator pedal and, on certain vehicles, alter the shape of the floor surface under the pedal.
What 2009 Lexus IS owners say
Speed control & acceleration
Rapid acceleration, 2009, IS 250, Lexus. Pulling into a parking space with the foot on the brake. Car accelerated, jumped a curb, over a 6 foot wide grass separation and totaled a parked car in front of the parking space. Car was serviced that very day for it's 5,000 mile check. First time we drove the car after being serviced. Had our car repaired for front end damage. Contacted Lexus on their hot line, reported the incident, was instructed to write them with all the details. Have not heard one thing from Lexus corporate since we sent the letter on 12/30/09 no one has checked the car. Contacted the dealer in peoria illinois. They would not return our calls. Confronted them about the problem on Saturday. They would take the car back in a trade. Would require me to take another lease, added a year onto the lease plus increased my monthly payment by $80. …
Tl contact owns a 2009 Lexus IS 250 . He stated that while driving 35 MPH up a hill when turning and slowing down by putting his foot on the brake pedal the vehicle accelerated on its own. The vehicle accelerated and crashed over a mountain. The contact sustained major injuries, broke his right shoulder, chest pains, and his face was also injured when the air bag deployed hitting him in the face. The police and the insurance company were contacted and a report was filed by both of them. The vehicle was towed to a local towing facility where they stated that the vehicle was destroyed. The dealer was contacted and wrote a report as well. He also stated that he received a recall notice for the floor mats and was waiting for an appointment. The failure and current mileage were 11000.
Windows, wipers & sunroof
I have a Lexus IS250, the dashboard is sticky and shiny. When I am driving the car in the sunny days, because of the shiny dashboard , if reflects the sunshine to my windshield, which makes me very hard to see the road because of this. As the result, if the sunshine is too strong some times, I have to hit my brake to slowdown on the highway, to make sure I get a clear view again. This is definitely put myself and other cars around me in a huge risk. Looks this is a common issue for some Lexus models, Lexus had a program to fix the issue, but the program does not notify the owner and the program expired already! Means thousands of people are driving cars with the issue, but never get repaired, which brings potential risks on the highway!
While driving on a northern california highway on 12/23/2016, I heard a huge explosion and saw that my sunroof had exploded. I immediately closed the hatch to prevent glass from coming into the vehicle. When I pulled over and got out to look at the damage, I noticed that the glass was pushed up - indicating that it had exploded outward not inward (as in something falling on it).
Air bags
Defective passenger occupancy sensor: my SRS / airbag warning light illuminated and would not turn off, indicating that the SRS system was deactivated. I had my car diagnosed by a Lexus dealership service department on 12/4/2020. Johnson Lexus advised me that the passenger side front seat pressure sensor failed and that the repair was to replace the seat for $2769.31. The seat has not been subjected to any unusual or harsh use. Research indicates that this IS a common defect among Lexus IS models and some other Lexus and Toyota models of this generation. Many Lexus drivers report great difficulty regarding this defect and the thousands of dollars in repairs that dealerships are demanding to fix the defect. There are hundreds of complaints about this very issue on the NHTSA database. …
Lexus (Toyota) IS not do anything to ensure rider safety of a car they sold. They are assuming the airbag, when deployed, only hurst the front passenger. Since I carpool and use my car at work, I might have to pay out of pocket to rent a car until this IS fixed. I am stuck since the value of the car IS compromised and I don't think anyone would want to buy it.
2009 Lexus IS engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5L 6-cyl | 6-speed automatic | RWD | 21 / 29 / 24 |
| 2.5L 6-cyl | 6-speed automatic | 4WD/AWD | 20 / 26 / 22 |
| 2.5L 6-cyl | 6-speed manual | RWD | 18 / 26 / 21 |
| 3.5L 6-cyl | 6-speed automatic | RWD | 18 / 25 / 20 |
EPA ratings. Class: Subcompact car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2009 Lexus IS a good car?
Based on 40 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2009 IS rates use caution: 2.5× as many complaints as a typical year of the IS at the same age. It is one of the IS 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 2009 Lexus IS?
The speed control & acceleration — 10 complaints, 25% of all complaints for this model year. Next are the windows, wipers & sunroof (7) and air bags (4).
How many recalls does the 2009 Lexus IS have?
There are 2 recalls for the 2009 Lexus IS, the most recent from January 26, 2011 (delivery). 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?
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 2009 Lexus IS problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 38,000 miles; 58% 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.