2020 Lexus IS Problems & Complaints

Few complaints1.2× as many complaints as a typical year of the IS at the same age

Owners have filed 6 complaints about the 2020 Lexus IS with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. That is a low number of complaints for a car on sale this long. The most reported problem area is the engine & cooling (2 complaints).

6complaints
0recalls
0crashes
0fires
0injuries
0deaths

Most common 2020 Lexus IS problems

  • Engine & cooling
    233%
  • Fuel & propulsion system
    233%
  • Other / not specified
    233%
  • Suspension
    117%
  • Transmission & drivetrain
    117%
  • Steering
    117%

Share of the 6 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.

Lexus IS complaints by model year

’02’03’04’05’06’07’08’09’10’11’12’13’14’15’17’20’23121210121431221024040151891291165
Owner complaints per model year, Lexus IS. Colour = our verdict for that year (red: avoid, orange: caution, green: better than average, blue: too new).

Best IS years: 2014, 2013, 2015. Years to avoid: 2008, 2009, 2010, 2012, 2007. Compare all years →

2020 Lexus IS engines & fuel economy

EngineTransmissionDriveMPG city / hwy / combined
2.0L 4-cyl turbo8-speed automaticRWD21 / 30 / 24
3.5L 6-cyl8-speed automaticRWD20 / 28 / 23
3.5L 6-cyl6-speed automaticAWD18 / 24 / 21

EPA ratings. Class: Compact car.

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2020 Lexus IS a good car?

Based on 6 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2020 IS rates few complaints: 1.2× 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 2020 Lexus IS?

The engine & cooling — 2 complaints, 33% of all complaints for this model year. Next are the fuel & propulsion system (2) and suspension (1).

How many recalls does the 2020 Lexus IS have?

NHTSA lists no recalls for the 2020 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.

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.