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Lexus IS Reliability Grade

AOverall

Excellent reliability

EngineA
TransmissionA

Grade a specific Lexus IS

Reliability changes from year to year. Pick a model year to see its grade, then add mileage and price to get a deal score and estimated miles remaining.

The Lexus IS earns an A overall reliability grade from GradeMyCar, with an A for its engine and an A for its transmission. It ranks 1st of 35 luxury vehicles we grade. Its engine (A) and transmission (A) grade about the same, so neither stands out as a weak point. Grades are based on 178 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2013-2020 model years, adjusted for how many were sold.

Lexus IS reliability by year

Overall grade for each model year, from owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Tap a year to see its full grade.

2005A2006C2007B-2008C2009B2010B2011A-2012A-2013A2014A-2015A2016A2017A2018A2019A2020B+

Best years: 2005, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019

How long does the Lexus IS last?

200,000Estimated lifespan (miles)

A rough estimate for the model across all years, not measured for each model year.

Known Lexus IS problems

We track 2 known problem areas for the Lexus IS, including which model years they affect. They're in the full report, along with miles remaining and a deal score for the car you're looking at.

See IS problems

Lexus IS vs. other luxury vehicles

ModelEngineTrans.Overall
Lexus RX A A A
Lexus ES A A A
Lexus GS B+ A A
Lexus NX A A A
Lexus IS A A A
Lexus GX A A A
Infiniti G37 A A- A
BMW 5 Series B B+ A-
Audi A4 B+ A A-
Volvo XC60 B+ A A-
BMW 3 Series B- B+ B+
Mercedes-Benz C-Class B- A- B+
Mercedes-Benz E-Class B+ A- B+
Audi Q5 B- B+ B+
Mercedes-Benz S-Class B+ A- B+
Cadillac XT5 B+ B B+
Infiniti G35 B- B+ B+
Acura TL A C+ B+
BMW X3 B- B+ B
Mercedes-Benz GLC C+ B+ B
Mercedes-Benz GLE B- B B
Acura RDX B+ B B
Volvo XC90 B- A- B
BMW X1 B- B- B-
Porsche Cayenne B C+ B-
Cadillac SRX A C+ B-
Cadillac CTS A- D B-
Audi A3 C+ C C+
Audi A6 C- B- C+
Audi Q7 C- B C+
BMW X5 C C C
Mercedes-Benz CLA C B- C
Land Rover Range Rover C+ C+ C
Acura MDX C+ D C-
Acura TLX C- D D

Most reliable luxury vehicles →

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Lexus IS reliability FAQ

Is the Lexus IS reliable?

Excellent reliability. The Lexus IS earns an A overall reliability grade from GradeMyCar, with an A for its engine and an A for its transmission. It ranks 1st of 35 luxury vehicles we grade. Its engine (A) and transmission (A) grade about the same, so neither stands out as a weak point. Grades are based on 178 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2013-2020 model years, adjusted for how many were sold.

How many miles will a Lexus IS last?

We estimate a well-maintained Lexus IS lasts around 200,000 miles. That's a rough figure for the model across all years, not measured for each model year, so check the grade for the year you're looking at.

What are the best years for the Lexus IS?

Based on NHTSA owner complaints, the most reliable Lexus IS model years are 2005, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019.

What Lexus IS years should I avoid?

No Lexus IS model year stands out as a problem year in NHTSA owner complaints.

Is the Lexus IS transmission reliable?

GradeMyCar grades the Lexus IS transmission an A (excellent reliability). Reliability varies by model year, so grade the specific year you're looking at.

Is the Lexus IS engine reliable?

GradeMyCar grades the Lexus IS engine an A (excellent reliability).