The most significant Lexus IS problems are recalls. On the 2006–2013 IS they include loose VVT gear bolts on the IS 350 V6 (13V395), several fuel-leak campaigns (09V020, 11V029, 14V647, 18V432) and Takata passenger airbag inflators. The 2014-on IS has fuel pump recalls 20V012, 20V682 and, for 2022, 26V222.
CarWhere lists 12 documented IS issues, including 12 NHTSA safety recalls, each with affected years, powertrains, symptoms, pre-purchase checks and a source. Recall entries come from NHTSA's recall dataset on the DOT open-data portal, which may not list every campaign, so run the specific VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup.
XE20 IS problems (2006–2013)
2GR-FSE VVT gear bolts can loosen (recall 13V395) (2006–2011)
Safety recall- Generation:
- XE20 (2006–2013)
- Years:
- 2006–2011
- Powertrain:
- 3.5L V6 (2GR-FSE)
Bolts that hold the housing and sprocket of the variable-valve-timing gear on the 2GR-FSE V6 can loosen from abnormal impacts right after a cold start. If the housing and sprocket separate, the engine can stop while driving. The campaign covers 2006–2011 IS 350, 2010–2011 IS 350C and 2007–2011 GS 350; dealers replace the VVT unit free of charge.
Symptoms
- Abnormal engine noise right after a cold start
- Engine stalling while driving
Check before buying
- Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA’s recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
- Ask a Lexus dealer for the repair order showing the recall work
NHTSA recall: 13V395 (2013-09) · 101,584 vehicles in the campaign
Sources: [1]
Fuel pulsation damper diaphragm can crack and leak (recall 18V432) (2006–2013)
Safety recall- Generation:
- XE20 (2006–2013)
- Years:
- 2006–2013
- Powertrain:
- 3.5L V6 (2GR-FSE)
The diaphragms in the fuel pulsation dampers on 2GR-FSE V6 engines can harden and crack with age, letting fuel leak near ignition sources. The recall covers 2006–2013 IS 350, 2010–2014 IS 350C and 2007–2011 GS 350 and GS 450h; dealers install a new fuel delivery pipe with improved dampers.
Symptoms
- Fuel smell in or around the engine bay
Check before buying
- Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA’s recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
- Ask a Lexus dealer for the repair order showing the recall work
NHTSA recall: 18V432 (2018-06) · 114,998 vehicles in the campaign
Sources: [2]
Aluminum fuel rails can corrode and leak (recall 09V020) (2006–2008)
Safety recall- Generation:
- XE20 (2006–2013)
- Years:
- 2006–2008
- Powertrain:
- IS 250 and IS 350
Low-moisture ethanol fuels can corrode the inside of the aluminum fuel delivery pipes (fuel rails) on 2006–2008 IS, 2006–2007 GS and 2007–2008 LS sedans. The check-engine light may come on first; over time a pinhole can leak fuel. Dealers inspect and replace the fuel rails free of charge.
Symptoms
- Check-engine light
- Fuel smell from the engine bay
Check before buying
- Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA’s recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
- Ask a Lexus dealer for the repair order showing the recall work
NHTSA recall: 09V020 (2009-01) · 214,570 vehicles in the campaign
Sources: [3]
Fuel pressure sensor can loosen and leak (recall 11V029) (2006–2009)
Safety recall- Generation:
- XE20 (2006–2013)
- Years:
- 2006–2009
- Powertrain:
- IS 250 and IS 350
The fuel pressure sensor on the nickel-phosphorus-plated fuel delivery pipe was not tightened enough on 2006–2009 IS and 2006–2007 GS sedans, so fuel could seep past the gasket and threads over time. Dealers check for leakage, re-torque the sensor and replace the gasket if a leak is found.
Symptoms
- Fuel smell from the engine bay
Check before buying
- Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA’s recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
- Ask a Lexus dealer for the repair order showing the recall work
NHTSA recall: 11V029 (2011-01) · 244,779 vehicles in the campaign
Sources: [4]
Fuel leak at the fuel pressure sensor from plating remnants (recall 14V647) (2006–2011)
Safety recall- Generation:
- XE20 (2006–2013)
- Years:
- 2006–2011
- Powertrain:
- IS 250 and IS 350
Anti-corrosion plating remnants can let fuel leak where the fuel pressure sensor attaches to the fuel delivery pipe. The campaign covers 2006–2011 IS built Aug. 30, 2005–Sept. 10, 2010, 2006–2011 GS and 2007–2010 LS; dealers clean and reseal the sensor mounting area.
Symptoms
- Fuel smell from the engine bay
Check before buying
- Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA’s recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
- Ask a Lexus dealer for the repair order showing the recall work
NHTSA recall: 14V647 (2014-10) · 422,509 vehicles in the campaign
Sources: [5]
Wiper arm nuts can be under-torqued (recall 13V030) (2006–2012)
Safety recall- Generation:
- XE20 (2006–2013)
- Years:
- 2006–2012
- Powertrain:
- All
The nuts that fasten the wiper arms on 2006–2012 IS 250/IS 350, 2010–2012 IS 250C/IS 350C and 2008–2011 IS F may be insufficiently torqued. If heavy snow or another load restricts the arms, one or both wipers can stop working. Dealers install new wiper arm nuts free of charge.
Symptoms
- One or both wipers stop working under a heavy snow load
Check before buying
- Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA’s recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
- Ask a Lexus dealer for the repair order showing the recall work
NHTSA recall: 13V030 (2013-01) · 267,718 vehicles in the campaign
Sources: [6]
Takata passenger airbag inflator can rupture (recalls 16V340, 17V006, 18V024, 19V005) (2006–2015)
Safety recall- Generation:
- XE20 (2006–2013)
- Years:
- 2006–2015
- Powertrain:
- All
IS 250, IS 350, IS F and the IS 250C/IS 350C convertibles were added to the Takata passenger-inflator recalls in stages from 2016 to 2019, with rollout by model year and region. The non-desiccated ammonium-nitrate propellant can degrade after long exposure to heat and humidity and rupture in a crash, spraying metal fragments. Depending on the car, dealers replace the inflator or the airbag assembly.
Symptoms
- No symptoms before a crash
Check before buying
- Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA’s recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
- Ask a Lexus dealer for the repair order showing the recall work
NHTSA recall: 19V005 (2019-01) · 1,299,448 vehicles in the campaign
Sources: [7][8][9][10][11]
Previously replaced Takata inflators must be replaced again (recall 19V741) (2006–2015)
Safety recall- Generation:
- XE20 (2006–2013)
- Years:
- 2006–2015
- Powertrain:
- All
Some 2006–2012 IS 250/IS 350, 2008–2009 IS F and 2010–2015 IS 250C/IS 350C cars had their frontal inflators replaced under an earlier recall with inflators of the same design. Those replacement inflators carry the same rupture risk, so dealers replace them again with a different part.
Symptoms
- No symptoms before a crash
Check before buying
- Run the VIN through NHTSA’s recall lookup even if the car already had a Takata repair
- Ask a Lexus dealer to confirm which inflator is now fitted
NHTSA recall: 19V741 (2019-10) · 928,220 vehicles in the campaign
Sources: [12]
Brake master cylinder seal can dry out and leak (recall 10V499) (2006)
Safety recall- Generation:
- XE20 (2006–2013)
- Years:
- 2006
- Powertrain:
- IS 250 and IS 350
2006 IS and GS sedans use brake fluid with polymers that lubricate the master-cylinder seal. If replacement fluid without those polymers is used, the rear seal can curl and seep fluid into the brake booster, changing pedal feel and slowly reducing braking performance. Dealers fit a redesigned seal.
Symptoms
- Change in brake pedal feel
- Brake fluid level dropping without an external leak
Check before buying
- Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA’s recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
- Ask a Lexus dealer for the repair order showing the recall work
NHTSA recall: 10V499 (2010-10) · 728,544 vehicles in the campaign
Sources: [13]
XE30 IS problems (2014–present)
Low-pressure fuel pump can fail (recall 20V012) (2014–2015, 2018–2019)
Safety recall- Generation:
- XE30 (2014–present)
- Years:
- 2014–2015, 2018–2019
- Powertrain:
- IS 300 and IS 350
The low-pressure fuel pump inside the tank can fail and stall the engine while driving. After 2020 expansions, the recall covers 2014–2015 IS 350, 2018–2019 IS 300 and IS 350 and the 2014 IS F (previous generation) among about 1.83 million Toyota and Lexus vehicles. Dealers replace the fuel pump.
Symptoms
- Rough running or hesitation
- Check-engine light
- Engine stall or no-start
Check before buying
- Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA’s recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
- Ask a Lexus dealer for the repair order showing the recall work
NHTSA recall: 20V012 (2020-01) · 1,830,752 vehicles in the campaign
Sources: [14]
Low-pressure fuel pump can fail, expansion (recall 20V682) (2017, 2019)
Safety recall- Generation:
- XE30 (2014–present)
- Years:
- 2017, 2019
- Powertrain:
- IS 200t, IS 300 and IS 350
A November 2020 expansion of the fuel-pump campaign added 2017 IS 200t and 2019 IS 300 and IS 350 sedans. A failed pump can stall the engine while driving; dealers fit an improved fuel pump assembly.
Symptoms
- Rough running or hesitation
- Check-engine light
- Engine stall or no-start
Check before buying
- Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA’s recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
- Ask a Lexus dealer for the repair order showing the recall work
NHTSA recall: 20V682 (2020-11) · 1,525,742 vehicles in the campaign
Sources: [15]
Low-pressure fuel pump can fail (recall 26V222) (2022)
Safety recall- Generation:
- XE30 (2014–present)
- Years:
- 2022
- Powertrain:
- IS
An April 2026 recall covers 2022 IS sedans along with 2015–2022 RC and 2016–2020 GS. The in-tank low-pressure fuel pump can fail and stall the engine. Dealers replace the fuel pump assembly; owner letters were mailed Oct. 15, 2026.
Symptoms
- Rough running or hesitation
- Engine stall or no-start
Check before buying
- Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA’s recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
- Ask a Lexus dealer for the repair order showing the recall work
NHTSA recall: 26V222 (2026-04) · 9,139 vehicles in the campaign
Sources: [16]