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Lexus IS: common problems & condition

37
Cars inspectedreal pre-purchase inspections
58/100
Average conditionall cars we check: 60/100
52%
In good shape (60+)all cars we check: 52%



Across 37 used Lexus ISs we inspected, this model scores about average — average condition 58/100 vs 60 for all cars we check. Every number on this page comes from real pre-purchase inspections — cars people were about to buy and paid an independent inspector to go through point by point, engine to underbody, paint depth to error codes. Not owner surveys, not warranty statistics, not forum lore: what we actually found.

What we found

Most common faults

Tires condition & wear · Brakes and tires
54%
Oil leaks · Engine
51%
Fuel trim out of range · Engine
49%
Active error codes · Electronic equipment
38%
Leaking or worn shock absorbers · Suspension
30%

Share of inspected Lexus ISs where each item was flagged.

How they score

Excellent 11% Good 41% Mediocre 38% Poor 11%
Hidden history

What the seller might not mention — how often we find it on this model.

89%had a repainted or replaced panelall cars: 76%
3%showed structural repairall cars: 4%
27%had fault codes recently clearedall cars: 23%
How long does a IS stay good?
Good cars by mileage
0 25 50 75 100 80–100k mi: 50% in good shape (6 cars) 100–120k mi: 60% in good shape (5 cars) 120–140k mi: 17% in good shape (6 cars) 140–160k mi: 40% in good shape (5 cars) 40k 80k 120k 160k 200k mileage when we inspected it

Share of Lexus ISs in good shape (scoring 60+/100) by mileage and by age when we inspected them (each dot ≥5 cars; rolled-back odometers excluded from the mileage curve). The dashed grey curve is all cars we check.

What else does ~$19k buy? A used Lexus IS typically sells for around $19,328 — compare the odds of getting a good car across every make at that budget. Compare →
More on Lexus
RX 72 cars · 63% good ES 47 cars · 41% good LS 27 cars · 34% good GX 25 cars · 28% good

Other Lexus models we've inspected — or see the full Lexus profile.

Straight from recent Lexus IS reports

2015 Lexus IS · 130k mi — flagged: worn brake rotors, tires condition & wear, windshield wiper. Inspected Jul 6.
2013 Lexus IS · 129k mi — flagged: low coolant / cooling system issues, oil leaks, fuel trim out of range. Inspected Apr 19.
FAQ
?
Is the Lexus IS reliable?
52% of the 37 we inspected scored 60/100 or higher, with an average of 58/100 — it scores about average.
?
What are the most common problems on a used Lexus IS?
The items we flag most often are tires condition & wear (54%), oil leaks (51%), fuel trim out of range (49%). Have these checked before buying.
?
Should I worry about cleared fault codes?
On 27% of these cars the ECU codes had been erased shortly before sale, which can hide active faults. Ask for a diagnostic scan and start the engine from cold.
Thinking of buying a Lexus IS? Get the exact car inspected before you pay.
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Based on 37 inspections · updated Jul 12, 2026