2013 Lexus IS: problems, recalls and reliability
3 recalls and 14 owner complaints on record; most reports concern visibility/wiper.
Data updated weekly · 1 new complaint in the last 90 days · latest recall Jan 2019
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 14 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“This model was affected by the originally cosmetic, but well documented "sticky dash" recall. I am an automotive enthusiast who has worked within the industry for over 12 years, including notifying customers of NHTSA recalls and assisting with scheduling recalls to be performed. The dashboard can be severely melted to the point of becoming a mirror finish, I was driving at night in the headlights from an opposing truck reflected off the shiny surface of the dashboard having been melted by sunlight. I have great vision and was wearing prescription lenses, the incident nearly caused an oncoming collision. I slid into a ditch briefly and did not sustain damage to my vehicle.”Owner report · Visibility/Wiper · Aug 2024
“The dashboard is melting - it is sticky and shiny. The glare it causes on the windshield is horrific. I have a very difficult time seeing when the sun is out. An independent service center has inspected and confirmed it is caused by the melting dashboard. I first noticed it a few months ago. I travel to Nashville often, which is a 3.5 hour drive, and the sight obstruction at interstate driving speeds and traffic is challenging to say the least. I am afraid to drive my car with my granddaughter in with me because it is truly dangerous.”Owner report · Visibility/Wiper · Dec 2023
“Valley plate leak due to the fact that toyota/lexus utilized the improper sealant and used the improper amount, leading to the heat exchanger leaking coolant once the original, inadequate sealant begins to disentegrate. This could cause a condition where the engine could fail and someone could get hurt. Furthermore, all isfs will eventually have a cracked rh manifold on the #8 runner. This can cause a fire hazard in addition to carbon monoxide poisoning.”Owner report · Engine · Mar 2020
Show 5 more owner reports
“The fuel pump failed while driving on the highway, causing the motor to stall and die. Was unable to restart the motor and was towed from the highway to a dealer where the fuel pump was replaced.”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Jan 2020
“When steering wheel is turned to the right while driving. A metal scraping noise occurs. This has been fixed several times but keeps occuring more often. This only happens when car is in motion. And I believe it has something to do with the placement of the brake shield. As if something is pressing on it.”Owner report · Wheels · Apr 2019
“The engine could stall in the middle of driving because of misfire. My lexus 250 only 40k mileage and always do proper maintenance to the engine every 3000 mile. I do research that lexus is 250 cause carbon build up because of the wrong design of the direct injection. Here's the youtube link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ytquqflawr8. I brought the car to lexus dealer, they won't admitted, instead they blame me using a wrong fuel. Before I used 91octane shell, then I switch to 91octane chevron. Still has the problem. They should recall for this matter, because it's about safety and the engine could suddenly stall in the middle of driving.”Owner report · Engine · Jul 2018
“Tl* takata recall. The contact owns a 2013 lexus is 250c. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 18v024000 (air bags); however, the parts to do the repair were unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact called a local dealer (lexus of riverside, 3150 adams st, riverside, ca 92504) and was informed that the remedy was on backorder for approximately two weeks. The manufacturer was not notified of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.”Owner report · Air Bags · Jan 2018
“The problem that many is250 lexus owners are having with the front tires wearing out or tearing from the inside. I have found that the issue is the suspension where the front tire and a cotter pin meet every time you hit a bump or pot hole. This has caused great damage to both front tires to the extent where you can see the steel belt. Lexus has gone as far as to blame the tire manufacture and has not taken responsibility for the problem. I ask that this issue be investigated before a life is lost due to negligence.”Owner report · Suspension · Apr 2016
When filing, owners marked a crash in 3 of these complaints and injuries in 4 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 3 campaigns
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2007-2011 Lexus GS350 and GS450h, 2006-2013 Lexus IS350 and 2010-2014 Lexus IS350C vehicles, equipped with 3.5L V6 2GR-FSE gasoline engines. The diaphragms in the fuel pulsation dampers may harden over time and develop cracks, possibly causing a fuel leak.
Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel delivery pipe with a new pipe that has improved pulsation dampers, free of charge. The recall began August 23, 2018. Owners may contact Lexus customer service at 1-800-255-3987. Toyota's number for this recall is JLF.
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2014-2016 Toyota 4Runner, 2014-2015 Scion xB, Lexus IS350C, IS250C, 2014 Toyota Sienna, Lexus IS-F, and 2014-2017 Lexus GX460 vehicles sold, or ever registered in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands or "Zone A." Toyota is also recalling certain 2011-2013 Toyota Corolla, Corolla Matrix, Lexus IS250, IS350, 2011-2016 4Runner, 2011-2015 Scion xB, Lexus IS350C, IS250C, 2011-2014 Toyota Sienna, Lexus IS-F, 2011-2017 Lexus GX460, and 2011-2012 Lexus ES350 vehicles ever registered in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia or "Zone B." Toyota is also recalling certain 2010-2013 Toyota Corolla, Corolla Matrix, Lexus IS350, 2010-2016 4Runner, 2010-2013 Lexus IS250, 2010-2015 Scion xB, Lexus IS350C, IS250C, 2010-2017 Lexus GX460, 2010-2014 Lexus IS-F, and 2010-2012 Lexus ES350 vehicles ever registered in the states of Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming or "Zone C." These vehicles are equipped with air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, used as original equipment or replacement equipment (such as after a vehicle crash necessitating replacement of the original air bags), that may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
Remedy: Toyota will notify owners. Depending on the vehicle model, dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, or replace the air bag assembly. The recall began February 15, 2019. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are "Zone A" Toyota: G0P, Lexus: GLG; "Zone B" Toyota: G0R, Lexus GLH; "Zone C" Toyota: H0A, and Lexus: HLA.
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2013 Scion xB, Toyota Corolla, Corolla Matrix, Sienna, 4Runner, Lexus IS250, IS350, IS250C, IS350C, IS-F, and GX460 vehicles sold, ever registered, in the states of AL, CA, FL, GA, HI, LA, MS, SC, TX, PR, AS, GU, the MP (Saipan), and the U.S. VI or "Zone A." Toyota is also recalling certain 2010 Scion xB, Toyota Corolla, Corolla Matrix, Yaris, 4Runner, Lexus IS250, IS350, IS250C, IS350C, ES350, IS-F, GX460, and Pontiac Vibe vehicles sold, ever registered, in the states of AZ, AR, DE, DC, IL, IN, KS, KY, MD, MO, NE, NV, NJ, NM, NC, OH, OK, PA, TN, VA, and WV or "Zone B." Toyota is also recalling certain 2009 Scion xB, Toyota Corolla, Corolla Matrix, Yaris, Lexus IS250, IS350, ES350, IS-F, and Pontiac Vibe vehicles ever registered in the states of AK, CO, CT, ID, IA, ME, MA, MI, MN, MT, NH, NY, ND, OR, RI, SD, UT, VT, WA, WI, and WY or "Zone C." These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
Remedy: Toyota will notify the Toyota, Scion and Lexus owners. General Motors will contact the Pontiac owners. Depending on the vehicle model, dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, or replace the air bag assembly. The recall began on January 29, 2018. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331, or Pontiac customer service at 1-800-762-2737. Toyota's numbers for this recall are "Zone A" Toyota: G0P, Lexus: GLG; "Zone B" Toyota: G0R, Lexus GLH; "Zone C" Toyota: H0A, and Lexus: HLA.
Specifications
Factory options offered for the 2013 model year, decoded from the NHTSA vPIC database. Individual vehicles have one of each.
How other years compare
Check your exact IS by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2013 Lexus IS reliable?
NHTSA has 14 owner complaints and 3 recall campaigns on record for the 2013 Lexus IS. The most complained-about area is visibility/wiper.
Does the 2013 Lexus IS have open recalls?
3 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning fuel system, gasoline:delivery:hoses, lines/piping, and fittings. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.