2001-2005 Lexus IS Reliability Score: 8.9 out of 10

146 NHTSA Complaints

2 Recalls

4 Fire Reports

29 Crash Reports

Data covers 2 NHTSA model names

IS300IS300 SPORTCROSS

Reliability Score

8.9 / 10

Reliability score

Fewer owner complaints than similar compact sedans

The class average is 7.0. Based on complaints owners filed with NHTSA about the engine, transmission or drivetrain.

Owners filed 28 powertrain complaints. A typical compact sedan fleet of this size and age would have drawn about 81.

Scores this high have held: three years on they had moved 0.2 points in the typical case.

Breakdown

Complaints overall28 complaints against about 81 for similar vehicles

8.9

Last three years

n/aNot enough data

Engine, transmission or drive unit failed or replaced

n/aNot enough data

Oil consumption, fuel in the oil or overheating

n/aNot enough data

Each line scores one view of the same complaints the same way, so the lines overlap. The mark on each bar is the class average. A line needs 20 expected complaints to show a number.

By model year

20019.0
20029.1
20039.0
20049.2
20058.8

Similar vehicles are others in the same class, compared at the same age and in the same years. The score counts complaints owners filed with NHTSA, per vehicle built, which is different from the share of vehicles that fail. How the score is worked out

On the record

No serious powertrain recall covering 5% or more of this generation and no escalated investigation in NHTSA's files. Warranty extensions and settlements have not been researched.

Complaints by Engine Code

2JZ-GE

3.0L 6-cyl / 215 hp

116 complaints 23.2 per year Gasoline

2 fire reports

View details

Complaint Breakdown

other

body

safety systems

engine

wheels tires

Same engine used in

LEXUS GS (2000-2005)TOYOTA Sequoia (2001-2007)

Lexus IS Unidentified Engine

29 complaints 5.8 per year

2 fire reports

View details

Complaint Breakdown

transmission

body

suspension

other

electrical

Show 1 additional engine variant with limited data

These engines appear in fewer than 10 owner complaints. A low count can mean a clean record, and it can also be a VIN-decode anomaly in NHTSA's data.

2AR-FE

2.5L 4-cyl / 268 hp

1 complaint 1.0 per year Gasoline

View details

Complaint Breakdown

body

Same engine used in

TOYOTA Camry (2002-2006)LEXUS LS (2007-2017)TOYOTA RAV4 (2006-2012)TOYOTA RAV4 (2013-2018)TOYOTA Camry (2012-2017)TOYOTA Camry (2007-2011)

+1 more

TOYOTA RAV4 (2001-2005)

Owner Complaints by System

Complaints owners filed with NHTSA about the Lexus IS, counted across every engine. A complaint can name more than one system.

Body/Trim: 35 owner complaints

Safety Systems: 16 owner complaints

Engine: 14 owner complaints

Wheels & Tires: 14 owner complaints

Brakes: 13 owner complaints

What to check on a used 2001-2005 Lexus IS

On a used 2001-2005 Lexus IS, the systems with the most NHTSA owner complaints are the body and structure (35), the airbags and driver-assist systems (16) and the engine (14). Each one has an inspection step below, with counts as of 2026-10-12. A complaint is an owner report, not a confirmed defect, and counts rise with sales.

Open and close every door, the hood and the trunk or hatch. Check the latches, the seals and the gaps between panels.Minor. NHTSA has 35 owner complaints on the 2001-2005 Lexus IS about the body and structure.
Switch the ignition on and watch the airbag light. On the drive, check the backup camera and any collision or lane warning.Safety. NHTSA has 16 owner complaints on the 2001-2005 Lexus IS about the airbags and driver-assist systems.
Start the engine cold and listen for the first 30 seconds, then again at idle once it is warm.Costly repair. NHTSA has 14 owner complaints on the 2001-2005 Lexus IS about the engine.
Measure the tread on all four tires, read the date codes and look at each wheel.Safety. NHTSA has 14 owner complaints on the 2001-2005 Lexus IS about the wheels and tires.
On an empty road, brake firmly from 40 mph with a light grip on the wheel.Safety. NHTSA has 13 owner complaints on the 2001-2005 Lexus IS about the brakes.

Open the full inspection checklist for the 2001-2005 Lexus IS

Recalls (2)

09E012000Apr 7, 2009serious

Exterior Lighting

SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.

06E026000Mar 23, 2006serious

Exterior Lighting

CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.

All Generations

XE102001-2005 XE202006-2013 XE302014-2025

Alternatives in Compact Sedan

2 engines / 1,030 complaints

3 engines / 16 complaints

3 engines / 66 complaints

4 engines / 109 complaints

1 engine / 285 complaints

3 engines / 36 complaints

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common 2001-2005 Lexus IS complaints?

Owners have filed 146 complaints with NHTSA about the 2001-2005 Lexus IS. The systems they name most often are the body and trim, the safety systems and the engine.

Is the 2001-2005 Lexus IS a good used car?

That depends on the model year, the mileage and the maintenance history of the car in front of you. Owners have filed 146 complaints with NHTSA about the 2001-2005 Lexus IS. Check which systems they name most often and whether a recall is still open on that car.

How many NHTSA complaints does the 2001-2005 Lexus IS have?

NHTSA has 146 owner complaints on file for the 2001-2005 Lexus IS as of the latest data pull. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect, and counts rise with sales.

What recalls affect the 2001-2005 Lexus IS?

NHTSA lists 2 recalls covering some 2001-2005 Lexus IS vehicles. Which ones apply depends on the VIN: enter it at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see the open campaigns on a specific car.

What should I check before buying a used Lexus IS?

Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm every open recall has been done. Look hardest at the body and trim, the safety systems and the engine, the systems owners complain about most. Ask for maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the car and run a vehicle history report for prior accidents and title issues.

Does the IS have NHTSA crash test ratings?

NHTSA has not published crash test ratings for the 2001-2005 Lexus IS. Not all vehicles are tested each year. For the latest NHTSA safety information, visit nhtsa.gov/ratings.

Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 146 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-10-12.