Lexus

IS (XE20)

2006-2013 · Midsize Sedan ยท 3 engines
Best Engine โœ… Recommended (3.7)
1,900 NHTSA Complaints
0 Recalls
9 Fire Reports
156 Crash Reports
Includes data from: IS 300IS FIS250IS250/350IS250CIS250C/350CIS350IS350C
View all 3 generations of the Lexus IS → ๐Ÿ“‹ Inspection checklist

Engine Reliability Ratings

2UR-GSE

5.0L 8-cyl
โœ… Recommended (3.7)
55 complaints 11.0 per year Gasoline
View details

Complaint Breakdown

engine
37
safety systems
11
other
6
brakes
2
transmission
1

Known Issues

Engine Issues (37 complaints)
Est. repair: $2,000โ€“$2,000 (5 reports)
Safety Systems Issues (11 complaints)
Brakes Issues (2 complaints)

2GR-FSE

3.5L 6-cyl
โš ๏ธ Caution (2.9)
352 complaints 44.0 per year Gasoline
1 fire report
View details

Complaint Breakdown

safety systems
120
other
78
body
72
engine
42
fuel system
26

Known Issues

Safety Systems Issues (120 complaints)
Est. repair: $2,000โ€“$3,000 (13 reports)
Body/Trim Issues (72 complaints)
Engine Issues (42 complaints)
Est. repair: $1,100โ€“$3,000 (5 reports)

4GR-FSE

2.5L 6-cyl / 236 hp
โŒ Avoid (1.6)
1,292 complaints 161.5 per year Gasoline
7 fire reports 3 fatalities
View details

Complaint Breakdown

safety systems
464
other
243
body
237
engine
128
electrical
97

Known Issues

Safety Systems Issues (464 complaints)
Typical onset: 61,500โ€“130,000 mi Est. repair: $2,500โ€“$3,500 (40 reports)
Body/Trim Issues (237 complaints)
Typical onset: 52,250โ€“108,250 mi Est. repair: $800โ€“$1,500 (13 reports)
Engine Issues (128 complaints)
Typical onset: 29,500โ€“88,542 mi Est. repair: $960โ€“$3,000 (13 reports)

5 additional engine variants with fewer than 10 complaints not shown.

Vehicle-Level Issues

These issues affect the Lexus IS regardless of engine variant.

Safety Systems Issues (597 complaints)
safety_systems critical
Body/Trim Issues (311 complaints)
body critical
Engine Issues (207 complaints)
engine critical
Fuel System Issues (100 complaints)
fuel_system critical
Electrical System Issues (98 complaints)
electrical critical

Alternatives in Midsize Sedan

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common 2006-2013 Lexus IS problems?

The 2006-2013 Lexus IS has accumulated 1,900 NHTSA complaints. The most frequently reported problem areas are Safety Systems, Body/Trim, Engine. As with any used vehicle, a pre-purchase inspection and vehicle history report are recommended.

Which Lexus IS engine is most reliable?

The 2006-2013 Lexus IS was offered with 8 engine options. Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2.5L 6-cyl has the lowest complaint density and is considered the most reliable choice for buyers.

Is the 2006-2013 Lexus IS a good used car?

The 2006-2013 Lexus IS can be a solid used car purchase depending on trim, mileage, and maintenance history. With 1,900 total NHTSA complaints on record, prospective buyers should review the known problem areas and check for open recalls before buying.

How many NHTSA complaints does the 2006-2013 Lexus IS have?

The 2006-2013 Lexus IS has 1,900 complaints filed with NHTSA as of our latest data pull. Complaint counts reflect owner-reported issues and do not necessarily indicate defects or safety risks on their own.

What recalls affect the 2006-2013 Lexus IS?

There are 0 NHTSA recalls affecting some 2006-2013 Lexus IS vehicles. Recall status varies by VIN โ€” check the NHTSA recall database at recalls.nhtsa.dot.gov with your specific VIN to confirm which campaigns apply.

What should I check before buying a used Lexus IS?

Before buying a used Lexus IS, verify all open recalls are completed via the NHTSA VIN lookup tool. Pay particular attention to Safety Systems, Body/Trim, Engine, which are the most commonly reported problem areas. Request maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the vehicle, and run a vehicle history report to check for prior accidents or title issues.

Does the IS have NHTSA crash test ratings?

NHTSA has not published crash test ratings for the 2006-2013 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. 1,900 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-04-07.

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