Lexus Is 350 Reliability by Year
279 NHTSA complaints (2006–2020). Complaint rate: 21.6 per 1,000 vehicles.
Lexus Is 350 reliability varies significantly by model year. Based on 279 NHTSA complaints (2006–2020), the most problematic years are 2006, 2007, with high complaint volumes linked to airbag malfunctions. Better choices include 2012, 2016, 2015, which show significantly fewer reported problems.
Why these years are worse
The most common issues driving the complaint spikes:
- airbag malfunctions — 49 complaints (8.2% involved a crash)
- structural problems — 33 complaints (0.0% involved a crash)
- windshield wiper issues — 23 complaints (4.3% involved a crash)
- engine problems — 21 complaints (4.8% involved a crash)
- unknown or other — 16 complaints (0.0% involved a crash)
Which Years to Buy & Avoid
Years auto-clustered by complaint volume relative to this model's median.
Bottom line: Avoid the 2006–2008 Lexus Is 350. The 2015–2016 models had significantly fewer reported issues. Most common issue across all years: AIR BAGS.
Avoid These Years
Average
Better Years
A model's reputation is just the start.
Even within the “good” years, individual cars can have hidden accidents, title issues, or odometer rollbacks. Check the actual VIN before you buy — full history report for $4.99 (vs. Carfax $44.99).
Complaints by Model Year
NHTSA complaint count per model year
Common Lexus Is 350 Problems
Most reported component complaints to NHTSA
| Component | Complaints | Crash % |
|---|---|---|
| AIR BAGS | 49 | 8.2% |
| STRUCTURE | 33 | 0.0% |
| VISIBILITY/WIPER | 23 | 4.3% |
| ENGINE | 21 | 4.8% |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 16 | 0.0% |
| STRUCTURE:BODY | 16 | 0.0% |
| VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL | 15 | 46.7% |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 14 | 0.0% |
| FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | 13 | 0.0% |
| STEERING | 13 | 7.7% |
Year-by-Year Breakdown
NHTSA complaint count per model year — click any year for full problems & recalls breakdown.
Year-by-Year Breakdown
Tap any year for full problems & recalls breakdown.
See also: Lexus Is 350accident & safety statistics from our vehicle history database.
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