Lexus IS Complaints

13 consumer complaints on file.

#11759881August 26, 2026
BACK OVER PREVENTION: REARVIEW SYSTEM BRAKING, BACK OVER PREVENTION: WARNINGS, BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
I am reporting recurring infotainment, display, audio, and related electrical malfunctions with my vehicle that have continued despite multiple visits and repair attempts by an authorized Lexus dealership. The problems began when the vehicle was relatively new and have continued intermittently. While driving, the vehicle's audio system can suddenly cut out completely at different volume levels and without warning. When this occurs, normal audio functions are lost and the system generally does not return to normal operation unless the vehicle/system is restarted. The infotainment/display screen also intermittently shuts off, goes black, and/or repeatedly reboots while the vehicle is being operated. These failures can occur unexpectedly while driving. The display is also used to provide visual information and warnings associated with vehicle safety and driver-assistance systems, including Parking Collision Warning and Rear Cross Traffic Warning. When the screen unexpectedly shuts off, goes black, or reboots, these visual warnings can be interrupted or unavailable on the display during the malfunction. This creates a safety concern because visual information intended to alert the driver to surrounding vehicles or obstacles may not be available when expected. I am reporting the loss/interruption of the visual warnings displayed on the screen; I cannot independently determine whether the underlying sensors themselves continue operating during a screen failure. The sudden loss of the display and repeated rebooting while driving can also create a significant distraction. This is especially concerning at night, when the unexpected change from an illuminated display to a black screen and subsequent reboot can draw the driver's attention away from the road. The vehicle has been brought to an authorized Lexus dealership multiple times for audio and infotainment-related complaints. Multiple speakers have required replacement after becoming inoperative, blown, or distorted.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11753916July 31, 2026
SERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE
I am reporting a severe, unresolved safety hazard involving my 2023 Lexus IS350]. The vehicle is continuously flashing 'Braking System Malfunction,' 'Crash Light,' and 'Engine Light' alerts on the dashboard. This is the second major acceleration and braking system failure since purchasing the vehicle brand new.The authorized dealership, Meade Lexus, has repeatedly failed to properly diagnose or repair this critical braking issue over a 7-month period. On multiple service visits, the dealership documented that they simply 'lubed' the rubber around the gas cap, reset the dashboard warning lights, and returned the vehicle to me without performing actual mechanical repairs to the braking system. The service manager explicitly instructed me that I must drive the vehicle back to the dealership every single week just to have the safety lights turned off manually. Driving a vehicle with an active, un-diagnosed braking and crash-system fault is a major safety liability and makes the vehicle dangerous to operate. The manufacturer and dealer have failed to resolve this safety defect under warranty."
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11717863February 13, 2026
STRUCTURE:BODY
I am reporting a recurring front bumper cracking and separation issue on my Lexus IS 500. A crack developed at the front bumper seam directly adjacent to the passenger-side headlight assembly. The crack originates at the bumper mounting/retention area near the headlamp and appears to be stress-related rather than impact-related. There is a known Lexus Technical Service Bulletin addressing front bumper sag and improper retention on this model. Multiple other Lexus IS 500 owners have reported similar cracking and separation in the exact same location, including vehicles that have not been modified or involved in collisions. My concern is that: The crack appears at a structural mounting point of the bumper. Continued stress or separation may compromise bumper retention. Progressive separation could create risk of partial bumper detachment at highway speeds. The issue occurs adjacent to the headlight assembly, raising potential concern for lighting alignment or mounting stability if the condition worsens. This does not appear to be isolated cosmetic damage but rather a recurring stress point at the bumper mounting seam. If the bumper retention system is insufficient or prone to stress cracking, this could pose a potential roadway hazard if separation increases while driving. Given that Lexus has issued a Technical Service Bulletin regarding bumper sag/retention on this model, I am requesting that NHTSA review whether the front bumper attachment design presents a broader safety concern.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11687952September 17, 2025
STRUCTURE
The contact owns a 2025 Lexus IS-350. The contact stated that the vehicle was purchased brand new. The contact stated that within four days of driving the vehicle, the contact started to experience health and safety issues that persisted throughout the time the vehicle was driven, and the contact noticed an abnormal odor coming from the vehicle. The contact experienced extremely swollen abdomen causing severe digestive distress, constipation, diarrhea and loss of appetite. The contact experienced swollen lymph nodes on the left side of the groin, abnormal weight gain, debilitating fatigue, insomnia, loss of breath, reduced eyesight, loss of strength, joints pain, reduced cognitive ability, malaise. Additionally, the contact experienced hair loss that stopped once the contact stopped driving the vehicle in the month of June. The contact sought medical assistance, and the lab work showed low level of iron. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and the dealer was informed of the issue. The dealer performed a detailing of the vehicle to resolve the issue; however, the contact continued to experience the symptoms while driving the vehicle. The contact hired Nal East Environmental Services(2021 Bridgetown Pike, Feasterville-Trevose, PA 19053) to perform a test on the vehicle. The test was performed, and the contact was informed that extremely positive levels of Volatile Organic Compound(VOC) was found on the vehicle. The manufacturer was notified of the issue, and the Doctor's letter, stating that the VOC presence in the vehicle had made the contact sick, was sent to the manufacturer; however, no assistance was provided. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 15.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
1
Deaths:
0
#11659846May 8, 2025
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I was in a vehicle accident on March 30. A accident that could have been avoided if the horn on the IS350 2021 was louder. The vehicle that collided into my vehicle was a Dodge Ram that was hauling a travel trailer which was what hit me. I tried honking various times to let the driver know that I was present and that they were merging onto my lane and I believe due to the weak sound of the horns installed in these vehicles the driver of the other car did not hear my warnings and collided into me.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11615155September 18, 2024
SUSPENSION
The contact owns a 2022 Lexus IS350. The contact stated that while taking the vehicle for the 6-month inspection, the contact was informed that the tires were completely worn and needed to be replaced. The dealer informed the contact that the tires needed to be replaced. The contact contacted the tire manufacturer Bridgestone Tires and was informed that the suspension bushings were too soft and needed to be replaced. The tires were not replaced. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and a case was opened for the failure. The failure mileage was 8,616.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11575122March 3, 2024
ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, POWER TRAIN
Sudden engine stalling in the middle of a highway with extremely heavy traffic and stopped in the center lane. Needs to wait inside the car with a passenger in a very scary, tense situation and exposed to serious accident, until a towing arrive for about 1.5 hrs later. The car was towed to the dealer. Since I was in the middle of a highway, I wasn’t able to exit the car to verify the car. But, the engine stalling was compatible with fuel delivery starvation. The fuel tank was full. The starter spin and electric system was functional, so electric voltage was not an issue. No check engine light on, no alerts messages, nothing. Just suddenly engine power loose, stalling and the engine stop. Check engine light on after a lot of cranking. Never fire back.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11570824February 8, 2024
VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY
The contact owns a 2023 Lexus IS350. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the moon roof suddenly shattered, raining glass into the interior of the vehicle. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was opened. The failure mileage was 11,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11569019January 31, 2024
VISIBILITY
The contact owns a 2024 Lexus IS500. The contact stated while driving approximately 65 MPH, the front driver’s side glass window suddenly started to honeycomb before exploding outward. The contact stated that during the failure, his wife was seated in the front passenger’s side seat. No injuries were reported. Additionally, no objects had impacted the driver’s side window to cause the failure. The local dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 461.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11561214December 20, 2023
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
The vehicle stalled while driving. I pulled over because as I press on the gas the car wouldn’t accelerate in speed . I turned the vehicle off and tried to start the car but it wouldn’t start . I was stranded on side the road for 4 hours to get a tow truck tow the vehicle to the Lexus dealer. No warning signs or indicators. Believe to the the fuel pump being bad and causing the issue.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11558453December 4, 2023
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The sunroof exploded while driving on a freeway. No rocks were involved, very loud explosion. Sun shade was closed, which prevented glass from getting inside car.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11541658August 30, 2023
STRUCTURE:BODY
There has been a reported issue on the driver side with the bumper separating issue and ive had it replaced same issue and so has my buddy and im hearing that a recall should be coming in regards to fixing this issue. If you guys can figure out this problem im sure all of IS500 car owners would really appreciate it. The car cost too much to have this bumper separation issue. Thank you.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11539244August 17, 2023
POWER TRAIN
During driving an issue arose where the acceleration had to be performed in order to avoid a potential accident. The gas pedal vas depressed but the transmission would not downshift or accelerate. After about a second or more the transmission finally downshifted and the vehicle accelerated. I was able to steer out of trouble and fought the in order to do it. This is a know issue and programmed by Lexus. Who in their right mind does not allow the car to accelerate when the gas pedal is depressed. this issue ue seems to be with IS500 only. the mechanic did acknowledge a slow shift and this is by design. I am afraid to pull into traffic since the car will not go. It will start to go then slow down or back off and then after it downshifts it picks up speed. The time is so slow that I could get hit if the approaching traffic gets to me despite knowing that the distance is sufficient to safely pull into traffic. the car is unpredictable. In my other cars I have no issues like this. I have another Lexus vehicle and it does not do this. Many have reported the slow downshift and Lexus mechanic say it is by design. A downshift of one second or more at 60 miles an hour is 88 feet of travel. The car is not safe to drive because the driver is not in control. If you have to accelerate to avoid an accident or get out of the way you will not be able until the stupid car decides to. I have driven other Lexus models and they do not do this. Only IS500 does this. It is so unnatural that you press the gas pedal half way down and nothing. The car has to accelerate when you need to accelerate. Lexus also sells performance but it is not a performance car. Somebody is going to die due to this issue. I am nervous driving the car and I feel like I am out of control. This is a continuous problem. So far I almost got into 3 accidents due to this issue that could have resulted in a serious accidents.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

← Back to Lexus IS