2011 Lexus IS

Owner complaints

What owners report most

1. Air bags7
2. Visibility/wiper4
3. Structure3
4. Unknown or other2
5. Engine2
6. Fuel/propulsion system1
7. Steering1
8. Power train1
9. Seats1

Latest complaints

• Jun 20, 2026GA
  Visibility/wiper
  The dash has started melting after being in hot weather. Despite ceramic window tint which reduces heat (and likely slowed the melting) the dah continues to melt. This results in significant shining and reduction in visibility. While there was an enhanced warranty program from Lexus in which…

  The dash has started melting after being in hot weather. Despite ceramic window tint which reduces heat (and likely slowed the melting) the dah continues to melt. This results in significant shining and reduction in visibility. While there was an enhanced warranty program from Lexus in which they would repair the dash, the melting occurred shortly after that expired. They will not take responsibility and fix it as they should, given this is a KNOWN issue with serious safety concerns.

• Mar 19, 2026GA
  Structure › Body · Unknown or other · Visibility/wiper
  The dashboard of our 2011 Lexus IS has begun to "melt," for lack of better words. We have owned the car since 2011 and it has approximately 162000 miles now. The problem has arisen over the last two years or so and is a known issue for cars of that period. Lexus claims they had an enhanced…

  The dashboard of our 2011 Lexus IS has begun to "melt," for lack of better words. We have owned the car since 2011 and it has approximately 162000 miles now. The problem has arisen over the last two years or so and is a known issue for cars of that period. Lexus claims they had an enhanced warranty program for this issue, but we were never contacted and the issue was not an issue then, but clearly this is a known defect in their materials. Replacing the dash on our own would be very costly. The glare resulting from this is terrible. I have reached out to Lexus and they will not take responsibility for the faulty material and I am concerned this is a serious safety issue as visibililty is affected. Rather than a warranty enhancement, I urge a recall to prevent accidents.

• Feb 19, 2026GA
  Structure › Body · Unknown or other · Visibility/wiper
  The dashboard on our vehicle has started to "melt." While there was a warranty enhancement program in the past (we did not receive notice), the problem has developed after the window for repair closed. This is a true safety issue now as visibility from the front windshield is hindered due to…

  The dashboard on our vehicle has started to "melt." While there was a warranty enhancement program in the past (we did not receive notice), the problem has developed after the window for repair closed. This is a true safety issue now as visibility from the front windshield is hindered due to reflection. The dealer has asked us to contact Lexus and Lexus will not help us anymore, stating this is an out of pocket repair. Given that this is a known defect and a potentially serious safety issue, I urge you to initiate a true recall.

• Sep 30, 2022GA
  Visibility/wiper
  The dashboard is defective in that it melts when exposed to heat and becomes sticky. Although initially it started off as a cosmetic issue, the melting of the dashboard causes it to be very glossy to the point where it reflects onto the front windshield and creates a blind spot on the front…

  The dashboard is defective in that it melts when exposed to heat and becomes sticky. Although initially it started off as a cosmetic issue, the melting of the dashboard causes it to be very glossy to the point where it reflects onto the front windshield and creates a blind spot on the front windshield when driving. This poses an immediate safety hazard when driving as it's sometimes difficult to see objects that are right in front of the car while driving. The defective dashboard has been confirmed by the dealer and manufacturer. Although the manufacturer issued a customer support program to replace the dashboard, it was not a mandatory recall and the support program has since expired. Additionally, the support program initially described the malfunction as only a cosmetic issue. However, over time, this cosmetic issue has started to impact drivability in certain conditions while putting the driver and others at risk.

• Jan 21, 2022CA
  Engine

  Valley Plate Leak. The Valley Plate Leaks are notorious on this vehicle. There have been several forums about it.

• May 15, 2021ID
  Air bags

  Takata airbag has been recalled for this model. Attempts have been made to contact via instructions on recall letter from manufacturer. Was informed someone would be out to repair it and no one showed up.

• Sep 21, 2020NY77,000 mi
  Steering

  First started with steering getting stuck a bit while changing lanes now the electric rack and pinion makes noise steering left and right while parking in and out also while driving.

• Feb 5, 2020TX115,000 mi
  Engine · Fuel/propulsion system · Power train
  Fuel IS not delivered to firing chamber due to failure of fuel pressure sensor. this will cause engine to shut off when on the road. no obd-ii code IS present since the failure of the fuel pressure sensor will put the car in protected mode, no code can be read. when engine IS shut off, it will…

  Fuel IS not delivered to firing chamber due to failure of fuel pressure sensor. this will cause engine to shut off when on the road. no obd-ii code IS present since the failure of the fuel pressure sensor will put the car in protected mode, no code can be read. when engine IS shut off, it will have no power to steering or brake system, put driver in a very dangerous situation. I was lucky enough to find out after arriving home. the problem appeared the next morning.

• Nov 8, 2019TX
  Seats · Structure › Body

  The door panels and dash board gets sticky and melt over the years and the seats starts to tear and become loose

• Dec 31, 2017PA
  Air bags
  Takata recall - my car IS supposedly affected by the recall, but the recall will not actually show up in the system- it sounds like it only happens in 2019 - which IS greater than 6 years after the car was put in service. I am concerned about the safety of my passengers and loss of value to the…

  Takata recall - my car IS supposedly affected by the recall, but the recall will not actually show up in the system- it sounds like it only happens in 2019 - which IS greater than 6 years after the car was put in service. I am concerned about the safety of my passengers and loss of value to the car. Additionally, the car IS currently in pa but will be moving to warmer weather climate and this will cause the degradation to happen more rapidly. Lexus reports there are no issues, which IS not true according to their own website.

• Aug 8, 2017PA40,000 mi
  Air bags

  Takata recall - on the webpage https://www.nhtsa.gov/recall-spotlight/takata-air-bags, the 2011 lexus is250 AWD IS shown to be included in the takata airbag recall, however when searching by the vin, no recalls are specified. I have not received any recall information from lexus. please advise if the car IS included actually included in the recall. thank you.

• Jan 9, 2017CA
  Air bags

  Nhtsa recall # 16v-340 I was informed in writing over 6 months ago. nothing further has happened since. the air bags should be replaced immediately if defective! I'm filing a complaint that lexus IS taking too long. based on attached screenshot, their excuse IS: "recall status: recall incomplete. Remedy not yet available" not acceptable.

• Nov 6, 2016TX
  Air bags

  Takata recall. this recall IS taking too long and there IS no resolution date proposed. I am trying to trade-in or sell my vehicle and receive offers $4000 or more less then kbb value. I don't want to use the vehicle especially with a front seat passenger. the rear seats are not convenient in the is250c model as it IS a two door and the rear seats offer a cramped space for passengers.

• Sep 5, 2016TX
  Air bags

  Lexus notified me in may 2016 of a recall for takata airbags, but has not taken definitive action to replace my airbag so my car IS safe to drive.

• Jul 16, 2016SC
  Air bags

  Takata recall

Service bulletins

Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.

• 11007456Some 2005 2024 Lexus vehicles that have undergone water intrusion may exhibit a condition in which a musty odor is present. Follow the procedures in this bulletin to remediate the odor and address this condition. The purpose of this Service Bulletin is to provide general guidelines and procedures for odor remediation. This Service Bulletin provides a guide on how to prepare and treat the interior of the vehicle for odor remediation. Refer to the applicable model and model year Repair Manuals and the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) website for the most up-to-date safety and precautionary guidelines. This Service Bulletin is to provide a general overview and direction for the odor remediation process.
• 11006162Some 2005 2024 Lexus vehicles that have undergone water intrusion may exhibit a condition in which a musty odor is present. Follow the procedures in this bulletin to remediate the odor and address this condition. The purpose of this Service Bulletin is to provide general guidelines and procedures for odor remediation. This Service Bulletin provides a guide on how to prepare and treat the interior of the vehicle for odor remediation. Refer to the applicable model and model year Repair Manuals and the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) website for the most up-to-date safety and precautionary guidelines. This Service Bulletin is to provide a general overview and direction for the odor remediation process.
• 11005121Some 2005 2024 Lexus vehicles that have undergone water intrusion may exhibit a condition in which a musty smell is present. Follow the procedures in this bulletin to remediate the odor and address this condition. The purpose of this Service Bulletin is to provide general guidelines and procedures for odor remediation. This Service Bulletin provides a guide on how to prepare and treat the interior of the vehicle for odor remediation. Refer to all model and model year specific Repair Manuals and the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) website for the most up-to-date safety and precautionary guidelines. This Service Bulletin is to provide a general overview and direction for the odor remediation process.
• 11005063Some 2005 2024 Lexus vehicles that have undergone water intrusion may exhibit a condition in which a musty smell is present. Follow the procedures in this bulletin to remediate the odor and address this condition. The purpose of this Service Bulletin is to provide general guidelines and procedures for odor remediation. This Service Bulletin provides a guide on how to prepare and treat the interior of the vehicle for odor remediation. Refer to all model and model year specific Repair Manuals and the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) website for the most up-to-date safety and precautionary guidelines. This Service Bulletin is to provide a general overview and direction for the odor remediation process.
• 11003650To prevent brake rotor rust from forming during transportation and storage, wheel film will be used instead of a cardboard type of anti-rust cover. The purpose of the wheel film is to shield the disc brake rotor from weather elements and initial rust before the vehicle is delivered to the customer. Consequently, the film should remain on the wheel for as long as possible.
• 11003648The condition known as acid rain is caused by airborne chemicals or particles in the atmosphere, which mix with rainwater, nighttime dew, or high humidity to form acidic compounds. If these contaminants settle and remain on a painted vehicle surface, especially the horizonal areas of the hood, roof, and decklid, significant damage can occur. This damage is the result of actual etching of the paint and appears as pitting or water spots. As acid rain droplets on the vehicle surface evaporate, the concentration strength of the acid increases, causing deeper and more rapid damage. This evaporation and corrosive action also occur more rapidly on dark colored cars as direct sun heat increases. While Lexus paint quality, durability, and resistance to environmental factors is continuously being improved, it remains the responsibility of the dealer to protect and maintain the vehicles paint finish from the time of arrival at the dealership until retail delivery to the customer. In areas known for high frequency and/or concentration of acid rain, frequent vehicle washing during high heat or humidity periods will minimize the potential for paint damage caused by acid rain. It is further recommended that either reverse osmosis or deionized water be used to prevent water spotting. SUPERSESSION NOTICE The information contained in this bulletin supersedes Service Bulletin No. BO029-91. The entire bulletin has been updated. Service Bulletin No. BO029-91 is obsolete
• 11003643Acid rain results from rainwater or other airborne moisture that become acidic due to industrial chemical impurities in the atmosphere. If these acidic compounds settle on an exposed vehicle, especially the horizontal areas such as the hood, roof, and decklid, significant damage to the painted surfaces can occur. Acid rain damage can typically be identified on vehicles by the presence of stains on the paint surface that resemble hard water spots. Unlike water spots however, acid rain damage cannot be removed by regular washing procedures. Also, because acid rain can etch and soften the paint, normal buffing or polishing repair procedures should not be attempted. This can cause further damage and result in visible depressions in the paint surface. The following are the three major categories of acid rain damage: Minor damage: requires only buffing to repair. Moderate damage: usually requires neutralizing, color sanding, and buffing. Severe damage: extending beyond 1/2 mil of clearcoat on a pearl, metallic, or solid color, requires neutralization, sanding, and repainting. In cases where acid rain damage is minor, neutralization and buffing with a liquid-type paint finessing product may provide an adequate repair. Only specially formulated products outlined in this bulletin should be used for that purpose. Unfortunately, other than minor damage, there is no simple method of determining the actual extent (depth) of acid penetration other than color sanding a representative affected area until there is no visible etching or depressions, followed by measuring the amount of paint removed with either a magnetic or digital-type film thickness gauge. The procedures in this bulletin are intended for use by qualified body/paint technicians and should not be attempted by inexperienced personnel. While the quality and durability of paint on Lexus vehicles is continuously being improved, it remains the dealers responsibility to protect and maintain the quality of the vehicles paint finish after receipt at the dealership prior to the first sale. Perform frequent vehicle washing, as often as daily, during high heat and humidity periods to minimize the potential for paint damage due to acid rain exposure. This is especially important in geographical areas known for high frequency and concentration of acid rain and industrial fallout.
• 11003642Lexus vehicles are currently protected with RapgardTM protective film designed to protect the horizontal painted surfaces. This material protects from acid rain, environmental fallout, and rail contamination. Follow the Removal Procedure in this bulletin to remove the RapgardTM protective film within 90 days from initial application. SUPERSESSION NOTICE The information contained in this bulletin supersedes Service Bulletin No. L-PG004-94. The entire bulletin has been updated.
• 11003641Vehicles may occasionally be subjected to contamination by airborne iron particles shed from railroad tracks, train wheels, exposure to heavy machinery facilities, grinding, welding, etc. This type of contamination can be identified by the presence of small, red or brown particles on the paint surface. These particles are often difficult to see on dark color paints but can be easily felt when brushing a hand across horizontal body surfaces such as the hood, roof, or deck lid. Follow the Repair Procedure in this bulletin to clean vehicles that may have been subjected to contamination by airborne iron particles such as rail dust during rail transportation or extended storage near industrial areas.
• 11003595To prevent brake rotor rust from forming during transportation and storage, wheel film will be used instead of a cardboard type of anti-rust cover. The purpose of the wheel film is to shield the disc brake rotor from weather elements and initial rust before the vehicle is delivered to the customer. Consequently, the film should remain on the wheel for as long as possible.
• 11003593The condition known as acid rain is caused by airborne chemicals or particles in the atmosphere, which mix with rainwater, nighttime dew, or high humidity to form acidic compounds. If these contaminants settle and remain on a painted vehicle surface, especially the horizonal areas of the hood, roof, and decklid, significant damage can occur. This damage is the result of actual etching of the paint and appears as pitting or water spots. As acid rain droplets on the vehicle surface evaporate, the concentration strength of the acid increases, causing deeper and more rapid damage. This evaporation and corrosive action also occur more rapidly on dark colored cars as direct sun heat increases. While Lexus paint quality, durability, and resistance to environmental factors is continuously being improved, it remains the responsibility of the dealer to protect and maintain the vehicles paint finish from the time of arrival at the dealership until retail delivery to the customer. In areas known for high frequency and/or concentration of acid rain, frequent vehicle washing during high heat or humidity periods will minimize the potential for paint damage caused by acid rain. It is further recommended that either reverse osmosis or deionized water be used to prevent water spotting. SUPERSESSION NOTICE The information contained in this bulletin supersedes Service Bulletin No. BO029-91. The entire bulletin has been updated. Service Bulletin No. BO029-91 is obsolete
• 11003588Acid rain results from rainwater or other airborne moisture that become acidic due to industrial chemical impurities in the atmosphere. If these acidic compounds settle on an exposed vehicle, especially the horizontal areas such as the hood, roof, and decklid, significant damage to the painted surfaces can occur. Acid rain damage can typically be identified on vehicles by the presence of stains on the paint surface that resemble hard water spots. Unlike water spots however, acid rain damage cannot be removed by regular washing procedures. Also, because acid rain can etch and soften the paint, normal buffing or polishing repair procedures should not be attempted. This can cause further damage and result in visible depressions in the paint surface. The following are the three major categories of acid rain damage: Minor damage: requires only buffing to repair. Moderate damage: usually requires neutralizing, color sanding, and buffing. Severe damage: extending beyond 1/2 mil of clearcoat on a pearl, metallic, or solid color, requires neutralization, sanding, and repainting. In cases where acid rain damage is minor, neutralization and buffing with a liquid-type paint finessing product may provide an adequate repair. Only specially formulated products outlined in this bulletin should be used for that purpose. Unfortunately, other than minor damage, there is no simple method of determining the actual extent (depth) of acid penetration other than color sanding a representative affected area until there is no visible etching or depressions, followed by measuring the amount of paint removed with either a magnetic or digital-type film thickness gauge. The procedures in this bulletin are intended for use by qualified body/paint technicians and should not be attempted by inexperienced personnel. While the quality and durability of paint on Lexus vehicles is continuously being improved, it remains the dealers responsibility to protect and maintain the quality of the vehicles paint finish after receipt at the dealership prior to the first sale. Perform frequent vehicle washing, as often as daily, during high heat and humidity periods to minimize the potential for paint damage due to acid rain exposure. This is especially important in geographical areas known for high frequency and concentration of acid rain and industrial fallout.
• 11003587Lexus vehicles are currently protected with RapgardTM protective film designed to protect the horizontal painted surfaces. This material protects from acid rain, environmental fallout, and rail contamination. Follow the Removal Procedure in this bulletin to remove the RapgardTM protective film within 90 days from initial application. SUPERSESSION NOTICE The information contained in this bulletin supersedes Service Bulletin No. L-PG004-94. The entire bulletin has been updated.
• 11003586Vehicles may occasionally be subjected to contamination by airborne iron particles shed from railroad tracks, train wheels, exposure to heavy machinery facilities, grinding, welding, etc. This type of contamination can be identified by the presence of small, red or brown particles on the paint surface. These particles are often difficult to see on dark color paints but can be easily felt when brushing a hand across horizontal body surfaces such as the hood, roof, or deck lid. Follow the Repair Procedure in this bulletin to clean vehicles that may have been subjected to contamination by airborne iron particles such as rail dust during rail transportation or extended storage near industrial areas.
• 10214355Lexus Safety Recall and Service Campaign - Technician Certification Requirements 4.13.2022
• 10207945POL: This consolidated Tire Warranty Guide contains the complete warranty terms for all brands of ground and spare tires currently in use by Lexus. This information must be kept near the point of vehicle sale and be available to any customer that requests it. Customers can find this information on the Owner?s section of Lexus.com. Dealers can locate a copy of this guide on the Claims Processing & Resource Center in Dealer Daily as well.
• 10205384DCM Activation is not Applicable when Safety Connect/Lexus enform service has expired
• 10205383Spots in Window Glass - vehicle exterior
• 10205359Oil Viscosity Applicability and Cfhange Interval Guide
• 10205358Oil Viscosity Applicability and Cfhange Interval Guide
• 10205346Auto matic Transmission Replacement kPrecautions
• 10205338Navigation System Firmware Improvement
• 10190468Lexus Safety Recall and Service Campaign - Technician Certification Requirements
• 10179782Ti: technical instructions for limited service campaign klg customer support program 19le05 safety connect system ? Vehicle location inaccurate
• 10179738Ti: technical instructions for limited service campaign klg customer support program 19le05 safety connect system ? Vehicle location inaccurate
• 10176283Safety Recall and Service Campaign - Technician Certification Requirements
• 10168534Technical instructions: technical instructions for limited service campaign klg customer support program 19le05 safety connect system ? Vehicle location inaccurate certain 2011 ? 2017 model year LS, 2013 ? 2016 model year LS hybrid, 2011 ? 2017 model year GS, 2016 ? 2017 model year gs-f, 2013 ? 2017 model year GS hybrid, 2010 ? 2017 model year IS, 2011 ? 2015 model year is-c, 2013 ? 2014 model year is-f, 2015 ? 2017 model year RC, 2015 ? 2017 model year rc-f, 2011 ? 2017 model year ct, 2010 ? 2017 model year RX, 2010 ? 2017 model year RX hybrid, 2015 ? 2017 model year NX, 2015 ? 2017 model year NX hybrid, 2010 ? 2017 model year LX, 2010 ? 2018 model year GX, 2010 ? 2017 model year ES, 2013 ? 2017 model year ES hybrid updated 10/17/2019
• 10132902TSB: REVISION NOTICE November 10, 2016 Rev1: ? Applicability has been updated to include 2015 ? 2017 model year applicable Lexus vehicles. ? The Parts Information section has been updated. Any previous printed versions of this bulletin should be discarded. Some 2006 ? 2017 model year Lexus vehicles may exhibit odors naturally occurring from the HVAC system and/or related environmental factors. Although there is no way to eliminate these odors, follow the General Procedure in this bulletin to minimize the odors experienced.
• 10132625TSB: Revision Notice: Applicability section has been updated to include 2016-2017 applicable model year Lexus vehicles. The Repair Procedure section, Required Tools & Equipment section, and the Repair Procedure section has been updated. Flash reprogramming allows the ECU software to be updated without replacing the ECU. Flash calibration updates for specific vehicle models/ECUs are released as field-fix procedures described in individual Service Bulletins. This bulletin details the Techstream ECU flash reprogramming process and outlines use of the Technical Information System (TIS) and the Calibration Update Wizard (CUW). Flash calibration updates can only be applied to the vehicle/ECU combination for which they are intended. ECUs have internal security that will not allow them to be programmed with another ECU?s information.
• 10131836TSB: REVISION NOTICE March 22, 2017 Rev2: ? Applicability has been updated to include 2016-2017 model year Lexus vehicles. ? February 11, 2015 Rev1: Applicability has been updated to include 2006 ? 2015 model year Lexus vehicles. On some vehicles, when Rapgard? is removed, the paint may have a stained appearance. These stains appear to be under the clear coat. The stain patterns are usually under wrinkles in the Rapgard?. These wrinkles sometimes trap water and cause the paint to stain from the trapped moisture, especially on horizontal surfaces, such as the hood, roof and trunk. Stains can be removed by heating the stained surface to remove the trapped moisture. Use the following procedure to address this condition.
• 10060828Summary to be provided on a future date.
• 10045639Lexus: precaution information on removal, inspection, installation of accelerator pedal sensor assembly, which requires no lubrication. Models 2001-13 ct200h, es300, 300H, 330, 350, gs300, 350, 450, 450H, 460, gx460, 470, hs250h, IS f, is250, 250C, 350, 350C, lfa, ls430, 460, 600H, lx470, 570, rx330, 350, 400H, 450H, sc430.
• 10042970Lexus: information on some vehicles that may experience a knock or rattle noise coming from the engine upon a cold soak start up for a brief period of time.
• 10039124Toyota: transmission or park/neutral switch installation information.

Every Lexus IS model year

Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.