Lexus IS F Problems by Year
NHTSA has 21 owner complaints and 8 safety recalls on file for the Lexus IS F, across 9 model years (2008–2017). The 2008 model year has the most complaints (13). The most reported problem area overall is air bags.

Lexus IS F years to avoid? What the complaint data shows
These model years drew at least twice as many complaints as a typical IS F year: 2008. Look at what owners reported before buying one, and check the VIN for open recalls.
Model years with the most complaints
- 2008 IS F: 13 complaints, 5 recalls
- 2011 IS F: 2 complaints, 3 recalls
- 2010 IS F: 2 complaints, 5 recalls
Model years with the fewest complaints
Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold or how long each year has been on the road, so newer and less popular years naturally have fewer complaints. Use them to spot problem patterns, not as a safety ranking.
Most common Lexus IS F problems (all years)
| Problem area | Complaints | Model years | Crashes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Air Bags | 13 | 5 | 1 |
| Engine | 5 | 3 | 0 |
| Fuel/propulsion System | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Power Train | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Structure | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Visibility/wiper | 1 | 1 | 0 |
All Lexus IS F model years
| Model year | Complaints | Recalls | Crash rating | Top problem | Compared with other years |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 IS F | 1 | 0 | — | Unknown or Other | |
| 2016 IS F | 1 | 0 | — | Air Bags | |
| 2014 IS F | 1 | 2 | — | Engine | |
| 2013 IS F | 0 | 2 | — | — | |
| 2012 IS F | 0 | 2 | — | — | |
| 2011 IS F | 2 | 3 | — | Air Bags | |
| 2010 IS F | 2 | 5 | — | Air Bags | |
| 2009 IS F | 1 | 6 | — | Air Bags | |
| 2008 IS F | 13 | 5 | — | Air Bags | Far more complaints than other years |
More from Lexus: all Lexus models · Lexus VIN decoder
Frequently asked questions
Which Lexus IS F years should you stay away from?
By NHTSA complaints, 2008 (13) drew at least twice as many complaints as a typical IS F year. Counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, and newer years have had less time to collect complaints.
What is the biggest problem with the Lexus IS F?
Air Bags, with 13 complaints across 5 model years.
How many recalls does the Lexus IS F have?
8 safety recalls across all model years. Each model year page lists its recalls and fixes.