Lexus IS F Problems by Year

Source: NHTSA · Updated Sep 17, 2021 · 21 owner complaints analyzed

Years with far more complaints than usual:

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
Lexus IS F photographed at Tokyo motor show 2007. Representative photo; appearance varies by model year. Photo: Mytho88, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
Peak: 2008, with 13 complaints
2008: 132008132009: 1200912010: 2201022011: 2201122012: 0201202013: 0201302014: 1201412016: 1201612017: 120171

n = 21 complaints · Source: NHTSA

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

  1. 2008 IS F: 13 complaints, 5 recalls
  2. 2011 IS F: 2 complaints, 3 recalls
  3. 2010 IS F: 2 complaints, 5 recalls

Model years with the fewest complaints

  1. 2009 IS F: 1 complaint, 6 recalls
  2. 2014 IS F: 1 complaint, 2 recalls
  3. 2016 IS F: 1 complaint, 0 recalls

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 areaComplaintsModel yearsCrashes
Air Bags1351
Engine530
Fuel/propulsion System110
Power Train110
Structure111
Vehicle Speed Control111
Visibility/wiper110

All Lexus IS F model years

Model yearComplaintsRecallsCrash ratingTop problemCompared with other years
2017 IS F10—Unknown or Other
2016 IS F10—Air Bags
2014 IS F12—Engine
2013 IS F02——
2012 IS F02——
2011 IS F23—Air Bags
2010 IS F25—Air Bags
2009 IS F16—Air Bags
2008 IS F135—Air BagsFar 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.