The Lemon Index
201920223rd generation
Complaints only. Too few sold to score: 13,600 in the U.S. in 2020 (sales source), under the 20,000 a fair per-car score needs. Owners filed 3 complaints in its first 3 years.
3 owner complaints, first 3 years 21–24 mpg combined, EPA
Similar cars, same year
2020 BMW 3 Series 422020 Audi A42020 Acura TLX 71
Lemon Index: 100 = the average car, lower is better.
When problems show up
No complaints for this year listed a mileage, so we can't say when problems show up.
Questions to ask the seller
- Is the airbag light off, and were any airbag recalls done?
- Any clunks over bumps or uneven tire wear? Were struts, shocks or control arms replaced?
- Lexus sent dealers 89 repair notes for this car. Was this one done: “Creaking noise during turns (or turning steering wheel) coming from front strut area”?
From this year's own recalls, top problems, top repair bills and Lexus's repair notes. Recall repairs are free at any dealer.
How serious. Out of all 3 owner complaints filed so far (every year since it was sold, not just the first 3), owners reported:
“Average car” = what the same number of complaints would include at the rate across every model year we track. Owners report these themselves; NHTSA doesn't confirm the cause.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
Check engine light on? Look up any code →
Problems Lexus told dealers about
Lexus sent dealers 89 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- Creaking noise during turns (or turning steering wheel) coming from front strut area
- SUPERSESSION NOTICE The information contained in this bulletin supersedes Service Bulletin Nos
- The air conditioning dye injection tool kit has been developed to aid in identifying the…
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Recalls 0
No safety recalls on record.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Canada? See recalls at Transport Canada
Safety
Crash test details
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lexus IS 300 4 DR RWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Lexus IS 300 4 DR AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Lexus IS 350 4 DR RWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Lexus IS 350 4 DR AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $3,150–$3,600 (USD) a year in fuel (EPA estimate at U.S. prices, 15,000 miles or 24,000 km a year). Engines: 2.0L 4-cyl, 3.5L 6-cyl.
Every Lexus IS year. 2020 is highlighted. Lower is better.
Newest year first. Red = worse than average, gray = about average, too new (2023+: a partial score, marked “partial”) or too few complaints to score.
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Put this chart on your site, blog or forum. Free, with the credit line built in; the 2020 bar is highlighted.
<iframe src="https://lemonindex.com/embed/cars/lexus-is/?y=2020" title="Lexus IS reliability by model year (The Lemon Index)" width="100%" height="445" style="border:0;max-width:720px" loading="lazy"></iframe><p style="font-size:13px;margin:4px 0 0">Data: <a href="https://lemonindex.com/cars/lexus-is/2020/">Lemon Index</a> (2020 Lexus IS reliability)</p>Quick answers
Is the 2020 Lexus IS reliable?
We can't score it: only 13,600 were sold in the U.S. in 2020 (calendar-year sales), under the 20,000 we need for a fair per-car score. Owners filed 3 complaints with NHTSA in its first 3 years.
What are the most common 2020 Lexus IS problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are airbags (33%), wheels (33%) and suspension (33%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2020 Lexus IS have?
None: NHTSA has no safety recalls on record for it.
What gas mileage does the 2020 Lexus IS get?
21 to 24 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2020 Lexus IS safe?
NHTSA gave it 5 out of 5 stars overall in its best tested version. Ratings differ by body style, and the full table is on the advanced page.
Does the 2020 Lexus IS have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues make up 33% of its owner complaints.
How much does the 2020 Lexus IS cost in fuel a year?
About $3,150 to $3,600 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2020 Lexus IS have?
2.0L 4-cyl, 3.5L 6-cyl.
What Lexus IS year is better than the 2020?
Nearby, the 2022 drew fewer owner complaints per car sold (about a fifth as many complaints as the average car). Across every year, 2012 drew the fewest.
The Lemon Index counts owner complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model years (100 = average, lower is better). It measures complaints, not crash safety. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works