2014 Lexus IS Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2014 Lexus IS, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Engine325.0%
- Electrical325.0%
- Fuel system216.7%
- Visibility18.3%
- Airbags18.3%
- Interior & seats18.3%
- Body & structure18.3%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
Timing chain cover leak in a 2014 Lexus IS350 is a relatively common issue for vehicles 3.5 liter engine 2GR-FSE. The leak typically occurs due to a failing gasket or sealant on the timing chain cover. Here's what you need to know: Symptoms of a Timing Chain Cover Leak 1. Oil Leaks: Visible oil on the engine or under the car in which can cause a fire in engine compartment 2. Burning Oil Smell: Oil dripping onto hot components may cause a noticeable odor. 3. Low Oil Levels: Frequent topping up of engine oil.
I took my car to my mechanic for an oil change, and they noticed an oil leak at the timing chain cover, which could pose a safety risk, including a potential engine fire. They informed me this is a known issue on Toyota and Lexus vehicles with the 3.5-liter V6 engine. To confirm, I brought the car to a Lexus dealership, and they verified the same problem.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
See attached document for complaint.
Vehicles manufactured by Lexus/Toyota from 2014 onward have been reported to experience rainwater intrusion into the trunk area, attributed to a faulty tail light nut composed of plastic with a rubber gasket. Lexus/Toyota is fully aware of this issue, which can lead to water damaging electrical components or result in trunk flooding if the problem goes unnoticed.” Causing expensive damage to audio system.as it did with mine.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
Fuel pump not reading correct amount of fuel in tank. In order to get correct fuel reading have to disconnect battery for 3 hours and reconnect battery in so I can get an accurate reading.
Several time since owning my 2014 LexusIS350 with 141,000 miles on it, it have given inaccurate fuel reading. By almost 100 miles short. Had to disconnect the battery for the ECU to clear so a more accurate reading on fuel can be displayed.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
I've owned my 2014 Lexus IS 250 for over 10 years. I've almost always kept my car covered in a garage at work and at home, and I've never had a problem with the dashboard until now. Just last month (October 2025), my dashboard started melting and getting extremely shiny and sticky during the day - so much so that I can't see out my front windshield because of the glare from the shiny dashboard, making it very dangerous to drive. After my car is out of the sun for a while (like my garage), the dashboard eventually cools down and is no longer shiny or sticky. It has a cloudy, smudged look. However, once I start driving again during the day, the sticky, melting, and shiny dashboard returns. I've tried calling Lexus Corporate to assist with this serious safety issue, but they refuse to help, claiming my car wasn't part of the sticky, melting dashboard campaign. I am extremely disappointed with Lexus Corporate, as my family and I have been very loyal Toyota / Lexus customers for over 35 years. I've taken my car to my local Lexus dealer for inspection, who has confirmed the issue and provided me a quote to replace the dashboard for over $2,400. I hope Lexus Corporate would reconsider and do the right thing by replacing my faulty, dangerous dashboard.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
I was in a collision accident where the front of my vehicle was impacted. The airbag did not deploy.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
Opened hood latch and the mechanism seizes and won’t relatch or close completely causing hood open warning light and chime during driving. Not able to drive on highway for fear of high speed could cause safety risk if hood unlatches. Had to return to dealer to repair at cost
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
I've owned my 2014 Lexus IS 250 for over 10 years. I've almost always kept my car covered in a garage at work and at home, and I've never had a problem with the dashboard until now. Just last month (October 2025), my dashboard started melting and getting extremely shiny and sticky during the day - so much so that I can't see out my front windshield because of the glare from the shiny dashboard, making it very dangerous to drive. After my car is out of the sun for a while (like my garage), the dashboard eventually cools down and is no longer shiny or sticky. It has a cloudy, smudged look. However, once I start driving again during the day, the sticky, melting, and shiny dashboard returns. I've tried calling Lexus Corporate to assist with this serious safety issue, but they refuse to help, claiming my car wasn't part of the sticky, melting dashboard campaign. I am extremely disappointed with Lexus Corporate, as my family and I have been very loyal Toyota / Lexus customers for over 35 years. I've taken my car to my local Lexus dealer for inspection, who has confirmed the issue and provided me a quote to replace the dashboard for over $2,400. I hope Lexus Corporate would reconsider and do the right thing by replacing my faulty, dangerous dashboard.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .