Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data
Data refreshed
Our database contains 9 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2015 Lexus IS, most frequently naming the electrical, steering and engine categories. 19 manufacturer communications are on file.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
When owners filed reports about this model year
| Month | Complaints filed | Cumulative |
|---|---|---|
| Apr 2023 | 1 | 1 |
| Jul 2023 | 1 | 2 |
| Sep 2023 | 2 | 4 |
| Oct 2023 | 1 | 5 |
| May 2025 | 1 | 6 |
| Jul 2025 | 2 | 8 |
| Nov 2025 | 1 | 9 |
Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
No recalls in our database for this model year
That does not guarantee a specific vehicle is unaffected — recalls are issued against VINs, and new campaigns are announced regularly. Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov.
Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words
Driver side headlights and high beam have gone dim, reduced to a yellow haze. This creates a hazard by reducing visibility when driving. This increases risk of accidents due to dimly let roadway. I have had the lens professional cleaned and there is no oxidation which may reduce light output. I have checked the headlight alignment and it is good.
My car has had issues where the car will either not start, or the car will stall and turn off while I am driving on the road, causing my car to become a hazard for myself in the car, and other cars who have to avoid it being in the middle of the road. This first happened to me 2 years ago and I took it to a mechanic who could not identify the issue because they could not replicate it while it was in the shop. I then took it to the nearest Lexus dealership and after a few days they identified the problem as a malfunctioning High Pressure Fuel Sensor and replaced that part, which I paid for out of pocket. The issue happened again 2 months later and the Lexus dealership replaced this part again. That was 2 years ago, the warranty on that replacement ended after 1 year, and my car had the same issue again where it literally stopped and turned off while driving on the road with no warning whatsoever. No light or indicator came on until the car engine turned off and then the entire dashboard lit up. My car is currently at another Lexus dealership and they are attempting to identify the issue once again. I see that there was a Fuel Pump recall put out for other Toyota / Lexus vehicles for this exact issue, but my specific Model / VIN are not a part of this list. The descriptions and reasoning for the recall describe my exact situation, I would like to see if there is a way I am able to add my Model / VIN to this list to protect myself and others. I do not feel safe driving my vehicle as it can turn off on me at any moment on the road.
The steering system on my Lexus IS 350 F Sport malfunctioned while driving at high speeds on the highway. Specifically, the steering wheel locked up and would not allow me to turn, which made it extremely difficult and dangerous to control the vehicle. The car is available for inspection upon request. My safety and the safety of others on the highway were seriously endangered. When the steering locked up, I was unable to make necessary lane changes or navigate slight curves. I had to reduce my speed significantly and move into the shoulder lane as safely as possible. If I had needed to avoid an obstacle or make a quick turn, I would not have been able to. At this time, the issue has not yet been reproduced or officially confirmed by a dealer or mechanic, but I plan to bring it in for a diagnostic inspection. The problem occurred unexpectedly and without warning at high speeds, making it difficult to replicate in controlled conditions. I am currently arranging for the vehicle to be inspected by a Lexus-certified service center and will allow access to the vehicle for further investigation by the manufacturer or any other relevant party. There were no warning lights, error messages, or unusual noises prior to the steering failure. My friend owns an ES 250 and had the same issue a few years ago but was able to get it fixed via recall on his vehicle. My problem happened suddenly while driving at high speeds and was not preceded by any noticeable signs.
Lexus had a recall for a faulty servo motor back in 2021. The recall work was performed; however, the same issue is happening again. The airflow on the “head only” setting comes out extremely low and blows air on the feet. This is the second malfunction for this electrical component within a four year period and shows faulty components being placed in vehicles. This can become a very dangerous situation if air or heat is not flowing properly from the vents. It can create situations where driver is not comfortable due to any health conditions or other reasons, and can create a potential accident hazard.
On Friday, September 15, 2023 3:00PM, I had a “horrible” experience with my Lexus this weekend and sudden unintended acceleration. I was sitting at a red light, with my foot on the brake. Without warning the engine began to rev, the tires squealed and the car lurched forward. I through the car into park & turned of the car as quickly as I could react and “thank god” no one was injured and there was no accident. I was in the car with my wife and she reminded me she had a similar experience a month ago. I didn’t know what to think when she told me. Until I experienced it myself I didn’t really understand how dangerous this problem is. She experience this sudden unintended acceleration when the car was in park after she got in the car and started it. I’ve read of this sudden unintended acceleration but never experienced it until this weekend. It was exactly this.. an unintended, unexpected, uncontrolled acceleration of a vehicle, accompanied by an apparent loss of braking effectiveness. This was not driver error. It is some kind of mechanical, software problem, electrical problem, or some combination of these factors. There was no driver error. This is not an issue with the floor mats. I drove the car home into the garage. I took it to the dealership the first available appointment on Monday. I had another incident on Wednesday, August 30, 2023. I was at the gym. My wife went to move my car as my parking time limit in La Jolla had expired. She experience sudden unintended acceleration when the car was in park after she got in the car and started it. The car had high engine revs and the car lurched forward while in park. The Lexus Dealership kept the car for a week. Mileage 67,249 Vehicle Report - [XXX]. Reviewed and analyzed by Lexus Factory. No recommended repairs are needed or required at this time. I opened TAS Case# [XXX] . I contacted Lexus Product Liability Team Case # [XXX] but, no one from corporate will look at the car. What should do? [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION
When driving at high speeds on the highway (75-85mph) after about 20 mins or so, the steering wheel feels like it locks up or gets stuck. The only way to get it back to normal is to jerk the wheel a bit resulting in swerving. This happens almost everytime I travel across the state. The car has passed all inspections at the Lexus Dealer. This past visit to the dealership, the tie rod was found to be corroded, however the technician does not believe that is the issue. We believe it is the steering rack. This car has not been in any major accidents and was having this safety issue prior to a slight fender bender. The issue is a huge safety concern because the steering wheel "stops respondings" and needs to be jerked or swerved to go back to normal.
The paint is cracking and peeling off. Car is in great shape otherwise and has been kept clean and well maintained. Unsure why the paint is coming off.
The contact owns a 2015 Lexus IS250. The contact stated while operating the vehicle, the radio and infotainment center failed to function properly. Additionally, there was a burning odor inside the cabin of the vehicle. Upon inspection, it was discovered that the stereo amplifier located in the trunk was submerged in water. The location of the water intrusion was not determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were not yet notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 88,000.
A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.
STRUCTURE:BODY
Some 2005 – 2026 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.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The air conditioning dye injection tool kit has been developed to aid in identifying the location of air conditioning refrigerant leaks. The procedures outlined in this Service Bulletin aid in locating, inspecting, and repairing refrigerant leaks.
STRUCTURE:BODY
Some 2010 – 2026 model year Lexus vehicles may exhibit paint stains after the removal of Rapgard™. The paint stains may appear to be under the clear coat but are usually under wrinkles in the Rapgard™. The wrinkles may trap water and cause the paint to stain from the trapped moisture, especially on horizontal surfaces such as the hood, roof, and trunk.
STRUCTURE:BODY
Some 2010 – 2026 model year Lexus vehicles may exhibit paint stains after the removal of Rapgard™. The paint stains may appear to be under the clear coat but are usually under wrinkles in the Rapgard™. The wrinkles may trap water and cause the paint to stain from the trapped moisture, especially on horizontal surfaces such as the hood, roof, and trunk.
STRUCTURE:BODY
Some 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.
STRUCTURE:BODY
Some 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.
Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.
Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Investigations | Issue Index |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — |
| 2025 | 1 | 0 | 0 | — |
| 2024 | 1 | 0 | 0 | — |
| 2023 | 4 | 0 | 0 | — |
| 2022 | 4 | 1 | 0 | — |
| 2021 | 2 | 0 | 0 | — |
| 2020 | 4 | 0 | 0 | — |
| 2019 | 2 | 0 | 0 | — |
| 2018 | 3 | 0 | 0 | — |
| 2017 | 9 | 0 | 0 | — |
| 2016 | 2 | 0 | 0 | — |
| 2015Viewing | 9 | 0 | 0 | — |
| 2014 | 12 | 0 | 0 | 49.1 |
| 2013 | 9 | 0 | 0 | — |
| 2012 | 18 | 0 | 0 | 52.5 |
| 2011 | 15 | 0 | 0 | 42.6 |
| 2010 | 39 | 1 | 0 | 59.6 |
| 2009 | 40 | 2 | 0 | 52.6 |
| 2008 | 102 | 3 | 0 | 45.8 |
| 2007 | 122 | 3 | 0 | 50.5 |
| 2006 | 143 | 7 | 0 | 53.9 |
| 2005 | 12 | 1 | 0 | 42.2 |
| 2004 | 10 | 1 | 0 | 42.8 |
| 2003 | 12 | 1 | 0 | 49.9 |
| 2002 | 12 | 1 | 0 | 37.7 |
| 2001 | 1 | 1 | 0 | — |
| 2000 | 0 | 1 | 0 | — |
| 1999 | 1 | 1 | 0 | — |
| 1998 | 0 | 1 | 0 | — |
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. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.