RoadVitals

2026 Lexus IS

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
2
+1 complaint in 30 days
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
0
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
0
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
0

Overview

Our database contains 2 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2026 Lexus IS, most frequently naming the driver assistance and electrical categories. 22 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.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

  • Driver assistance150.0%
  • Electrical150.0%

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

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.

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

Electrical
Filed Oct 28, 2026

This sounds like the "What happened?" box on the NHTSA complaint form. If so, copy and paste this: --- The vehicle repeatedly fails to start after being parked for several days. When it fails, it either clicks with no crank or has no electrical power at all. August 22, 2026 (about 792 miles): The vehicle needed a jump start. The dealer found the 12-volt battery failed a load test and replaced it under warranty. The vehicle was at the dealer August 22–23. October 10, 2026: The vehicle would not turn on and had no power inside. It was at the dealer October 10–16. The problem was not fixed. October 21, 2026: The vehicle went back in for the same problem at a second Lexus dealer, and it is still there as of October 29. The problem continued after the battery was replaced. In total the vehicle has been out of service at least 15 days within its first six months. The dealer suggested driving the car more often, which works around the problem but doesn't fix it. A new vehicle should start after sitting a few days. Other owners of the 2026 IS 350 report the same no-start problem and being given the same advice. I have opened a case with Lexus (Case #261014000097) and sent written notice to the manufacturer.

NHTSA ID
11774314
Incident
Oct 10, 2026
Driver assistance
Filed Sep 14, 2026

The digital tachometer lags and delays engine RPM feedback, which makes it difficult to safely monitor vehicle performance while accelerating.

NHTSA ID
11763976
Incident
Sep 1, 2026

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

L-SB-0035-26

Flash reprogramming allows the Electronic Control Unit (ECU) software to be updated without replacing the ECU. Flash calibration updates for specific vehicle models/ECUs are released as field-fix procedures described in individual Service Bulletins. This bulletin details the Global Techstream+ (GTS+) ECU flash reprogramming procedures and outlines the use of the Technical Information System (TIS) and the Calibration Update Wizard+ (CUW+). To ensure the correct ECU software is installed, ECUs will require a Security Signature before the ECU initializes the flash reprogramming sequence.

L-SB-0033-26

A new head unit software update (version 2300) is available via OTA or USB for 2022 – 2026 model year LX 600, NX 250, NX 350, and NX 350h; 2023 model year LS 500; 2023 – 2024 model year UX 250h; 2023 – 2025 model year ES 250, ES 300h, ES 350, LS 500h, RZ 300e, and RZ 450e; 2023 – 2026 model year RX 350, RX 350h, and RX 500h; 2024 – 2026 model year GX 550, LC 500, LC 500c, LC 500h, LS 500, RX 450h+, TX 350, TX 500h, and TX 550h+; 2025 model year UX 300h; 2025 – 2026 model year LX 700h; 2026 model year IS 350, RZ 350e, RZ 450e, and RZ 550e vehicles equipped with Lexus Multimedia versions older than 2300. This Software Update includes the following improvements: •User Interface •Cloud Navigation •Bug fixes Vehicle operators can perform this update directly by accepting the on-screen notification advising that the software update is available, or by locating the software update from the Settings menu and initiating the available update. The release message below will be displayed to the customer: “This software update includes improvements for User Interface, Cloud Navigation, and Bug fixes.” If it is necessary to perform the software update for a customer, follow the software update procedures in this bulletin. This is a phased rollout, which means that as time progresses, more vehicles will receive the update notification and ability to update the head unit. This timing will vary by location and may not display for every vehicle in one location at the same day/time.

L-SB-0009-25 Rev2

OBSOLETE NOTICE Month ##, 2026: This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see L-SB-0018-26

L-SB-0017-26

A battery in a stored vehicle is subject to conditions that can reduce its performance and service life. These conditions include storage period, temperature, parasitic drain, and battery load. Because of these factors, battery inspection and maintenance are required in order to ensure proper operation and optimal battery life.

L-SB-0018-26

During the manufacturing process, tires are mounted on the vehicle as matched sets to help reduce conditions such as pulling or drifting. If the wheels are replaced or refinished before vehicle delivery, it is important that the tires remain on the vehicle in the same location and in the same direction of rotation.

L-SB-0019-25 Rev2

OBSOLETE NOTICE June 18, 2026: This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see L-SB-0017-26.

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.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

Lexus IS by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2027000—
2026Viewing200—
2025100—
2024100—
2023500—
2022410—
2021200—
2020700—
2019200—
2018300—
2017110042.7
2016200—
2015900—
2014120049.1
2013900—
2012180052.5
2011150042.6
2010411057.1
2009402052.6
20081023045.8
20071223049.2
20061437052.8
2005121042.2
2004101042.8
2003121049.9
2002121037.7
2001110—
2000010—
1999110—
1998010—

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.