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Lexus IS 300 — Years to Avoid

Reliability breakdown of every Lexus IS 300 model year. Based on NHTSA owner complaints, federal recalls, and safety investigations.

Model Years
27
Years to Avoid
2018, 2017, 2016
Best Years
2024, 2023, 2000, 1999, 1998
2024Best Year
0 complaints0 recalls4 TSBs
2023Best Year
0 complaints0 recalls14 TSBs
2022
2 complaints0 recalls32 TSBs
2021
2 complaints0 recalls81 TSBs
2020
4 complaints0 recalls63 TSBs
2019
13 complaints2 recalls82 TSBs
2018Avoid
9 complaints1 recalls1 invest.116 TSBs
2017Avoid
2 complaints0 recalls1 invest.126 TSBs
2016Avoid
3 complaints0 recalls1 invest.164 TSBs
2015
0 complaints0 recalls61 TSBs
2014
0 complaints0 recalls40 TSBs
2013
0 complaints0 recalls60 TSBs
2012
0 complaints0 recalls39 TSBs
2011
0 complaints0 recalls39 TSBs
2010
0 complaints0 recalls37 TSBs
2009
0 complaints0 recalls31 TSBs
2008
0 complaints0 recalls31 TSBs
2007
0 complaints0 recalls32 TSBs
2006
1 complaints0 recalls31 TSBs
2005
6 complaints0 recalls51 TSBs
2004
23 complaints0 recalls56 TSBs
2003
25 complaints0 recalls56 TSBs
2002
37 complaints0 recalls62 TSBs
2001
29 complaints1 recalls70 TSBs
2000Best Year
0 complaints0 recalls20 TSBs
1999Best Year
0 complaints0 recalls16 TSBs
1998Best Year
0 complaints0 recalls15 TSBs

How we calculate this

Each year receives a composite risk score based on NHTSA owner complaints, federal recalls, safety investigations, and technical service bulletins. Years scoring more than 2x the model's average are flagged as “years to avoid.” Years in the lowest risk bracket are marked as “best years.” All data is sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

Which Lexus IS 300 Years Should You Avoid?

Based on federal safety data, the 2018, 2017, 2016 Lexus IS 300 are the most problematic years, with significantly higher rates of owner complaints, recalls, and safety investigations compared to other model years.

If you're shopping for a used Lexus IS 300, consider the 2024, 2023, 2000, 1999, 1998 model years — these have the fewest reported issues relative to other years.

27 model years analyzed