Model year

2020 Lexus IS

Sedan, gasoline, 4x2, built in Japan. Owner complaints on file from Nov 2, 2024 to Sep 11, 2026.

Recall campaigns covering this model year0No recall campaign lists this model year
Owner complaints6Below the median 2020 sedan
Severity index0.02020 sedans average 8.1
First 24 months0Complaints in its first two years
Complaints over time

Complaints about the 2020 Lexus IS peaked in 2024, with 1 filed

Owner complaints about this model year, by the year they were filed with NHTSA.

02462024202520265
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file. The lighter column runs through October.
Components

33% of complaints about the 2020 Lexus IS name engine and cooling

Owner complaints by component. Hover or focus a bar for the crash, fire, injury or death count.

Engine and cooling
2
Fuel system
2
Powertrain
1
Steering
1
Suspension
1
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file. A complaint can name more than one component; it is counted under the first.
Recalls

No recall campaign lists the 2020 Lexus IS

Check a specific vehicle by VIN on NHTSA's site: a campaign may cover only part of a model year's production.

Source: NHTSA ODI recalls file.
Owner complaints

What owners reported about the 2020 Lexus IS

The full text of every complaint filed with NHTSA about this model year, newest first. Complaints are filed by owners and are not verified by NHTSA; NHTSA removes personal details before publishing.

6 complaints on file, page 1 of 1.

  1. Filed Sep 11, 2026Failure Sep 11, 2026San Gabriel, CAUnknown or other

    While I was driving, my sunroof on the top exploded. There was no rock impact, no external or internal impact. I called Lexus and they told me it’s not covered. The Lexus representative said to submit a claim with triple A cus it’ll be at least 5k to take out everything and replace it. They won’t fix it themselves.

    NHTSA complaint 11763634
  2. Filed Sep 11, 2026Failure Sep 11, 2026San Gabriel, CAUnknown or other

    Sunroof exploded outwards while driving on the freeway. Temperature about 56degrees F, humidity 92% pressure 29.94. Unsafe, glass exploding, sharp glass

    NHTSA complaint 11763596
  3. Filed Apr 28, 2026Failure Feb 14, 2026Palm Harbor, FLSteering

    Vehicle steering wheel gets slightly stuck around 70+ mph on highway. Possible issue with the EPS, steering rack, 4 pin point connecter. Lexus isn’t able to diagnose it

    NHTSA complaint 11734386
  4. Filed Apr 18, 2026Failure Apr 15, 2026Waldorf, MDEngine, Fuel/propulsion system, Power train

    I am filing this updated complaint to supplement my prior complaint (NHTSA ID No. XXX, filed January 27, 2026) regarding a recurring, safety-critical engine defect in my 2020 Lexus IS300 RWD, 8AR-FTS engine. DEFECT: Three documented misfire events over seven weeks. The second (12/11/2025) and third (1/17/2026) each involved a temporary stall in active traffic requiring immediate evasive action. All events involved flashing MIL, reduced engine power, shaking, and abrupt deceleration. DIAGNOSIS: Authorized Lexus dealership—following 34-day retention with Lexus Technical Assistance (TAC Case XXX) and personal on-site inspection by a Lexus Field Technical Engineer—confirmed worn intake valve guide on Cylinder 3. Repair estimate: $10,355.61 subtotal per Service Bulletin L-SB-0007-21 ($10,671.72 total incl. shop supplies and tax). Estimate cites L-SB-0007-21 without mileage qualification, confirming technical applicability. TSB PATTERN — NO RECALL: Lexus has issued multiple TSBs on the 8AR-FTS engine: L-SB-0153-17 (September 2017) and L-SB-0007-21 (March 2021, revised April 17 and July 2, 2024), covering 2015-2024 model year vehicles—progressively widening applicability over three years. Both 2024 revisions occurred during the active warranty period. No recall has been issued and this consumer received no notification of any kind. A TSB is an internal dealer communication — not consumer notification. A CPO purchaser relying on Lexus's representations of comprehensive inspection and rigorous certification has a reasonable right to assume known defects were addressed, without searching technical databases. MANUFACTURER RESPONSE: Lexus declined to authorize repair under warranty or as goodwill and declined to confirm authorization in writing. REQUEST: Please investigate whether the pattern of multiple TSBs covering progressively wider applicability—with no recall despite safety-critical symptoms—warrants a formal investigation and escalation to a safety recall. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION A

    NHTSA complaint 11732111
  5. Filed Jan 27, 2026Failure Jan 17, 2026Upper Marlboro, MDEngine, Fuel/propulsion system

    This vehicle has a recurring, safety-critical defect involving intermittent engine misfires, flashing MILs, reduced engine power, sudden loss of acceleration, and noticeable engine shaking. Despite multiple repair attempts and extended diagnostics by a dealership, with manufacturer technical assistance, the defect continues. The defect has repeatedly caused the vehicle to stall and lose propulsion while driving, creating a serious hazard. Documented events include: •FIRST INCIDENT: The MIL flashed and engine power was reduced while driving. The vehicle was taken to the dealership for evaluation and repair. A diagnostic code confirmed a cylinder misfire. •SECOND INCIDENT: Several days after being returned to the owner, the MIL flashed again and engine power was reduced, requiring careful maneuvering. The vehicle was returned to the dealership for further repair and remained in their custody for about a month. •THIRD AND MOST SEVERE INCIDENT: A few days after being returned, the MIL flashed again. The vehicle abruptly slowed, shook, and temporarily stalled in active traffic, requiring immediate intervention to avoid a collision. The engine restarted after pulling over safely. The vehicle has undergone compression testing, coil and spark plug replacement, battery replacement, and extended diagnostics with manufacturer technical support. Despite these efforts, the defect persists, demonstrating it is intermittent and unpredictable. The combination of sudden loss of engine power, stalling, and shaking in traffic creates a foreseeable risk of collision, particularly at intersections and in situations where predictable vehicle response is critical. Videos and diagnostic evidence document these recurring failures.

    NHTSA complaint 11713779
  6. Filed Nov 2, 2024Failure Apr 1, 2024Naples, FLSuspension

    Front Suspension (shock Absorber) uneven wear and bouncy, some vibration on the steering wheel at about 30k miles, on highway exit round about circle, the vehicle swerves left or right. very unsafe. long story short, drop it off at the dealership Lexus of Pembroke Pines FL, they said the issue was my tires and it needed to be replace, I rotated the tires rear tires went to the front and front to the back, no vibration, noise went away while driving, how ever about 10k miles later the uneven wear bouncing and noise came back while driving, Disappointed how the Lexus of Pembroke Pines handle my concern, i took my vehicle to Germain Lexus of Naples FL, I explained the problem with the suspension and they charged me to diagnosed the problem, charged me for an alignment, that adjustments were the same, before and after and told me, I needed new tires and it will cost me $1600 and my the issue will go away, Disappointed with that experience, i took the vehicle to the local shop and i was told that the Shock Absorber was the problem and it will only get worst unless i replace the shocks. Disappointed with how 2 dealerships give excuses not to replace or fix the problem while under warranty but expect the customer to spend money not to fix the problem is ridiculous, and in the end, the vehicle still unsafe while driving. front struts need a recall. Someone will loose control and crash due to the front shocks.

    NHTSA complaint 11623288
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file.
Investigations

NHTSA has not opened an investigation on this model year

Source: NHTSA ODI investigations file.
Service bulletins

25 manufacturer communications cover this model year

Technical service bulletins and other notices the manufacturer sent to dealers. A bulletin is not a recall.

  • L-SB-0030-24 Rev2 Dec 15, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    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…
  • L-SB-0043-23 Rev1 Jun 13, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    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.
  • L-TT-0341-25 Apr 2, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    To assist with the early detection and early resolution of audio related concerns you may be asked to recover MMR data from the head unit. The following steps are instructions on how to retrieve the data from the system and are only to be used when requeste…
  • L-TT-0341-25 Apr 2, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    To assist with the early detection and early resolution of audio related concerns you may be asked to recover MMR data from the head unit. The following steps are instructions on how to retrieve the data from the system and are only to be used when requeste…
  • L-SB-0017-19 Rev1 Feb 7, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    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 stai…
  • L-SB-0017-19 Rev1 Feb 7, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    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 stai…
  • L-SB-0030-24 Rev1 Jul 29, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    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…
  • L-SB-0007-21 Rev2 Jul 2, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Some 2015 – 2017 model year NX 200t, 2016 – 2017 model year GS 200t, IS 200t, and RC 200t, 2018 – 2019 model year GS 300, and 2018 – 2021 model year NX 300, and 2018 – 2024 model year IS 300 and RC 300 vehicles equipped with an 8AR-FTS engine may exhibit a …
  • L-SB-0030-24 Rev1 Jul 29, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    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…
  • L-SB-0007-21 Rev2 Jul 2, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Some 2015 – 2017 model year NX 200t, 2016 – 2017 model year GS 200t, IS 200t, and RC 200t, 2018 – 2019 model year GS 300, and 2018 – 2021 model year NX 300, and 2018 – 2024 model year IS 300 and RC 300 vehicles equipped with an 8AR-FTS engine may exhibit a …
  • L-SB-0030-24 Jun 21, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Some 2005 – 2024 Lexus vehicles that have undergone water intrusion may exhibit a condition in which a musty smell is present. Follow the procedures in this bulletin to remediate the odor and address this condition. The purpose of this Service Bulletin is t…
  • L-SB-0030-24 Jun 21, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Some 2005 – 2024 Lexus vehicles that have undergone water intrusion may exhibit a condition in which a musty smell is present. Follow the procedures in this bulletin to remediate the odor and address this condition. The purpose of this Service Bulletin is t…
  • L-SB-0023-24 Apr 19, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    To prevent brake rotor rust from forming during transportation and storage, wheel film will be used instead of a cardboard type of anti-rust cover. The purpose of the wheel film is to shield the disc brake rotor from weather elements and initial rust before…
  • L-SB-0024-24 Apr 19, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    The condition known as acid rain is caused by airborne chemicals or particles in the atmosphere, which mix with rainwater, nighttime dew, or high humidity to form acidic compounds. If these contaminants settle and remain on a painted vehicle surface, especi…
  • L-SB-0022-24 Apr 19, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Acid rain results from rainwater or other airborne moisture that become acidic due to industrial chemical impurities in the atmosphere. If these acidic compounds settle on an exposed vehicle, especially the horizontal areas such as the hood, roof, and deckl…
  • L-SB-0021-24 Apr 19, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Lexus vehicles are currently protected with RapgardTM protective film designed to protect the horizontal painted surfaces. This material protects from acid rain, environmental fallout, and rail contamination. Follow the Removal Procedure in this bulletin to…
  • L-SB-0020-24 Apr 19, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Vehicles may occasionally be subjected to contamination by airborne iron particles shed from railroad tracks, train wheels, exposure to heavy machinery facilities, grinding, welding, etc. This type of contamination can be identified by the presence of small…
  • L-SB-0023-24 Apr 19, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    To prevent brake rotor rust from forming during transportation and storage, wheel film will be used instead of a cardboard type of anti-rust cover. The purpose of the wheel film is to shield the disc brake rotor from weather elements and initial rust before…
  • L-SB-0024-24 Apr 19, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    The condition known as acid rain is caused by airborne chemicals or particles in the atmosphere, which mix with rainwater, nighttime dew, or high humidity to form acidic compounds. If these contaminants settle and remain on a painted vehicle surface, especi…
  • L-SB-0022-24 Apr 19, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Acid rain results from rainwater or other airborne moisture that become acidic due to industrial chemical impurities in the atmosphere. If these acidic compounds settle on an exposed vehicle, especially the horizontal areas such as the hood, roof, and deckl…
  • L-SB-0021-24 Apr 19, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Lexus vehicles are currently protected with RapgardTM protective film designed to protect the horizontal painted surfaces. This material protects from acid rain, environmental fallout, and rail contamination. Follow the Removal Procedure in this bulletin to…
  • L-SB-0020-24 Apr 19, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Vehicles may occasionally be subjected to contamination by airborne iron particles shed from railroad tracks, train wheels, exposure to heavy machinery facilities, grinding, welding, etc. This type of contamination can be identified by the presence of small…
  • LSB006023 Nov 15, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    TSB: Some 2019 ? 2023 model year ES 350, 2018 ? 2023 model year IS 350, IS 300, RC 350, RC 300, 2016 ? 2022 model year RX 350, and 2016 ? 2020 model year GS 350 vehicles equipped with a 2GR-FKS engine may exhibit a knocking noise from the vacuum pump at idl…
  • LSB004323 Aug 21, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    TSB: The air conditioning dye injection tool kit has been developed to aid in identifying the location of air conditioning refrigerant leaks. Follow the procedures outlined in this service bulletin to aid in locating, inspecting, and repairing refrigerant l…
  • LTT032623 Aug 17, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    TT: A very small percentage of customers experience operational difficulties with some telematics features which they cannot resolve on their own. These resources, in conjunction with the Repair Manual, are for dealership personnel to assist those customers…
Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications files.