2023 Lexus IS: Reliability, Recalls, Known Issues & Cost to Own

Data last updated 2026-07-04 · sources listed throughout · based on public NHTSA data

Third-gen IS (including the V8 IS 500) with outstanding reliability and minimal complaints. Engaging rear-wheel-drive handling, a premium cabin and excellent resale, plus low repair costs for the class, among the best used luxury sport sedans. 1 known issue pattern is documented below, with frequency and the mileage windows where they typically appear. New, the 2023 Lexus IS ranged from $40,085 to $62,770 depending on trim (base MSRP, before options and destination).

8/10
Strong track record

Third-gen IS (including the V8 IS 500) with outstanding reliability and minimal complaints. Engaging rear-wheel-drive handling, a premium cabin and excellent resale, plus low repair costs for the class, among the best used luxury sport sedans.

Sources (3)
  • rerev.comhttps://rerev.com/articles/lexus-is-250-years-to-avoid/
  • rerev.comhttps://rerev.com/articles/lexus-is-350-years-to-avoid/
  • repairpal.comhttps://repairpal.com/reliability/lexus/is250

Known issues

Based on public NHTSA complaint data and AI synthesis: patterns, not guarantees.

Sources (3)
  • api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=lexus&model=is&mode…
  • api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=lexus&model=IS%2035…
  • api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=lexus&model=IS%2050…

Recalls & safety

Recall history hasn't been loaded for this model year yet.

Whether a recall is still open on a specific car depends on its VIN. Check it free at NHTSA's VIN lookup (nhtsa.gov/recalls), or ask the seller for proof the repair was done.

This model year wasn't NCAP crash-tested: a gap, not a bad sign.

Pros & cons

Pros

  • Engaging rear-wheel-drive dynamics and sharp F Sport handling
  • Naturally aspirated 3.5L V6 (and V8 IS 500) avoid downsized-turbo complexity
  • Premium, solidly built, quiet interior with strong crash-test scores
  • Outstanding reliability, among the most dependable luxury sport sedans
  • Excellent resale value and low repair costs for the class

Cons

  • Premium fuel recommended
  • Turbo IS 200t/300 four-cylinder is merely adequate; firm F Sport ride
  • Tight rear seat and small trunk versus rivals
  • Aging infotainment with a fiddly Remote Touch trackpad on pre-2021 cars

Trims & original pricing

TrimOriginal base MSRPNew todayEngineMPG
300 $40,085 $40,535 — —
350 F Sport Design $43,160 $45,500 — —
350 F Sport $44,410 $47,950 — —
500 F Sport Performance $58,270 $59,520 — —
500 F Sport Performance Premium $62,770 $64,020 — —

Prices are base MSRP for each trim's standard configuration. Options, packages, and destination charges added to what original buyers actually paid.

2021-2023 cars held unusually high used values due to pandemic-era supply shortages, so comparisons to original MSRP read differently for these years.

Sources (4)
  • iseecars.comhttps://www.iseecars.com/car/2023-lexus-is_300-price
  • iseecars.comhttps://www.iseecars.com/car/lexus-is-300-price
  • iseecars.comhttps://www.iseecars.com/car/2023-lexus-is_350-price
  • iseecars.comhttps://www.iseecars.com/car/2023-lexus-is_500-price

Depreciation

$11k $22k $33k $44k 202320252027202920312033
2023 entry trim from new same model bought new today

Move your cursor along the line to see the estimated value for any year.

Curve anchored at the entry-trim base MSRP ($40,085). Higher trims started higher (up to $62,770), and options added more.

Curve outlook: a typical 2023 loses roughly another 32% of its value over the next 3 years. These are estimates from public data, not a market-price claim.

2021-2023 cars held unusually high used values due to pandemic-era supply shortages, so comparisons to original MSRP read differently for these years.

Sources (1)
  • iseecars.comhttps://www.iseecars.com/car/lexus-is-300/resale-value

Cost to own

Repairs (rises with mileage)≈ $450–500/yr
Expected lifespan~275k miles

Requires premium fuel

National-average estimates based on public data. Your costs vary by region, driver, and condition.

Sources (2)

Frequently asked questions

What problems does the 2023 Lexus IS have?

Documented issue patterns include: Exceptionally few complaints across these years; the proven 2.0L turbo, 3.5L V6 and V8 powertrains are very reliable. Isolated reports of engine misfire/loss of power and a minor electric-steering notch at highway speed. Frequency is based on public NHTSA complaint data: patterns, not guarantees.

Is the 2023 Lexus IS reliable?

Third-gen IS (including the V8 IS 500) with outstanding reliability and minimal complaints. Engaging rear-wheel-drive handling, a premium cabin and excellent resale, plus low repair costs for the class, among the best used luxury sport sedans.

How much did the 2023 Lexus IS cost new?

Between $40,085 and $62,770 depending on trim. Those are base MSRPs for each trim's standard configuration; options, packages, and destination charges added to what original buyers actually paid. 2021-2023 cars held unusually high used values due to pandemic-era supply shortages, so comparisons to original MSRP read differently for these years.

Is the Lexus IS expensive to maintain?

Estimated repairs run roughly $450–500/year as mileage climbs. Note: it requires premium fuel.

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Estimates are based on public data: patterns, not guarantees. CarVitals is not affiliated with NHTSA, CarMax, AutoTrader, or Cars.com. Issue frequencies come from public NHTSA complaint data, which has no denominator, so they describe reporting patterns, not failure probabilities. Always have a used car inspected before buying. How we build these reports.