2011 Lexus IS

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Excellent Reliability

Quick Summary

The 2011 Lexus IS has 22 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 0.3x the segment average of 80. The most common issue is air bags problems (32% of all complaints), specifically: lexus notified me in may 2016 of a recall for takata airbags, but has not taken definitive action to replace my airbag so my car is safe to drive..

Total Complaints

Recalls Issued

—/5

Safety Stars

0.3x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems

AIR BAGS

7 complaints

32%

• LEXUS NOTIFIED ME IN MAY 2016 OF A RECALL FOR TAKATA AIRBAGS, BUT HAS NOT TAKEN DEFINITIVE ACTION TO REPLACE MY AIRBAG SO MY CAR IS SAFE TO DRIVE.
• TAKATA RECALL. THIS RECALL IS TAKING TOO LONG AND THERE IS NO RESOLUTION DATE PROPOSED. I AM TRYING TO TRADE-IN OR SELL MY VEHICLE AND RECEIVE OFFERS $4000 OR MORE LESS THEN KBB VALUE. I DON'T WANT TO USE THE VEHICLE ESPECIALLY WITH A FRONT SEAT PASSENGER. THE REAR SEATS ARE NOT CONVENIENT IN TH
• NHTSA RECALL # 16V-340 I WAS INFORMED IN WRITING OVER 6 MONTHS AGO. NOTHING FURTHER HAS HAPPENED SINCE. THE AIR BAGS SHOULD BE REPLACED IMMEDIATELY IF DEFECTIVE! I'M FILING A COMPLAINT THAT LEXUS IS TAKING TOO LONG. BASED ON ATTACHED SCREENSHOT, THEIR EXCUSE IS: "RECALL STATUS: RECALL INCO

Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500

“LEXUS NOTIFIED ME IN MAY 2016 OF A RECALL FOR TAKATA AIRBAGS, BUT HAS NOT TAKEN DEFINITIVE ACTION TO REPLACE MY AIRBAG SO MY CAR IS SAFE TO DRIVE.”

— NHTSA complaint filing

VISIBILITY

4 complaints

18%

• The dashboard is defective in that it melts when exposed to heat and becomes sticky. Although initially it started off as a cosmetic issue, the melting of the dashboard causes it to be very glossy to the point where it reflects onto the front windshield and creates a blind spot on the front windshie
• The dashboard on our vehicle has started to "melt." While there was a warranty enhancement program in the past (we did not receive notice), the problem has developed after the window for repair closed. This is a true safety issue now as visibility from the front windshield is hindered due to refle
• The dashboard of our 2011 Lexus IS has begun to "melt," for lack of better words. We have owned the car since 2011 and it has approximately 162000 miles now. The problem has arisen over the last two years or so and is a known issue for cars of that period. Lexus claims they had an enhanced warran

Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500

“The dashboard is defective in that it melts when exposed to heat and becomes sticky. Although initially it started off as a cosmetic issue, the melting of the dashboard causes it to be very glossy to the point where it reflects onto the front windshield and creates a blind spot on the front windshie”

— NHTSA complaint filing

BODY/STRUCTURE

3 complaints

14%

• THE DOOR PANELS AND DASH BOARD GETS STICKY AND MELT OVER THE YEARS AND THE SEATS STARTS TO TEAR AND BECOME LOOSE
• The dashboard on our vehicle has started to "melt." While there was a warranty enhancement program in the past (we did not receive notice), the problem has developed after the window for repair closed. This is a true safety issue now as visibility from the front windshield is hindered due to refle
• The dashboard of our 2011 Lexus IS has begun to "melt," for lack of better words. We have owned the car since 2011 and it has approximately 162000 miles now. The problem has arisen over the last two years or so and is a known issue for cars of that period. Lexus claims they had an enhanced warran

Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500

“THE DOOR PANELS AND DASH BOARD GETS STICKY AND MELT OVER THE YEARS AND THE SEATS STARTS TO TEAR AND BECOME LOOSE”

— NHTSA complaint filing

ENGINE

2 complaints

• FUEL IS NOT DELIVERED TO FIRING CHAMBER DUE TO FAILURE OF FUEL PRESSURE SENSOR. THIS WILL CAUSE ENGINE TO SHUT OFF WHEN ON THE ROAD. NO OBD-II CODE IS PRESENT SINCE THE FAILURE OF THE FUEL PRESSURE SENSOR WILL PUT THE CAR IN PROTECTED MODE, NO CODE CAN BE READ. WHEN ENGINE IS SHUT OFF, IT WILL HA
• Valley Plate Leak. The Valley Plate Leaks are notorious on this vehicle. There have been several forums about it.

Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500

“FUEL IS NOT DELIVERED TO FIRING CHAMBER DUE TO FAILURE OF FUEL PRESSURE SENSOR. THIS WILL CAUSE ENGINE TO SHUT OFF WHEN ON THE ROAD. NO OBD-II CODE IS PRESENT SINCE THE FAILURE OF THE FUEL PRESSURE SENSOR WILL PUT THE CAR IN PROTECTED MODE, NO CODE CAN BE READ. WHEN ENGINE IS SHUT OFF, IT WILL HA”

— NHTSA complaint filing

OTHER

2 complaints

• The dashboard on our vehicle has started to "melt." While there was a warranty enhancement program in the past (we did not receive notice), the problem has developed after the window for repair closed. This is a true safety issue now as visibility from the front windshield is hindered due to refle
• The dashboard of our 2011 Lexus IS has begun to "melt," for lack of better words. We have owned the car since 2011 and it has approximately 162000 miles now. The problem has arisen over the last two years or so and is a known issue for cars of that period. Lexus claims they had an enhanced warran

Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500

“The dashboard on our vehicle has started to "melt." While there was a warranty enhancement program in the past (we did not receive notice), the problem has developed after the window for repair closed. This is a true safety issue now as visibility from the front windshield is hindered due to refle”

— NHTSA complaint filing

Estimated Repair Costs

AIR BAGS(~50K mi)

$500

VISIBILITY(~50K mi)

$500

BODY/STRUCTURE(~50K mi)

$500

ENGINE(~50K mi)

$500

OTHER(~50K mi)

$500

Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 22 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

☐
AIR BAGS: LEXUS NOTIFIED ME IN MAY 2016 OF A RECALL FOR TAKATA AIRBAGS, BUT HAS NOT TAKEN DEFINITIVE ACTION TO REPLACE MY AIRBAG SO MY CAR IS SAFE TO DRIVE.
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
VISIBILITY: The dashboard is defective in that it melts when exposed to heat and becomes sticky. Although initially it started off as a cosmetic issue, the melting of the dashboard causes it to be very glossy to the point where it reflects onto the front windshield and creates a blind spot on the front windshie
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
BODY/STRUCTURE: THE DOOR PANELS AND DASH BOARD GETS STICKY AND MELT OVER THE YEARS AND THE SEATS STARTS TO TEAR AND BECOME LOOSE
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
ENGINE: FUEL IS NOT DELIVERED TO FIRING CHAMBER DUE TO FAILURE OF FUEL PRESSURE SENSOR. THIS WILL CAUSE ENGINE TO SHUT OFF WHEN ON THE ROAD. NO OBD-II CODE IS PRESENT SINCE THE FAILURE OF THE FUEL PRESSURE SENSOR WILL PUT THE CAR IN PROTECTED MODE, NO CODE CAN BE READ. WHEN ENGINE IS SHUT OFF, IT WILL HA
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)