2016 Lexus IS: Reliability, Recalls, Known Issues & Cost to Own
Data last updated 2026-07-04 · sources listed throughout · based on public NHTSA data
The turbocharged IS 200t joins the lineup; complaint volume is extremely low and reliability is excellent. Premium build, engaging RWD handling, strong safety scores and low ownership costs make this one of the standout used third-gen years. 2 known issue patterns are documented below, with frequency and the mileage windows where they typically appear. New, the 2016 Lexus IS listed at $37,325 base MSRP (200t trim, before options and destination).
This listing
Context from the listing you were viewing, not a market-price judgement.
The turbocharged IS 200t joins the lineup; complaint volume is extremely low and reliability is excellent. Premium build, engaging RWD handling, strong safety scores and low ownership costs make this one of the standout used third-gen years.
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
-
Low-pressure Denso fuel pump can fail, causing hard starts, rough idle, stalling or no-start; covered by a fuel-pump recall on affected builds. The most-reported issue of the early third generation.
occasional · 8 NHTSA complaints · fuel
-
Otherwise very few complaints; isolated reports include dual-zone HVAC blowing hot on one side and, on some 2015 IS 350s, premature rear wheel-bearing wear.
isolated · 5 NHTSA complaints · electrical
Based on public NHTSA complaint data and AI synthesis: patterns, not guarantees.
Sources (2)
- 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&mode…
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.
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
| Trim | Original base MSRP | New today | Engine | MPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 200t | $37,325 | discontinued | — | — |
Prices are base MSRP for each trim's standard configuration. Options, packages, and destination charges added to what original buyers actually paid.
Sources (1)
- iseecars.comhttps://www.iseecars.com/car/2016-lexus-is_200t-price
Depreciation
Move your cursor along the line to see the estimated value for any year.
This listing sits above the typical depreciation curve. Common for heavily-optioned cars and for 2021-2023 model years (pandemic-era pricing); the curve is anchored at base MSRP, which excludes options.
Curve anchored at base MSRP, before options and destination charges.
The curve's data ends 10 years in, so the line levels off after that. Treat the tail as a floor, not a forecast: asking prices for older cars depend mostly on condition, mileage, and the current market, and often sit well above it.
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)
- repairpal.comhttps://repairpal.com/reliability/lexus/is250
- fueleconomy.govhttps://www.fueleconomy.gov/ws/rest/vehicle/35343
Frequently asked questions
What problems does the 2016 Lexus IS have?
Documented issue patterns include: Low-pressure Denso fuel pump can fail, causing hard starts, rough idle, stalling or no-start; covered by a fuel-pump recall on affected builds. The most-reported issue of the early third generation; Otherwise very few complaints; isolated reports include dual-zone HVAC blowing hot on one side and, on some 2015 IS 350s, premature rear wheel-bearing wear. Frequency is based on public NHTSA complaint data: patterns, not guarantees.
Is the 2016 Lexus IS reliable?
The turbocharged IS 200t joins the lineup; complaint volume is extremely low and reliability is excellent. Premium build, engaging RWD handling, strong safety scores and low ownership costs make this one of the standout used third-gen years.
How much did the 2016 Lexus IS cost new?
$37,325 base MSRP for the 200t, before options and destination charges.
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.