2020 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 with excellent reliability and only isolated complaints. Refined, well-built and engaging to drive, with strong safety scores, low repair costs and excellent resale value, one of the safest used luxury-sedan choices. 1 known issue pattern is documented below, with frequency and the mileage windows where they typically appear. New, the 2020 Lexus IS listed at $38,560 base MSRP (300 trim, before options and destination).
This listing
Context from the listing you were viewing, not a market-price judgement.
Third-gen IS with excellent reliability and only isolated complaints. Refined, well-built and engaging to drive, with strong safety scores, low repair costs and excellent resale value, one of the safest used luxury-sedan choices.
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
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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.
isolated · 4 NHTSA complaints · engine
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.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 300 | $38,560 | 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/2020-lexus-is_300-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.
Curve outlook: a typical 2020 loses roughly another 25% of its value over the next 3 years. These are estimates from public data, not a market-price claim.
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 2020 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 2020 Lexus IS reliable?
Third-gen IS with excellent reliability and only isolated complaints. Refined, well-built and engaging to drive, with strong safety scores, low repair costs and excellent resale value, one of the safest used luxury-sedan choices.
How much did the 2020 Lexus IS cost new?
$38,560 base MSRP for the 300, 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.