2023 Lexus IS Recalls & Complaints

Incident: May 15, 2023 · Filed: August 26, 2026

I am reporting recurring infotainment, display, audio, and related electrical malfunctions with my vehicle that have continued despite multiple visits and repair attempts by an authorized Lexus dealership. The problems began when the vehicle was relatively new and have continued intermittently. While driving, the vehicle's audio system can suddenly cut out completely at different volume levels and without warning. When this occurs, normal audio functions are lost and the system generally does not return to normal operation unless the vehicle/system is restarted. The infotainment/display screen also intermittently shuts off, goes black, and/or repeatedly reboots while the vehicle is being operated. These failures can occur unexpectedly while driving. The display is also used to provide visual information and warnings associated with vehicle safety and driver-assistance systems, including Parking Collision Warning and Rear Cross Traffic Warning. When the screen unexpectedly shuts off, goes black, or reboots, these visual warnings can be interrupted or unavailable on the display during the malfunction. This creates a safety concern because visual information intended to alert the driver to surrounding vehicles or obstacles may not be available when expected. I am reporting the loss/interruption of the visual warnings displayed on the screen; I cannot independently determine whether the underlying sensors themselves continue operating during a screen failure. The sudden loss of the display and repeated rebooting while driving can also create a significant distraction. This is especially concerning at night, when the unexpected change from an illuminated display to a black screen and subsequent reboot can draw the driver's attention away from the road. The vehicle has been brought to an authorized Lexus dealership multiple times for audio and infotainment-related complaints. Multiple speakers have required replacement after becoming inoperative, blown, or distorted.

Incident: September 1, 2025 · Filed: July 31, 2026

I am reporting a severe, unresolved safety hazard involving my 2023 Lexus IS350]. The vehicle is continuously flashing 'Braking System Malfunction,' 'Crash Light,' and 'Engine Light' alerts on the dashboard. This is the second major acceleration and braking system failure since purchasing the vehicle brand new.The authorized dealership, Meade Lexus, has repeatedly failed to properly diagnose or repair this critical braking issue over a 7-month period. On multiple service visits, the dealership documented that they simply 'lubed' the rubber around the gas cap, reset the dashboard warning lights, and returned the vehicle to me without performing actual mechanical repairs to the braking system. The service manager explicitly instructed me that I must drive the vehicle back to the dealership every single week just to have the safety lights turned off manually. Driving a vehicle with an active, un-diagnosed braking and crash-system fault is a major safety liability and makes the vehicle dangerous to operate. The manufacturer and dealer have failed to resolve this safety defect under warranty."

Incident: December 1, 2025 · Filed: February 13, 2026

I am reporting a recurring front bumper cracking and separation issue on my Lexus IS 500. A crack developed at the front bumper seam directly adjacent to the passenger-side headlight assembly. The crack originates at the bumper mounting/retention area near the headlamp and appears to be stress-related rather than impact-related. There is a known Lexus Technical Service Bulletin addressing front bumper sag and improper retention on this model. Multiple other Lexus IS 500 owners have reported similar cracking and separation in the exact same location, including vehicles that have not been modified or involved in collisions. My concern is that: The crack appears at a structural mounting point of the bumper. Continued stress or separation may compromise bumper retention. Progressive separation could create risk of partial bumper detachment at highway speeds. The issue occurs adjacent to the headlight assembly, raising potential concern for lighting alignment or mounting stability if the condition worsens. This does not appear to be isolated cosmetic damage but rather a recurring stress point at the bumper mounting seam. If the bumper retention system is insufficient or prone to stress cracking, this could pose a potential roadway hazard if separation increases while driving. Given that Lexus has issued a Technical Service Bulletin regarding bumper sag/retention on this model, I am requesting that NHTSA review whether the front bumper attachment design presents a broader safety concern.

Incident: February 7, 2024 · Filed: February 8, 2024

The contact owns a 2023 Lexus IS350. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the moon roof suddenly shattered, raining glass into the interior of the vehicle. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was opened. The failure mileage was 11,000.

Incident: March 3, 2023 · Filed: August 17, 2023

During driving an issue arose where the acceleration had to be performed in order to avoid a potential accident. The gas pedal vas depressed but the transmission would not downshift or accelerate. After about a second or more the transmission finally downshifted and the vehicle accelerated. I was able to steer out of trouble and fought the in order to do it. This is a know issue and programmed by Lexus. Who in their right mind does not allow the car to accelerate when the gas pedal is depressed. this issue ue seems to be with IS500 only. the mechanic did acknowledge a slow shift and this is by design. I am afraid to pull into traffic since the car will not go. It will start to go then slow down or back off and then after it downshifts it picks up speed. The time is so slow that I could get hit if the approaching traffic gets to me despite knowing that the distance is sufficient to safely pull into traffic. the car is unpredictable. In my other cars I have no issues like this. I have another Lexus vehicle and it does not do this. Many have reported the slow downshift and Lexus mechanic say it is by design. A downshift of one second or more at 60 miles an hour is 88 feet of travel. The car is not safe to drive because the driver is not in control. If you have to accelerate to avoid an accident or get out of the way you will not be able until the stupid car decides to. I have driven other Lexus models and they do not do this. Only IS500 does this. It is so unnatural that you press the gas pedal half way down and nothing. The car has to accelerate when you need to accelerate. Lexus also sells performance but it is not a performance car. Somebody is going to die due to this issue. I am nervous driving the car and I feel like I am out of control. This is a continuous problem. So far I almost got into 3 accidents due to this issue that could have resulted in a serious accidents.