Used Car Checklists

2019 Lexus IS: What to check before buying

Owners have filed 8 complaints with NHTSA about this car, most about the wheels and tires. The 7 checks below target those problems, in the order you would do them at the car.

Lexus IS2019
Owner complaints
8
Recalls
2
Crashes reported
1
3 injuries
Reliability
Good
79/100 on Auto Reliability Index

Run the VIN before you go

A history report shows accidents, title brands, odometer readings, and open recalls for this 2019 Lexus IS. Ask the seller for the VIN; it is also on the dash at the base of the windshield.

Your inspection sheet

Tick items off on your phone at the car, or print it. Ticks stay on this device.

These checks are specific to this model year. For tires, body panels, fluids, and the other basics every used car needs, use the general inspection guide.

Reported on other IS years with the same design

These years share the 2019's design and most of its parts, so their problems are the ones to look for on this car too.

2018 IS

6 owner complaints
  • Body and structure 2

Worth adding to your 2019 checks

  • Inspect the sunroof glass closely in good light for chips, cracks, or star-shaped damage.
  • Ask whether the sunroof glass has ever been replaced and request the repair paperwork.
  • Open and close the sunroof and interior sunshade fully to confirm both move freely and seal properly.
Open the 2018 checklist

2022 IS

13 owner complaints

Worth adding to your 2019 checks

  • Inspect suspension bushings for softness and premature wear.
  • Test for engine stalling during operation and check fuel pump functionality.
  • Examine bumper for separation issues, especially on driver side.
Open the 2022 checklist

2023 IS

9 owner complaints

Worth adding to your 2019 checks

  • Test transmission for slow downshifting response.
  • Inspect front bumper for cracks near passenger-side headlight.
  • Check moon roof for signs of stress or damage.
Open the 2023 checklist

Which IS is it?

EPA figures for each version of the 2019 Lexus IS. Use them to confirm you are looking at the version that was advertised, and as a yardstick on the test drive.

VersionDriveEPA rating
2.0L 4-cylRWD24 mpg
3.5L 6-cylAWD, RWD21–23 mpg
  • The 2019 Lexus IS was sold in two versions. Confirm which one this is from the window sticker, the engine cover, or the VIN report before you compare prices.
  • Reset the trip computer at the start of the drive. A IS that averages well under the EPA 21 mpg combined on a mixed route may have an engine or tire problem.

Why these checks: what owners reported

NHTSA complaints for the 2019 Lexus IS, grouped by the part owners named. Open a row to read what goes wrong.

  • Wheels and tires21 crash

    A tire separates from its rim or comes off the car. Both filings describe this. In the more serious case, it happens at highway speed on a car with about 2,000 miles. The car drops onto the pavement, gives off smoke, and swerves off the road. That report lists a crash, possible fire, and 2 injuries. The other case starts with a low tire pressure warning at low speed and an odd noise. The rear tire turns out to be off the rim, with the sidewall still attached to the wheel. One report names Bridgestone Turanza EL400 tires.

How the 2019 compares with other IS years

Complaints for this year next to the average for the other model years, area by area.

The 2019 ranks third for owner complaints among 8 IS years, about 1.6 times the average of the others. Newer years have had less time to collect complaints, so compare like with like.

2019 Average of other years
  • Wheels and tires20

Where the 2019 fits in the IS's history

Redesigns and mid-cycle updates change what can go wrong.

The 2019 is the sixth model year of the IS's third generation (2014–2023).

Lexus updated the IS for 2020, so a 2019 does not have those changes.

What changed for 2020 (not on a 2019)

  • Restyled headlamps and full-width taillamps
  • Updated dashboard and center console
  • Revised suspension for improved performance
  • Introduced new tech features including Android Auto and Apple CarPlay

Recalls to confirm (2)

Recall repairs are free at any Lexus dealer, but the seller may never have had them done. Check each campaign number against the VIN.

  1. 20V682000Fuel systemNov 2020

    Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2018-2019 4Runner, 2019-2020 Avalon, 2019 Corolla Hatchback, 2017-2019 Highlander, 2018-2020 Camry, 2020 Corolla, 2018-2019 Land Cruiser, 2017-2020 Tacoma, 2019-2020 RAV4, 2019-2020 Sequoia, 2017-2020 Sienna, 2019-2020 Tundra, 2018-2020 Lexus ES350, 2017 Lexus GS200t, 2017-2019 Lexus GS350, 2019 Lexus GS300, 2018-2020 Lexus LC500h, 2019-2020 Lexus LS500, 2018-2019 Lexus GX460, 2017 Lexus IS200t, 2019 Lexus IS300, 2019 Lexus IS350, 2018-2020 Lexus LC500, 2018 Lexus LS500, 2019 Lexus LS500h, 2018-2019 Lexus LX570, 2017 Lexus RC200t, 2019 Lexus RC300, RC350, 2017 and 2019-2020 Lexus RX350, 2018-2020 RX350L, 2019 Lexus UX200, 2018-2019 Lexus NX300 vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.

    Risk: If the fuel pump fails, the engine can stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.

    Fix: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump assembly with an improved one, free of charge. Owners of specific models were notified that remedy parts were available starting January 21, 2021. Owners of other models will be notified as remedy parts become available. Remedy parts should be available for all affected vehicles by late March 2021. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371 or Lexus customer service at 1-800-255-3987. Note: This recall is an expansion of recall 20V-012. Toyota's number for this recall is 20TA02. Lexus' number for this recall is 20LA01.

  2. 20V012000Fuel systemJan 2020

    Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) recalled certain 2018-2019 4Runner, Highlander, Camry, Land Cruiser, Sequoia, Sienna, Tacoma and Tundra, and Lexus RC 300, RC 350, GS 350, GX 460, IS 300, LC 500, LS 500, LX 570, RX 350L, and 2019 Toyota Avalon and Corolla, and certain Lexus NX 300, and ES 350 vehicles on January 13, 2020. On March 4, 2020, Toyota expanded the recall to include certain 2014-2015 Toyota 4Runner and Land Cruiser, 2018 Avalon, Corolla, 2014 FJ Cruiser, 2017 Sienna and Lexus 2018 ES 350, 2018-2019 GS 300, 2013-2014 GS350, 2014-2015 GX 460, IS 350 and LX 570, 2014 IS F, 2018-2019 IS 350, LC 500H and LS 500H, 2013-2015 LS 460, 2015 NX 200T and RC350, 2017 RC 200T and RX 350. Toyota also removed the 2018-2019 Toyota 4Runner and Land Cruiser and 2018-2019 Lexus GX 460 and LX 570 and 2019 NX300 from inclusion in this recall. On March 19, 2020, Toyota expanded the recall to include 2015 Lexus GS350 vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.

    Risk: If the fuel pump fails, the engine can stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.

    Fix: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump, free of charge. The recall began May 4, 2020. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371 or Lexus customer service at 1-800-255-3987. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 20TB02 and 20TA02 for Toyota vehicles and 20LB01 and 20LA01 for Lexus vehicles.

Also looking at these instead of a IS?

Cars shoppers compare with the Lexus IS, with their own 2019 checklists.