2020 Lexus IS: What to check before buying

Only 3 owner complaints are on file with NHTSA for this car, so this sheet is short. Problems reported on other IS years with the same design are listed below the checklist.

2020

Owner complaints: 3
Recalls: 0
Crashes reported: 1; 1 injury
Reliability: Excellent; 83/100 on Auto Reliability Index

Your inspection sheet

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

0/4 checked

Paperwork and questions

Before you go, or before you touch the car0/1

01Verify airbag deployment history and inspect for any recalls.

Walk-around and cabin

Engine off, key in hand0/1

02Examine dashboard for scuffs or damage from light contact.

Cold start, engine bay, and underside

Ask the seller not to warm the car up first0/1

03Check tire alignment and wear for uneven patterns.

Test drive

At least 20 minutes, with some highway0/1

04Inspect for vehicle vibration or pulling to one side during a test drive.

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

Few owners have reported problems with this year yet. These years share the 2020's design and most of its parts, so their problems are the ones to look for on this car too.

2019 IS

8 owner complaints

Wheels and tires 2

Worth adding to your 2020 checks

Inspect each tire's bead and sidewall where it meets the rim for gaps, bulges, or damage.
Check whether the car runs Bridgestone Turanza EL400 tires and read the DOT code on each tire.
Make sure the low tire pressure warning light goes off after startup, and check all four pressures with a gauge.

Open the 2019 checklist

2022 IS

13 owner complaints

Worth adding to your 2020 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

2018 IS

6 owner complaints

Body and structure 2

Worth adding to your 2020 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

Which IS is it?

EPA figures for each version of the 2020 Lexus IS. Use them to confirm you are looking at the version that was advertised, and as a yardstick on the test drive.

Version	Drive	EPA rating
2.0L 4-cyl	RWD	24 mpg
3.5L 6-cyl	AWD, RWD	21–23 mpg

The 2020 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.

Check the odometer against these mileages

Owners report these failures starting around the mileages below. A car inside one of these ranges deserves a closer look at that part, or records showing it was already fixed.