Used Car Checklists

2022 Lexus IS: What to check before buying

Owners have filed 13 complaints with NHTSA about this car. The 5 checks below target those problems, in the order you would do them at the car.

Lexus IS2022
Owner complaints
13
Recalls
0
Crashes reported
0
Reliability
Excellent
83/100 on Auto Reliability Index

Run the VIN before you go

A history report shows accidents, title brands, odometer readings, and open recalls for this 2022 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.

0/5 checked

1

Walk-around and cabin

Engine off, key in hand0/3

2

Cold start, engine bay, and underside

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

3

Test drive

At least 20 minutes, with some highway0/1

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 2022's design and most of its parts, so their problems are the ones to look for on this car too.

2023 IS

9 owner complaints

Worth adding to your 2022 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

2019 IS

8 owner complaints
  • Wheels and tires 2

Worth adding to your 2022 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

2018 IS

6 owner complaints
  • Body and structure 2

Worth adding to your 2022 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 2022 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-cylRWD25 mpg
3.5L 6-cylAWD, RWD22–23 mpg
5.0L 8-cylRWD20 mpg
  • The 2022 Lexus IS was sold in three 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 20 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.

  • Suspension wear

    8,000–9,000 miles

0 mi25k50k

Where the 2022 fits in the IS's history

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

The 2022 is the ninth model year of the IS's third generation (2014–2023).

It includes the 2020 update.

What changed for 2020

  • 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

Also looking at these instead of a IS?

Cars shoppers compare with the Lexus IS, with their own 2022 checklists.

2022 owner complaints, side by side