2011 Lexus IS recalls & problems
The 2011 Lexus IS has no safety recalls on file with NHTSA, and 15 owner complaints. The most-reported problem area is air bags (7 complaints).
Safety recalls
No safety recalls have been filed for the 2011 Lexus IS.
Recall repairs are free at any authorised dealer. A recall listed here may already have been fixed on a particular car: enter its 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls.
Fuel economy
IS 250/IS 250C
| City / highway | 21 / 29 mpg |
|---|---|
| Fuel | Premium Gasoline |
2.5 L · 6 cyl · Automatic (S6) · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $3,400/year to fuel
IS 250/IS 250C
| City / highway | 19 / 27 mpg |
|---|---|
| Fuel | Premium Gasoline |
2.5 L · 6 cyl · Manual 6-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $3,750/year to fuel
IS 350/IS 350C
| City / highway | 20 / 27 mpg |
|---|---|
| Fuel | Premium Gasoline |
3.5 L · 6 cyl · Automatic (S6) · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $3,750/year to fuel
EPA estimates from fueleconomy.gov for each engine and transmission sold. Annual cost is the EPA's estimate for 15,000 miles a year at its current fuel and electricity price assumptions. Your results will vary.
What owners report
| Problem area | Complaints | Typical mileage* |
|---|---|---|
| Air bags | 7 | — |
| Visibility/wiper | 4 | — |
| Structure Body | 3 | — |
| Engine | 2 | — |
| Unknown or other | 2 | — |
| Seats | 1 | — |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 1 | — |
| Power train | 1 | — |
| Steering | 1 | — |
*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.
Recent owner complaints
- Dec 31, 1969Visibility/wiper
The dash has started melting after being in hot weather. Despite ceramic window tint which reduces heat (and likely slowed the melting) the dah continues to melt. This results in significant shining and reduction in visibility. While there was an enhanced warranty program from Lexus in which they would repair the dash, the melting occurred shortly after that expired. They will not take responsibility and fix it as they should, given this is a KNOWN issue with serious safety concerns. - Dec 31, 1969Visibility/wiper
The dashboard of our 2011 Lexus IS has begun to "melt," for lack of better words. We have owned the car since 2011 and it has approximately 162000 miles now. The problem has arisen over the last two years or so and is a known issue for cars of that period. Lexus claims they had an enhanced warranty program for this issue, but we were never contacted and the issue was not an issue then, but clearly this is a known defect in their materials. Replacing the dash on our own would be very costly. The glare resulting from this is terrible. I have reached out to Lexus and they will not take responsibility for the faulty material and I am concerned this is a serious safety issue as visibililty is… - Feb 8, 2024Visibility/wiper
The dashboard on our vehicle has started to "melt." While there was a warranty enhancement program in the past (we did not receive notice), the problem has developed after the window for repair closed. This is a true safety issue now as visibility from the front windshield is hindered due to reflection. The dealer has asked us to contact Lexus and Lexus will not help us anymore, stating this is an out of pocket repair. Given that this is a known defect and a potentially serious safety issue, I urge you to initiate a true recall. - Sep 15, 2022Visibility/wiper
The dashboard is defective in that it melts when exposed to heat and becomes sticky. Although initially it started off as a cosmetic issue, the melting of the dashboard causes it to be very glossy to the point where it reflects onto the front windshield and creates a blind spot on the front windshield when driving. This poses an immediate safety hazard when driving as it's sometimes difficult to see objects that are right in front of the car while driving. The defective dashboard has been confirmed by the dealer and manufacturer. Although the manufacturer issued a customer support program to replace the dashboard, it was not a mandatory recall and the support program has since expired.… - Jan 30, 2019Engine
Valley Plate Leak. The Valley Plate Leaks are notorious on this vehicle. There have been several forums about it. - May 15, 2021Air bags
TAKATA AIRBAG HAS BEEN RECALLED FOR THIS MODEL. ATTEMPTS HAVE BEEN MADE TO CONTACT VIA INSTRUCTIONS ON RECALL LETTER FROM MANUFACTURER. WAS INFORMED SOMEONE WOULD BE OUT TO REPAIR IT AND NO ONE SHOWED UP. - Sep 1, 2020 · 77,000 milesSteering
FIRST STARTED WITH STEERING GETTING STUCK A BIT WHILE CHANGING LANES NOW THE ELECTRIC RACK AND PINION MAKES NOISE STEERING LEFT AND RIGHT WHILE PARKING IN AND OUT ALSO WHILE DRIVING. - Jan 24, 2020 · 115,000 milesEngine
FUEL IS NOT DELIVERED TO FIRING CHAMBER DUE TO FAILURE OF FUEL PRESSURE SENSOR. THIS WILL CAUSE ENGINE TO SHUT OFF WHEN ON THE ROAD. NO OBD-II CODE IS PRESENT SINCE THE FAILURE OF THE FUEL PRESSURE SENSOR WILL PUT THE CAR IN PROTECTED MODE, NO CODE CAN BE READ. WHEN ENGINE IS SHUT OFF, IT WILL HAVE NO POWER TO STEERING OR BRAKE SYSTEM, PUT DRIVER IN A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION. I WAS LUCKY ENOUGH TO FIND OUT AFTER ARRIVING HOME. THE PROBLEM APPEARED THE NEXT MORNING.
Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.