2013 Lexus IS recalls & problems
The 2013 Lexus IS has no safety recalls on file with NHTSA, and 9 owner complaints. The most-reported problem area is engine (3 complaints).
Safety recalls
No safety recalls have been filed for the 2013 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 350/IS 350C
| City / highway | 19 / 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* |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 3 | — |
| Visibility/wiper | 3 | — |
| Visibility Windshield | 2 | — |
| Air bags | 1 | — |
| Seats | 1 | — |
| Structure Body | 1 | — |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 1 | — |
| Unknown or other | 1 | — |
*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.
Recent owner complaints
- Jul 15, 2026Engine
2013 Lexus IS 350C with approximately 56,000 miles experienced engine smoking on startup. The vehicle has been regularly maintained according to the manufacturer's recommended service schedule. The Lexus dealership diagnosed oil entering the combustion chamber and documented that the cylinder walls are scratched, allowing oil to pass the oil-control piston rings. Based on the internal engine damage, the Lexus dealer has recommended complete engine replacement. I am concerned that this type of significant internal engine damage at only approximately 56,000 miles could result in progressive oil consumption, loss of engine performance and potentially engine failure while the vehicle is being… - Mar 8, 2024Visibility › Windshield
See attached document for complaint. - Aug 21, 2024 · crashVisibility/wiper
This model was affected by the originally cosmetic, but well documented "sticky dash" recall. I am an automotive enthusiast who has worked within the industry for over 12 years, including notifying customers of NHTSA recalls and assisting with scheduling recalls to be performed. The dashboard can be severely melted to the point of becoming a mirror finish, I was driving at night in the headlights from an opposing truck reflected off the shiny surface of the dashboard having been melted by sunlight. I have great vision and was wearing prescription lenses, the incident nearly caused an oncoming collision. I slid into a ditch briefly and did not sustain damage to my vehicle. - Dec 14, 2023Visibility/wiper
The dashboard is melting - it is sticky and shiny. The glare it causes on the windshield is horrific. I have a very difficult time seeing when the sun is out. An independent service center has inspected and confirmed it is caused by the melting dashboard. I first noticed it a few months ago. I travel to Nashville often, which is a 3.5 hour drive, and the sight obstruction at interstate driving speeds and traffic is challenging to say the least. I am afraid to drive my car with my granddaughter in with me because it is truly dangerous. - Apr 3, 2023Unknown or other
I am writing to bring to your attention the grave matter of odometer rollback fraud, consumer law violations, and a series of fraudulent activities that have occurred in connection with my recent vehicle purchase. I am seeking a settlement of $60,000 to rectify the significant damages and hardships I have endured as a result of these unethical practices. The issues at hand stem from the fraudulent rollback of the odometer by 100,000 miles on the vehicle I purchased from a moving rides dealership. This deception has not only violated various consumer protection laws and Department of Motor Vehicle regulations but has also endangered my safety and well-being by knowingly selling me a vehicle… - Mar 1, 2020 · 75,137 milesEngine
VALLEY PLATE LEAK DUE TO THE FACT THAT TOYOTA/LEXUS UTILIZED THE IMPROPER SEALANT AND USED THE IMPROPER AMOUNT, LEADING TO THE HEAT EXCHANGER LEAKING COOLANT ONCE THE ORIGINAL, INADEQUATE SEALANT BEGINS TO DISENTEGRATE. THIS COULD CAUSE A CONDITION WHERE THE ENGINE COULD FAIL AND SOMEONE COULD GET HURT. FURTHERMORE, ALL ISFS WILL EVENTUALLY HAVE A CRACKED RH MANIFOLD ON THE #8 RUNNER. THIS CAN CAUSE A FIRE HAZARD IN ADDITION TO CARBON MONOXIDE POISONING. - Mar 13, 2020 · 64,189 milesEngine
EXHAUST HEADER LEAK, AUDIBLE TICKING SOUND ONCE WARMED UP IN DRIVE - Jan 3, 2020 · 55,000 milesFuel/propulsion system
THE FUEL PUMP FAILED WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY, CAUSING THE MOTOR TO STALL AND DIE. WAS UNABLE TO RESTART THE MOTOR AND WAS TOWED FROM THE HIGHWAY TO A DEALER WHERE THE FUEL PUMP WAS REPLACED.
Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.