2020 Lexus IS recalls & problems

Safety recalls

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.

Crash test ratings

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (New Car Assessment Program). Ratings are comparable only between vehicles of similar size and weight, and ratings from 2011 on use tougher tests than earlier years. Photos: NHTSA.

Fuel economy

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

*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.

Recent owner complaints

• Unknown or other

  While I was driving, my sunroof on the top exploded. There was no rock impact, no external or internal impact. I called Lexus and they told me it’s not covered. The Lexus representative said to submit a claim with triple A cus it’ll be at least 5k to take out everything and replace it. They won’t fix it themselves.

  Sep 11, 2026
• Unknown or other

  Sunroof exploded outwards while driving on the freeway. Temperature about 56degrees F, humidity 92% pressure 29.94. Unsafe, glass exploding, sharp glass

  Sep 11, 2026
• Steering

  Vehicle steering wheel gets slightly stuck around 70+ mph on highway. Possible issue with the EPS, steering rack, 4 pin point connecter. Lexus isn’t able to diagnose it

  Feb 14, 2026
• Engine

  I am filing this updated complaint to supplement my prior complaint (NHTSA ID No. XXX, filed January 27, 2026) regarding a recurring, safety-critical engine defect in my 2020 Lexus IS300 RWD, 8AR-FTS engine. DEFECT: Three documented misfire events over seven weeks. The second (12/11/2025) and third (1/17/2026) each involved a temporary stall in active traffic requiring immediate evasive action. All events involved flashing MIL, reduced engine power, shaking, and abrupt deceleration. DIAGNOSIS: Authorized Lexus dealership—following 34-day retention with Lexus Technical Assistance (TAC Case XXX) and personal on-site inspection by a Lexus Field Technical Engineer—confirmed worn intake…

  Apr 15, 2026
• Engine

  This vehicle has a recurring, safety-critical defect involving intermittent engine misfires, flashing MILs, reduced engine power, sudden loss of acceleration, and noticeable engine shaking. Despite multiple repair attempts and extended diagnostics by a dealership, with manufacturer technical assistance, the defect continues. The defect has repeatedly caused the vehicle to stall and lose propulsion while driving, creating a serious hazard. Documented events include: •FIRST INCIDENT: The MIL flashed and engine power was reduced while driving. The vehicle was taken to the dealership for evaluation and repair. A diagnostic code confirmed a cylinder misfire. •SECOND INCIDENT: Several days…

  Jan 17, 2026
• Suspension

  Front Suspension (shock Absorber) uneven wear and bouncy, some vibration on the steering wheel at about 30k miles, on highway exit round about circle, the vehicle swerves left or right. very unsafe. long story short, drop it off at the dealership Lexus of Pembroke Pines FL, they said the issue was my tires and it needed to be replace, I rotated the tires rear tires went to the front and front to the back, no vibration, noise went away while driving, how ever about 10k miles later the uneven wear bouncing and noise came back while driving, Disappointed how the Lexus of Pembroke Pines handle my concern, i took my vehicle to Germain Lexus of Naples FL, I explained the problem with the…

  Apr 1, 2024

Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.