Research · Compact Cars
2020 Lexus IS 300Recalls, problems, MPG & safety
NHTSA lists 0 safety recalls and 2 owner complaints for the 2020 Lexus IS 300. Most complaints involve suspension (1) and power train (1). The EPA rates it 21–24 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 5 stars overall.
Combined MPG
21–24mpg
EPA · 2 versions
NHTSA overall
5of 5 stars
NCAP crash tests
Safety recalls
0campaigns
NHTSA
Owner complaints
2
Top: suspension
Fuel cost / yr
$3,200est.
EPA estimate, best version
Safety recalls
NHTSA campaigns for this model year
0 recalls found in NHTSA data for the 2020 Lexus IS 300 as of Nov 8, 2026.
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 8, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
Owner complaints by component
2 complaints filed with NHTSA · Nov 2022 – Jun 2023
- Suspension1
- Power train1
- Wheels1
- Air bags1
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 8, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
What owners report most
Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component
Suspension
1 report
“The tires keep coming out of alignment which causes vehicle vibration, a pull to the left and premature wearing of the tires that then have to be replaced every 10-20K miles. Lexus is aware the IS series cars wear tires this way but state its bc this is a high performance vehicle. The vehicle vibration and driveline issues can get bad enough that it could pull a vehicle into a different lane potentially causing an accident. Had it into the Lexus dealership 6+ times for this and after replacement of tires (on 2nd visit) to the recommended tires for my vehicle, it still keeps happening. Then I take it in again and again, technician still can't find an issue and then they just rebalance and align the tires again. Then it's out of alignment again within a week to week and a half. Found out not long ago that the original owner also reported this EXACT same issue at 5K miles. Manufacturer has not inspected it to my knowledge but TONS of people in the clublexus.com forum mention this same issue continuously.”
Power train
1 report
Wheels
1 report
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 8, 2026
Engines, transmissions & drive
2 versions rated by the EPA
- EPA class
- Compact Cars
- Engines
- 2.0L 4-cyl turbo · 3.5L 6-cyl
- Transmissions
- Automatic (S8) · Automatic (S6)
- Drive
- Rear-Wheel Drive · All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Premium Gasoline
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 8, 2026EPA listing
EPA fuel economy by version
City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IS 300 Auto (S8), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo · Rear-Wheel Drive | 21 | 30 | 24 | $3,200 | 363 |
| IS 300 AWD Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.5 L · All-Wheel Drive | 18 | 24 | 21 | $3,700 | 422 |
- 24mpg comb.
- 21mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 8, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings
2 tested variants
Overall rating
5/ 5
5 of 5Lexus IS 300 4 DR RWD
- Frontal crash
- 4 of 5
- Side crash
- 5 of 5
- Side pole
- 5 of 5
- Rollover
- 5 of 5
- Rollover risk
- 9.5%
Overall
5 / 5
Lexus IS 300 4 DR AWD
- Frontal crash
- 4 of 5
- Side crash
- 5 of 5
- Side pole
- 5 of 5
- Rollover
- 5 of 5
- Rollover risk
- 9.5%
Maintenance basics
General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
- Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
6–12 months - Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
Every oil change - Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
1–2 years - Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
1–2 years - Brake fluid—
2–3 years - Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
5–10 years - Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
— - 12V battery—
3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
2020 IS 300 questions
How many recalls does the 2020 Lexus IS 300 have?
0 recalls found in NHTSA data as of Nov 8, 2026.
What are the most common 2020 Lexus IS 300 problems?
Owners filed 2 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are suspension (1), power train (1), wheels (1). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
What MPG does the 2020 Lexus IS 300 get?
The EPA rates the 2020 Lexus IS 300 at 21–24 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (2 versions rated).
How safe is the 2020 Lexus IS 300?
NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2020 Lexus IS 300 5 out of 5 stars overall.
Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 8, 2026