Research · Compact Cars
2021 Lexus IS 300Recalls, problems, MPG & safety
NHTSA lists 0 safety recalls and 1 owner complaint for the 2021 Lexus IS 300. Most complaints involve engine (1). The EPA rates it 22–25 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 5 stars overall.
Combined MPG
22–25mpg
EPA · 2 versions
NHTSA overall
5of 5 stars
NCAP crash tests
Safety recalls
0campaigns
NHTSA
Owner complaints
1
Top: engine
Fuel cost / yr
$3,100est.
EPA estimate, best version
Safety recalls
NHTSA campaigns for this model year
0 recalls found in NHTSA data for the 2021 Lexus IS 300 as of Nov 8, 2026.
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 8, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
Owner complaints by component
1 complaints filed with NHTSA · Nov 2022 – Nov 2022
- Engine1
- Other / unknown1
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
Engine
1 report
“The Oil Housing Cap cracked during an oil change on my 2021 Lexus IS300. This occurred at my mechanics shop. I would have taken the car to the dealer but the cost for an oil change is double. The mechanic charged me for the part $55.25. When he went to purchase the part from JM Lexus, Sample Road, the parts person said this is a problem that should have been resolved. I called the Parts Manager at JM Lexus to verify this information. He stated that the part is weak and cracks and that this part needs to be replaced a few times a month. I wrote to the Executives at JM Lexus and they refuse to reimburse me because the car was not serviced there, however, the bigger problem is that this part needs to be retooled and owners recalled for replacement. For those in cold weather, could this part crack and leak oil? Will I be charged every time I get an oil change because of this defect?”
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 | 31 | 25 | $3,100 | 357 |
| IS 300 AWD Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.5 L · All-Wheel Drive | 19 | 26 | 22 | $3,500 | 407 |
- 25mpg comb.
- 22mpg 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 AWD
- 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 RWD
- 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.
2021 IS 300 questions
How many recalls does the 2021 Lexus IS 300 have?
0 recalls found in NHTSA data as of Nov 8, 2026.
What are the most common 2021 Lexus IS 300 problems?
Owners filed 1 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are engine (1). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
What MPG does the 2021 Lexus IS 300 get?
The EPA rates the 2021 Lexus IS 300 at 22–25 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (2 versions rated).
How safe is the 2021 Lexus IS 300?
NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2021 Lexus IS 300 5 out of 5 stars overall.
Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 8, 2026