Research · Compact Cars

2023 Lexus IS 300Recalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 0 safety recalls and 5 owner complaints for the 2023 Lexus IS 300. Most complaints involve back over prevention (1) and electrical system (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
5
Top: back over prevention
Fuel cost / yr
$3,100est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

NHTSA campaigns for this model year
0 recalls found in NHTSA data for the 2023 Lexus IS 300 as of Nov 8, 2026.
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 8, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

5 complaints filed with NHTSA · Aug 2023 – Aug 2026
  1. Back over prevention1
  2. Electrical system1
  3. Service brakes1
  4. Engine1
  5. Structure1
  6. Visibility1
  7. Power train1

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

By model year

Complaints for each IS 300 model year we’ve synced.

View as table
Model yearNHTSA complaints
20202
20211
20225
20235
20241
20251
Crashes reported
0
Fires reported
0
Injuries reported
0
Deaths reported
0
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 8, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

What owners report most

Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component

Back over prevention

1 report
“I am reporting recurring infotainment, display, audio, and related electrical malfunctions with my vehicle that have continued despite multiple visits and repair attempts by an authorized Lexus dealership. The problems began when the vehicle was relatively new and have continued intermittently. While driving, the vehicle's audio system can suddenly cut out completely at different volume levels and without warning. When this occurs, normal audio functions are lost and the system generally does not return to normal operation unless the vehicle/system is restarted. The infotainment/display screen also intermittently shuts off, goes black, and/or repeatedly reboots while the vehicle is being operated. These failures can occur unexpectedly while driving. The display is also used to provide visual information and warnings associated with vehicle safety and driver-assistance systems, including Parking Collision Warning and Rear Cross Traffic Warning. When the screen unexpectedly shuts off, goes black, or reboots, these visual warnings can be interrupted or unavailable on the display during the malfunction. This creates a safety concern because visual information…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 26, 2026Back over preventionODI 11759881

Electrical system

1 report
“I am reporting a severe, unresolved safety hazard involving my 2023 Lexus IS350]. The vehicle is continuously flashing 'Braking System Malfunction,' 'Crash Light,' and 'Engine Light' alerts on the dashboard. This is the second major acceleration and braking system failure since purchasing the vehicle brand new.The authorized dealership, Meade Lexus, has repeatedly failed to properly diagnose or repair this critical braking issue over a 7-month period. On multiple service visits, the dealership documented that they simply 'lubed' the rubber around the gas cap, reset the dashboard warning lights, and returned the vehicle to me without performing actual mechanical repairs to the braking system. The service manager explicitly instructed me that I must drive the vehicle back to the dealership every single week just to have the safety lights turned off manually. Driving a vehicle with an active, un-diagnosed braking and crash-system fault is a major safety liability and makes the vehicle dangerous to operate. The manufacturer and dealer have failed to resolve this safety defect under warranty."”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jul 31, 2026Electrical system, Service brakes, EngineODI 11753916

Service brakes

1 report
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 8, 2026
04 —Key specs

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
05 —Fuel economy

EPA fuel economy by version

City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
VersionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
IS 300
Auto (S8), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo · Rear-Wheel Drive
213125$3,100355
IS 300 AWD
Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.5 L · All-Wheel Drive
192622$3,500407
  • IS 300
    Auto (S8), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo
    21 city · 31 hwy · $3,100/yr
    25
    mpg comb.
  • IS 300 AWD
    Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.5 L
    19 city · 26 hwy · $3,500/yr
    22
    mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 8, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
06 —Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

2 tested variants
Overall rating
5/ 5
5 of 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%
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%
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 8, 2026Vehicle 18556Vehicle 18555
07 —Maintenance

Maintenance basics

General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
ItemMilesTimeNote
Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi6–12 monthsFollow the oil-life monitor if fitted
Tire rotation5,000–7,500 miEvery oil changeCheck pressure monthly
Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi1–2 yearsSooner in dusty areas
Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi1–2 years
Brake fluid—2–3 yearsAbsorbs moisture over time
Coolant60,000–100,000 mi5–10 yearsLong-life coolants last longer
Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi—Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end
12V battery—3–5 yearsHeat 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.
09 —FAQ

2023 IS 300 questions

How many recalls does the 2023 Lexus IS 300 have?

0 recalls found in NHTSA data as of Nov 8, 2026.

What are the most common 2023 Lexus IS 300 problems?

Owners filed 5 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are back over prevention (1), electrical system (1), service brakes (1). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

What MPG does the 2023 Lexus IS 300 get?

The EPA rates the 2023 Lexus IS 300 at 22–25 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (2 versions rated).

How safe is the 2023 Lexus IS 300?

NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2023 Lexus IS 300 5 out of 5 stars overall.

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 8, 2026