2023 Lexus IS 500Recalls, problems, MPG & safety
NHTSA lists 0 safety recalls and 5 owner complaints for the 2023 Lexus IS 500. Most complaints involve back over prevention (1) and electrical system (1). The EPA rates it 20 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 5 stars overall.
Safety recalls
Owner complaints by component
- Back over prevention1
- Electrical system1
- Service brakes1
- Engine1
- Structure1
- Visibility1
- Power train1
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
What owners report most
Back over prevention
“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…”
Electrical system
“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."”
Service brakes
Engines, transmissions & drive
- EPA class
- Compact Cars
- Engines
- 5.0L 8-cyl
- Transmissions
- Automatic (S8)
- Drive
- Rear-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Premium Gasoline
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
EPA fuel economy by version
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IS 500 Auto (S8), 8 cyl, 5.0 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 17 | 25 | 20 | $3,850 | 451 |
- 20mpg comb.
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings
- 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
| 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
2023 IS 500 questions
How many recalls does the 2023 Lexus IS 500 have?
0 recalls found in NHTSA data as of Nov 8, 2026.
What are the most common 2023 Lexus IS 500 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 500 get?
The EPA rates the 2023 Lexus IS 500 at 20 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (1 version rated).
How safe is the 2023 Lexus IS 500?
NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2023 Lexus IS 500 5 out of 5 stars overall.