Research · Compact Cars
2025 Lexus IS 500Recalls, problems, MPG & safety
NHTSA lists 0 safety recalls and 1 owner complaint for the 2025 Lexus IS 500. Most complaints involve structure (1). The EPA rates it 20 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 5 stars overall.
Combined MPG
20mpg
EPA · 1 version
NHTSA overall
5of 5 stars
NCAP crash tests
Safety recalls
0campaigns
NHTSA
Owner complaints
1
Top: structure
Fuel cost / yr
$3,850est.
EPA estimate, best version
Safety recalls
NHTSA campaigns for this model year
0 recalls found in NHTSA data for the 2025 Lexus IS 500 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 · Sep 2025 – Sep 2025
- Structure1
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
Structure
1 report
“The contact owns a 2025 Lexus IS-350. The contact stated that the vehicle was purchased brand new. The contact stated that within four days of driving the vehicle, the contact started to experience health and safety issues that persisted throughout the time the vehicle was driven, and the contact noticed an abnormal odor coming from the vehicle. The contact experienced extremely swollen abdomen causing severe digestive distress, constipation, diarrhea and loss of appetite. The contact experienced swollen lymph nodes on the left side of the groin, abnormal weight gain, debilitating fatigue, insomnia, loss of breath, reduced eyesight, loss of strength, joints pain, reduced cognitive ability, malaise. Additionally, the contact experienced hair loss that stopped once the contact stopped driving the vehicle in the month of June. The contact sought medical assistance, and the lab work showed low level of iron. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and the dealer was informed of the issue. The dealer performed a detailing of the vehicle to resolve the issue; however, the contact continued to experience the symptoms while driving the vehicle. The contact hired Nal East…”
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 8, 2026
Engines, transmissions & drive
1 version rated by the EPA
- 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.
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 500 Auto (S8), 8 cyl, 5.0 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 17 | 25 | 20 | $3,850 | 451 |
- 20mpg 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
1 tested variant
Overall rating
5/ 5
5 of 5Lexus IS 500 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 20227
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.
2025 IS 500 questions
How many recalls does the 2025 Lexus IS 500 have?
0 recalls found in NHTSA data as of Nov 8, 2026.
What are the most common 2025 Lexus IS 500 problems?
Owners filed 1 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are structure (1). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
What MPG does the 2025 Lexus IS 500 get?
The EPA rates the 2025 Lexus IS 500 at 20 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (1 version rated).
How safe is the 2025 Lexus IS 500?
NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2025 Lexus IS 500 5 out of 5 stars overall.
Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 8, 2026