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Research · Subcompact Cars

2011 Lexus IS250Recalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 0 safety recalls and 49 owner complaints for the 2011 Lexus IS250. Most complaints involve air bags (33) and engine (3). The EPA rates it 22 mpg combined.

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Combined MPG
22mpg
EPA · 1 version
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
0campaigns
NHTSA
Owner complaints
49
Top: air bags
Fuel cost / yr
$3,400est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

NHTSA campaigns for this model year
0 recalls found in NHTSA data for the 2011 Lexus IS250 as of Nov 13, 2026.
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 13, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

49 complaints filed with NHTSA · Aug 2011 – Sep 2022
  1. Air bags33
  2. Engine3
  3. Steering3
  4. Vehicle speed control3
  5. Visibility/wiper2
  6. Power train2
  7. Structure2
  8. Service brakes, hydraulic2
  9. Fuel/propulsion system1

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 IS250 model year we’ve synced.

View as table
Model yearNHTSA complaints
201149
201236
201313
201435
201516
Crashes reported
5
Fires reported
0
Injuries reported
3
Deaths reported
0
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 13, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

What owners report most

Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component

Air bags

33 reports3 crashes
“TAKATA AIRBAG HAS BEEN RECALLED FOR THIS MODEL. ATTEMPTS HAVE BEEN MADE TO CONTACT VIA INSTRUCTIONS ON RECALL LETTER FROM MANUFACTURER. WAS INFORMED SOMEONE WOULD BE OUT TO REPAIR IT AND NO ONE SHOWED UP.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled May 15, 2021Air bagsODI 11416716

Engine

3 reports
“Valley Plate Leak. The Valley Plate Leaks are notorious on this vehicle. There have been several forums about it.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jan 21, 2022EngineODI 11448300

Steering

3 reports
“FIRST STARTED WITH STEERING GETTING STUCK A BIT WHILE CHANGING LANES NOW THE ELECTRIC RACK AND PINION MAKES NOISE STEERING LEFT AND RIGHT WHILE PARKING IN AND OUT ALSO WHILE DRIVING.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 21, 2020SteeringODI 11360278
All 2011 IS250 problemsSend a problem to a mechanic on findmechanic.ai
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 13, 2026
04 —Key specs

Engines, transmissions & drive

1 version rated by the EPA
EPA class
Subcompact Cars
Engines
2.5L 6-cyl
Transmissions
Automatic (S6)
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 13, 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 250 AWD
Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 2.5 L · All-Wheel Drive
202622$3,400404
  • IS 250 AWD
    Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 2.5 L
    20 city · 26 hwy · $3,400/yr
    22
    mpg comb.
Estimate your fuel costCost of ownership
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 13, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
06 —Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

2 tested variants
NHTSA has not published 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2011 Lexus IS250 as of Nov 13, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 13, 2026Vehicle 617Vehicle 436
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

2011 IS250 questions

How many recalls does the 2011 Lexus IS250 have?

0 recalls found in NHTSA data as of Nov 13, 2026.

What are the most common 2011 Lexus IS250 problems?

Owners filed 49 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are air bags (33), engine (3), steering (3). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

What MPG does the 2011 Lexus IS250 get?

The EPA rates the 2011 Lexus IS250 at 22 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (1 version rated).

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 13, 2026