Research · Subcompact Cars
2011 Lexus IS350Recalls, problems, MPG & safety
NHTSA lists 0 safety recalls and 23 owner complaints for the 2011 Lexus IS350. Most complaints involve air bags (15) and engine (4). The EPA rates it 20 mpg combined.
Combined MPG
20mpg
EPA · 1 version
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
0campaigns
NHTSA
Owner complaints
23
Top: air bags
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 2011 Lexus IS350 as of Nov 7, 2026.
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 7, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
Owner complaints by component
23 complaints filed with NHTSA · Apr 2014 – Sep 2022
- Air bags15
- Engine4
- Fuel/propulsion system2
- Vehicle speed control2
- Visibility/wiper1
- Steering1
- Power train1
- Structure1
- Seats1
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 7, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
What owners report most
Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component
Air bags
15 reports
“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.”
Engine
4 reports1 crash
“FUEL IS NOT DELIVERED TO FIRING CHAMBER DUE TO FAILURE OF FUEL PRESSURE SENSOR. THIS WILL CAUSE ENGINE TO SHUT OFF WHEN ON THE ROAD. NO OBD-II CODE IS PRESENT SINCE THE FAILURE OF THE FUEL PRESSURE SENSOR WILL PUT THE CAR IN PROTECTED MODE, NO CODE CAN BE READ. WHEN ENGINE IS SHUT OFF, IT WILL HAVE NO POWER TO STEERING OR BRAKE SYSTEM, PUT DRIVER IN A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION. I WAS LUCKY ENOUGH TO FIND OUT AFTER ARRIVING HOME. THE PROBLEM APPEARED THE NEXT MORNING.”
Fuel/propulsion system
2 reports
“IN A TRAFFIC LIGHT ABOUT TO MAKE A LEFT, WHEN LIGHTS TURNED GREEN IT ACCELERATED NORMALLY UNTIL SPEED WAS AT 25-30MPH ITS STOPPED THERE. WILL ONLY REV UP TO 2000 RPM WOULD CHANGE GEARS BUT IN ITS OWN DESIRED TIME . PULLED OVER TURN OFF THE CAR TURNED IT BACK ON SAME HAPPND. ENGINE LIGHT WENT ON AND FRM THERE IT WOULD RUN THE SAME ACCELERATE NORMALLY AND REMAIN IN AFLACTUATING SPEED OF 2-30MPH UNTIL NOW LEXUS OF LAS VEGAS WILL NOT AKNOWLEDGE ELF RECALL STATING MY CAR IS NOT INCLUDED IN THEIR LIST. WILL NOT HONOR ALL PAPERWORK FROM THIS WEBSITE. SPOKE TO JUSTIN AND I WILL NOW TAKE MY CAR HOME BECAUSE THEY WERE INSISTING FOR ME TO PAY TO THE AMOUNT OF 2098 JUST FOR THE HIGH PRESSURE PUMP EXCLUDING LABOR. CAR PERFORMED WELL WITHOUT ANY WARNINGS OTHER THAN THE GAS SMELL WHICH AT FIRST WE ALL JUST DID NOT MIND AFTER CHECKING IF GAS DOOR IS COMPLETELY LOCK. PLEASE HELP”
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 7, 2026
Engines, transmissions & drive
1 version rated by the EPA
- EPA class
- Subcompact Cars
- Engines
- 3.5L 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 7, 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 350 AWD Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.5 L · All-Wheel Drive | 18 | 25 | 20 | $3,850 | 444 |
- 20mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 7, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings
2 tested variants
NHTSA has not published 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2011 Lexus IS350 as of Nov 7, 2026.
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.
2011 IS350 questions
How many recalls does the 2011 Lexus IS350 have?
0 recalls found in NHTSA data as of Nov 7, 2026.
What are the most common 2011 Lexus IS350 problems?
Owners filed 23 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are air bags (15), engine (4), fuel/propulsion system (2). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
What MPG does the 2011 Lexus IS350 get?
The EPA rates the 2011 Lexus IS350 at 20 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (1 version rated).
Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 7, 2026