Research · Subcompact Cars
2013 Lexus IS350Recalls, problems, MPG & safety
NHTSA lists 0 safety recalls and 8 owner complaints for the 2013 Lexus IS350. Most complaints involve visibility/wiper (3) and engine (2). The EPA rates it 22 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 4 stars overall.
Combined MPG
22mpg
EPA · 1 version
NHTSA overall
4of 5 stars
NCAP crash tests
Safety recalls
0campaigns
NHTSA
Owner complaints
8
Top: visibility/wiper
Fuel cost / yr
$3,500est.
EPA estimate, best version
Safety recalls
NHTSA campaigns for this model year
0 recalls found in NHTSA data for the 2013 Lexus IS350 as of Nov 7, 2026.
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 7, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
Owner complaints by component
8 complaints filed with NHTSA · Sep 2013 – Sep 2024
- Visibility/wiper3
- Engine2
- Visibility1
- Fuel/propulsion system1
- Air bags1
- Structure1
- Seats1
- Other / unknown1
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, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
What owners report most
Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component
Visibility/wiper
3 reports1 crash
“This model was affected by the originally cosmetic, but well documented "sticky dash" recall. I am an automotive enthusiast who has worked within the industry for over 12 years, including notifying customers of NHTSA recalls and assisting with scheduling recalls to be performed. The dashboard can be severely melted to the point of becoming a mirror finish, I was driving at night in the headlights from an opposing truck reflected off the shiny surface of the dashboard having been melted by sunlight. I have great vision and was wearing prescription lenses, the incident nearly caused an oncoming collision. I slid into a ditch briefly and did not sustain damage to my vehicle.”
Engine
2 reports
“VALLEY PLATE LEAK DUE TO THE FACT THAT TOYOTA/LEXUS UTILIZED THE IMPROPER SEALANT AND USED THE IMPROPER AMOUNT, LEADING TO THE HEAT EXCHANGER LEAKING COOLANT ONCE THE ORIGINAL, INADEQUATE SEALANT BEGINS TO DISENTEGRATE. THIS COULD CAUSE A CONDITION WHERE THE ENGINE COULD FAIL AND SOMEONE COULD GET HURT. FURTHERMORE, ALL ISFS WILL EVENTUALLY HAVE A CRACKED RH MANIFOLD ON THE #8 RUNNER. THIS CAN CAUSE A FIRE HAZARD IN ADDITION TO CARBON MONOXIDE POISONING.”
Visibility
1 report
“See attached document for complaint.”
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 | 19 | 26 | 22 | $3,500 | 409 |
- 22mpg 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
Overall rating
4/ 5
4 of 5Lexus IS350 4 DR AWD
- Frontal crash
- 4 of 5
- Side crash
- 5 of 5
- Side pole
- 4 of 5
- Rollover
- 5 of 5
- Rollover risk
- 10.1%
Overall
4 / 5
Lexus IS350 4 DR RWD
- Frontal crash
- 4 of 5
- Side crash
- 5 of 5
- Side pole
- 4 of 5
- Rollover
- 5 of 5
- Rollover risk
- 10.1%
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.
2013 IS350 questions
How many recalls does the 2013 Lexus IS350 have?
0 recalls found in NHTSA data as of Nov 7, 2026.
What are the most common 2013 Lexus IS350 problems?
Owners filed 8 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are visibility/wiper (3), engine (2), visibility (1). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
What MPG does the 2013 Lexus IS350 get?
The EPA rates the 2013 Lexus IS350 at 22 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (1 version rated).
How safe is the 2013 Lexus IS350?
NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2013 Lexus IS350 4 out of 5 stars overall.
Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 7, 2026