2001 Lexus IS 300
Only 27 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
Only 27 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2001 | 27 |
| 2002 | 28 |
| 2003 | 21 |
| 2004 | 19 |
| 2005 | 4 |
| 2006 | 1 |
| 2016 | 3 |
| 2017 | 2 |
| 2018 | 6 |
| 2019 | 7 |
| 2020 | 2 |
| 2021 | 1 |
| 2022 | 1 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 27 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
5 of 27 total reports mention: vehicle speed control, most commonly citing accelerator pedal.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
ON THREE SEPARATE OCCASIONS WITHIN PRIOR THREE MONTHS OF INCIDENT DATE, WHEN TAPPING ACCELERATOR TO THE FLOOR BRIEFLY (FRACTION OF A SECOND) AND THEN RELEASING, CARS THROTTLE REMAINED COMPLETELY OPEN (MAXIMUM RPMS) EVEN WITH FOOT OFF OF THE...
NHTSA ODI report, 20040229
WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE WOULD HESITATE WHEN ACCELERATING. VEHICLE BEEN TO DEALER ON THREE OCCASIONS, AND PROBLEM REOCCURRED. FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK
NHTSA ODI report, 20020802
ONGOING PROBLEM WITH HESITATION WHEN ACCELERATING. VEHICLE BEEN TO DEALER ON THREE OCCASIONS, AND THE PROBLEM WAS REOCCURRING. FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK
NHTSA ODI report, 20020801
4 of 27 total reports mention: suspension, most commonly citing lower arm and front.
3 of 27 total reports mention: power train, most commonly citing constant velocity joint and park/neutral start interlock switch.
Show complaint excerpts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 LEXUS IS 300. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AND THE VEHICLE FAILED TO ACCELERATE WITHOUT WARNING.
NHTSA ODI report, 20160304
Also filed under ELECTRICAL SYSTEM and VISIBILITY/WIPER
CONSUMER WAS TRAVELING ABOUT 45MPH ON HIGHWAY AND WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING, VEHICLE TURNED OFF. HE WAS FORCED TO PULL OVER TO SHOULDERS. HE WAS FORCED TO PUT BOTH FEET ON BRAKE PEDAL TO BRING VEHICLE TO A COMPLETE STOP.*AK
NHTSA ODI report, 20010504
3 of 27 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling, most commonly citing gasoline and engine.
FIRE2 of 27 total reports mention: tires, most commonly citing sidewall.
SAFETY TIMELINE
CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER S
Remedy: PRO-A MOTORS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 3, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PRO-A MOTORS AT 323-838-2988.
Campaign 06E026000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2001 Lexus IS 300 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for vehicle speed control issues (5 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for suspension issues (4 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (3 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 06E026000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 2001 Lexus IS 300 reliable?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 2001 Lexus IS 300?
The most-reported component is vehicle speed control, accounting for 19% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2001 Lexus IS 300 have?
1 recall on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.