2005 Lexus IS
Only 12 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 12 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
- Complaints
- 12
- Recalls
- 1
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
Campaigns on file for 2005
None on file
Not enough data
Complaints per year
2005: 12 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1998 | 0 |
| 1999 | 1 |
| 2000 | 0 |
| 2001 | 1 |
| 2002 | 12 |
| 2003 | 12 |
| 2004 | 10 |
| 2005 | 12 |
| 2006 | 143 |
| 2007 | 122 |
| 2008 | 102 |
| 2009 | 40 |
| 2010 | 40 |
| 2011 | 15 |
| 2012 | 18 |
| 2013 | 9 |
| 2014 | 12 |
| 2015 | 9 |
| 2016 | 2 |
| 2017 | 11 |
| 2018 | 3 |
| 2019 | 2 |
| 2020 | 6 |
| 2021 | 2 |
| 2022 | 4 |
| 2023 | 5 |
| 2024 | 1 |
| 2025 | 1 |
| 2026 | 2 |
Known problem areas
Only 12 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Structure
5 of 12 total reports mention: structure.
Service brakes
2 of 12 total reports mention: service brakes, most commonly citing hydraulic.
Show complaint excerpts
As I prepared to make a right turn onto a busy street, I suddenly could not brake normally. Instead, I was unable to press the brake down as a balloon like feeling pushed it back up, but it also did not return all the way up to its normal position.
NHTSA ODI report, 2021-10-31
Power train
2 of 12 total reports mention: power train, most commonly citing clutch assembly and automatic transmission.
Show complaint excerpts
I own Lexus IS300, year 2005. Mileage approx 10,000 only. For approximately 1 year the gear shift selector lever sticks in park and requires that I press the shift lock override button. This has happened approximately 6 times.
NHTSA ODI report, 2008-11-01
Lexus IS300, 2005 5 speed. I bought this car brand new on June 2005. After 2900 miles the clutch had to be replaced by Lexus. They claim that I drive with the foot on the clutch pedal (Which I don't).
NHTSA ODI report, 2005-11-29
Visibility
1 of 12 total reports mentions: visibility, most commonly citing sun/moon roof assembly.
Show complaint excerpts
Severe rusting of the sunroof.
NHTSA ODI report, 2014-05-17
Vehicle speed control
1 of 12 total reports mentions: vehicle speed control.
Show complaint excerpts
Coasting into a parking spot , my foot not on the gas , the car took off. I had to slam my foot on the brake and with the help of the parking spot stopper the car stopped. The car felt like it was going to go over the stopper.
NHTSA ODI report, 2012-04-01
Also filed under Engine and engine cooling
Safety timeline
1 recall · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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R
2009-05-11Exterior lighting09E012000 Sabersport IS recalling 16,270 combination corner and bumper lamp assemblies of various part numbers sold for use as aftermarket equipment for various passenger vehicles. These headlamps fail to…
Remedy: Sabersport will notify owners and offer a full refund for the noncompliant combination lamps. The safety recall began on May 11, 2009. Owners may contact sabersport at 1-909-598-7589.
Buy-smart checklist
2005 Lexus IS — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Structure: 5 reports on file for this year.
- Service brakes: 2 reports on file for this year.
- Power train: 2 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 09E012000 · Exterior lighting
FAQ
- Is the 2005 Lexus IS 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 2005 Lexus IS?
- The most-reported component is structure, accounting for 42% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2005 Lexus IS have?
- 1 recall on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.