2009 Lexus IS
Not enough comparison years on file yet 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.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
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 | 10 |
| 2018 | 3 |
| 2019 | 2 |
| 2020 | 6 |
| 2021 | 2 |
| 2022 | 4 |
| 2023 | 5 |
| 2024 | 1 |
| 2025 | 1 |
| 2026 | 1 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
25% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 10 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
3/8/2010 INVOLVING 2009 LEXUS IS 250: AS THE DRIVER OF THE LEXUS IS 250 WAS ENTERING THE GARAGE, SHE WAS APPLYING PRESSURE TO THE BRAKE WHILE THE GARAGE DOOR WAS OPENING.
NHTSA ODI report, 20100309
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 LEXUS IS 250 . HE STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH UP A HILL WHEN TURNING AND SLOWING DOWN BY PUTTING HIS FOOT ON THE BRAKE PEDAL THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED ON ITS OWN. THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED AND CRASHED OVER A MOUNTAIN.
NHTSA ODI report, 20100219
RAPID ACCELERATION, 2009, IS 250, LEXUS. PULLING INTO A PARKING SPACE WITH THE FOOT ON THE BRAKE. CAR ACCELERATED, JUMPED A CURB, OVER A 6 FOOT WIDE GRASS SEPARATION AND TOTALED A PARKED CAR IN FRONT OF THE PARKING SPACE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20100202
13% of complaints: visibility/wiper — 5 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
URGENT: MY DASH HAS MELTED ON MY-2009 LEXUS IS 350-CANNOT SEE TO DRIVE, MY 2009 LEXUS IS 350.
NHTSA ODI report, 20240511
THE DASHBOARD IS MELTING, IT GETS STICKY AND WHEN DRIVING IN THE SUN THERE'S A NOTICEABLE GLARE THAT MAKES IT HARD TO DRIVE. AND THE SAME THING IS HAPPENING TO THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR. *TR
NHTSA ODI report, 20140812
10% of complaints: air bags — 4 distinct reports on file.
10% of complaints: structure — 4 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing body.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
THE VEHICLE HAS LUNGED FORWARD WHILE SLOWING DOWN OR AT VERY SLOW SPEEDS, AND THE BRAKES DO NOT OPERATE EFFECTIVELY. THE BRAKE IS ALWAYS PRESSED DOWN AS FAR AS IT GOES WITHOUT AVAIL. THERE IS NO PRECURSOR AS TO WHEN IT WILL HAPPEN.
NHTSA ODI report, 20200127
Also filed under ENGINE and SERVICE BRAKES
8% of complaints: exterior lighting — 3 distinct reports on file.
SAFETY TIMELINE
TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2004-2010 PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL CAN GET STUCK IN THE WIDE OPEN POSITION DUE TO ITS BEING TRAPPED BY AN UNSECURED OR INCOMPATIBLE DRIVER'S FL
Remedy: TOYOTA FILED AN AMENDED DEFECT REPORT ON NOVEMBER 25, 2009, STATING THAT DEALERS WILL MODIFY THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL AND, ON CERTAIN VEHICLES, ALTER THE SHAPE OF THE FLOOR SURFACE UNDER THE PEDAL. THES
Campaign 09V388000 — check if this car was fixed
TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2006-2009 LEXUS IS AND MODEL YEAR 2006-2007 LEXUS GS VEHICLES. DUE TO INSUFFICIENT TIGHTENING OF THE FUEL PRESSURE SENSOR CONNECTED TO AN ENGINE FUEL DELIVERY P
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT FOR FUEL LEAKAGE FROM THE THREADED PORTION OF THE FUEL PRESSURE SENSOR AND IF A FUEL LEAK IS NOT CONFIRMED, DEALERS WILL FURTHER TIGHTEN THE FUEL PRESSURE SENSOR WITH THE PROPER T
Campaign 11V029000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2009 Lexus IS — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for vehicle speed control issues (10 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for visibility/wiper issues (5 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (4 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 09V388000 (vehicle speed control) has been completed.
- Verify recall 11V029000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 2009 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 2009 Lexus IS?
The most-reported component is vehicle speed control, accounting for 25% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2009 Lexus IS have?
2 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.