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.

2009 Lexus IS

○ Not enough data

2009 Lexus IS
RENDERED 2026-11-01T12:43:30.712Z

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.

How is this computed?

Complaints: 40
Recalls: 2
Investigations: 0
Top problem: Vehicle speed control

Complaints per year

2009: 40 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

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Vehicle speed control

25% · 10 reports

CRASHINJURY

Show 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, 2010-03-09

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, 2010-02-19

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, 2010-02-02

Visibility/wiper

13% · 5 reports

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, 2024-05-11

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 2014-08-12

Air bags

10% · 4 reports

Structure

10% · 4 reports

Most commonly citing body.

CRASH

Show 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, 2020-01-27

Also filed under Engine and service brakes

Exterior lighting

8% · 3 reports

Safety timeline

2 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

R

2009-12-31Vehicle speed control09V388000 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…

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.…

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2011-03-07Fuel system, gasoline11V029000 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…

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…

Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

2009 Lexus IS — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

Vehicle speed control: 10 reports on file for this year.
Visibility/wiper: 5 reports on file for this year.
Air bags: 4 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

Recall 09V388000 · Vehicle speed control
Recall 11V029000 · Fuel system, gasoline

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 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.