VehicleVerdict

2001 Lexus IS problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just one complaint on file for the 2001 Lexus IS — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but one recall campaign applies to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

1

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

1

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2001 compare to other IS years?

IS NHTSA complaints by model year, 2001 highlighted185 complaints1998: 0 complaints1999: 1 complaints2000: 0 complaints2001: 1 complaints2002: 17 complaints2003: 18 complaints2004: 12 complaints2005: 13 complaints2006: 185 complaints2007: 171 complaints2008: 143 complaints2009: 55 complaints2010: 51 complaints2011: 22 complaints2012: 26 complaints2013: 12 complaints2014: 15 complaints2015: 14 complaints2016: 2 complaints2017: 14 complaints2018: 3 complaints2019: 3 complaints2020: 7 complaints2021: 2 complaints2022: 6 complaints2023: 3 complaints2024: 1 complaints2025: 1 complaints
IS NHTSA complaints by model year, 2001 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all IS years to avoid →

What are the most common 2001 Lexus IS problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine1100%

Does the 2001 Lexus IS have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

09E012000LightingApril 7, 2009 · 16,270 units

Defect

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 CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.

Consequence

DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“TL*- THE CONTACT HAS A 2001 LEXUS IS300 THAT WAS PARKED ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD WHEN ANOTHER VEHICLE STRUCK THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WHILE PARKED. THE CONTACTS VEHICLE GOT JAMMED INTO A POLE CAUSING IT TO DAMAGE THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. WHEN THE CONTACT STARTED VEHICLE TO MOVE IT OFF OF THE STREET,…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · January 1, 2006 · crash

2001 Lexus IS — common questions

Is the 2001 Lexus IS reliable?

The record is thin — 1 NHTSA complaint — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.

Does the 2001 Lexus IS have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2001 Lexus IS. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Lexus IS years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the IS years to avoid are 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010. The cleanest record among IS years belongs to 2000.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.