VehicleVerdict

2005 Lexus IS problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 13 complaints on file for the 2005 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.

13

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

2

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

1

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2005 compare to other IS years?

IS NHTSA complaints by model year, 2005 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, 2005 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all IS years to avoid →

What are the most common 2005 Lexus IS problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Body & Structure538%
Brakes215%
Transmission215%
Engine18%
Speed Control18%
Suspension18%
Visibility & Wipers18%

Does the 2005 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.

“I HAVE A 2005 IS300 THAT IS HAVING A MELTING DASHBOARD AND PANEL ISSUE. THIS IS A WELL KNOWN ISSUE IN THE LEXUS FORUMS ON THE INTERNET. THE MELTING DASHBOARD AND PANEL ISSUE IS CAUSED BY THE HOT SUN. LEXUS HAS NOT ACKNOWLEDGE THIS ISSUE AND ALSO REFUSING TO COVER THE COST OF REPAIRING/REPLACING THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · July 2, 2012

“LEXUS IS300 2005 BRAKE MALFUNCTION. *BF WHEN THE CONSUME ATTEMPTED TO APPLY THE BRAKES, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT STOP, WHICH RESULTED IN THE CONSUMER HITTING A PARKED VEHICLE. THE CONSUMER BELIEVED THE BRAKE BOOSTER FAILED. *JB”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · October 2, 2004 · crash

“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. ON THE LAST OCCASION, WHEN I WAS ABLE TO MOVE THE SELECTOR LEVER, THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · October 10, 2008 · crash

“THE FRONT TIRES ARE WEARING OUT FASTER ON THE INSIDE (CAMBER) THAN THE REST OF THE TIRE. THE DEALER LEXUS (IS300) SAID THAT'S THE WAY THE MANUFACTURER MADE IT .I WAS NEVER TOLD THIS WOULD HAPPEN WHEN I BOUGHT THE VEHICLE. *NM”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · January 5, 2007

2005 Lexus IS — common questions

Is the 2005 Lexus IS reliable?

The record is thin — 13 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.

What are the most common 2005 IS problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are body & structure (5 complaints), transmission (2 complaints), brakes (2 complaints).

Does the 2005 Lexus IS have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2005 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.