2009 Lexus IS Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 3about this part
- Share
- 8%of 40 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 38,750miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 3 complaints about the engine of the 2009 Lexus IS, 8% of the 40 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 38,750 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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. In total, the engine lunged forward about 6 times. The first time I nearly hit a vehicle with my minor daughter in the car. The next few times were not as significant in terms of eminent damage. The next incident was worse. It happened in july of 2019 in a drug store parking lot. …”
NHTSA complaint #11302231, filed 2020-01, 40,000 miles“I had 2 times were the vehicle almost stalled at different red lights within a time frame of 2 days. Shortly after this I started noticing that my vehicle was driving like a 4 cylinder instead of a 6. I took it in to my dealership and they put the car on the computer and found 4 codes in the cars history. 1 stated multiple engine misfires, 2 stated misfire on number 2, 3 stated misfire on number 4 and 3, stated misfire on number 6. In all these instances I never had a check engine light come on. …”
NHTSA complaint #10478615, filed 2012-10, 37,500 miles“2009 Lexus IS 250 at only 63000 miles. Engine random misfires on cold start. Car shakes badly. Check engine light, traction control light comes on. Engine error codes p0300, p0301, p0302, p0303, p0304, p0305, p0306. When engine RPM drops from high to low, -4000rpm to -500, it some times stalls. Car has to add engine oil about 3 quarts between 8500 miles change intervals. Problems stated at less than 50000 miles, getting worse and worse.”
NHTSA complaint #10840422, filed 2016-03Related service bulletins
- 11021730Jul 30, 2025Some 2016 – 2020 model year GS F, 2008 – 2014 model year IS F, 2022 – 2025 model year IS 500, 2018 – 2025 model year LC 500, 2021 – 2025 model year LC 500c, and 2015 – 2025 model…
Engine: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 1 | 20% |
| 2020 | 2 | 33% |
| 2017 | 2 | 18% |
| 2015 | 1 | 11% |
| 2014 | 3 | 25% |
| 2013 | 3 | 33% |
| 2012 | 1 | 6% |
| 2011 | 2 | 13% |
| 2010 | 4 | 10% |
| 2009 | 3 | 8% |
| 2008 | 22 | 22% |
| 2007 | 6 | 5% |
| 2006 | 16 | 11% |
| 2003 | 3 | 25% |
Other parts of the 2009 Lexus IS
10 complaintsVehicle speed control
10 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
7 complaintsAir bags
4 complaintsBody and structure
4 complaintsElectrical system
3 complaintsExterior lighting
3 complaintsBrakes
2 complaintsEquipment
2 complaintsElectronic stability control
1 complaintsFuel system
1 complaintsSeats
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2009 Lexus IS
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology