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Lexus · Mid-Size · 2021–2025

Lexus IS XE30-FL

Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice

★★★★★
3.7 / 5.0 · Based on 3 engine variants
Most Fun Engine

477–479 PS

5.0L V8 Benzin

5.0L V8 in a Lexus sedan — the last naturally aspirated V8 sport sedan

Legendary!
Most Reliable Engine

477–479 PS

5.0L V8 Benzin

3 weaknesses

Good Choice

Generations

Engine Overview

The Lexus IS XE30-FL is available with 3 engine variants — from 238 to 479 hp.

IS 300 · Petrol· 245 PS
2021 2025
Be Careful 4 weaknesses
Show all weaknesses →
IS 350 · Petrol· 311 PS
2021 2025
Be Careful 4 weaknesses
Show all weaknesses →
IS 500 · Petrol· 472 PS
2022 2025
Good Choice 3 weaknesses
Show all weaknesses →

The Lexus IS 300 (Petrol, 245 PS) has the 8AR-FTS (2.0L Turbo) — rated: "Be Careful", 4 known weaknesses.

The Lexus IS 350 (Petrol, 311 PS) has the 2GR-FSE (3.5L V6 D4-S) — rated: "Be Careful", 4 known weaknesses.

The Lexus IS 500 (Petrol, 472 PS) has the 2UR-GSE (5.0L V8) — rated: "Good Choice", 3 known weaknesses.

NHTSA Owner Complaints
Above Average
9 complaints · 2021–2025
Body Structure
3
Powertrain
2
Fuel System
2
Visibility
2
Suspension
1

Top Reported Issues

⚠ Body Structure (3 complaints)
⚠ Powertrain (2 complaints)
⚠ Fuel System (2 complaints)
Source: NHTSA (nhtsa.gov) · 2026-04

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Known Problems and Issues

A total of 11 weaknesses have been documented for the Lexus IS XE30-FL (2021–2025). Considered reliable: 2UR-GSE (5.0L V8).

IS (2GR-FSE, 2021–2025) — Be Careful: Cylinder Bore Scuffing, VVT-i Oil Line Failure (Recall Campaign), Valve Spring Defect (Recall). Power: 311 PS.

IS (8AR-FTS, 2021–2025) — Be Careful: Premature Water Pump Failure, Timing Chain Jump / Failure, Turbo Wastegate Valve Malfunction. Power: 245 PS.

What to watch out for with the Lexus IS? See the detailed listing of all engine and vehicle weaknesses in the sections above.

Frequently Asked Questions

What problems and weaknesses does the Lexus IS XE30-FL have? +
The Lexus IS XE30-FL has 11 known engine weaknesses.
What should I look for when buying a used Lexus IS XE30-FL? +
faq.watch_a_solid
Which engine is recommended? +
Good choice: 2UR-GSE (5.0L V8). The most reliable engine is the 2UR-GSE (5.0L V8) with the lowest risk score. The most fun to drive is the 2UR-GSE (5.0L V8).
Which Lexus IS XE30-FL engine is the most reliable? +
The {code} ({displacement}) is the most reliable engine in the Lexus IS XE30-FL. It has the lowest risk score of all available engines and is rated "Good Choice". However, there are 3 known weaknesses to be aware of.
Which Lexus IS XE30-FL engine is the most fun? +
The {code} ({displacement}) offers the most driving fun in the Lexus IS XE30-FL — rated: "Legendary!". {description} 472 hp, naturally aspirated, revs past 7,000 rpm. The IS 500 is a unicorn — the last NA V8 sport sedan you can buy new. The 2UR-GSE is bulletproof: IS-F examples with 200,000+ miles are everywhere. The 8-speed auto is adequate but not as sharp as the BMW M3's unit or the Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing's 10-speed. No manual option is the one real complaint. 0-60 in 4.4 seconds, no turbo lag, no hybrid complexity. Depreciation will be gentle because nothing replaces it.
Is the Lexus IS XE30-FL worth buying used? +
The Lexus IS XE30-FL is a good choice as a used car — 1 of 3 engine variants are rated 'Good Choice'.
What horsepower variants are available for the Lexus IS XE30-FL? +
The Lexus IS XE30-FL is available with engine variants from 238 to 479 hp. Petrol: 2GR-FSE (3.5L V6 D4-S), 8AR-FTS (2.0L Turbo), 2UR-GSE (5.0L V8).

Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee