AI Damage2021 Lexus IS: common problems
Owners of the 2021 Lexus IS filed 2 complaints with NHTSA. The maker issued 44 service bulletins for this year. Details by component below, with sources.
Key figures
- Owner complaints
- 2
- involving a crash
- 1
- Technical service bulletins (TSB)
- 44
Engines and transmissions
US-market versions per EPA. On the right: how many NHTSA complaints name this engine or transmission type.
- 2 L · petrol · turbo · 4 cyl
- 3.5 L · petrol · 6 cyl
- automatic, 6-speed
- automatic, 8-speed
Drive: RWD, AWD
Components owners complain about
| Component | Owner complaints | involving a crash | Technical service bulletins (TSB) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Structure | 0 | 0 | 22 |
| Electrical system | 0 | 0 | 8 |
| Engine | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| Communication | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Engine and cooling | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Equipment | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Wheels | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Other | 2 | 1 | 11 |
When owners complained
NHTSA complaints by filing year. The peak shows at what age the problems show up most.
Comparison
By complaint count this model year ranks 1,862 of 2,102 model years in the NHTSA data (among the 11% least complained about).
On average one model year of the IS has 2 complaints (12 years in the data). This year has 2, about average.
What to check before buying
- Structure. Rails, pillars, panel gaps, signs of pulling or welding.
- Electrical system. Scan all modules, test the battery and alternator, inspect connectors near the impact zone.
- Engine. Cold start, unusual noises, oil leaks and engine codes.
- Communication. Infotainment, telematics, antennas after body repair.
Manufacturer service bulletins
Bulletin titles as filed with NHTSA.
- OBSOLETE NOTICE February 2, 2026
This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see L-SB-0004-26.
- Some 2018 – 2025 model year Lexus vehicles equipped with the Enform™ 2.0 Navigation System, require a…
Some 2018 – 2025 model year Lexus vehicles equipped with the Enform™ 2.0 Navigation System, require a Special Service Tool (SST) USB flash drive to update the map, points of interest, and system software.
- Some 2005 – 2026 Lexus vehicles that have undergone water intrusion may exhibit a condition in which a…
Some 2005 – 2026 Lexus vehicles that have undergone water intrusion may exhibit a condition in which a musty odor is present. Follow the procedures in this bulletin to remediate the odor and address this condition. The…
- Some customers may experience operational difficulties with some telematics features which they cannot…
Some customers may experience operational difficulties with some telematics features which they cannot resolve on their own. These resources, in conjunction with the Repair Manual, are for dealership personnel to…
- The air conditioning dye injection tool kit has been developed to aid in identifying the location of air…
The air conditioning dye injection tool kit has been developed to aid in identifying the location of air conditioning refrigerant leaks. The procedures outlined in this Service Bulletin aid in locating, inspecting, and…
- To assist with the early detection and early resolution of audio related concerns you may be asked to…
To assist with the early detection and early resolution of audio related concerns you may be asked to recover MMR data from the head unit. The following steps are instructions on how to retrieve the data from the…
- Some 2010 – 2026 model year Lexus vehicles may exhibit paint stains after the removal of Rapgard™
The paint stains may appear to be under the clear coat but are usually under wrinkles in the Rapgard™. The wrinkles may trap water and cause the paint to stain from the trapped moisture, especially on horizontal…
- Some 2021 model year Lexus vehicles are equipped with an eOwner’s Manual (eOM), which is installed into…
Some 2021 model year Lexus vehicles are equipped with an eOwner’s Manual (eOM), which is installed into the head unit while the vehicle is in transit. During Pre-Delivery Service (PDS), follow the instructions…
- Some 2018 – 2025 model year Lexus vehicles equipped with the Enform™ 2.0 Navigation System, require a…
Some 2018 – 2025 model year Lexus vehicles equipped with the Enform™ 2.0 Navigation System, require a Special Service Tool (SST) USB flash drive to update the map, points of interest, and system software. The SST is…
- TECHNICAL INSTRUCTIONS LIMITED SERVICE CAMPAIGN 22LD02 OPTIONAL BODY-COLORED REAR SPOILER DESIGNED FOR
CERTAIN 2021 MODEL YEAR IS 300 VEHICLES
- TECHNICAL INSTRUCTIONS LIMITED SERVICE CAMPAIGN 22LD01 OPTIONAL BODY-COLORED REAR SPOILER DESIGNED FOR
CERTAIN 2021 MODEL YEAR IS 300 VEHICLES
- Some 2005 – 2024 Lexus vehicles that have undergone water intrusion may exhibit a condition in which a…
Some 2005 – 2024 Lexus vehicles that have undergone water intrusion may exhibit a condition in which a musty odor is present. Follow the procedures in this bulletin to remediate the odor and address this condition. The…
NHTSA lists 44 bulletins for this year; the 12 newest are shown here.
Other years of this model
Questions and answers
What are the most common problems with the 2021 Lexus IS?
There are no owner complaints in the NHTSA data for this year; the data comes from 44 manufacturer service bulletins.
How many service bulletins (TSB) were issued for the 2021 Lexus IS?
NHTSA lists 44 manufacturer service bulletins for this year. A bulletin tells dealers how to diagnose or fix a known issue; it is not a recall.
Should I buy a 2021 Lexus IS from a US auction?
Owner complaints describe defects, not crash damage. Before bidding, check the components listed above and review the lot photos: VinWind builds a report of visible and hidden damage by VIN.
Other 2021 models
Read also
Sources: public NHTSA data (USA): service bulletins and owner complaints; YouTube: links to videos credited to their authors. Complaints are owner statements not verified by NHTSA, and describe defects rather than crash damage. Data updated 2026-11-04.