OverviewSpecificationsPrice
Lexus IS 300
Lexus · Cars · 2023
Lexus IS 300 (2023)
100
⚠ 3 complaints
Status
Certified
Long track record, no issues found
Status Certified — verified clean safety record across 5+ years of official monitoring.
Specifications
Engine Size2.4 L
Transmission8 speed automatic
Combined MPG25 MPG
Lexus IS 300 Comparison with Similar Vehicles
Lexus IS 300Lexus IS 300 (this vehicle)Hyundai Kona FWDHyundai Kona FWDToyota Corolla CrossToyota Corolla CrossGMC Yukon XL 4WDGMC Yukon XL 4WDGMC Yukon 2WDGMC Yukon 2WDBuick Encore GX AWDBuick Encore GX AWD
Price$44,850$23,000–$31,000———$27,900
Engine Capacity2.4 L2L2L3L3L1.3L
Fuel TypePremium GasolineRegularRegularDieselDieselRegular
Transmission8 speed automaticAutomatic (AV-S1)Automatic (AV-S10)Automatic 10-spdAutomatic 10-spdAutomatic 9-spd
Body TypeSedanSmall Sport Utility Vehicle 2WDSmall Sport Utility Vehicle 2WDStandard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WDStandard Sport Utility Vehicle 2WDSmall Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
About

The 2023 Lexus IS 300 offers a compelling blend of performance and efficiency, boasting 275 horsepower and a 0-60 mph time of just 5.4 seconds. With a combined MPG of 25 and a focus on premium gasoline, it's engineered for an engaging yet economical drive.

Pros
  • Certified safety status
  • No recalls on record
  • Low complaint count (3)
  • Strong acceleration (0-60 in 5.4s)
  • Impressive highway MPG (31)
Cons
  • Requires premium gasoline
  • City MPG is 21
Complaints3 total
LEXUS IS 2023 STRUCTURE:BODY
low
I am reporting a recurring front bumper cracking and separation issue on my Lexus IS 500. A crack developed at the front bumper seam directly adjacent to the passenger-side headlight assembly. The crack originates at the bumper mounting/retention area near the headlamp and appears to be stress-related rather than impact-related. There is a known Lexus Technical Service Bulletin addressing front bumper sag and improper retention on this model. Multiple other Lexus IS 500 owners have reported similar cracking and separation in the exact same location, including vehicles that have not been modified or involved in collisions. My concern is that: The crack appears at a structural mounting point of the bumper. Continued stress or separation may compromise bumper retention. Progressive separation could create risk of partial bumper detachment at highway speeds. The issue occurs adjacent to the headlight assembly, raising potential concern for lighting alignment or mounting stability if the condition worsens. This does not appear to be isolated cosmetic damage but rather a recurring stress point at the bumper mounting seam. If the bumper retention system is insufficient or prone to stress cracking, this could pose a potential roadway hazard if separation increases while driving. Given that Lexus has issued a Technical Service Bulletin regarding bumper sag/retention on this model, I am requesting that NHTSA review whether the front bumper attachment design presents a broader safety concern.
NHTSAUSDec 2025Source →
LEXUS IS 2023 VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY
medium
The contact owns a 2023 Lexus IS350. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the moon roof suddenly shattered, raining glass into the interior of the vehicle. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was opened. The failure mileage was 11,000.
NHTSAUSFeb 2024Source →
LEXUS IS 2023 POWER TRAIN
low
During driving an issue arose where the acceleration had to be performed in order to avoid a potential accident. The gas pedal vas depressed but the transmission would not downshift or accelerate. After about a second or more the transmission finally downshifted and the vehicle accelerated. I was able to steer out of trouble and fought the in order to do it. This is a know issue and programmed by Lexus. Who in their right mind does not allow the car to accelerate when the gas pedal is depressed. this issue ue seems to be with IS500 only. the mechanic did acknowledge a slow shift and this is by design. I am afraid to pull into traffic since the car will not go. It will start to go then slow down or back off and then after it downshifts it picks up speed. The time is so slow that I could get hit if the approaching traffic gets to me despite knowing that the distance is sufficient to safely pull into traffic. the car is unpredictable. In my other cars I have no issues like this. I have another Lexus vehicle and it does not do this. Many have reported the slow downshift and Lexus mechanic say it is by design. A downshift of one second or more at 60 miles an hour is 88 feet of travel. The car is not safe to drive because the driver is not in control. If you have to accelerate to avoid an accident or get out of the way you will not be able until the stupid car decides to. I have driven other Lexus models and they do not do this. Only IS500 does this. It is so unnatural that you press the gas pedal half way down and nothing. The car has to accelerate when you need to accelerate. Lexus also sells performance but it is not a performance car. Somebody is going to die due to this issue. I am nervous driving the car and I feel like I am out of control. This is a continuous problem. So far I almost got into 3 accidents due to this issue that could have resulted in a serious accidents.
NHTSAUSMar 2023Source →
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Status history
Uncertain→Certified27 May 2026
Lemon Score: 100. 0 data points. v3 scoring.
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