2021 Lexus Is 300 problems
The Lexus IS (Japanese: レクサス・IS, Hepburn: Rekusasu IS) is a compact executive car (D-segment in Europe) sold by Lexus, a luxury division of Toyota, since 1998. The IS was originally sold under the Toyota Altezza (Japanese: トヨタ・アルテッツァ, Hepburn: Toyota Arutettsua) nameplate in Japan from 1998 (the word Altezza is Italian for 'height' or 'highness'). The IS was introduced as an entry-level sport model positioned below the ES in the Lexus lineup.
The first-generation Altezza (codename XE10) was launched in Japan in October 1998, while the Lexus IS 200 (GXE10) made its debut in Europe in 1999 and in North America as the IS 300 (JCE10) in 2000. The first-generation models were powered by a straight-six engine and available in sedan and wagon variants. The second-generation IS (codename XE20) was launched globally in 2005 with V6-powered IS 250 (GSE20) and IS 350 (GSE21) sedan models, followed by a high-performance V8 sedan version, the IS F, in 2007, and coupé convertible versions, the IS 250 C and IS 350 C, in 2008. The third-generation Lexus IS premiered in January 2013 and includes the V6-powered IS 350 and IS 250, turbocharged IS 200t/300, hybrid IS 300h and performance-tuned F Sport variants. The IS designation stands for "Intelligent Sport".
First generation (XE10; 1998)
Produced as a direct competitor to the luxury sports sedans of the leading European luxury marques, the XE10 series Toyota Altezza and Lexus IS was designed with a greater performance emphasis than typically seen on prior Japanese luxury vehicles. The engineering work was led by Nobuaki Katayama from 1994 to 1998 under the 038T program code, who was responsible for the AE86 project. Design work which had been done in 1995 by Tomoyasu Nishi was frozen in 1996 and filed under patent number 1030135 on 5 December 1996, at the Japan Patent Office. At its introduction to Japan, it was exclusive to Japanese dealerships called Toyota Netz Store, until Lexus was introduced to Japan in 2006. The Japan-sold AS200 Altezza sedan and AS300 Altezza Gita correspond to the Lexus IS 200 and IS 300 models respectively, as sold in markets outside of Japan. The Lexus IS' primary markets were North America, Australia, and Europe. The Altezza Gita was a hatchback-station wagon version sold in Japan and was known in the US and Europe as the Lexus IS SportCross. The AS300 Altezza Gita was the only Altezza with the 2JZ-GE engine; in export markets this engine was available in the sedan models as well as the Lexus IS300 Sedan.
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Common 2021 Lexus Is 300 problems
The 2021 Lexus IS 300 is a small luxury sedan that offers value, comfort, and quality, but it also has some common problems based on complaints from owners.
- Technology Interface: The technology interface in the IS 300 has been criticized for being distracting to use. The 2021 model has addressed this issue by replacing the mouse-like controller with a touchpad controller, eliminating the on-screen cursor that made the prior system difficult to use. Touchscreen functionality and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are also newly available.
- Small Cabin: The IS 300 has a smaller cabin compared to its rivals, which can make it feel cramped for some occupants. This is a design choice that Lexus has made to prioritize performance and handling over interior space.
- Seat Cooling and Heating: Some owners have reported issues with the seat cooling and heating system, which can have a mind of its own. This can be a minor inconvenience, but it can also affect the overall comfort of the vehicle.
- Navigation and Lexus Enform: Some owners have reported issues with the navigation and Lexus Enform system, which can be unreliable and difficult to use. This can affect the overall usability of the vehicle, especially for those who rely on these systems for navigation and entertainment.
- Engine and Engine Electrics: While the IS 300 is known for its reliability, some owners have reported issues relating to engine and engine electrics. These problems were mostly set right under warranty, but they can still affect the overall ownership experience.
- Non-Engine Electrics: Some owners have reported issues relating to non-engine electrics, including the sat-nav, air-con, and infotainment systems. These problems were mostly set right under warranty, but they can still affect the overall ownership experience.
In conclusion, while the 2021 Lexus IS 300 offers value, comfort, and quality, it also has some common problems based on complaints from owners. These issues include driving refinement, technology interface, small cabin, seat cooling and heating, navigation and Lexus Enform, engine and engine electrics, and non-engine electrics. However, many of these issues were addressed in the 2021 model, which features additional reinforcements and welds, lighter suspension components, a new touchpad controller, and improved technology interface.
Are there any recalls on the 2021 Lexus IS 300?
No recalls found.
Why is the IS300 a good car?
Perfect beginner enthusiast car.
If you want something that has a little bit of pep, looks good, doesn't break. This is the car for you. Low maintenance and the parts aren't to expensive and they are easy to find. Running strong at 168,000 miles and I wouldn't think twice about driving it across the country right now.
How reliable is the Lexus is300h?
The IS 300h itself was placed 11th out of 75 cars, and like all the Japanese manufacturer's products scored excellent marks for reliability. There's no doubt the hybrid technology in the car is tried-and-tested, as similar and related systems have now been fitted to millions of cars across the Toyota group.
Is the IS300 AWD a good car?
Overall this is a very good car. It is comfortable, quick, and performs well.
2021 Lexus Is 300 car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Lexus Is 300 problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Unknown or other problems
- Engine problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2021 Lexus Is 300 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
2021 Lexus Is 300 complaints
The NHTSA has received 1 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2021 Lexus Is 300.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-11-15
- VIN: JTHAA1D20M5
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE
- Summary: The Oil Housing Cap cracked during an oil change on my 2021 Lexus IS300. This occurred at my mechanics shop. I would have taken the car to the dealer but the cost for an oil change is double. The mechanic charged me for the part $55.25. When he went to purchase the part from JM Lexus, Sample Road, the parts person said this is a problem that should have been resolved. I called the Parts Manager at JM Lexus to verify this information. He stated that the part is weak and cracks and that this part needs to be replaced a few times a month. I wrote to the Executives at JM Lexus and they refuse to reimburse me because the car was not serviced there, however, the bigger problem is that this part needs to be retooled and owners recalled for replacement. For those in cold weather, could this part crack and leak oil? Will I be charged every time I get an oil change because of this defect?
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2021 Lexus Is 300 problems:
My thoughts on the 2021 Lexus IS 300 AWD : r/cars
Jan 19, 2021 ... The bigger screen hardly seems worth the money unless you genuinely need it because of vision issues. The NULUXE leather feels super soft and I ...
Lexus NX 300 - engine problems - ClubLexus - Lexus Forum ...
Sep 27, 2021 ... Aug 2021: NX 300 started experiencing rough idling (I should add- the ignition frequently had trouble turning over for a few months leading up ...
Is the Lexus IS 300 reliable? : r/LexusIS
Apr 20, 2023 ... Absolutely it will be reliable, it's a solid Lexus / Toyota engine. If you can get 200,000+ miles out of a Toyota Corolla (My 2012 IS has ...
Lexus NX 300 - engine problems - Page 2 - ClubLexus - Lexus ...
Sep 27, 2021 ... NX - 1st Gen (2015-2021) - Lexus NX 300 - engine ... Lexus NX 300 - engine problems. Subscribe ... issue was a common failure and found your thread.
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