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2015 Lexus IS

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2015 models.

Lexus IS
Pictured: 2021 Lexus IS300 F-Sport, Front Left, 10-10-2021. Photo: Elise240SX, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Class
Compact Cars
Body styles
250/350 AWD Sedan, 250/350 RWD Sedan, -C 250/350 2dr Conv RWD
Engines
2.5L 6-cyl, 3.5L 6-cyl
Horsepower
236 hp
Drivetrain
Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Premium Gasoline
MPG (best)
24 combined · 21 city / 30 hwy
Length
182.7–183.9 in
Curb weight
3,461–3,814 lb
NHTSA rating
Not rated
Recalls
3 campaigns

Pros & cons

What's good

  • AWD / 4WD available

Watch out for

  • Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 30 similar 2015 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2015 Lexus IS is a compact car offered with 2 engines (2.5L 6-cyl and 3.5L 6-cyl) and rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.

It measures about 184 inches long and 71 inches wide on a 110-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,649 lb (250/350 AWD Sedan).

EPA rates its most efficient version at 24 MPG combined (21 city / 30 highway), 9% worse than the 2015 compact car average of 26.3 MPG, for an estimated $3,400 a year in fuel.

NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.

It has 3 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 30 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the electrical system.

What changed for 2015

No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2014 IS — a carry-over year in the data.

Compared with 2014; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2014 IS →

Trims, performance & features

Engine236 hp2.5L 6-cyl
Engine–3.5L 6-cyl
DriveAWD/4WD

Trims

250350

Built in: Tahara, Aichi · Miyawaka, Fukuoka

NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 4 2015 IS configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →

Dimensions & weight

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
250/350 AWD Sedan183.9 in71.3 in56.3 in110.2 in60.6 / 61 in3,649 lb55/45
250/350 RWD Sedan183.9 in71.3 in56.3 in110.2 in60.6 / 61 in3,461 lb55/45
-C 250/350 2dr Conv RWD182.7 in70.9 in55.9 in107.5 in60.6 / 60.6 in3,814 lb52/48

Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.

Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
IS 2502.5L 6-cylAutomatic (S6)Rear-Wheel Drive21 / 30 / 24-9%$3,400364
IS 250 C2.5L 6-cylAutomatic (S6)Rear-Wheel Drive21 / 30 / 24+1%$3,400362
IS 250 AWD2.5L 6-cylAutomatic (S6)All-Wheel Drive20 / 27 / 23-13%$3,550391
IS 3503.5L 6-cylAutomatic (S8)Rear-Wheel Drive19 / 28 / 22-16%$3,750401
IS 350 C3.5L 6-cylAutomatic (S6)Rear-Wheel Drive19 / 27 / 22-7%$3,750402
IS 350 AWD3.5L 6-cylAutomatic (S6)All-Wheel Drive19 / 26 / 21-20%$3,900413
6/10EPA fuel economy score (best version)
6/10EPA greenhouse gas score
Spend $5,000Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
26.3 MPG2015 Compact Cars average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2015 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2015 Lexus IS.

Similar 2015 compact cars

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2015 Lexus IS (this car)24 MPGNot rated3
2015 BMW 3 Series36 MPGNot rated0
2015 BMW 5 Series30 MPGNot rated0
2015 Mercedes-Benz E-Class25 MPGNot rated0
2015 Audi A426 MPGNot rated4
2015 Mercedes-Benz C-Class28 MPGNot rated0
2015 Audi A629 MPGNot rated4

Recalls (3)

Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump · Jan 13, 2020

NHTSA campaign 20V012000 · 1,830,752 vehicles

Problem
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) recalled certain 2018-2019 4Runner, Highlander, Camry, Land Cruiser, Sequoia, Sienna, Tacoma and Tundra, and Lexus RC 300, RC 350, GS 350, GX 460, IS 300, LC 500, LS 500, LX 570, RX 350L, and 2019 Toyota Avalon and Corolla, and certain Lexus NX 300, and ES 350 vehicles on January 13, 2020. On March 4, 2020, Toyota expanded the recall to include certain 2014-2015 Toyota 4Runner and Land Cruiser, 2018 Avalon, Corolla, 2014 FJ Cruiser, 2017 Sienna and Lexus 2018 ES 350, 2018-2019 GS 300, 2013-2014 GS350, 2014-2015 GX 460, IS 350 and LX 570, 2014 IS F, 2018-2019 IS 350, LC 500H and LS 500H, 2013-2015 LS 460, 2015 NX 200T and RC350, 2017 RC 200T and RX 350. Toyota also removed the 2018-2019 Toyota 4Runner and Land Cruiser and 2018-2019 Lexus GX 460 and LX 570 and 2019 NX300 from inclusion in this recall. On March 19, 2020, Toyota expanded the recall to include 2015 Lexus GS350 vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
Risk
If the fuel pump fails, the engine can stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump, free of charge. The recall began May 4, 2020. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371 or Lexus customer service at 1-800-255-3987. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 20TB02 and 20TA02 for Toyota vehicles and 20LB01 and 20LA01 for Lexus vehicles.
Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module · Oct 17, 2019

NHTSA campaign 19V741000 · 928,220 vehicles

Problem
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2010-2016 4Runner, 2003-2006 Tundra, 2003-2013 Corolla, 2009-2010 Corolla Matrix, 2004-2005 RAV4, 2002-2007 Sequoia, 2011-2013 Sienna, 2008-2012 Scion xB, 2008-2009 Lexus IS-F, 2007-2012 Yaris and Lexus ES350, 2010-2017 Lexus GX460, 2002-2010 Lexus SC430, 2006-2012 Lexus IS250 and IS350 and 2010-2015 Lexus IS250C and IS350C vehicles. These vehicles had their driver or passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior recall using inflators of the same design. The inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
Risk
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix
Toyota will notify owners. Depending on the vehicle model, dealers will replace the front driver inflator, front passenger airbag inflator, the airbag assembly, or the front passenger airbag sub-assembly and inflator. The recall began November 20, 2019. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371 or Lexus customer service at 1-800-255-3987. Toyota's numbers for this recall are J0A, J0B, and J0C. Lexus' numbers for this recall are JLI, JLJ, and JLK.
Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module · Jan 9, 2019

NHTSA campaign 19V005000 · 1,299,448 vehicles

Problem
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2014-2016 Toyota 4Runner, 2014-2015 Scion xB, Lexus IS350C, IS250C, 2014 Toyota Sienna, Lexus IS-F, and 2014-2017 Lexus GX460 vehicles sold, or ever registered in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands or "Zone A." Toyota is also recalling certain 2011-2013 Toyota Corolla, Corolla Matrix, Lexus IS250, IS350, 2011-2016 4Runner, 2011-2015 Scion xB, Lexus IS350C, IS250C, 2011-2014 Toyota Sienna, Lexus IS-F, 2011-2017 Lexus GX460, and 2011-2012 Lexus ES350 vehicles ever registered in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia or "Zone B." Toyota is also recalling certain 2010-2013 Toyota Corolla, Corolla Matrix, Lexus IS350, 2010-2016 4Runner, 2010-2013 Lexus IS250, 2010-2015 Scion xB, Lexus IS350C, IS250C, 2010-2017 Lexus GX460, 2010-2014 Lexus IS-F, and 2010-2012 Lexus ES350 vehicles ever registered in the states of Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming or "Zone C." These vehicles are equipped with air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, used as original equipment or replacement equipment (such as after a vehicle crash necessitating replacement of the original air bags), that may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
Risk
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix
Toyota will notify owners. Depending on the vehicle model, dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, or replace the air bag assembly. The recall began February 15, 2019. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are "Zone A" Toyota: G0P, Lexus: GLG; "Zone B" Toyota: G0R, Lexus GLH; "Zone C" Toyota: H0A, and Lexus: HLA.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2015 Lexus IS is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

30Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
1Involved a crash
0Involved a fire
0Injuries reported
39,500 miTypical mileage at failure
Electrical System9
Unknown Or Other7
Air Bags3
Fuel/Propulsion System3
Wheels3
Engine2
Steering2
Electronic Stability Control (Esc)1
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
16/09: 116/11: 117/05: 117/12: 118/06: 118/08: 118/09: 219/07: 120/04: 120/06: 120/09: 121/01: 121/02: 121/09: 122/10: 123/03: 123/04: 123/05: 123/07: 123/09: 223/10: 125/05: 125/07: 225/11: 116/0917/1218/0920/0621/0223/0323/0725/05max 2

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2015 Lexus IS buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 3 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Electrical System — 9 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
  3. Air Bags — 3 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
  4. Fuel/Propulsion System — 3 owner reports. Smell for fuel around the car and in the cabin, check that it starts easily when warm, and look at the oil dipstick for a fuel smell or rising level.
  5. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 39,500 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
  6. Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.

Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2015 Lexus IS. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.

Other IS years

Compare all years →
YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2026 IS22185.8 inNot rated01
2025 IS25185.4 inNot rated01
2024 IS25185.4 inNot rated01
2023 IS25185.4 inNot rated05
2022 IS25185.4 inNot rated15
2021 IS25185.4 inNot rated03
2020 IS24183.9 inNot rated09
2019 IS24183.9 inNot rated210
2018 IS26183.9 inNot rated19
2017 IS26183.9 inNot rated221
2016 IS26183.9 inNot rated017
2014 IS24183.9 inNot rated456

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Lexus. How we calculate this →