Head-to-head reliability
Lexus IS vs Toyota Camry
How the Lexus IS and Toyota Camry compare on NHTSA complaints, recalls and crash reports — and which is the lower-risk used buy.
Based on NHTSA owner-complaint & recall records
Lexus IS vs Toyota Camry: The Lexus IS has far fewer complaints (20 vs 2143) and recalls (1 vs 31) over 10 years, indicating lower reported issue rates. However, the IS has engine misfire and steering concerns, while the Camry has transmission, brake, and sudden acceleration problems. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Lexus IS or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Lexus IS
The Lexus IS shows a relatively low complaint rate over the past decade, averaging about two per year. Owners report a recurring engine misfire issue that can cause shaking, reduced power, and a flashing check engine light, along with some steering stiffness and a degrading dashboard. While these issues are concerning, they are far less frequent than those reported for the Camry.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry has a much higher complaint volume, averaging over 214 per year, with a wide range of issues. Owners frequently report transmission problems, brake failures, and engine concerns, including sudden acceleration incidents. The sheer number and variety of complaints, along with multiple recalls, paint a picture of a vehicle with more widespread reliability and safety concerns.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Lexus IS | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 20 Better | 2,143 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 1 Better | 31 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 1 Better | 181 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 2.0 Better | 214.3 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 0 Better | 163 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 0 Better | 1 |
Source: NHTSA owner complaints & recall records.
What actually goes wrong
The problems owners report
The most-complained-about systems on each vehicle — what fails, and what owners say in their own words.
Lexus IS
- 01FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM8
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER6
- 03ENGINE5
- 04STEERING3
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM2
Owners report intermittent engine misfires causing flashing check engine lights, reduced power, and shaking. This can be a safety concern if it leads to sudden loss of acceleration.
The engine misfire issue is also listed under engine complaints, with multiple repair attempts failing to resolve the problem. This suggests a persistent defect that may require extensive diagnostics.
Some owners describe the steering feeling sticky or locking up on the highway, making lane changes difficult and potentially causing abrupt maneuvers. This is a safety-critical issue that needs attention.
A degrading dashboard that becomes sticky and reflective can obscure visibility, creating a distraction. This is a quality issue that affects comfort and safety.
“I am filing this updated complaint to supplement my prior complaint (NHTSA ID No. XXX, filed January 27, 2026) regarding a recurring, safety-critical engine defect in my 2020 Lexus IS300 RWD, 8AR-FTS engine. DEFECT: Three documented misfire events over seven…”
“This vehicle has a recurring, safety-critical defect involving intermittent engine misfires, flashing MILs, reduced engine power, sudden loss of acceleration, and noticeable engine shaking. Despite multiple repair attempts and extended diagnostics by a dealer…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN395
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER342
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES290
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM246
Transmission problems are common, with grinding noises and the need for replacement. Some owners report sudden acceleration or unintended movement, which can lead to crashes.
Engine issues include sudden acceleration incidents and coolant valve problems that may trigger maintenance lights. These can be dangerous if they cause loss of control.
Brake failures are reported, including a complete lack of response when pressing the pedal, leading to potential crashes. This is a critical safety concern.
HVAC issues like a vinegar smell from the air conditioning are common, but less safety-critical. However, they affect comfort and may indicate deeper problems.
“I turned into a restaurant’s parking lot, found a spot and slowly drove into the lot, I eased off the gas pedal and gently applying the brake as the lot has a slight downward slope. When I reach the chunk (the parking block), I added more force to the brake,…”
“Grinding noise coming from front end upon acceleration. Brought to dealership who confirmed noises coming from transmission. Transmission needs to be replaced per dealer recommendation. Recalls on 2021 Toyota Camry for same issue. Transmissions on backorder a…”
Official recalls
Safety recalls on record
Federal recall campaigns — the defect, the risk, and the fix. Confirm any open recall was completed before you buy.
Lexus IS — 1 recall
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2015-2022 Lexus RC, 2016-2020 GS, and 2022 IS vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
The risk: Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the fuel pump assembly, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed June 5, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available. Owners may contact Toyota's cust…
Toyota Camry — 31 recalls
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Avalon, Avalon Hybrid, Corolla, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, RAV4, RAV4 Hybrid, Lexus ES350, Lexus RX350, Lexus RX450H, 2021 Sienna Hybrid, Lexus ES250, 2020-2022 Camry, Camry Hybrid, and ES300H vehicles. A short cir…
The risk: An air bag that does not deploy during a crash increases the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the sensor as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed in February 2024. Some final remedy owner letters were mailed October 31, 2024. Letters will continue…
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Camry and Camry Hybrid vehicles. The second-row center and right-side seats may have insufficiently welded head restraint brackets. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle…
The risk: A head restraint bracket that is insufficiently welded may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will replace the 60% rear seat-back frame sub-assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 19, 2024. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 24TB0…
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023 Camry and Camry Hybrid vehicles. The lug nuts that attach the wheels to the vehicle may be loose, which can result in wheel detachment.
The risk: A wheel that detaches from a moving vehicle can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the repair has been performed. Dealers will inspect and tighten the lug nuts, and replace any damaged components, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed on…
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Camry and Camry Hybrid vehicles. The second-row center and right-side seats may have insufficiently welded head restraint brackets. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle…
The risk: A head restraint bracket that is insufficiently welded may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will replace the 60% rear seat-back frame sub-assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 19, 2024. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 24TB0…
Buyer analysis
Lexus IS or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Lexus IS has significantly fewer complaints per year (2.0) compared to the Toyota Camry (214.3), indicating a lower rate of reported issues. In practice, this means the IS is likely to have fewer reliability headaches, but buyers should still be aware of its specific engine and steering concerns.
Key differences
- The Lexus IS has a fraction of the complaints (20 vs 2143) and far fewer recalls (1 vs 31) than the Camry.
- The IS's main issues are engine misfires and steering stiffness, while the Camry suffers from transmission failures, brake loss, and sudden acceleration reports.
- The Camry has a higher number of crash-related complaints (181) and injuries (163) compared to the IS (1 crash, 0 injuries), indicating more severe safety incidents.
- The IS's dashboard degradation is a unique quality issue, whereas the Camry has a broader range of problems including HVAC odors and wheel lug nut recalls.
- Inspect the engine for any signs of misfires, such as rough idling or a flashing check engine light, and ask for service records related to misfire repairs.
- Test the steering at highway speeds for any stickiness or resistance that could indicate a potential lock-up issue.
- Check the transmission for any grinding noises or hesitation during acceleration, and verify if any transmission recalls apply to the specific VIN.
- Test the brakes thoroughly, including sudden stops, and look for any warning signs of brake failure, such as a soft pedal or unusual noises.
Before you buy
- Obtain a vehicle history report and check for open recalls on both models using the VIN.
- Have a trusted mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection, focusing on the engine, transmission, and brakes.
- Test drive both vehicles under various conditions, including highway speeds and sudden braking, to feel for any abnormalities.
- Ask for maintenance records, especially for any repairs related to the known issues (misfires, steering, transmission, brakes).
- Research the specific model year and trim for any additional known issues or service bulletins.
Year by year
Which model years to avoid
Complaints per model year for both vehicles — lower is better. The spikes are the years to scrutinize.
| Year | Lexus IS | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 0 | 119 |
| 2025 | 0 | 153 |
| 2024 | 0 | 48 |
| 2023 | 0 | 62 |
| 2022 | 0 | 59 |
| 2021 | 2 | 155 |
| 2020 | 4 | 270 |
| 2019 | 2 | 393 |
| 2018 | 3 | 736 |
| 2017 | 9 | 148 |
Check the actual car
Comparing models is smart. Checking the VIN is essential.
Brand averages tell you the trend. A VIN check tells you what's wrong with the specific Lexus IS or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Lexus IS vs Toyota Camry
- Lexus IS total complaints
- 20
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,143
- Lexus IS total recalls
- 1
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- Lexus IS avg complaints/year
- 2.0
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 214.3
- More reliable overall
- Lexus IS
- Lexus IS top complaint area
- FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN