JTHBF1D25F50453112015 LEXUS IS250
2015 LEXUS IS was analyzed across NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, crash test data, and public auction records. 9 owner complaints have been filed with NHTSA — review the complaint section for the most common failure pat...
Executive Summary
2015 LEXUS IS
2015 LEXUS IS was analyzed across NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, crash test data, and public auction records. 9 owner complaints have been filed with NHTSA — review the complaint section for the most common failure patterns.
- Engine or platform shared with models that have documented failure issues
Title Brand Check
Mined from auction damage fields and listing titles — not a DMV title history pull
No auction records available. Title brand status could not be verified — request title history from seller or state DMV.
Vehicle Specifications
Decoded from NHTSA vPIC database
- Make
- LEXUS
- Model
- IS
- Year
- 2015
- Trim / Series
- 250
- Body Style
- Sedan/Saloon
- Vehicle Type
- PASSENGER CAR
- Drive Type
- 4x2
- Fuel Type
- Gasoline
- Engine
- 6-cyl 2.5L 236 hp
- Doors
- 4
- Manufacturer
- TOYOTA MOTOR CORPORATION
- Assembly
- TAHARA, AICHI, JAPAN
- GVWR
- Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less)
Assembly Plant Quality
Plant: TAHARA, AICHI
No specific quality data available for this plant. No documented recall or complaint concentrations on record.
Safety Intelligence
Composite analysis from NHTSA recall, complaint, and crash data
✓ No high-risk recall components found
2.5L V6 and related engines: oil sludge buildup causing premature engine failure — Toyota extended warranty programs issued
Driver Assistance Features
ADAS equipment data from NHTSA vPIC database
Deferred Failure Risk
Components and defects approaching or past their known service milestones
Worn chain tensioners cause timing chain skip or snap — common on GM 5.3L/6.2L, Ford EcoBoost, VW/Audi EA888, BMW N47/N63. Listen for cold-start rattles.
Water pump failure causes rapid overheating. If the engine overheats even once, head gasket damage is likely — turning a $400 part into a $3,000+ repair.
Degraded transmission fluid destroys clutch packs and solenoids. CVT transmissions are especially sensitive — neglected fluid can result in a $4,000–$8,000 replacement.
Degraded coolant loses corrosion inhibitors and attacks aluminum engine components. Can cause head gasket failure and water pump corrosion.
Worn spark plugs cause misfires that can foul and crack catalytic converters. A $150 tune-up can prevent a $1,200 catalytic converter replacement.
Dirty or failing injectors cause rough idle, reduced fuel economy, and increased emissions. Cleaning costs $100–$200; replacement $800–$1,600.
NHTSA Safety Recalls
CLEARComplaint Intelligence
9 complaints analyzed across 7 system categories
Owner Complaints
HIGH VOLUME9 safety complaints filed with NHTSA
Driver side headlights and high beam have gone dim, reduced to a yellow haze. This creates a hazard by reducing visibility when driving. This increases risk of accidents due to dimly let roadway. I have had the lens professional cleaned and there is no oxidation which may reduce light output. I have checked the headlight alignment and it is good.
My car has had issues where the car will either not start, or the car will stall and turn off while I am driving on the road, causing my car to become a hazard for myself in the car, and other cars who have to avoid it being in the middle of the road. This first happened to me 2 years ago and I took it to a mechanic who could not identify the issue because they could not replicate it while it was in the shop. I then took it to the nearest Lexus dealership and after a few days they identified the problem as a malfunctioning High Pressure Fuel Sensor and replaced that part, which I paid for out of pocket. The issue happened again 2 months later and the Lexus dealership replaced this part again. That was 2 years ago, the warranty on that replacement ended after 1 year, and my car had the same issue again where it literally stopped and turned off while driving on the road with no warning whatsoever. No light or indicator came on until the car engine turned off and then the entire dashboard lit up. My car is currently at another Lexus dealership and they are attempting to identify the issue once again. I see that there was a Fuel Pump recall put out for other Toyota / Lexus vehicles for this exact issue, but my specific Model / VIN are not a part of this list. The descriptions and reasoning for the recall describe my exact situation, I would like to see if there is a way I am able to add my Model / VIN to this list to protect myself and others. I do not feel safe driving my vehicle as it can turn off on me at any moment on the road.
The steering system on my Lexus IS 350 F Sport malfunctioned while driving at high speeds on the highway. Specifically, the steering wheel locked up and would not allow me to turn, which made it extremely difficult and dangerous to control the vehicle. The car is available for inspection upon request. My safety and the safety of others on the highway were seriously endangered. When the steering locked up, I was unable to make necessary lane changes or navigate slight curves. I had to reduce my speed significantly and move into the shoulder lane as safely as possible. If I had needed to avoid an obstacle or make a quick turn, I would not have been able to. At this time, the issue has not yet been reproduced or officially confirmed by a dealer or mechanic, but I plan to bring it in for a diagnostic inspection. The problem occurred unexpectedly and without warning at high speeds, making it difficult to replicate in controlled conditions. I am currently arranging for the vehicle to be inspected by a Lexus-certified service center and will allow access to the vehicle for further investigation by the manufacturer or any other relevant party. There were no warning lights, error messages, or unusual noises prior to the steering failure. My friend owns an ES 250 and had the same issue a few years ago but was able to get it fixed via recall on his vehicle. My problem happened suddenly while driving at high speeds and was not preceded by any noticeable signs.
Lexus had a recall for a faulty servo motor back in 2021. The recall work was performed; however, the same issue is happening again. The airflow on the “head only” setting comes out extremely low and blows air on the feet. This is the second malfunction for this electrical component within a four year period and shows faulty components being placed in vehicles. This can become a very dangerous situation if air or heat is not flowing properly from the vents. It can create situations where driver is not comfortable due to any health conditions or other reasons, and can create a potential accident hazard.
On Friday, September 15, 2023 3:00PM, I had a “horrible” experience with my Lexus this weekend and sudden unintended acceleration. I was sitting at a red light, with my foot on the brake. Without warning the engine began to rev, the tires squealed and the car lurched forward. I through the car into park & turned of the car as quickly as I could react and “thank god” no one was injured and there was no accident. I was in the car with my wife and she reminded me she had a similar experience a month ago. I didn’t know what to think when she told me. Until I experienced it myself I didn’t really understand how dangerous this problem is. She experience this sudden unintended acceleration when the car was in park after she got in the car and started it. I’ve read of this sudden unintended acceleration but never experienced it until this weekend. It was exactly this.. an unintended, unexpected, uncontrolled acceleration of a vehicle, accompanied by an apparent loss of braking effectiveness. This was not driver error. It is some kind of mechanical, software problem, electrical problem, or some combination of these factors. There was no driver error. This is not an issue with the floor mats. I drove the car home into the garage. I took it to the dealership the first available appointment on Monday. I had another incident on Wednesday, August 30, 2023. I was at the gym. My wife went to move my car as my parking time limit in La Jolla had expired. She experience sudden unintended acceleration when the car was in park after she got in the car and started it. The car had high engine revs and the car lurched forward while in park. The Lexus Dealership kept the car for a week. Mileage 67,249 Vehicle Report - [XXX]. Reviewed and analyzed by Lexus Factory. No recommended repairs are needed or required at this time. I opened TAS Case# [XXX] . I contacted Lexus Product Liability Team Case # [XXX] but, no one from corporate will look at the car. What should do? [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
When driving at high speeds on the highway (75-85mph) after about 20 mins or so, the steering wheel feels like it locks up or gets stuck. The only way to get it back to normal is to jerk the wheel a bit resulting in swerving. This happens almost everytime I travel across the state. The car has passed all inspections at the Lexus Dealer. This past visit to the dealership, the tie rod was found to be corroded, however the technician does not believe that is the issue. We believe it is the steering rack. This car has not been in any major accidents and was having this safety issue prior to a slight fender bender. The issue is a huge safety concern because the steering wheel "stops respondings" and needs to be jerked or swerved to go back to normal.
The paint is cracking and peeling off. Car is in great shape otherwise and has been kept clean and well maintained. Unsure why the paint is coming off.
The contact owns a 2015 Lexus IS250. The contact stated while operating the vehicle, the radio and infotainment center failed to function properly. Additionally, there was a burning odor inside the cabin of the vehicle. Upon inspection, it was discovered that the stereo amplifier located in the trunk was submerged in water. The location of the water intrusion was not determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were not yet notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 88,000.
225/40R18 front and 255/35R18 rear on 2 separate incidents. Both times slow leaks lead to finding tires separating. Called Bridgestone and they assured me of no known issues with tires which I'm now finding extremely hard to believe. This has to be a safety issue at the very least. The attached photos should prove my point. First set purchased in 2021 (thought it was a fluke). Then the second set in 2023. Both times separation was facing in towards the body of car, so one wouldn't notice unless underneath the car or tire removed. I even purchased the lifetime wheel alignment in between and had them aligned regularly, so that rules that out.
Complaint & Reliability Timeline
Annual complaints (blue) vs. composite reliability score (amber) — recall years marked in red
The blue line shows 9 total NHTSA complaints filed over 2 years, with the worst year being 2023 (5 complaints).
The amber reliability line averaged 87/100 across the vehicle's life — relatively stable, with the lowest point of 70/100 in 2023.
Legal & Regulatory Actions
Known class action lawsuits, settlements, and manufacturer extended warranty programs
5-Year Total Cost of Ownership
Estimated based on EPA fuel data, risk-adjusted maintenance, and depreciation
Estimated 5-year cost of ownership: $46,614 (~$777/mo). Repair risk buffer is standard due to vehicle risk profile.
Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
Tailored for the 2015 LEXUS IS — specific failure modes your mechanic must check, not a generic list
Recall Probability Forecast
Estimated likelihood of a new recall in the next 18 months based on NHTSA signals
5% baseline recall probability — no strong indicators of an imminent recall.
Maintenance Schedule
OEM-specified service intervals for this vehicle
Maintenance intervals vary significantly by make, model, year, engine, and driving conditions. Always follow the manufacturer's official schedule — not generic industry estimates.
Tip: Request the seller's service records and compare against the manufacturer schedule. Missing intervals are a negotiation point.
Auction History
Public sale records from Copart, IAAI, and auction aggregators
Searching Public Auction Records
Checking Copart, IAAI, BidFax, and other sources for JTHBF1D25F5045311. Results appear automatically when found.
Insurance Cost Estimate
Estimated annual premiums based on vehicle profile, theft data, and NHTSA safety ratings
Based on 2024 national avg ($2,011/yr full coverage). Individual rates vary by driver, location & insurer. Always compare 3+ quotes.
State-Specific Legal Protections
What consumer laws apply to this vehicle purchase in your state
Select your state to see what consumer protection laws, lemon law coverage, and title disclosure requirements apply to this vehicle purchase.
Complete Data Table
All decoded fields in a single flattened view
Vehicle Identity
| VIN | JTHBF1D25F5045311 |
| Model Year | 2015 |
| Make | LEXUS |
| Model | IS |
| Trim | 250 |
| Series | ASE30L/GSE31L/GSE36L/GSE37L |
| Vehicle Type | PASSENGER CAR |
Body & Configuration
| Body Style | Sedan/Saloon |
| Doors | 4 |
| Drive Type | 4x2 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline |
Engine
| Engine Cylinders | 6 |
| Displacement (L) | 2.5 |
| Horsepower | 236 |
Manufacturer
| Manufacturer | TOYOTA MOTOR CORPORATION |
| Assembly City | TAHARA |
| Assembly Country | JAPAN |
VIN Structure
| WMI (Chars 1–3) | JTH |
| Check Digit (Char 9) | 5 |
| Model Year Code (Char 10) | F |
| Plant Code (Char 11) | 5 |
| Sequence (Chars 12–17) | 045311 |
Safety Data
| NHTSA Recall Count | 0 |
| NHTSA Complaint Count | 9 |
VIN Structure Decode
ISO 3779 character-by-character breakdown of this Vehicle Identification Number
Disclaimer: Data sourced from NHTSA public APIs and scraped auction listings. For informational purposes only. Not a substitute for a paid vehicle history report. Retrieved: 6/11/2026, 3:16:48 PM.