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Lexus IS stalling problems

20 of the 599 owner complaints about the Lexus IS describe engine stalls while driving, most of them for the 2009 model year.

owner complaints
20
worst model year
2009
typical mileage
129,000
Is there a fix? There is 1 recall for this area of the car. See below

By model year

  • 2022
    2
  • 2020
    2
  • 2017
    2
  • 2015
    1
  • 2013
    1
  • 2010
    2
  • 2009
    4
  • 2008
    1
  • 2007
    1
  • 2006
    3
  • 2002
    1

Often reported together

Fuel pump 5Misfire 4Check engine light 3Sudden acceleration 1

Trouble codes mentioned

P0306 1P0305 1P0304 1P0303 1P0302 1P0301 1P0300 1

What owners say

Filed May 8, 2026 · Acceleration, Electrical · 102,000 miles · CA

The contact owns a 2010 Lexus IS. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the vehicle stalled, the vehicle independently accelerated while the accelerator pedal was not depressed, and all of the doors locked independently and were inoperative. No warning lights were illuminated. The failure occurred on several different occasions. The contact did research and was made aware of an unknown the federal safety agency Campaign Number however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was taken to a dealer to get a diagnosis however, the dealer stated that the failure was not duplicated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer to get a diagnosis however, the failure cause was unidentifiable. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 102,000.

Filed Apr 18, 2026 · Engine, Fuel system · MD

I am filing this updated complaint to supplement my prior complaint (the federal safety agency 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 weeks. The second (12/11/2025) and third (1/17/2026) each involved a temporary stall in active traffic requiring immediate evasive action. All events involved flashing MIL, reduced engine power, shaking, and abrupt deceleration. DIAGNOSIS: Authorized Lexus dealership—following 34-day retention with Lexus Technical Assistance (TAC Case XXX) and personal on-site inspection by a Lexus Field Technical Engineer—confirmed worn intake valve guide on Cylinder 3. Repair estimate: $10,355.61 subtotal per Service Bulletin L-SB-0007-21 ($10,671.72 total incl. shop supplies and tax). Estimate cites L-SB-0007-21 without mileage qualification, confirming technical applicability. TSB PATTERN — NO RECALL: Lexus has issued multiple TSBs on the 8AR-FTS engine: L-SB-0153-17 (September 2017) and L-SB-0007-21 (March 2021, revised April 17 and July 2, 2024), covering 2015-2024 model year vehicles—progressively widening applicability over three years. Both 2024 revisions occurred during the active warranty period. No recall has been issued and this consumer received no notification of any kind. A TSB is an internal dealer communication — not consumer notification. A CPO purchaser relying on Lexus's representations of comprehensive inspection and rigorous certification has a reasonable right to assume known defects were addressed, without searching technical databases. MANUFACTURER RESPONSE: Lexus declined to authorize repair under warranty or as goodwill and declined to confirm authorization in writing. REQUEST: Please investigate whether the pattern of multiple TSBs covering progressively wider applicability—with no recall despite safety-critical symptoms—warrants a formal investigation and escalation to a safety recall. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION A

Filed Jan 27, 2026 · Engine, Fuel system · MD

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 dealership, with manufacturer technical assistance, the defect continues. The defect has repeatedly caused the vehicle to stall and lose propulsion while driving, creating a serious hazard. Documented events include: •FIRST INCIDENT: The MIL flashed and engine power was reduced while driving. The vehicle was taken to the dealership for evaluation and repair. A diagnostic code confirmed a cylinder misfire. •SECOND INCIDENT: Several days after being returned to the owner, the MIL flashed again and engine power was reduced, requiring careful maneuvering. The vehicle was returned to the dealership for further repair and remained in their custody for about a month. •THIRD AND MOST SEVERE INCIDENT: A few days after being returned, the MIL flashed again. The vehicle abruptly slowed, shook, and temporarily stalled in active traffic, requiring immediate intervention to avoid a collision. The engine restarted after pulling over safely. The vehicle has undergone compression testing, coil and spark plug replacement, battery replacement, and extended diagnostics with manufacturer technical support. Despite these efforts, the defect persists, demonstrating it is intermittent and unpredictable. The combination of sudden loss of engine power, stalling, and shaking in traffic creates a foreseeable risk of collision, particularly at intersections and in situations where predictable vehicle response is critical. Videos and diagnostic evidence document these recurring failures.

Filed Dec 11, 2025 · Engine, Fuel system · CA

I own a 2017 Lexus IS 200t that is experiencing fuel pump failure. Although I checked my VIN and confirmed there are no open recalls listed, the symptoms match the known fuel pump issues affecting other Lexus vehicles from similar model years. The only reason my vehicle is not included is because my VIN falls outside of the specific batch covered by the recall, even though 2016 and 2017 models share the same problem. Because I am experiencing the identical safety concerns reported in the recall—such as potential engine stalling and loss of power—I believe my vehicle should be considered part of the affected group. It is not safe or fair that some 2017 models are excluded based solely on VIN range when the defect clearly exists in other units as well. My vehicle is showing the same failure and should be eligible for the same repair or recall coverage. If you’d like, I can also format this as an email, a letter to Lexus corporate, or a service request message.

Filed Jul 28, 2025 · Fuel system · IL

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.

Filed Mar 31, 2025 · Fuel system · NV

I was driving my vehicle and then the entire car shut off going about 50 MPH causing the car to immediately stall. Nothing eventually worked making me have to push my car onto the side of the highway. Replaced the alternator and battery. Eventually got my car scanned and the issue I’m having is a fueling system problem. Did some research and my car 2017 IS350 f sport did eventually have that recall issue. The vehicle was not showing any problems before hand it just happened.

Filed Mar 3, 2024 · Engine, Fuel system · PR

Sudden engine stalling in the middle of a highway with extremely heavy traffic and stopped in the center lane. Needs to wait inside the car with a passenger in a very scary, tense situation and exposed to serious accident, until a towing arrive for about 1.5 hrs later. The car was towed to the dealer. Since I was in the middle of a highway, I wasn’t able to exit the car to verify the car. But, the engine stalling was compatible with fuel delivery starvation. The fuel tank was full. The starter spin and electric system was functional, so electric voltage was not an issue. No check engine light on, no alerts messages, nothing. Just suddenly engine power loose, stalling and the engine stop. Check engine light on after a lot of cranking. Never fire back.

Filed Dec 20, 2023 · Fuel system · MD

The vehicle stalled while driving. I pulled over because as I press on the gas the car wouldn’t accelerate in speed . I turned the vehicle off and tried to start the car but it wouldn’t start . I was stranded on side the road for 4 hours to get a tow truck tow the vehicle to the Lexus dealer. No warning signs or indicators. Believe to the the fuel pump being bad and causing the issue.

Filed Aug 25, 2023 · Fuel system · 180,000 miles · CA · fire

The contact owned a 2006 Lexus IS350. The contact stated when she started the vehicle, following an oil change vehicle stalled. The contact stated that she had restarted the vehicle and heard an abnormal popping sound from the engine compartment and flames had burst from under the hood. The contact stated that she had smelled the odor of gasoline from her vehicle as she had entered the vehicle. The contact stated that the service station employees extinguished the flames. The contact stated that the fire department was called and a report was filed. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The vehicle had not been repaired. The contact had researched online and related the failure to the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 18V432000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The failure mileage was approximately 180,000.

Filed Jun 16, 2020 · Fuel system · NY

There is currently a recall of the fuel delivery pipe on my vehicle which is a 2010. I am currently in for service and they are telling me the fuel pump also needs to be replaced as it is leaking as well. They are telling me it is not under recall and is almost $2,4000. Per consumer report: toyota and lexus are recalling about 1.8 million vehicles from the 2013 through 2019 model years because their fuel pump could stop working, which could lead to a sudden stall or hesitation while driving. The problem increases the risk of a crash, especially when the vehicle is traveling at a high speed. Some of these vehicles are being added to an existing recall that was already announced in january. I would like this looked into further as there is a correlation in 2013-2019 models.

Related recalls

Engine and engine coolingReported January 16, 2009 · 214,570 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Toyota is recalling 214,570 my 2006-2008 lexus is, my 2006-2007 gs and my 2007-2008 ls passenger vehicles equipped with aluminum fuel delivery pipes (fuel rails). Ethanol fuels with a low moisture content will corrode the internal surface of the fuel rails. As this condition progresses, the engine malfunction indicator light may illuminate.
Risk
Over time, the corrosion may create a pinhole resulting in fuel leakage. Fuel leakage, in the presence of an ignition source, could result in a fire.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect and replace the fuel delivery pipes free of charge. The recall is expected to begin during february 2009. Owners may contact toyota/lexus at 1‑800‑255‑3987.

Recall number 09V020000 · Recall details

Questions about the Lexus IS stalling

Which Lexus IS years have engine stalls while driving problems?

The model years with the most reports are 2009 (4 complaints), 2006 (3 complaints) and 2010 (2 complaints).

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