2014 Lexus IS problems
Light NHTSA footprint — 11 owner complaints. Either a clean record or thin data; we'll show what's there.
The 2014 Lexus IS has 11 NHTSA owner complaints on file (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). The most-reported system is electrical at 3 complaints (~$850 to repair). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.
| Model year | Owner complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 2014 IS (this page) | 11 | 0 |
| 2015 IS | 9 | 0 |
| 2016 IS | 2 | 0 |
| 2017 IS | 9 | 0 |
Above-average reliability for the segment. Few systemic issues on file.
Buyable on the data — keep up the usual maintenance and inspect normally.
- No systemic severe-failure pattern in the complaint record
- Reliability score 8.8/10 — above the segment average
Our read of the federal NHTSA complaint and recall record for this exact year and model — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection. How we score.
Buying a used 2014 Lexus IS? Check these first
Here's what this model is known to do — so you can inspect for it, price it in, or make the seller fix it before you sign.
What to inspect on this specific car
- electrical — 3 owner reports · ~$850 to fix
- engine — 3 owner reports · ~$3,100 to fix
Recalls to confirm are done
Run the VIN from the listing — no active recalls on this model right now, but confirm none were opened after this car was built.
Verdict for buyers: 8.8/10 model. The priciest documented failure is engine (~$3,100) — get the seller's service records for it or inspect closely. Otherwise an average-risk used buy at a fair price.
We tell you what this model is known for and what to inspect — a vehicle-history report tells you what this exact car has been through. Smart buyers get both.
See the full pre-purchase inspection checklist →Ask anything about your 2014 Lexus IS
A noise, a warning light, a repair quote, "should I buy this?" — get an answer grounded in this vehicle's actual NHTSA record, not generic advice.
Answers use this vehicle's NHTSA complaint & recall record — owner-reported and unverified, not a diagnosis. Verify anything safety-critical with a mechanic.
Top trouble spots 2 categories with 3+ complaints
What owners are saying recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim
I took my car to my mechanic for an oil change, and they noticed an oil leak at the timing chain cover, which could pose a safety risk, including a potential engine fire. They informed me this is a known issue on Toyota and Lexus vehicles with the 3.5-liter V6 engine. To…
I've owned my 2014 Lexus IS 250 for over 10 years. I've almost always kept my car covered in a garage at work and at home, and I've never had a problem with the dashboard until now. Just last month (October 2025), my dashboard started melting and getting extremely shiny and…
2014 Lexus is 250, 102,301 miles the audio and entertainment system in the dash board. All radio speckers and sound effects feed back tones. This has happened while "stationary, in motion, city street, and highway. The audio radio, sat, cd or bluetooth and navigation on-screen…
Vehicles manufactured by Lexus/Toyota from 2014 onward have been reported to experience rainwater intrusion into the trunk area, attributed to a faulty tail light nut composed of plastic with a rubber gasket. Lexus/Toyota is fully aware of this issue, which can lead to water…
Estimate your repair exposure
Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.
Common questions
Is the 2014 Lexus IS reliable?
Mostly yes. With a reliability score of 8.8 out of 10 based on 11 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2014 Lexus IS is generally a sound vehicle. The areas to watch are listed in the top problem section above — most are budget items, not deal-breakers.
Should you avoid the 2014 Lexus IS?
On the NHTSA data, the 2014 Lexus IS does not need avoiding. Buyable on the data — keep up the usual maintenance and inspect normally. The record behind that call: No systemic severe-failure pattern in the complaint record; Reliability score 8.8/10 — above the segment average. This is our read of the federal complaint and recall data — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection.
What should I check before buying a used 2014 Lexus IS?
Inspect the electrical first — it's the most-reported issue on this model, with 3 owner complaints filed. Average repair cost runs about $850 at an independent shop. Also confirm any open recalls have been completed by running the VIN, and ask for service records covering the problem areas listed above.
Is the 2014 Lexus IS a good used car to buy?
It scores 8.8 out of 10 on our NHTSA-based read of 11 owner complaints. The main thing to watch is electrical. Priced fairly and clean on inspection, it's a reasonable used buy. Our data covers what this model is known for — pair it with a vehicle-history report on the VIN to see what that specific car has been through.
What's the most common problem on the 2014 Lexus IS?
Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is electrical, with 3 complaints filed. Average repair cost runs about $850 at an independent shop.
What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?
The electrical is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $850 at an independent shop. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.
How do I check if my Lexus IS has open recalls?
Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.
Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2014 Lexus IS?
Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 11 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $850, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans are not always better value.