2023 Lexus IS300

The 2023 Lexus IS300 is a luxury sport sedan known for its stylish design, comfortable interior, and engaging driving dynamics. It offers a blend of performance and refinement that appeals to enthusiasts seeking a premium driving experience. The IS300 comes standard with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 241 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The IS350 offers a 3.5-liter V6 engine, generating 311 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque, and also uses the eight-speed automatic. Owners generally appreciate the IS300’s sharp handling, quiet cabin, and Lexus’s reputation for reliability. However, some criticisms include the somewhat dated infotainment system and less rear passenger space compared to competitors.

Engine

2.0L Turbocharged Inline-4

• Engine Misfires/Rough Idle
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported experiencing engine misfires, leading to a rough idle, reduced performance, and potential illumination of the check engine light. The issue could stem from faulty spark plugs, ignition coils, or fuel injectors.
  • Solution: Diagnosis involves checking for fault codes, inspecting spark plugs, testing ignition coils, and assessing fuel injector performance. Replacement of the faulty components is typically required.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

8-Speed Automatic

• Harsh Shifting
  • Description/Symptoms: Reports of hard or jerky shifting, particularly during low-speed acceleration or deceleration. This can feel like a clunk or a noticeable hesitation between gears.
  • Solution: In some cases, a transmission control module (TCM) software update can resolve the issue. If the problem persists, a more thorough inspection of the transmission may be necessary. Fluid flush/replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Infotainment System Freezing/Rebooting
  • Description/Symptoms: The infotainment system (including navigation, audio, and climate controls) may freeze unexpectedly, requiring a reboot. This can occur intermittently or become a recurring problem.
  • Solution: Try updating the infotainment software. If the issue persists, a dealership may need to diagnose and potentially replace the head unit.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $0 (software update) - $1,500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Bluetooth Connectivity Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Difficulty pairing devices, dropped connections during calls, or failure to stream audio via Bluetooth.
  • Solution: Resetting the Bluetooth connection on both the vehicle and the device. A software update to the infotainment system can also sometimes resolve these issues.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $0 (software update)
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Rattling/Squeaking Noises
  • Description/Symptoms: Owners have reported experiencing rattling or squeaking noises emanating from various parts of the interior, such as the dashboard, door panels, or rear deck. These noises can be distracting and detract from the vehicle’s premium feel.
  • Solution: Identifying the source of the noise and tightening or replacing the affected components.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $300+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary:

The 2023 Lexus IS300, while generally reliable, can experience issues. The engine might have misfires and the transmission can have hard shifting, which could be costly. The electrical system may have infotainment issues, and interior rattles can detract from the luxury feel. While most issues are minor annoyances, issues with the engine or transmission can be more significant. Prospective buyers should be aware of these potential problems and have the vehicle thoroughly inspected before purchasing.