Is the 2019 Lexus is reliable?
Yes. The 2019 Lexus IS is generally reliable for a compact luxury sedan and benefits from Lexus’ long-standing durability standards. With regular maintenance, owners report solid longevity and dependable day-to-day performance compared with many peers in its class.
In this article, we examine how reliability is measured for the 2019 IS, what independent surveys say, and what owners experience in terms of maintenance, repairs, and ownership costs. We’ll also compare it to key rivals to provide a clear view of long-term value.
Reliability indicators for the 2019 IS
Below is a synthesis of reliability ratings and real-world feedback from industry sources and owners.
- Overall reliability: The Lexus badge remains a strong predictor of durability, and the 2019 IS is generally viewed as a dependable choice within the compact luxury segment.
- Powertrain and driveline: The 2019 IS offered strong, durable engine options (a turbocharged 2.0-liter in IS 300 and a 3.5-liter V6 in IS 350). When properly maintained, these engines tend to perform well over the long term.
- Electronics and infotainment: Some owners report infotainment and electronic glitches typical of modern luxury cars, such as sporadic touchscreen or Bluetooth hiccups. These issues are usually software-related and often addressed in updates or dealers’ service visits.
- Resale and ownership experience: Lexus models typically hold value well due to reliability, build quality, and brand perception, contributing to favorable total-cost-of-ownership calculations for many buyers.
Taken together, these signals suggest the 2019 IS is a dependable option in its segment, especially for buyers who value long-term durability and solid resale prospects. As with any used car, the outcome depends on maintenance history and prior ownership.
Owner experiences and maintenance considerations
To ground the discussion in real-world experience, consider what owners report and what it costs to keep the IS on the road.
- Maintenance and repair costs: Routine maintenance for the IS is typically moderate for a luxury car, with costs generally lower than some European rivals but higher than mainstream brands. Regular servicing at a Lexus dealership or qualified shop helps sustain reliability.
- Fuel and running costs: The turbocharged IS 300 models require premium gasoline, which factors into ongoing ownership costs. Fuel economy is reasonable for a sports-luxury sedan but not class-leading compared with leaner four-cylinder rivals.
- Warranty and service network: Lexus offers a broad dealer network with established service protocols, contributing to predictable maintenance experiences and access to parts and recalls.
- Common issues reported by owners: Occasional infotainment glitches or electronic warnings are noted by some owners, and sport-model tires and brakes can wear more quickly due to performance-oriented setup. Engine and transmission problems are not widely reported and are not common for well-maintained examples.
In practice, the 2019 IS tends to deliver reliable daily use with reasonable maintenance costs for a luxury vehicle. Prospective buyers should be mindful of infotainment behavior, premium-fuel requirements for turbo variants, and potential tires/brakes wear from sport-tuned suspensions.
Summary
Bottom line: The 2019 Lexus IS is a solid, reliable choice in the compact-luxury segment, backed by Lexus’ reputation for durability. It performs well in long-term ownership thanks to strong build quality and resale value, while owners should expect typical luxury-car maintenance costs, premium fuel needs for the turbo option, and occasional tech glitches. A thorough pre-purchase inspection and a check of maintenance history are recommended to maximize the odds of a trouble-free ownership experience.
