2017 Lexus Is Safety Report

2017 Lexus IS shows very low complaint volume, but some fuel system and steering issues reported.

8Complaints
0Recalls
85/100Reliability Score
Most reported components: Fuel/Propulsion System (2)Electrical System,Engine,Fuel/Propulsion System (1)Engine,Fuel/Propulsion System (1)Steering,Unknown Or Other,Fuel/Propulsion System (1)Electrical System,Structure (1)Unknown Or Other (1)Steering (1)

AI Safety Analysis for the 2017 Lexus Is

The 2017 Lexus IS has a remarkably low number of NHTSA complaints, with only 8 total complaints reported. This indicates a generally robust safety profile, especially considering there have been no reported crashes, fires, injuries, or deaths associated with these complaints. The vehicle has no open recalls, which further supports a positive safety outlook. However, it's important to note that the NHTSA has not provided official safety ratings (Overall, Frontal, Side, Rollover) for this specific model year, meaning its crash test performance is not publicly available through this source. Despite the low complaint volume, some patterns emerge. The most frequently cited component is the 'FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM,' accounting for 4 out of 8 complaints (50%). These complaints often describe issues like fuel pump failure, hard starts, rough idle, and engine dying, with some owners noting similarities to known fuel pump recalls on other Lexus models, even if their specific VIN is not covered. The 'ELECTRICAL SYSTEM' and 'ENGINE' components also appear in the top complaints, with issues ranging from alternator/battery failure leading to vehicle stall to water leaks affecting headlights. 'STEERING' issues, described as 'sticky' or 'locking up' at highway speeds, are also present. While the overall complaint volume is minimal, the nature of some reported issues, such as sudden vehicle stalls at 50 MPH due to fuel system failure or steering 'locking up' on the highway, are serious safety concerns. The lack of official NHTSA crash test ratings means a complete picture of its passive safety performance is unavailable from this data. However, the absence of recalls and the very low number of severe incidents (crashes, injuries, deaths) suggest that, based on owner-reported issues, the 2017 Lexus IS generally performs well.

Reliability Score

The 2017 Lexus Is receives a reliability score of 85 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates above-average reliability relative to comparable vehicles.

Known Issues for the 2017 Lexus Is

The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2017 Lexus Is:

IssueSeverityFrequencyTypical Mileage
Fuel Pump Failure/Fuel System Issues
Multiple complaints describe fuel pump failure, hard starts, rough idle, and engine dying, sometimes leading to complete vehicle stall at speed. Some owners note similarities to known recalls on other Lexus models.		 High Occasional unknown miles
Steering 'Stickiness' Or 'Locking Up'
One complaint details steering feeling 'sticky' or 'locking up' on the highway, making lane changes difficult and potentially causing sharp, uncontrolled movements.		 High Rare unknown miles
Hvac Blend Door Actuator Failure
One complaint describes the dual-zone HVAC system failing, with the passenger side blowing hot air while the driver side is set to cold, indicating a blend door actuator issue.		 Medium Rare unknown miles
Electrical System Failure (Alternator/Battery)
One complaint reports the entire car shutting off at 50 MPH due to an electrical system failure, requiring alternator and battery replacement.		 High Rare unknown miles
Water Leak Into Dashboard Affecting Headlights
One complaint details water leaking into the dashboard while parked in the rain, causing headlight failure, attributed to a manufacturing defect.		 Medium Rare unknown miles

Common Problems Reported by Owners

Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2017 Lexus Is:

Fuel/Propulsion System 50% of complaints

The most common complaints relate to the fuel system, including fuel pump failure, hard starts, rough idle, and engine stalling, accounting for 4 out of 8 total complaints.

Electrical System 25% of complaints

Electrical issues, such as vehicle stalling due to alternator/battery failure and water leaks affecting headlights, represent 2 out of 8 complaints.

Engine 25% of complaints

Engine-related complaints, often tied to fuel system issues like rough idle and dying, are mentioned in 2 out of 8 complaints.

Steering 12% of complaints

One complaint describes steering 'stickiness' or 'locking up' at highway speeds.

Structure 12% of complaints

One complaint mentions water leaking into the dashboard, which is a structural integrity issue.

Frequently Asked Questions About the 2017 Lexus Is

Is the 2017 Lexus IS safe?

Based on NHTSA data, the 2017 Lexus IS appears to be generally safe, with a very low total of 8 complaints, and no reported crashes, fires, injuries, or deaths. However, NHTSA has not provided official crash test ratings for this model year, so passive safety performance is not fully assessed by this data. Some serious issues like sudden stalls and steering problems have been reported, though infrequently.

What are common problems for the 2017 Lexus IS?

The most reported issues for the 2017 Lexus IS are related to the FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, accounting for 50% of complaints. These include fuel pump failure, hard starts, rough idle, and engine dying. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM and ENGINE issues are also noted, along with a rare but serious complaint about steering 'stickiness' or 'locking up'.

Are there any recalls for the 2017 Lexus IS?

No, according to the provided NHTSA data, there are no open recalls for the 2017 Lexus IS.

How does the 2017 Lexus IS perform in crash tests?

The NHTSA has not provided official safety ratings (Overall, Frontal, Side, Rollover) for the 2017 Lexus IS, so its crash test performance is not available through this specific data source.

Should I be concerned about the fuel system issues?

While fuel system issues like fuel pump failure and engine stalling are serious and represent the most frequent complaint category (50% of total complaints), the overall number of complaints (4 out of 8 total) is very low. It's a known pattern, but not widespread enough to indicate a pervasive defect based on this limited data.

Buyer Advice

Our recommendation: Given the very low number of NHTSA complaints and no recalls, the 2017 Lexus IS appears to be a reliable vehicle; however, be aware of potential, albeit rare, fuel system and steering issues, and consider a pre-purchase inspection focusing on these areas.

NHTSA Data Summary for 2017 Lexus Is

This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2017 Lexus Is. The data includes 8 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 0 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.

All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.

Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.