2009 Lexus IS recalls and problems

The 2009 Lexus IS has 2 safety recalls and 40 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Lexus dealer.

Recalls
2
Complaints
40
Crashes / fires
4 / 0
Injuries / deaths
4 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2009 Lexus IS vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2009 Lexus IS recalls

Recall 11V-029: Fuel System, Gasoline

Reported Jan 26, 2011 · 244,779 vehicles affected · TOYOTA MOTOR NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Problem: Toyota is recalling certain model year 2006-2009 lexus is and model year 2006-2007 lexus gs vehicles. Due to insufficient tightening of the fuel pressure sensor connected to an engine fuel delivery pipe with nickel phosphorus plating, there is a possibility that, over time, the pressure sensor could loosen. If loosening occurs, fuel could leak past a gasket used in the connection between the sensor and the pipe and through the threaded portion of the sensor.

Risk: Fuel leakage, in the presence of an ignition source, could result in a fire.

Fix: Dealers will inspect for fuel leakage from the threaded portion of the fuel pressure sensor and if a fuel leak is not confirmed, dealers will further tighten the fuel pressure sensor with the proper torque. If a fuel leak is confirmed, the gasket between the sensor and the fuel deliver pipe will be replaced with a new one, and the sensor will be tightened with the proper torque. This service will be performed free of charge. The safety recall began on march 7, 2011. Owners may contact toyota at 1-800-331-4331.

Recall 09V-388: Vehicle Speed Control

Reported Oct 5, 2009 · 4,445,056 vehicles affected · TOYOTA MOTOR NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Problem: Toyota is recalling certain model year 2004-2010 passenger vehicles. The accelerator pedal can get stuck in the wide open position due to its being trapped by an unsecured or incompatible driver's floor mat.

Risk: A stuck open accelerator pedal may result in very high vehicle speeds and make it difficult to stop the vehicle, which could cause a crash, serious injury or death.

Fix: Toyota filed an amended defect report on november 25, 2009, stating that dealers will modify the accelerator pedal and, on certain vehicles, alter the shape of the floor surface under the pedal. These changes address the risk of pedal entrapment due to interference with the floor mat. Redesigned accelerator pedals will become available beginning in april 2010 and dealers will replace any modified pedal with the new pedal if desired. Also, dealers will replace any genuine toyota or lexus all-weather floor mats with redesigned all-weather mats, or repurchase the previous mats from owners who do not want the new ones. Additionally, software modifications will be installed on camry, avalon and lexus es 350, is 350 and is 250 models that will ensure that the brake overrides the accelerator in the event both brake and accelerator pedals are applied. Toyota will begin mailing letters to owners on december 31, 2009. Owners may contact toyota at 1-800-331-4331, lexus at 1-800-255-3987.

2009 Lexus IS problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Vehicle Speed Control10
Unknown or Other10
Visibility/Wiper5
Air Bags4
Structure4
Engine3
Exterior Lighting3
Electrical System3
Visibility2
Equipment Adaptive/Mobility1
Suspension1
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)1

Most reported parts

  • Visibility › Sun/Moon Roof Assembly — 2
  • Structure › Body — 2
  • Suspension › Rear — 1
  • Equipment › Electrical › Infotainment — 1
  • Electrical System › Instrument Panel › Speedometer/Odometer — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 37,500 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2009 Lexus IS complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Unknown or Other · reported Mar 12, 2026
I am submitting this complaint regarding a safety concern with my Lexus IS 250. The dashboard in my vehicle is melting and has become extremely sticky, shiny, and reflective. As the material deteriorates, it creates significant glare on the windshield when sunlight hits the dashboard. This glare interferes with my visibility while driving and creates a potentially dangerous situation for myself, my family, and other drivers on the road. This issue is not merely cosmetic. The deteriorating dashboard material directly affects safe vehicle operation by impairing the driver’s ability to clearly…
Electrical System · at 198,000 miles · reported Jul 17, 2025
Odometer Fraud. The contact intended to purchase a 2009 Lexus IS 250. The contact stated while test-driving the vehicle, the contact drove to an Auto part store for diagnostic testing. It was then discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was not a sale. At the time the vehicle was test-driven, the vehicle mileage was 114,274, but it was discovered at the Auto parts store that the actual mileage was 198,000.
Unknown or Other · reported Jul 11, 2025
The dashboard is melting leather, as well as the inside door panels on all four doors that are leather. It burns my wife’s skin and my kids while leaving sticky black residue on our skins. It is melting so bad there are chunks missing from the leather from a simple rub.
Exterior Lighting · reported Jun 15, 2023
The headlamps on my car are and have been for quite awhile been hazy with the light unable to meet the safety standards the car is advertising. WIthout proper headlight I am not able to safely see the road ahead of me. There is no replacement or new headlamp avallable.
Visibility/Wiper · reported Sep 19, 2021
I have a Lexus IS250, the dashboard is sticky and shiny. When I am driving the car in the sunny days, because of the shiny dashboard , if reflects the sunshine to my windshield, which makes me very hard to see the road because of this. As the result, if the sunshine is too strong some times, I have to hit my brake to slowdown on the highway, to make sure I get a clear view again. This is definitely put myself and other cars around me in a huge risk. Looks this is a common issue for some Lexus models, Lexus had a program to fix the issue, but the program does not notify the owner and the…

Other Lexus IS years

Compare all Lexus IS years · All Lexus models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2009 Lexus IS have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2009 Lexus IS: 11V-029 (fuel system, gasoline), 09V-388 (vehicle speed control). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2009 Lexus IS?

Owners report vehicle speed control problems most often (10 reports), followed by unknown or other (10). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 37,500 miles.

Are Lexus recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Lexus dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.