IsItAGoodCar
Reliability Guide

Common Problems with the
2017 Lexus IS (XE30)

A facelift in 2017 sharpened the styling further, improved interior materials, and retuned the suspension to enhance ride comfort while maintaining the car's engaging handling.

What changed for 2017

  • •Exterior facelift with revised headlights, larger air intakes, and new tail lights.
  • •Suspension retuned for improved compliance and steering feel.

Common MOT watch-outs

  • !Wear on brake pads and discs, though regeneration extends their life on the hybrid.
  • !Minor sensor faults relating to the Lexus Safety System+.
3
Known Issues
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Serious
0
Moderate
3
Minor

All Known Issues

Rear Brake Disc Corrosion

MinorBrakes

Regenerative braking means the rear friction brakes do relatively little work on the IS 300h, so discs can corrode badly and fail MOT inspections despite otherwise easy lives.

Est. Repair Cost: £200–£400
Warning Signs:

Grinding from the rear brakes, Pitted or rusty rear discs, MOT advisory for disc condition

What to Inspect:
  • Inspect both rear discs through the wheels
  • Check the inner disc faces as well as the outer surfaces
  • Look for recent rear-brake replacement on low-mileage cars
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Remote Touch Controller and Infotainment Glitches

MinorElectrics & Electronics

The controller can lag, skip inputs or feel inconsistent, and some early systems also suffer from Bluetooth or screen glitches.

Est. Repair Cost: £200–£700
Warning Signs:

Inputs not registering, Bluetooth disconnects, Laggy or freezing infotainment screen

What to Inspect:
  • Pair a phone and test calls or audio streaming
  • Navigate several menus quickly to check response
  • Confirm the reversing camera and navigation load properly
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Weak 12V Battery Causing Hybrid Warnings

MinorElectrics & Electronics

A tired auxiliary battery can trigger misleading warning messages, slow startup and odd behaviour even though the main hybrid system is healthy.

Est. Repair Cost: £150–£250
Warning Signs:

Hybrid or check-system warnings, Clock or trip settings resetting, Slow or hesitant startup sequence

What to Inspect:
  • Check the battery age and replacement history
  • Start the car from cold and watch for warning messages
  • Be cautious if the car has clearly sat unused for long periods
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research Team

Buying Tips for 2017 Lexus IS (XE30)

  • Ensure the hybrid battery cooling fan (intake near the rear seats) is clear of dust and debris.
  • Check the operation of the motorized instrument cluster ring on F Sport models, a cool feature that can occasionally stick.
2014–20162018
Check a 2017 Lexus IS (XE30) by Registration