Sell your 2016 Lexus IS for cash

The 2016 Lexus IS is a compact car that came with a choice of 2.0L 4-cyl and 3.5L 6-cyl engines. At 10 years old, many are reaching the point where repairs cost more than the car is worth. Running or not, we'll make you an offer and tow it away for free.

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2016 Lexus IS at a glance

Body styleCompact Cars
Engines2.0L 4-cyl, 3.5L 6-cyl (turbocharged versions available)
TransmissionsAutomatic (S8), Automatic (S6)
DriveRear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
FuelPremium Gasoline
Fuel economy19–22 city / 26–32 highway / 21–26 combined MPG
EPA annual fuel cost$3,150–$3,900 a year (EPA estimate at current fuel prices, 15,000 miles)
Tailpipe CO₂345–415 grams per mile
EPA fuel economy score5–6 out of 10
EPA greenhouse gas score5–6 out of 10
Curb weight (NHTSA test vehicle)3,773 lb
Gross vehicle weight rating4,630–4,735 lb
Versions tested by EPA4 configurations: IS 200t, IS 300 AWD, IS 350, IS 350 AWD
Age10 years

Specs, fuel cost and emissions from the EPA's fueleconomy.gov data; weights from NHTSA crash-test records. Your car's exact equipment may differ.

What affects its junk value

  • Age: at 10 years old, a 2016 IS is newer than most junk cars, so working parts like the engine, transmission and body panels are in demand from rebuilders and parts buyers.
  • Weight: NHTSA's crash-test 2016 IS weighed 3,773 lb at curb weight. Scrap value is largely priced by weight, so this is a good starting point. See how scrap prices by weight work.
  • Catalytic converter: like all gas and diesel cars, it has a catalytic converter containing precious metals, one of the most valuable parts on a junk car. An offer assumes it's still in place. More on catalytic converters.
  • Known problems: owners reported the most issues with the service brakes, typically around 27,000 miles. If that's what failed on yours, it can still be sold as-is.

How junk car offers are calculated

2016 Lexus IS recalls

NHTSA lists no recalls for the 2016 Lexus IS. You can confirm with your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Common 2016 IS problems

Owners have filed 17 complaints about the 2016 Lexus IS with NHTSA.

Complaints are reports from owners and aren't verified by NHTSA. One complaint can list several components. Mileage is the median odometer reading owners reported for that component.

Most-reported components

  • Service Brakes5
  • Electrical System3
  • Fuel/Propulsion System2
  • Tires2
  • Unknown or Other2
  • Air Bags1

Typical mileage when problems were reported

  • Service Brakes27,000 mi
  • Electrical System121,000 mi
  • Tires31,000 mi
  • Unknown or Other59,000 mi

2016 Lexus IS crash test ratings

NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2016 Lexus IS, by version tested.

VersionOverallFrontal crashSide crashRolloverRollover risk
4 Dr, AWD★★★★★★★★★☆★★★★★★★★★★9.7%
4 Dr, RWD★★★★★★★★★☆★★★★★★★★★★9.7%

Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (NCAP). Ratings from different model years or rating systems aren't directly comparable.

2016 Lexus IS service bulletins

Manufacturers have filed 165 technical service bulletins and communications with NHTSA covering the 2016 Lexus IS. These are repair instructions for known issues, not recalls.

Most common bulletin topics

  • Equipment41
  • Electrical System30
  • Structure17
  • Equipment14
  • Equipment11
  • Wheels8

Recent bulletins

  • Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsDec 2025 · L-SB-0030-24 Rev2

    Some 2005 - 2026 Lexus vehicles that have undergone water intrusion may exhibit a condition in which a musty odor is present. Follow the procedures in this bulletin to re

  • Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsJun 2025 · L-SB-0043-23 Rev1

    The air conditioning dye injection tool kit has been developed to aid in identifying the location of air conditioning refrigerant leaks. The procedures outlined in this S

  • Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsFeb 2025 · L-SB-0017-19 Rev1

    Some 2010 - 2026 model year Lexus vehicles may exhibit paint stains after the removal of Rapgard™. The paint stains may appear to be under the clear coat but are usually

  • Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsFeb 2025 · L-SB-0017-19 Rev1

    Some 2010 - 2026 model year Lexus vehicles may exhibit paint stains after the removal of Rapgard™. The paint stains may appear to be under the clear coat but are usually

  • Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsFeb 2023 · LSB000523

    TSB: Some 2013 ? 2020 model year Lexus vehicles may exhibit a hard start and/or MIL ON condition with one or more of the following Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs): ?DTC P

  • Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsFeb 2023 · 23LE02

    DL: On December 20, 2022, a settlement of claims for certain low pressure fuel pumps was approved by the federal court. The settlement includes Lexus?s agreement to provi

Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications (technical service bulletins).

NHTSA defect investigations

NHTSA opened 1 defect investigation covering the 2016 Lexus IS.

Air BagsEA21002 · opened Sep 2021, open

Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture

From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to

Selling a 2016 IS: questions

How much is a 2016 Lexus IS worth for junk?

It depends on its condition, whether major parts like the engine, transmission and catalytic converter are still there, and current scrap and parts prices where you live. Its parts make up much of its value. Enter your ZIP code above for a free offer on your specific car.

Can I junk a 2016 IS that doesn't run?

Yes. We buy 2016 ISs that don't start, were in an accident, failed inspection or have a blown engine or transmission. Towing is always free.

What paperwork do I need to sell my 2016 IS?

Usually the title and a photo ID. Rules differ by state, including what to do with your plates and whether to file a notice of sale. Check our state-by-state car title guides for the official forms.

Sources

Data retrieved October 2026.

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