Hey everyone! Hoping you all can provide some quick help! I circled in green the “tab” next to the shifter. Can anyone tell me what that is or what it’s for?

I’m looking at a 2017 IS and that tab/cover is removed and was wondering why or what that meant.

thank you!

It's the shift-lock release.

That tab when you push in allows you to shift the car out of park when the vehicle is off. Like you saw in that picture there is a cover that blocks the button.

Perfect, thank you.

In general, is this a cause for concern if it has been used?
I checked out a 2017 IS200t today with 12K miles and noticed the cover was missing.

when/why would u want to do that? If it’s dead and you want to move or tow it?

It's usually used when the battery dies and the car is still in drive. The release will allow it to go back into neutral (or drive if it kept you locked up).