Lexus Is 250 problems
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Lexus Is 250 model years
Common Lexus Is 250 problems
Based on complaints from owners of the Lexus IS 250, several common problems have been identified:
- Wiper Arms: Some Lexus IS 250 models have faced issues with wiper arms becoming inoperable under load, such as in snowy conditions.
- Melting Dashboard: A prevalent problem across IS 250 generations is the melting dashboard, which has been a recurring issue for model owners.
- Airbag System: The Lexus IS 250 has had numerous airbag system recalls, with problems associated with inoperable airbag inflator modules and the risk of explosions and metal fragment injuries after humidity exposure.
- Carbon Buildup: Another common problem reported by owners is carbon buildup in the engine, which can lead to misfires and engine damage if not addressed promptly.
- Oil Sludge: Issues with oil sludge have been noted, highlighting the importance of regular maintenance and checks to prevent engine damage.
- Defective Water Pump: The water pump in Lexus IS models, including the IS 250, has been prone to leaks and defects, requiring regular inspection and maintenance.
- Oil Consumption: Some owners have reported oil consumption and burning issues, emphasizing the need for using high-quality synthetic oil to mitigate these problems.
- Spark Plugs: Spark plugs in the 2.5L and 3.0L gasoline engines of the IS 250 may need more frequent replacement compared to other vehicles, indicating a maintenance consideration for owners.
- Engine Coolant Circulation System: In certain models, like the 2.2L diesel engine, a defective engine coolant circulation system has been identified, leading to overheating and potential engine shutdown at high speeds.
- Cracked Head Gaskets: Cracked head gaskets have been reported as a serious issue that can lead to engine failure if not addressed promptly, underscoring the importance of regular inspections and maintenance.
These common problems highlight the importance of thorough inspections, regular maintenance, and prompt attention to any issues that arise to ensure the longevity and reliability of Lexus IS 250 vehicles.
Is the Lexus IS 250 a reliable car?
The Lexus IS250 Reliability Rating is 4.0 out of 5.0, which ranks it 7th out of 31 for luxury midsize cars. The average annual repair cost is $487 which means it has lower than average ownership costs. While repairs are more common, these issues are less likely to be severe than with other cars.
What are common problems with Lexus IS 250?
Common Problems With The Lexus IS 250
- Dashboard Melting. ...
- Door Panels Melting. ...
- Infotainment Not Working. ...
- Inside Rear-View Mirror Discoloring. ...
- Intermittent Power Steering. ...
- Get a Curated List of the Best Used Cars Near You.
What is the most common problem with Lexus?
One of the most prevalent issues that plague Lexus cars is oil leakage. While this problem is not unique to Lexus vehicles, they seem to be particularly prone to premature leaks. Many Lexus owners report experiencing oil leaks as early as 8,000 miles into the car's life.
How long can a Lexus IS 250 last?
300,000 miles
Mileage Expectancy: The Lexus IS 250 is known to last well beyond 200,000 miles with proper maintenance. Some owners have even reported pushing their cars to 300,000 miles or more. That's a testament to Lexus' build quality and durability.
Percentage distribution of complaints by Lexus Is 250 years
We have researched Lexus problems and analysed all the complaints filed against Lexus Is 250 cars and compiled the top 5 most problematic Lexus Is 250 model years:
Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Lexus Is 250 model years.
Distribution of the number of complaints by Lexus Is 250 years
We've also compiled a chart for you with the number of complaints about Volkswagen Jetta cars of certain model years:
Lexus Is 250 car problems categorized by type of issue
After analysing all complaints related to Lexus Is 250 , it was concluded that the most common issues with these cars are:
- Air bags problems
- Structure problems
- Electronic stability control (esc) problems
- Visibility/wiper problems
The graph below shows statistics for all Lexus Is 250 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
The NHTSA has received 1 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Lexus Is 250 . Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Lexus Is 250 vehicles.
List of Lexus Is 250 complaints
Lexus Is 250 2016
- Date Of Incident: 2016-08-13
- Date Complaint: 2016-09-06
- Components: AIR BAGS,STRUCTURE,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC),VISIBILITY/WIPER
- Summary: I HAVE BEEN ON A 3 YEAR WAIT LIST FOR LEXUS TO REPLACE MY DASH AND DOOR PANELS AMONG OTHER RECALLS I LIVE IN LOUISIANA MY CAR IS NOW TOTALED I LIVE IN GONZALES LA AND LOST EVERYTHING DUE TO THE FLOOD IT REALLY UPSETS ME KNOWING THAT NOT ONLY MY LEXUS PARTS WERE MELTING ON MYSELF AND MY CHILD I ALSO HAVE A LATEX ALLERGY NOW I GET BOOK VALUE FOR A CAR AND THAT'S ONE LESS VEHICLE LEXUS HAS TO FIX I SHOULD BE GIVEN THE VALUE OF THE REPLACEMENT PARTS DRIVING A UNSAFE VEHICLE WITH SO MANY DEFECTS I HAVE CONTACTED IM INSURANCE COMPANY AND WAS TOLD TO CONTACT LEXUS HA I'VE TRIED THAT BEFORE BUT I'VE PAID FOR A VEHICLE THAT MELTED ON ME AND MY DISABLED CHILD FOR YEARS THIS IS WRONG ON SO MANY LEVELS AND THE LATEST AIRBAG RECALL BUT TO LEXUS I AM JUST ANOTHER NUMBER SO DO I CONTACT A ATTORNEY FOR WHAT'S RIGHTFULLY OWED TO ME BY LEXUS ? THANK YOU [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Latest 5 recalls Lexus Is 250
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 38 recalls for different components of the Lexus Is 250.You can explore the year of the Volkswagen Jetta you are interested in by selecting it from the list.
- Model: Lexus Is 250 2008
- Report Received Date: 2019-10-17
- Manufacturer: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing
- Components: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
- Summary: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2010-2016 4Runner, 2003-2006 Tundra, 2003-2013 Corolla, 2009-2010 Corolla Matrix, 2004-2005 RAV4, 2002-2007 Sequoia, 2011-2013 Sienna, 2008-2012 Scion xB, 2008-2009 Lexus IS-F, 2007-2012 Yaris and Lexus ES350, 2010-2017 Lexus GX460, 2002-2010 Lexus SC430, 2006-2012 Lexus IS250 and IS350 and 2010-2015 Lexus IS250C and IS350C vehicles. These vehicles had their driver or passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior recall using inflators of the same design. The inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
- Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- Remedy: Toyota will notify owners. Depending on the vehicle model, dealers will replace the front driver inflator, front passenger airbag inflator, the airbag assembly, or the front passenger airbag sub-assembly and inflator. The recall began November 20, 2019. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371 or Lexus customer service at 1-800-255-3987. Toyota's numbers for this recall are J0A, J0B, and J0C. Lexus' numbers for this recall are JLI, JLJ, and JLK.
- Model: Lexus Is 250 2007
- Report Received Date: 2019-10-17
- Manufacturer: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing
- Components: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
- Summary: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2010-2016 4Runner, 2003-2006 Tundra, 2003-2013 Corolla, 2009-2010 Corolla Matrix, 2004-2005 RAV4, 2002-2007 Sequoia, 2011-2013 Sienna, 2008-2012 Scion xB, 2008-2009 Lexus IS-F, 2007-2012 Yaris and Lexus ES350, 2010-2017 Lexus GX460, 2002-2010 Lexus SC430, 2006-2012 Lexus IS250 and IS350 and 2010-2015 Lexus IS250C and IS350C vehicles. These vehicles had their driver or passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior recall using inflators of the same design. The inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
- Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- Remedy: Toyota will notify owners. Depending on the vehicle model, dealers will replace the front driver inflator, front passenger airbag inflator, the airbag assembly, or the front passenger airbag sub-assembly and inflator. The recall began November 20, 2019. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371 or Lexus customer service at 1-800-255-3987. Toyota's numbers for this recall are J0A, J0B, and J0C. Lexus' numbers for this recall are JLI, JLJ, and JLK.
- Model: Lexus Is 250 2011
- Report Received Date: 2019-10-17
- Manufacturer: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing
- Components: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
- Summary: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2010-2016 4Runner, 2003-2006 Tundra, 2003-2013 Corolla, 2009-2010 Corolla Matrix, 2004-2005 RAV4, 2002-2007 Sequoia, 2011-2013 Sienna, 2008-2012 Scion xB, 2008-2009 Lexus IS-F, 2007-2012 Yaris and Lexus ES350, 2010-2017 Lexus GX460, 2002-2010 Lexus SC430, 2006-2012 Lexus IS250 and IS350 and 2010-2015 Lexus IS250C and IS350C vehicles. These vehicles had their driver or passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior recall using inflators of the same design. The inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
- Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- Remedy: Toyota will notify owners. Depending on the vehicle model, dealers will replace the front driver inflator, front passenger airbag inflator, the airbag assembly, or the front passenger airbag sub-assembly and inflator. The recall began November 20, 2019. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371 or Lexus customer service at 1-800-255-3987. Toyota's numbers for this recall are J0A, J0B, and J0C. Lexus' numbers for this recall are JLI, JLJ, and JLK.
- Model: Lexus Is 250 2006
- Report Received Date: 2019-10-17
- Manufacturer: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing
- Components: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
- Summary: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2010-2016 4Runner, 2003-2006 Tundra, 2003-2013 Corolla, 2009-2010 Corolla Matrix, 2004-2005 RAV4, 2002-2007 Sequoia, 2011-2013 Sienna, 2008-2012 Scion xB, 2008-2009 Lexus IS-F, 2007-2012 Yaris and Lexus ES350, 2010-2017 Lexus GX460, 2002-2010 Lexus SC430, 2006-2012 Lexus IS250 and IS350 and 2010-2015 Lexus IS250C and IS350C vehicles. These vehicles had their driver or passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior recall using inflators of the same design. The inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
- Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- Remedy: Toyota will notify owners. Depending on the vehicle model, dealers will replace the front driver inflator, front passenger airbag inflator, the airbag assembly, or the front passenger airbag sub-assembly and inflator. The recall began November 20, 2019. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371 or Lexus customer service at 1-800-255-3987. Toyota's numbers for this recall are J0A, J0B, and J0C. Lexus' numbers for this recall are JLI, JLJ, and JLK.
- Model: Lexus Is 250 2010
- Report Received Date: 2019-10-17
- Manufacturer: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing
- Components: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
- Summary: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2010-2016 4Runner, 2003-2006 Tundra, 2003-2013 Corolla, 2009-2010 Corolla Matrix, 2004-2005 RAV4, 2002-2007 Sequoia, 2011-2013 Sienna, 2008-2012 Scion xB, 2008-2009 Lexus IS-F, 2007-2012 Yaris and Lexus ES350, 2010-2017 Lexus GX460, 2002-2010 Lexus SC430, 2006-2012 Lexus IS250 and IS350 and 2010-2015 Lexus IS250C and IS350C vehicles. These vehicles had their driver or passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior recall using inflators of the same design. The inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
- Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- Remedy: Toyota will notify owners. Depending on the vehicle model, dealers will replace the front driver inflator, front passenger airbag inflator, the airbag assembly, or the front passenger airbag sub-assembly and inflator. The recall began November 20, 2019. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371 or Lexus customer service at 1-800-255-3987. Toyota's numbers for this recall are J0A, J0B, and J0C. Lexus' numbers for this recall are JLI, JLJ, and JLK.
Latest negative Lexus Is 250 car reviews
Latest positive Lexus Is 250 car reviews
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Vehicle year: 2006
Great car!
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Vehicle year: 2010
Your ownership experience has been positive. The car draws favorable reviews for its styling. The fit and finish are excellent. It's quiet and feels very solid on the road. The only complaint is getting used to a limitation on driver visibility to the rear.
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Vehicle year: 2015
I've had the car for a year now, and I bought it used with only 10K miles on it. The car handles great, and the performance is fine for the most part. The interiors are the best I've experienced in its category, which is pretty cool. However, the paint on this car is my biggest setback. The front bumper started peeling with every small pebble that hits it, which was super annoying, especially considering my other cars were older and didn't peel at all on the same roads. Overall, the car is good but not great. I was expecting much more for my money. If you're interested in the f-sport, I would recommend going straight to the 350 and not wasting your time on a 250. Trust me, you'll thank me later. It's just not worth knowing you paid for half a car.
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Vehicle year: 2015
Congratulations on your new IS250! It's great to hear that you're already enjoying it so much. The car sounds like it's performing really well and it's fantastic that you were able to get it Lexus certified. It's always reassuring to know that maintenance and any potential issues will be taken care of. It's also great to hear that you had a positive experience with the Lexus dealership and that you would consider purchasing from them again. Thank you for sharing your experience and we hope you continue to enjoy your Lexus for many years to come!
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Vehicle year: 2010
I'm so glad you found this car! It sounds like it's been well taken care of, which is always a plus. The Lexus and Toyota reputation for longevity is definitely a good sign. It's great to hear that the seller was a Lexus mechanic and took such good care of it. The car seems like a perfect fit for you, especially since you don't need a larger car anymore. The body styling is really nice and the interior sounds top-notch. The premium sound system is a great bonus too! It's impressive that the car is so quiet on the highway, even at 70 mph. I'm glad you're enjoying it so much and I hope you continue to do so for a long time. Thank you for sharing your experience with us!
Are you having problems with your Lexus Is 250?
Eldon Bayer 2025-11-16
Vehicle year: 2008
I've been driving this car for almost 2 years now and it's been a very comfortable ride, especially for a small car. Although the front wheels tend to collect a lot of dust on the brakes, I haven't had any major problems with it. As someone who is 6'3
Mitchel Gerhold 2025-11-14
Vehicle year: 2008
I purchased my 2008 car with 75k miles and have since driven it up to 99k miles. Unfortunately, the navigation system stopped working and required a costly $1800 repair. It was frustrating to lose control of the A/C, radio, and other features that rely on the touchscreen. I expected better from a luxury vehicle, especially since it was well-maintained. To make matters worse, the car started to overheat at 99k miles and the mechanic found a crack in the engine head. While I understand that these issues can happen with any car, it was disappointing to experience them with a more expensive vehicle that should have better build quality. The dealership informed me that the navigation system is a common issue. Despite these setbacks, I still enjoy driving my car and hope to avoid any further problems.
Rickie Jerde 2025-10-09
Vehicle year: 2008
Although the car has a sporty exterior and a willing chassis, it falls short of being a sports sedan due to its whimpy engine, unresponsive throttle, and transmission programmed by someone from the Prius team. However, it does deliver excellent gas mileage for a V6 and handles well thanks to the firm suspension, summer tires, and RWD. The steering is quick but numb. The interior uses top-notch materials, and the quality of assembly is very high both inside and out. While it is reliable, it may not be completely trouble-free, and you should expect to pay a premium for service at the dealer. However, their technicians are no better than those at typical Honda or Toyota dealerships.
Tyrel Russel 2025-08-17
Vehicle year: 2008
The engine needed repairs, which is not a great reflection on the engineering. However, the dealership covered the cost as it was a recall. Unfortunately, I have also had to replace the motherboard, brake calipers, and deal with fluid leaks on my garage floor. Now, they are saying that I need all new axles. It's been quite a hassle, but I appreciate the dealership's help with the recall repairs.
Leon Mohr 2025-08-14
Vehicle year: 2006
I've owned this car for 2 and a half years now and it's a real beauty. I haven't had any quality issues with it and it's always been a pleasure to drive. While the acceleration and cornering could be improved, it's still a fun ride. The back seat is a bit small, but it's never been an issue for me since I usually only have 1 or 2 passengers. There are a couple of things to keep in mind though. Firstly, the wheel well on the driver's side is a bit narrow and has a protuberance that can make it uncomfortable to sit at times. As someone with a hip/SI joint problem, I've found that this can be a bit of an issue. Secondly, the warning lights can be quite bothersome, even for minor issues like a low tire. The low tire warning tends to go off frequently due to temperature changes, and only the dealer can turn it off.