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: 2008
I've noticed some negative reviews regarding the manual transmission, but in my experience, it's excellent through the first four gears. The 5th and 6th gears can be a bit tricky to get into, but overall, the manual really brings the engine to life. For comparison, I've driven a 2008 328i BMW and a 2004 Honda S2000, and while the Honda's transmission is the best, I would still say that the IS 250's transmission is better than the 328i's.
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Vehicle year: 2015
I upgraded from the previous model IS250 (model year 2009) and I am extremely satisfied! Although the cars share an engine and drivetrain, the 2015 model is a significant improvement over the previous model. Lexus has really changed the dynamics of the car with the chassis and steering; the car feels incredibly sharp, if not overwhelmingly powerful. 204 HP may not be the highest in this class, but it has always felt sufficient to me for what I require. Forget the AWD and save weight and mpg, as you probably won't drive this car in the snow anyways (the ground clearance alone won't allow it). In RWD, the IS250 has enough power to satisfy, and you will always look better next to a C class or 3 series!
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Vehicle year: 2009
I love this car! It rides and handles beautifully. Although I have noticed that over the years, Lexus Dealerships have become more focused on making money. However, this is my fourth Lexus and I can confidently say that this car is by far the best. I just wish it was a Honda or Acura so I wouldn't have to deal with Toyota.
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Vehicle year: 2012
I live in Colorado and have driven my vehicle for 7,000 miles. It has taken me on some amazing adventures, including climbing the Monarch Pass (11,312 ft) and driving on the all-dirt Phantom Canyon Road. I've even gone off-roading and the vehicle handled it like a champ! With an average of 30.1 MPG, this vehicle has excellent gas mileage. It's also very easy to handle and reliable. I recommend using premium gas for even better performance. The only downside is that the AFS headlights can be expensive to replace, but overall, this is a great vehicle that will last for miles thanks to its Toyota engine. An oil change costs me about $80 (synthetic) and lasts quite a while. I highly recommend it for any type of driver!
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Vehicle year: 2008
I've owned my IS 250 for 8 years now and it has been an absolute pleasure to own. I have only had to put gas and oil in it, and nothing has gone wrong. I make sure to keep up with the required maintenance (at 30K miles, and so on), but it has truly been a great car. Recently, the dealer even wrote me a letter asking if he could buy it back, but I couldn't bear to part with it. I wouldn't be able to find a car half as nice for the same price. It's definitely a keeper!
Are you having problems with your Lexus Is 250?
Tyler Murray 2025-05-29
Vehicle year: 2008
I have owned three Lexus cars. My first one was a 2003 is300 and I absolutely loved it. However, I don't feel the same way about my current car. I have had several issues with it, including the airbag harness which cost me $2500 due to an airbag light, and the rear passenger axle which cost me $1000. Additionally, my exhaust has a leak which makes it loud, the door trim is coming off, and the window makes a loud noise and is slow when you roll it down. I have decided not to buy any more IS's unless it's the 300 again. Although I like the way the interior looks, it's not very comfortable for me as I'm 6ft tall. I have to push the seat all the way back and all the way down to get comfortable, and there's no headroom. I eventually sold my Lexus because it was burning 2 quarts of oil a month, which was disappointing. However, it never broke down on me. This is250 was definitely not like my is300 or my es330.
Trever Keeling 2025-05-16
Vehicle year: 2006
The IS 250 has an AC system drain line that can become clogged and not drain condensed water properly, which can cause damage to the passenger compartment. Unfortunately, this issue can occur even after the warranty period has ended. It is important to note that Lexus may only offer limited support to address this design problem.
Jamel McCullough 2025-05-14
Vehicle year: 2006
So glad to hear that you're enjoying your car with 7500 miles on it! If I may suggest, it would be great if Lexus could consider using a higher profile tire and including a backup camera as standard. It can be quite difficult to see what's behind the car without one. On a recent 900 mile trip, we were impressed to see that the car achieved about 33 mpg despite being a 200 hp machine with AWD. That's really impressive!
Alex Lockman 2025-05-14
Vehicle year: 2006
Although I initially enjoyed this car, I have come to regret leasing it due to poor visibility when parallel parking, making turns, and backing up. Unfortunately, this has resulted in damage to the wheels and rims. As a first-time Lexus owner, I am disappointed and will not be leasing from them again.
Caden Gerlach 2025-05-08
Vehicle year: 2006
Initial presentation/design excellent. Although the ride/handling tradeoff is poor compared to the best in class, the ride can be too busy/abrupt for actual handling precision and ability. The electric steering can feel numb. Unfortunately, the relationship between dash/windowsill height and seat height makes visibility poor in the name of style and pedestrian safety standards. However, the transmission, while smooth, is easily confused and generally delayed when a downshift is required. The engine is smooth and adequate, but the transmission makes it feel flat-footed. On the bright side, various technology is advanced and easy to use.