2006 Lexus Is 250 problems

Overview of popular issues
Recalls list
Negative car reviews
Positive car reviews

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Common 2006 Lexus Is 250 problems

The Lexus IS 250, introduced in 2006, has been praised for its reliability and luxury features. However, there are some common problems that owners have reported, particularly with the 2006-2009 models.

One of the most significant issues is carbon buildup on the intake valves, caused by the direct injection engine design without port injectors.

Another common problem with the 2007 and 2008 models is intermittent power steering, which can be dangerous if it occurs at the wrong moment, making it difficult to keep control of the vehicle. This issue is relatively rare but can be challenging to address when it happens.

The 2007 model year has the most overall complaints, with the most-reported problem being a melting dashboard.

Additionally, some owners have reported issues with the backseat being too tight and cramped, making it uncomfortable for passengers.

While the Lexus IS 250 is generally a reliable and durable vehicle, these common problems with the 2006-2009 models should be considered when purchasing a used IS 250. Regular maintenance and preventive measures, such as using a good spray cleaner, can help mitigate some of these issues. However, it is essential to be aware of these problems and to address them promptly if they occur.

What is the common problem with Lexus IS 250?

Door Panels Melting

This is another common problem, though much less common than the dashboard melting. At the core though, the IS 250 interior plastics just don't hold up very well the to heat in some climates, particularly anywhere that's known for having more serious heat, especially in the summer.

What is the life expectancy of a 2006 Lexus IS 250?

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.

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 is the common problem for the Lexus car?

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.

2006 Lexus Is 250 complaints

The NHTSA has received 0 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2006 Lexus Is 250.

You can leave your car complaint via the special form below.

2006 Lexus Is 250 recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 6 recalls for different components of the 2006 Lexus Is 250.

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.

2017-01-09

Manufacturer: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing
Components: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
Summary: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2012 Toyota 4Runner, Corolla, Corolla Matrix, Sienna, Yaris, Scion xB, Lexus ES350, GX460, IS-F, IS250, IS350, IS250C, IS350C, and Lexus LFA vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands, or "Zone A." Additionally, unless included in "Zone A" above, Toyota is recalling certain 2009 Toyota Corolla, Corolla Matrix, Yaris, Yaris HB, Scion xB, Pontiac Vibe, Lexus, ES350, IS250, IS350, and IS-F vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia, or "Zone B." Additionally, unless included in "Zone A" or "Zone B" above, Toyota is recalling certain 2006-2008 Lexus IS250 and IS350, 2007-2008 Lexus ES350, Toyota Yaris, Yaris HB, and 2008 Lexus IS-F and Scion xB vehicles originally sold, or ever registered in Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin and Wyoming. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
Consequence: An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: Toyota will notify the Toyota, Scion and Lexus owners. General Motors will contact the Pontiac owners. Depending on the model, dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator or the air bag assembly, free of charge. The recall began on February 1, 2017. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331, or Pontiac customer service at 1-800-762-2737. Toyota's numbers for final remedy for this campaign are G0P (Toyota Zone A), G0R (Toyota Zone B), H0A (Toyota Zone C), GLG (Lexus Zone A), GLH (Lexus Zone B) and HLA (Lexus Zone C).

2016-05-23

Manufacturer: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing
Components: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
Summary: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2008-2011 Scion xB and Lexus IS F, 2009-2011 Toyota Corolla and Corolla Matrix, 2006-2011 Toyota Yaris, Lexus IS250 and Lexus IS350, 2010-2011 Toyota 4Runner, Lexus IS250C, Lexus IS350C and Lexus GX460, 2011 Sienna, 2007-2011 Lexus ES350, and 2009-2010 Pontiac Vibe vehicles, originally sold, or ever registered, in Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands, or "Zone A." Additionally, unless included in "Zone A" above, Toyota is recalling certain model year 2008 Scion xB and Lexus IS F, 2007-2008 Toyota Yaris, 2006-2008 Lexus IS250 and Lexus IS350 and 2007-2008 Lexus ES350 vehicles, originally sold, or ever registered, in Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia, or "Zone B." Vehicles of these model years and models that were not originally sold or ever registered in either Zones A or B are not subject to this safety recall. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the front air bags, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
Consequence: An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: Toyota will notify the Toyota and Lexus owners. General Motors will contact the Pontiac owners. Depending on the model, dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator or the air bag assembly, free of charge. The recall began on December 6, 2016. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for interim notification for this campaign are G1P (Toyota Zone A), G1R (Toyota Zone B), G2G (Lexus Zone A), and G2H (Lexus Zone B). Toyota's numbers for final remedy for this campaign are G0P (Toyota Zone A), G0R (Toyota Zone B), GLG (Lexus Zone A), and GLH (Lexus Zone B).

2014-10-15

Manufacturer: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing
Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
Summary: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2007-2010 Lexus LS vehicles manufactured May 9, 2006, to July 20, 2010, 2006-2011 Lexus GS vehicles manufactured January 6, 2005, to September 10, 2010, and 2006-2011 Lexus IS vehicles manufactured August 30, 2005, to September 10, 2010. Due to anti-corrosion plating remnants, fuel may leak from where the fuel pressure sensor is attached to the fuel delivery pipe.
Consequence: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will clean and reseal the fuel pressure sensor mounting area, free of charge. The recall began March 3, 2015. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331.

2013-01-30

Manufacturer: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing
Components: VISIBILITY/WIPER
Summary: Toyota is recalling certain model year 2006-2012 Lexus IS250 and IS350 vehicles manufactured August 23, 2005, through October 5, 2011; 2010-2012 Lexus IS250C and IS350C vehicles manufactured April 10, 2009, through October 6, 2011; and 2008-2011 Lexus IS-F vehicles manufactured December 14, 2007, through July 10, 2011. The nuts that fasten the wiper arms may be insufficiently torqued such that if the wiper arms are restricted by an external load, such as a buildup of heavy snow, one or both of the wipers may become inoperative.
Consequence: Inoperative wipers could reduce driver visibility and increase the risk of a vehicle crash.
Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and Lexus dealers will install new wiper arm nuts, free of charge. An interim letter was mailed to owners on April 4, 2013. Owners may contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331.

2005-12-19

Manufacturer: TOYOTA MOTOR NORTH AMERICA, INC.
Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL
Summary: ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THERE IS A POSSIBILITY THAT THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL MAY TEMPORARILY BECOME STUCK IN THE PARTIALLY DEPRESSED POSITION DUE TO INADEQUATE CLEARANCE BETWEEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL LINKAGE AND A PLASTIC PAD EMBEDDED INTO THE VEHICLE'S CARPET.
Consequence: THIS CONDITION MAY INTERFERE WITH THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL RETURNING TO THE IDLE POSITION, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE CLEARANCE OF THE ACCELERATION PEDAL AND CARPET, REPLACE THE PEDAL ASSEMBLY WITH A REVISED ASSEMBLY, AND MODIFY THE CARPET FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMBER 27, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT LEXUS AT 1-800-255-3987.

Negative 2006 Lexus Is 250 car reviews

Berta Heathcote 2024-11-26

I have been a loyal Lexus customer since 2005 and this is my third Lexus. I have always been satisfied with the RX models I previously owned, as they never gave me any trouble. However, my current car has been a bit of a disappointment. It has had several issues, including problems with the headers, timing chains, and sunroof leaks. Although the dealer has been helpful in fixing these issues, it seems like something else always goes wrong after I get it back. I really hope that Lexus takes notice of these issues and makes some changes, otherwise I may have to consider other options for my next vehicle.
Owen Bogisich 2024-06-12

I am extremely disappointed with my first luxury car purchase. Despite spending over $35 thousand, the car has persistent rattling noises by the front doors, radio area, and shifter. Despite numerous visits to the dealer, they have been unable to fix the issue. Unfortunately, one of the consultants informed me that they are unable to do anything about it. I contacted the 800 customer service number, but it has been several weeks since I received a follow-up call regarding their investigation. The quality of this car and the customer service are both subpar. I strongly advise against purchasing this car and suggest considering other luxury car options. It is regrettable to have spent so much money on a car that does not meet the expected quality standards.
Zachery Leffler 2024-04-05

I hope this message finds you well. I wanted to share my experience with my 2006 Lexus, which unfortunately has not met my expectations. Despite having only approximately 60,000 miles on it, the tires have never held pressure and I have had to refill them every month or so. Additionally, the original tires had to be replaced after only 15,000 miles, which was disappointing. When I reached out to Lexus for assistance, they claimed that the OEM tires were high performance tires and were not able to provide further support. While I have owned two earlier Lexus models that I was very happy with, I have found that the overall build quality of this particular model does not measure up to the quality of other Lexus models. As a result, I have decided to switch to a used 2006 Infiniti M35X, which now has over 130,000 miles on it and has had zero problems. Thank you for taking the time to read my message and I hope you have a great day!

Positive 2006 Lexus Is 250 car reviews

Monserrat Anderson 2025-02-16

This car is a great choice for those who are not in a hurry. It may not be suitable for people over 6 feet or those who are overweight. If you're looking to upgrade the performance, I recommend the IS350. Opting for an AWD model will help you avoid any issues with the staggered tires and rotating them. The bump in the driver's side foot well near the gas pedal can be a bit annoying. However, any issues I've had with my car, including floor mats, steering column, sensor failures, exhaust pipe hole, and engine issues, have been covered under warranty or recall, which is a relief. In the 4 years that I've owned this car, I've only had to pay for typical scheduled maintenance, such as tires, spark plugs, and oil changes, which I've done myself. I haven't had to pay for any out-of-pocket repairs during my ownership.
Leland Bergstrom 2025-02-14

This car is perfect for my needs. I understand that some people may prefer larger back seats, but I don't often have more than one passenger. If you're looking for a car with more spacious back seats, you might want to consider a Lexus GS or LS. If you're looking for more power, the IS350 or IS-F might be a better fit. Overall, I think this is a great car for a single person or couple that occasionally needs to transport four people.
Edgar Kiehn 2025-02-12

I previously owned a 1995 Lexus ES300 which I bought from a friend when he bought the 2006 IS250 AWD. I put over 100,000 miles on the ES after I bought it and thoroughly enjoyed that car. But, I have been telling him since he bought the IS that I wanted it when he was ready for his next new Lexus. This past Saturday he bought a new RX 350 and I bought the IS with 95000 miles on it for a little less than the trade-in value. It is such a pleasure to drive, has enough pep for this old fart, looks amazing (the previous owner took meticulous care of it), and is everything I wanted. Two years later, I still absolutely love this car. As I live so close to work, I have only put 6200 miles on it. It has been everything I hoped for. Another 6 months have passed, and I still love it. No problems, no issues, just routine maintenance. What a fun car!! And now, a year later, I am still lovin’ the car. It is truly awesome!
Ronny Johnston 2025-01-19

The cars produced between 2006 and 2012 are very similar to each other. The standard equipment is impressive and outperforms the competition. The purchasing process is very straightforward. You get to choose the color, navigation, AWD or RWD, and then decide whether you need 200HP or 300HP. However, the 250 AWD model is not as good as the others. I personally own a certified pre-owned model and I highly recommend it. There have been some issues, such as a recall for floor mats and steering column tightening, as well as two sensor failures. However, all of these were covered under warranty and the dealer even gave me a brand new vehicle to drive around in. It is worth noting that this car requires a large amount of oil and a Special Service Tool (SST) Toyota 'cup' to change the oil filter. I purchased my CPO '06 with 30K miles for $24,999 in 2009, with a 2.9% APR for 3 years in Chicagoland.
Hudson Ward 2025-01-02

At first, I wasn't sure if I would be happy with this car after driving a Trans Am with the 5.7L engine. The 2.5L seemed to be lacking something (2.2L and 2 cyl to be exact). However, after a few more miles, I can honestly say that I love this car! Although it may not be as quick on takeoff as my last car, it still performs well. The steering is tight, and the car handles like a dream. It is also extremely comfortable, and everything in the interior is right where it should be. Additionally, the stereo sounds fantastic. The maintenance and repairs have been very reasonable. I also think it is a very nice looking car with great lines that get lots of compliments. However, it's worth noting that if you happen to smoke, the ashes tend to blow back in the window and into the back seat. If you throw your butts out the window, you might have to put out a fire in the back seat (not mine, but I saw one it had happened to). Overall, I would definitely recommend buying this vehicle to anyone considering one. You won't be disappointed.

Additional sources

More sources of information about 2006 Lexus Is 250 problems:

Used Lexus IS250 common issues - ClubLexus - Lexus Forum ...

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/is-2nd-gen-2006-2013/850063-used-lexus-is250-common-issues.html

Mar 16, 2017 ... There's plenty of smaller issues I would look to avoid though. Melted dashboards and door panels, broken a/c recirculation doors, failed door ...

What to look for! Lexus IS 250 Common Problems and Issues : r/Lexus

https://www.reddit.com/r/Lexus/comments/jpp831/what_to_look_for_lexus_is_250_common_problems_and/

Nov 7, 2020 ... Carbon buildup. This can cause misfires and damage the engine if you run it for too long. (engine is direct injected to wil always be prone to ...

2006 Lexus IS250 Problems and Complaints - 7 Issues

https://repairpal.com/2006-lexus-is250/problems

Problem with your 2006 Lexus IS250? Our list of 7 known complaints reported by owners can help you fix your 2006 Lexus IS250.

Is250 - Common Problems - Lexus IS 250 / Lexus IS 250C Club ...

https://www.lexusownersclub.co.uk/forum/topic/85312-is250-common-problems/

Nov 20, 2013 ... On models with auto-dipping and seat memory system. The position sensor on pre 2009 models can break, causing the mirror to go wandering off ...