2018 Lexus Is 300 problems
The Lexus IS (Japanese: レクサス・IS, Hepburn: Rekusasu IS) is a compact executive car (D-segment in Europe) sold by Lexus, a luxury division of Toyota, since 1998. The IS was originally sold under the Toyota Altezza (Japanese: トヨタ・アルテッツァ, Hepburn: Toyota Arutettsua) nameplate in Japan from 1998 (the word Altezza is Italian for 'height' or 'highness'). The IS was introduced as an entry-level sport model positioned below the ES in the Lexus lineup.
The first-generation Altezza (codename XE10) was launched in Japan in October 1998, while the Lexus IS 200 (GXE10) made its debut in Europe in 1999 and in North America as the IS 300 (JCE10) in 2000. The first-generation models were powered by a straight-six engine and available in sedan and wagon variants. The second-generation IS (codename XE20) was launched globally in 2005 with V6-powered IS 250 (GSE20) and IS 350 (GSE21) sedan models, followed by a high-performance V8 sedan version, the IS F, in 2007, and coupé convertible versions, the IS 250 C and IS 350 C, in 2008. The third-generation Lexus IS premiered in January 2013 and includes the V6-powered IS 350 and IS 250, turbocharged IS 200t/300, hybrid IS 300h and performance-tuned F Sport variants. The IS designation stands for "Intelligent Sport".
First generation (XE10; 1998)
Produced as a direct competitor to the luxury sports sedans of the leading European luxury marques, the XE10 series Toyota Altezza and Lexus IS was designed with a greater performance emphasis than typically seen on prior Japanese luxury vehicles. The engineering work was led by Nobuaki Katayama from 1994 to 1998 under the 038T program code, who was responsible for the AE86 project. Design work which had been done in 1995 by Tomoyasu Nishi was frozen in 1996 and filed under patent number 1030135 on 5 December 1996, at the Japan Patent Office. At its introduction to Japan, it was exclusive to Japanese dealerships called Toyota Netz Store, until Lexus was introduced to Japan in 2006. The Japan-sold AS200 Altezza sedan and AS300 Altezza Gita correspond to the Lexus IS 200 and IS 300 models respectively, as sold in markets outside of Japan. The Lexus IS' primary markets were North America, Australia, and Europe. The Altezza Gita was a hatchback-station wagon version sold in Japan and was known in the US and Europe as the Lexus IS SportCross. The AS300 Altezza Gita was the only Altezza with the 2JZ-GE engine; in export markets this engine was available in the sedan models as well as the Lexus IS300 Sedan.
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Common 2018 Lexus Is 300 problems
Based on complaints from owners of the 2018 Lexus IS 300, several common problems have been reported:
- Infotainment System: The infotainment system in the Lexus IS 300 has been a point of contention for some owners. Complaints include the lack of advanced features like Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, limited functionality, and difficulty in use, particularly with the optional Remote Touch interface, which has been described as distracting.
- Brake and Rotor Wear: Another issue highlighted by owners is the rapid wear of brakes and rotors. Some have reported the need for replacements at relatively low mileage, indicating a potential concern with the braking system's durability.
- Control Arm Bushings: Owners have noted that the lower control arm bushings in the Lexus IS 300 may be softer by design, leading to faster tire wear on the front tires. Replacing these bushings with sturdier alternatives, like RC-F bushings, has been suggested as a solution to mitigate this problem.
- Limited Technology Features: While the Lexus IS 300 offers some basic connectivity features like Bluetooth streaming, owners have expressed disappointment in the lack of more advanced technology options such as Android Auto or Apple CarPlay, which are becoming standard in many modern vehicles.
These reported issues provide insights into the common concerns faced by owners of the 2018 Lexus IS 300, highlighting areas where improvements could enhance the overall ownership experience.
What are common problems with Lexus is300?
Lexus IS300h Common Problems and Solutions
- Poor engine idling/misfiring. Problem: If you are having any problems with the engine misfiring and poor engine idling, this will be caused by a problem with either the throttle body, or MAF (Mass Air Flow) sensor. ...
- Rear brake calliper problem. Problem: ...
- Heavy clutch wear. Problem:
How reliable is 2018 Lexus is?
How Reliable Is the 2018 Lexus IS? The IS has a slightly above-average predicted reliability rating of 3.5 out of five from J.D. Power.
Is there a recall on 2018 Lexus IS 300?
Lexus has announced that 1830752 vehicles have been affected by a Fuel Pump recall. If the fuel pump fails, the engine can stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Are there any recalls on Lexus IS 300?
Lexus IS 300 Recall Fuel Pump
Toyota will send a second notice to owners to have the fuel pump replaced once the remedy is available. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371 or Lexus customer service at 1-800-255-3987.
2018 Lexus Is 300 complaints
The NHTSA has received 0 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2018 Lexus Is 300.
You can leave your car complaint via the special form below.
2018 Lexus Is 300 recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 2018 Lexus Is 300.
- Manufacturer: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
- Summary: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) recalled certain 2018-2019 4Runner, Highlander, Camry, Land Cruiser, Sequoia, Sienna, Tacoma and Tundra, and Lexus RC 300, RC 350, GS 350, GX 460, IS 300, LC 500, LS 500, LX 570, RX 350L, and 2019 Toyota Avalon and Corolla, and certain Lexus NX 300, and ES 350 vehicles on January 13, 2020. On March 4, 2020, Toyota expanded the recall to include certain 2014-2015 Toyota 4Runner and Land Cruiser, 2018 Avalon, Corolla, 2014 FJ Cruiser, 2017 Sienna and Lexus 2018 ES 350, 2018-2019 GS 300, 2013-2014 GS350, 2014-2015 GX 460, IS 350 and LX 570, 2014 IS F, 2018-2019 IS 350, LC 500H and LS 500H, 2013-2015 LS 460, 2015 NX 200T and RC350, 2017 RC 200T and RX 350. Toyota also removed the 2018-2019 Toyota 4Runner and Land Cruiser and 2018-2019 Lexus GX 460 and LX 570 and 2019 NX300 from inclusion in this recall. On March 19, 2020, Toyota expanded the recall to include 2015 Lexus GS350 vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
- Consequence: If the fuel pump fails, the engine can stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump, free of charge. The recall began May 4, 2020. 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 20TB02 and 20TA02 for Toyota vehicles and 20LB01 and 20LA01 for Lexus vehicles.
Negative 2018 Lexus Is 300 car reviews
Positive 2018 Lexus Is 300 car reviews
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The navigation and Lexus Enform have proven to be unreliable in my experience, despite having only driven 3,000 miles. Additionally, the seat cooling and heating functions have been inconsistent. Overall, I am disappointed with the upgrade I paid for.
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First Lexus, it's so much fun to drive! The handling on curves is great and the brakes are excellent. The seats are really comfortable, although it could use some more storage space next to the driver. Overall, I absolutely love it!
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I'm so glad to hear that you're enjoying your 17' IS300 F Sport! It's amazing to see how much the used car market has changed recently. The KBB value of your car has gone up from $28k in January 2021 to $38k in November 2021! This just goes to show how strong the resale value is. These Japanese-built cars are so well-made and put together in either Canada or the US, which is a huge plus. If you ever need any work done, it won't cost you an arm and a leg like other cars in its class. While it may not win any races off the assembly line, it can definitely be set up to be a track car (which is my future plan for it!). The craftsmanship is evident and the black and red interior is simply stunning. I love how I can switch it to ECO mode in the neighborhood and barely make a sound, then throw it into Sport mode and take corners at 50 without a squeal. The Japanese have set the standard for well-built, long-lasting V6s and this car is no exception. It should easily get 250k miles plus, just like your 02' IS did. There are a few things that can be improved, such as installing your own wireless Apple CarPlay harness and investing in RCF front bushings and adjustable rear control arms to help with excessive inner tire tread wear. You also might want to consider replacing your front dash 4A quick internet search and a $2 silicone lube can solve the f sport brake noise complaints. I installed Brembo & Bosch rotors and paired them with ceramic Akebono pads, resulting in a dead silent, rust-resistant, zero brake dust, and highly responsive brake system. For those who are concerned about winter performance, I live in Northern Idaho and have made it through several solid winters with my stock 18” f sport rims and Michelin Pilot Sport 4 AS tires. However, any snowstorm over 6” requires a snow tire setup or chains. While Lexus AWD is solid, it doesn’t provide enough traction for the bigger snowstorms. Overall, as an affordable entry-level luxury sedan/souped Camry, I wouldn’t hesitate to buy it again, especially since it won all the rewards in 2017 for holding its value.
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The Lexus IS 300 F Sport has been an absolute pleasure to drive. Unlike some other sport sedans on the market, this car doesn't make any compromises. It offers high levels of driver engagement while still being a very comfortable place to be. The sedan sits low, which lets both driver and passenger know that this is not your average family sedan. The step-in height took me a couple of days to adjust to, but it's certainly easy to live with. The seats are very comfortable and have soft Nuluxe upholstery. My example's seating is finished in Rioja Red, which contrasts nicely with the black surfaces on the dash and headliner. I love the analog clock and brushed-aluminum accents, which give the car a retro look. After starting the car, the first thing you notice is the awesome F Sport instrument cluster, which is mostly a digital display. It looks sharp and is reconfigurable to show lots of trip data. The steering wheel is also fantastic and one of my favorite features of the car - it's wrapped in soft leather and is fairly chunky. The steering feel is quite good for a modern car, providing enough resistance at speed to give me confidence around corners. Speaking of corners, this car stays pretty flat and drama-free even at turning speeds I wouldn't dare attempt in my old Camry. And despite the V6 being detuned to 255 HP compared to the IS 350's 306 HP, this car still has plenty of power and is satisfying to drive quickly. The intake sound amplifier also means the V6 really comes alive at higher RPMs - and it sounds quite nice! My only real gripes with this car have to do with the infotainment, which seems to have a lot of menus. The mouse-like controller can also take some getting used to - and I bet your passengers won't want to learn it.Hey there! I hope you're doing well. I just wanted to share my thoughts on this amazing small luxury car. I must say, it rides really well over most roads and the handling benefits of the suspension tuning are just amazing. The composure on the highway is also something to look forward to. Although, sometimes more broken pavement transmits some noise into the cabin than you might expect, but it's not a big deal. For my taste, the slight downsides on crappy roads are far outweighed by the benefits. Not to mention, this car is near-silent on any decent road anyway. All in all, I think this is a great small luxury car that seems designed to appeal to the enthusiast without overdoing it. If you're buying this car for a fun, engaging driving experience with some luxury touches, you won't be disappointed. Thanks for reading!
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Hi there! I'm happy to let you know that this item is in great condition, with no issues to report. It's always a pleasure to offer quality products like this one. Let me know if you have any questions!
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2018 Lexus Is 300 problems:
2018 IS 300 FSport - known issues. : r/Lexus
Aug 13, 2020 ... Tires are said to wear faster on the fronts due to the lower control arm bushings being softer by design. You can replace them with RC-F ...
Considering an IS300 - common problems? - ClubLexus - Lexus ...
Jul 7, 2005 ... The IS300 has no major mechanical problems. Consumer Reports calls it one of most reliable vehicles in their database. It DOES have some of ...
Took some of your advice, leased a 2018 Lexus IS 300 F-Sport ...
Nov 27, 2018 ... Apparently this a common thing. Seems like if the windshield is fucked up so easy the car would take a beating also? I live in the South ...
IS300 F Sport 2018 Overheating Problem - ClubLexus - Lexus ...
Jan 4, 2021 ... IS300 F Sport 2018 Overheating Problem · Faulty waterpump · Thermostat stuck closed · air in system · low coolant · no coolant · plugged heater core ...
New IS300 SportCross Owner - Car has issues | Lexus IS Forum
Nov 13, 2018 ... New IS300 SportCross Owner - Car has issues ... Fuel pressure is hard to check on these but that's another common point of failure for all the ...
Other years of Lexus Is 300
Are you having problems with your 2018 Lexus Is 300?
Edgardo Schimmel 2025-03-04
I noticed that my 2017 Lexus IS300 f sport has been making loud squeaking noises every morning until the brakes get warmed up. It's quite noticeable, especially on snowy days, and it can be quite frustrating. I took my car to my local Lexus dealership, but unfortunately, they didn't seem to be interested in looking into the issue. Despite this, I still love Lexus and have owned almost all of their models, including an RX, a GX, and I still own a GS. However, the brakes on my f sport are driving me insane!
Arthur Denesik 2025-02-14
I've had the IS300 for over a year and a half now, and it's been quite a change from my 2013 WRX hatch. While Lexus prioritizes luxury over power, the car's 6-speed CVT transmission can be a bit unpredictable with its downshifting. Unfortunately, the power leaves something to be desired - despite having a 3.5L V6 engine, it doesn't quite deliver. On the bright side, the car boasts a fantastic sound system, a large windscreen for great visibility, and heated/ventilated seats. However, the fans for the heat and AC could be stronger - even on the highest setting, you might find yourself wondering if the air is even on. The back seat is not very spacious, so it's not recommended for passengers. On the other hand, the trunk space is impressive, and the exterior of the vehicle looks great. While it may not be the most powerful or exciting car out there, it's definitely a comfortable option for your daily commute.
Buddy Stiedemann 2024-07-20
We leased an AWD with the multispoke fancy aluminum wheels. Despite my wife's best efforts, the car has been subjected to numerous potholes. However, we have replaced the soft wheels that were prone to bending and the low profile tires. As a result, we have been able to continue enjoying the car and will consider our options when the lease is up.
Rocky Rowe 2024-05-08
The Lexus F Sport IS300 AWD may not be the best option for those looking for a car with good resale value. However, it is a well-built car that offers great comfort. While it may not be the best option for those looking for high performance, it is still a great choice for those who prioritize comfort. If you are looking for a car with similar comfort, you can find it in a Toyota for a lower price. Alternatively, if you are looking for a car with small car performance, you can consider a Subaru that is priced 10k less. Overall, the Lexus F Sport IS300 AWD is a great car that offers comfort and reliability.
Darryl Davis 2024-05-07
I have noticed an unusual noise in the engine of my Lexus ISF 300 since the first day of my lease. Despite having leased two other cars previously (a G37 and an ES350), I have never experienced this issue before. Additionally, I have noticed some vibration when making full turns, regardless of direction. These issues are concerning and require immediate attention.