2001 Lexus Is problems

General information about Lexus-Is
Overview of popular issues
Recalls list

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 2001 Lexus Is problems

Based on the complaints from owners of the 2001 Lexus IS300, several common problems have been identified:

Radiator Neck Cracking:
Stock IS300s came with Denso radiators that used plastic tubing. Over time, the neck connecting the hose to the intake can crack, leading to coolant leaks and potential overheating issues. To mitigate this problem, owners have opted for performance radiators with metal tubing, like the one offered by Mishimoto for $280.

Gurgling Sound from the Car:
Many IS300 owners have reported a "gurgling" sound coming from the car, attributed to air trapped in the heater core. To address this issue, bleeding the coolant is necessary. Since the IS300 lacks a bleeder screw, the radiator cap must be removed, and the coolant bled to eliminate the trapped air and maintain proper cooling system functionality.

AC Servo Failure:
AC servo failure manifests as a clicking sound inside the dash, followed by an unresponsive climate control system. This issue typically indicates malfunctioning servo motors, with cleaning them using isopropyl alcohol and cotton swabs being a potential solution to avoid costly replacements. A new servo motor can cost around $138 on Amazon, making cleaning a more budget-friendly option.

Interior Dash Disfigurement in Hot Sun:
Some Lexus IS300s have experienced issues with dashboards melting or disfiguring in hot conditions. This was a common defect in Toyota-built vehicles from the early to mid-2000s. Remedies for this problem include removing the dash, stripping the melted plastics using chemical removers, and repainting it with special spray paints. While this issue can be addressed, it requires time and effort to rectify the damage caused by the melting dash components .

These problems highlight the importance of regular maintenance and prompt attention to issues to ensure the longevity and performance of the 2001 Lexus IS300.

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:

Is the first gen IS300 reliable?

2001 IS 300 is a very reliable automobile!

These engines and transmissions are amazing but everything around it may need attention as mentioned above. You may end up spending up to $3,000 to replace the things around the motor but I think it's worth it considering the cost of a new vehicle these days.

Are Lexus IS300 expensive to maintain?

The annual maintenance cost of a Lexus IS300 is $428. Repair and maintenance costs vary depending on age, mileage, location and shop.

How long does IS 300 engine last?

A Lexus IS300 should have no problem lasting over 200,000 miles as long as you take care of it. At the core of every Lexus vehicle is a Toyota engine that should be able to last a very long time. There are plenty of Lexus IS sedans out on the road that have over 200,000 miles on them.

2001 Lexus Is complaints

The NHTSA has received 0 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2001 Lexus Is.

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

2001 Lexus Is recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 2001 Lexus Is.

2009-04-07

Manufacturer: SABERSPORT
Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Summary: SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
Consequence: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy: SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.

Additional sources

More sources of information about 2001 Lexus Is problems:

Considering an IS300 - common problems? - ClubLexus - Lexus ...

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/is-1st-gen-2001-2005/169701-considering-an-is300-common-problems.html

Jul 7, 2005 ... The 2001 E-Shifts had some occasional small slippage in the 2-3 shift that was irregular and would come and go. An ECU reprogramming helped but ...

Any other common is300 problems?? | Lexus IS Forum

https://www.my.is/threads/any-other-common-is300-problems.517042/

Jun 13, 2014 ... The common problems I would give you are... ... Nov 14, 2011 · '01 IS300 Shifting Problems. Hi all. I have a 2001 ... my.is is an independent Lexus ...

Buying A 2001 Es300. What Issues To I Need To Be Concerned ...

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/es-1st-to-4th-gen-1990-2006/389331-buying-a-2001-es300-what-issues-to-i-need-to-be-concerned-about-es300-reliability.html

Nov 3, 2008 ... I am looking at buying a 2001 Lexus es300 with 80k to 100k miles. What are common problems with this vehicle? What do I need to look out for ...