Is Lexus Is250 expensive to repair?

Not particularly. The Lexus IS250 typically costs less to repair than many European luxury rivals and benefits from Toyota-based reliability, though major repairs can be costly as the car ages.

Cost landscape: maintenance and common repairs

Here is a practical snapshot of typical maintenance and repair costs for the 2006-2013 Lexus IS250, based on dealer quotes, independent-shop data, and owner reports. These figures can vary by year, mileage, location, and service provider.

• Routine maintenance (oil changes, filters, fluids, inspections): roughly $100-$200 per service; annual maintenance often runs about $500-$800 depending on tires, brake wear, and any fluid service.


• Brakes and tires: brake pads/rotors typically $300-$600 per axle for pads and rotors; tires replacement can cost $600-$1,000 for a set of four, depending on brand.


• Common but more expensive repairs:
  
  
  
  • Transmission issues or replacement: roughly $2,000-$4,000 depending on whether a rebuild or replacement is needed.
  
  
  • Water pump and thermostat: typically $500-$900.
  
  
  • Valve cover gasket leaks or oil leaks from engine seals: often $500-$1,200 to repair, depending on labor and parts.
  
  
  • Suspension components (struts, control arms): $300-$1,300 per corner depending on parts and labor.
  
  
  • Electrical sensors (ABS, MAF, O2): $200-$600 per sensor plus diagnostic labor.
  
  
  
  


• Ownership context: due to its luxury badge, some repairs cost more than non-luxury models, but IS250 parts are generally more affordable than European luxury equivalents, and many repairs are straightforward for independent shops.

Conclusion: Routine maintenance for the IS250 tends to be affordable, especially compared with European rivals. Major repairs can be pricey, particularly as the car ages and mileage increases; owning a well-maintained example with a solid service history helps keep costs predictable.

Reliability and ownership experience

The IS250 benefits from Toyota-based reliability and a robust dealer and aftermarket parts network, which helps keep long-term ownership costs in check. Owners typically report fewer chronic mechanical failures than some European rivals, though aging components such as rubber bushings, cooling-system parts, and seals can require attention at higher mileages.

What owners tend to notice as mileage climbs

• Oil leaks from valve covers or seals as gaskets age.


• Coolant leaks or thermostat/water-pump failures in older cars.


• Brake wear and tire replacement due to aged rubber and high-performance braking.


• Electrical sensor failures (ABS, MAF, oxygen sensors) requiring replacement.


• Suspension wear including struts, control arms, and bushings.

These repair themes are common in aging IS250s and can be mitigated with proactive maintenance and timely replacement of aging parts.

Tips to minimize repair costs

Practical actions can help keep IS250 ownership affordable, especially for used models with a longer service history.

• Maintain a regular service schedule, using a trusted shop or dealership with experience with Lexus/Toyota V6 engines.


• Keep up with oil changes, coolant, and transmission fluid as recommended to prevent leaks and premature wear.


• Address unusual noises, vibrations, or poor shifting promptly to avoid cascading damage.


• Inspect cooling-system components early and replace aging belts, hoses, and the water pump preemptively where indicated.


• Consider a pre-purchase inspection (PPI) for a used IS250 to uncover hidden issues before buying.

Conclusion: With routine maintenance and careful ownership, the IS250 remains a cost-effective luxury sedan relative to its peers, though it is not immune to expensive repairs as with any aging vehicle.

Buying a used IS250: quick check checklist

If you’re shopping for a used IS250, use this quick checklist to spot potential money sinks and prefer models with strong service histories.

• Request complete service records, especially for oil changes, cooling-system work, and transmission service.


• Check for oil leaks around valve covers and the cam seals; inspect the cooling system for leaks.


• Test drive to assess transmission smoothness; unusual delays or hard shifts can indicate transmission issues.


• Inspect tires and brakes—uneven wear can signal alignment problems or worn suspension parts.


• Have a mechanic scan for trouble codes and perform a compression/leak-down test if feasible.

Summary: The IS250 is generally cheaper to repair than many luxury rivals, thanks to Toyota-derived reliability, but as with any aging luxury model, expect occasional higher-than-average repair costs. Regular maintenance and a full service history are the best way to keep ownership affordable.

What year Lexus IS 250 to avoid?

You should avoid Lexus IS 250 models from the 2006-2009 years, as they are prone to issues like carbon buildup in the engine, melting/sticky interior plastics, and an outdated infotainment system. Models from 2010 and newer are better because they have updated piston rings to address the carbon buildup issue and revised interior components. The Lexus IS 350 is often recommended as a better alternative due to its more powerful engine and avoidance of the specific 250's direct injection engine problems. 
Years to avoid

• 2006-2009: These years are known for significant problems.
  • Engine: The direct injection engine is prone to carbon buildup, which can lead to oil consumption and misfires. This issue was a major reason some owners avoid these years altogether.
  • Interior: Many owners reported melting or sticky dashboards and door panels, especially in these model years.
  • Infotainment: The navigation and overall infotainment system is considered very outdated by modern standards. 

Recommended models

• 2010 and newer: These models are the preferred choice for the IS 250 because they feature an updated engine with revised piston rings to combat the carbon buildup problem.
• 2010 and newer: These years also have updated interior components, which should prevent the melting/sticky dash and door panel issues.
• IS 350: If your budget allows, the IS 350 is often recommended as a more powerful alternative that does not have the specific direct injection engine problems found in the IS 250. 

Other considerations

• Even with the updated 2010+ models, regular maintenance is crucial. Owners recommend consistent oil changes and checking the fluids to ensure the longevity of the vehicle. 
• Some owners of the IS 250 have successfully maintained their older models by following a rigorous maintenance schedule and addressing issues as they arise. 

How long does Lexus IS250 usually last?

138,000 miles
What is Lexus Is250 lifespan? The estimated lifespan of a Lexus Is250 is 138,000 miles, before reaching the life expectancy upper limit. Factors such as ULEZ compliance and BHP are major when looking into a vehicle's lifespan/life expectancy.

Is the Lexus IS250 a reliable car?

The Lexus IS250 is generally considered a reliable car, with a good reliability rating of around 4.0 to 4.8 out of 5. Its reliability is especially strong if basic maintenance is followed, though a key weakness to be aware of is a potential issue with carbon buildup in the engine, which can lead to problems if not addressed. Other potential issues include aging plastic components, but these are typically superficial and don't impact the car's mechanical performance.
 
This video discusses common problems and overall reliability of the Lexus IS250: 59sReDrivenYouTube · Jan 14, 2024
Positive aspects 
This video highlights the positive ownership experience and reliability of the Lexus IS250: 48sLife with SondurenYouTube · Nov 22, 2022

• High reliability ratings: The IS250 consistently receives high reliability scores from different sources, often ranking well for its class. 
• Lower ownership costs: The average annual repair cost is around $487, which is lower than average and means ownership can be more affordable. 
• Durable engine: Despite a specific vulnerability, the engine is generally considered to be very high quality and can last well over 100,000 miles with proper care. 
• Other positive features: Many owners praise the IS250 for its comfortable ride, solid construction, and overall smooth performance. 

Potential issues

• Carbon buildup: A major issue is carbon buildup on the direct-injection engine, especially in second-generation models, due to unburnt fuel. This can be exacerbated by using regular gasoline or excessive idling and may cause misfires and other drivability problems. Addressing this can include using a fuel system cleaner or ensuring you use high-octane fuel, according to Reddit users. 
• Aging plastics: Over time, plastic components like dashboard pieces or side moldings can degrade, crack, or come loose. While this is a common issue for this generation of car, it's largely a cosmetic concern. 
• Other complaints: Other less common complaints include discolored rearview mirrors, a clicking noise from the rear suspension, and issues with the GPS or radio software. 

This video discusses the major issues of carbon buildup in the Lexus IS250: 1mBern on CarsYouTube · Mar 24, 2025
What to do

• Perform regular maintenance: Following the recommended maintenance schedule is crucial, especially for oil changes, to help prevent engine issues. 
• Use high-octane fuel: Using high-octane fuel can help minimize carbon buildup on the engine. 
• Consider newer models: Later models, particularly those made after 2010, are less likely to have the carbon buildup and "melting dash" problems, notes a Reddit user. 
• Check for existing problems: When buying a used IS250, check for signs of carbon buildup and be prepared to address it. A mechanic can perform a thorough inspection. 

What are common problems with Lexus IS 250?

Common problems with the Lexus IS250 include carbon buildup in the direct injection engine, which can lead to misfires and rough idling, and issues with the plastic dashboard material fading or becoming sticky. Other reported problems include various check engine light codes, a clicking noise from the rear suspension, and potential moisture damage to the amplifier or other electrical components due to clogged AC drain tubes.
 
This video discusses common problems with the Lexus IS250 and IS350, including engine issues and plastic degradation: 50sLife with SondurenYouTube · Apr 9, 2023
Engine and drivetrain 

• Carbon buildup: This is a frequent issue, especially on second-generation models, due to the direct injection system and frequent idling. It can cause misfires, check engine lights, and rough idling. 
• Check engine light: Specific codes like P0751, P2714, P0894, or misfire codes (P0300-P0306) are reported, often related to the carbon buildup issue or other engine problems. 
• Transmission problems: Some drivers report transmission issues like slipping, which can be caused by a lack of fluid maintenance. 

Interior and electrical

• Sticky/aging dashboard: The plastic material on the dashboard can become sticky or fade over time, sometimes unresolved by recalls. 
• Moisture damage: Clogged AC drain tubes can lead to water leaking onto the carpet, and moisture can also get into the amplifier, causing it to malfunction. 
• Old infotainment system: The original infotainment system is often outdated, with common complaints about glitches, such as the radio randomly shutting off. 
• GPS and radio issues: Some owners have reported issues with the navigation system, sometimes fixable by a software or map disc update. 

Other issues

• Rear suspension noise: A clicking noise from the rear suspension has been reported by multiple owners. 
• Safety issues: Some specific model years have had safety recalls and investigations, including for airbag and steering components. 

You can watch this video for a detailed discussion of potential issues when buying a used Lexus IS250: 55sMiguel's GarageYouTube · Jan 19, 2018