Is the 2017 Lexus is200t reliable?
Yes. In general, the 2017 Lexus IS200t is regarded as a reliable choice within the luxury compact sedan segment, reflecting Lexus’s strong track record for durable powertrains and solid long-term dependability. With diligent maintenance and reasonable mileage, most owners report few major problems beyond routine wear and tear.
Reliability snapshot for the 2017 IS200t
What experts and owners say about reliability
Across industry reliability surveys and owner feedback, Lexus models tend to score well, and the IS200t shares components with other well-regarded Lexus turbo models. While no used car is immune to age-related wear, the IS200t benefits from a robust turbocharged 2.0-liter engine and an 8-speed automatic transmission that have generally proven durable when properly serviced. As with any vehicle, reliability hinges on how well the car has been maintained, how it has been driven, and the total miles on the clock. Some owners report electronics and infotainment glitches—common in mid-2010s luxury cars—but these issues typically do not affect core drivability or safety when addressed in a timely manner.
Below is a concise look at the reliability landscape for this model year, drawing on owner feedback and expert reviews.
- Engine and turbo reliability: The 2.0-liter turbocharged engine is generally robust when well maintained. Regular synthetic oil changes, proper cooling, and timely attention to turbo-related components help maximize longevity. Some isolated reports point to turbo-related symptoms or increased oil consumption at high mileage, but these are not widespread across the model year.
- Transmission and drivetrain: The 8-speed automatic is typically durable, with most issues arising from normal wear or neglected fluid service. Occasional rough shifting or shudder can occur if transmission fluid is overdue for replacement, but is usually correctable with proper service.
- Electrical and infotainment: Infotainment systems and related electronics can exhibit glitches, Bluetooth connectivity hiccups, or navigation quirks. These are common in the era and can often be resolved with software updates or resets, without impacting core reliability.
- Body, chassis, and wear items: Suspension components, brakes, and tires wear as the car ages. Regular inspection and timely replacement of worn bushings, shocks, and brake parts help maintain predictable handling and reliability.
- Recalls and service campaigns: Like many vehicles from this period, the IS200t can be subject to recalls or campaigns. Verifying that all recalls have been completed and maintaining a complete service history is part of assessing long-term reliability.
Conclusion: The IS200t generally earns favorable reliability opinions for a luxury compact sedan. The key to longevity is proactive maintenance, careful handling, and addressing any anomalies promptly through a dealership or qualified shop.
Maintenance and ownership considerations to support reliability
Maintenance checklist to support reliability
Proactive maintenance and timely service are essential to keep the IS200t dependable as it ages. The following practices help maximize reliability and reduce the likelihood of surprise repairs.
- Follow the factory maintenance schedule closely, especially for oil changes. Use the recommended synthetic oil and change intervals to protect the turbocharged engine.
- Keep the cooling system in good shape. Regular coolant checks and timely coolant flushes help prevent turbo and engine overheating, which can affect long-term reliability.
- Attend transmission service intervals and use Lexus-approved transmission fluid. Regular fluid changes and software updates help ensure smooth shifting and longevity of the 8-speed automatic.
- Monitor for oil leaks and unusual consumption. Address any signs of oil loss or leaks promptly to protect the engine and turbocharger. If oil consumption seems excessive, have the vehicle evaluated sooner rather than later.
- Stay current on recalls and service campaigns. Ensure all open campaigns are completed and maintain a complete service history for resale value and ongoing reliability.
- Maintain tires, brakes, and suspension components. Regularly inspect and replace worn wear items to preserve safety, handling, and overall reliability.
- Prioritize quality fuels and mindful driving. Avoid abuse (repeated hard acceleration or overloading) to help protect the turbo and engine components over time.
Conclusion: By adhering to the manufacturer’s maintenance schedule and promptly addressing issues, you can maximize the IS200t’s reliability and enjoyment over many miles.
Bottom line and expert guidance
In practical terms, the 2017 Lexus IS200t offers solid reliability for a used luxury compact, particularly when a thorough pre-purchase inspection (PPI) is conducted and the vehicle has a documented maintenance history. Look for a complete service record, confirm that all recalls have been addressed, and consider a vehicle with fewer high-mileage turbo-related concerns. A pre-purchase inspection can help identify potential turbo, electrical, or transmission issues before you buy, giving you a clearer picture of expected long-term reliability.
Summary
The 2017 Lexus IS200t delivers dependable reliability typical of the Lexus brand, with a strong powertrain and solid overall durability. Its main reliability considerations are age-related wear on common components (suspension, brakes, electronics) and the turbocharged engine, both of which benefit from consistent maintenance and timely repairs. If you’re shopping for one, prioritize a thorough PPI, verify full service history, and ensure all recalls have been completed. With attentive care, the IS200t can be a durable, pleasurable daily driver for years to come.
Is the 2017 is 200t expensive to maintain?
RepairPal reports that the average total annual cost for repairs and maintenance on a Lexus IS 200t is $419, compared to an average of $617 for Luxury Midsize Cars and $591 for all the vehicles RepairPal considered in its dataset.
Is the 2017 Lexus RC 200t a good car?
Edmunds' Expert Rating. Hampered by middling performance, the 2017 Lexus RC 200t falls well short of the benchmark set by many of its rivals. Yes, it's comfortable, stylish and fuel-efficient, but you'd be better served by other luxury sport coupes.
What are common IS200t problems?
Most Common Lexus IS200t Problems
Lexus IS200t oil leak from front shock absorber... Some lexus is200t owners report experiencing oil leaks from the front shock absorbers along with clunking noises over...
Is the Lexus IS 200t reliable?
The Lexus IS200t is considered a very reliable car, consistently receiving high reliability ratings from owners and automotive sites like Edmunds and Cars.com. This is partly due to its use of Toyota parts and a turbo engine design that includes both port and direct injection, which helps prevent carbon buildup and promotes longevity. The engine is expected to last a long time with regular maintenance, and unscheduled repair frequency is lower than average for its class.
Reliability highlights
- High ratings: The IS200t scores very well in reliability, with consumer reviews on Cars.com and Edmunds giving it a 4.7 or higher out of 5.
- Engine design: The 2.0L turbo engine uses a combination of port and direct injection, a design choice that helps prevent carbon buildup on the valves, a common issue in some direct-injection-only engines.
- Toyota/Lexus synergy: The reliability is also attributed to the use of Toyota parts, as Toyota owns Lexus.
- Low unscheduled repairs: RepairPal reports that IS200t owners visit a repair shop for unscheduled repairs less frequently than the average for Luxury Midsize Cars.
- Expected longevity: While a turbocharged engine can have more components that could eventually wear out, this engine is designed for long-term reliability, with some reviews suggesting it can easily exceed 150,000 miles with proper upkeep.
Potential issues and maintenance
- Regular maintenance is key: Like any vehicle, consistent and regular maintenance, especially oil changes, is crucial for ensuring the longevity of the IS200t, particularly the turbocharged engine.
- Oil leaks: Some owners have reported oil leaks from the front shock absorbers, though this is not a widespread or major issue.
- Turbo lag: Some reviews note that the engine can have some turbo lag from a stop.
- Camshaft belt replacement: The camshaft belt needs to be replaced approximately every 150,000 kilometers.
