What problems do Lexus IS250 have?

The Lexus IS250 is generally regarded as a reliable luxury sedan, but like many aging vehicles, it can develop a handful of recurring issues as miles accumulate. Common trouble spots include oil consumption and leaks, transmission behavior, cooling-system wear, suspension components, and various electrical or sensor faults. A careful maintenance history and pre-purchase inspection can help buyers gauge risk and plan for repairs.

Common problems reported by IS250 owners

The following issues are among the most frequently cited by owners, shops, and reliability surveys for the IS250. This list reflects typical wear items and age-related faults rather than a universal defect affecting every vehicle.

• Oil consumption and leaks: Some IS250 engines can burn or leak oil more than expected, especially with higher mileage. Owners are advised to monitor oil level regularly and check for valve cover gasket leaks or other seals that may require attention.


• Transmission shifting and reliability: The six-speed automatic can exhibit harsh shifts, slow engagement, or occasional slipping as the car ages. Routine transmission fluid service and software updates (when applicable) are common remedies; more extensive repairs may be needed in high-mileage examples.


• Electrical and sensor faults: Dashboard warnings, intermittent sensor errors, or malfunctioning electronics (such as gauges, lights, or infotainment clusters) can occur. Many of these issues respond to sensor replacements, module updates, or fuse/connector cleanup.


• Cooling system wear: Thermostats, water pumps, and radiator hoses can wear or fail, potentially leading to overheating if not addressed. Regular cooling-system inspection and timely replacement of worn components help prevent bigger problems.


• Suspension and steering wear: Front control arm bushings, ball joints, tie rods, and related hardware can develop play or noise over time, contributing to clunks, steering feel changes, or misalignment.


• Ignition and fuel system concerns: Ignition coils, spark plugs, or fuel injectors can cause misfires or rough idle, triggering a CEL (check engine light) if not addressed promptly. Replacements or cleaning are common fixes.

While these issues are commonly reported, many IS250s continue to perform well with proper maintenance. Addressing problems early and sticking to regular service greatly reduces the likelihood of major failures down the road.

Maintenance and preventative care

Owners and prospective buyers can reduce the impact of these issues by following a proactive maintenance plan tailored to the IS250’s aging hardware. The steps below summarize practical actions to keep the car reliable and safe.

• Regular oil changes and monitoring: Use the manufacturer-recommended oil, typically with synthetic formulation, and track consumption to catch abnormal burn rates early.


• Transmission service: Adhere to Lexus/TOYOTA guidelines for transmission fluid changes and periodic inspections; be attentive to shifting behavior and address codes promptly.


• Cooling-system upkeep: Inspect hoses, radiator, thermostat, and water pump; replace worn components before leaks or overheating occur.


• Valve cover and engine seals: Check for oil leaks around the valve covers and related seals; replace gaskets if seepage is detected to prevent more extensive oil loss.


• Suspension and steering inspections: Periodically examine control arms, bushings, ball joints, and tie rods; address wear to maintain ride quality and handling.


• Electrical health and notifications: Keep the battery, alternator, and wiring in good shape; scan for stored codes during service visits and apply relevant software updates or part replacements as needed.


• Safety-related checks and recalls: Verify there are no outstanding recalls or service bulletins for your VIN and have any applicable work performed by a dealer or authorized shop.


• Tire and brake maintenance: Regular rotations, balanced wheels, and brake inspections help preserve stopping power and vehicle stability.

Adhering to these preventive steps can extend the IS250’s lifespan and reduce the likelihood of unexpected repairs, especially after the vehicle has accumulated significant miles.

Summary

In summary, the Lexus IS250 holds up well as a used-luxury choice, but buyers and owners should watch for oil-related issues, transmission behavior, cooling-system wear, suspension wear, and occasional electrical faults. A solid maintenance history, timely repairs, and proactive inspections are the key to keeping an IS250 reliable over the long term.

How long can a Lexus IS 250 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.

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 reliable is the Lexus IS 250?

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 is the common issue with the 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