Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (doors, hood, frame, rust, paint and trim).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2006 Lexus IS 250 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Lexus IS 250. The contact stated that the vehicle had an abnormal odor and oil was leaking from the panel of all the vehicle doors. The contact stated that the rear passenger and front driver side door panels leaked more oil. The failure occurred without warning. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. There was one injury that required medical attention. The two year old child touched the oil and rubbed it on the face, which resulted in severe coughing and vomiting. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 95,000.
I noticed a black spot in my rear view mirror one day and did not think anything of it, however the one spot turned into multiple streaks. It's getting harder to see out of the mirror which to me IS a safety issue. I noticed that there are many complaints on this issue and there should be a recall on this defect as well. I have to make an appointment for the recalls on the melting dashboard and doors and engine. Lexus should really take care of this problem. I have purchased several new vehicles however I have had more problems with this car than I did with my other cars.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Lexus IS 250. The contact stated that the dashboard material was deteriorating and caused the surface of the dashboard to become very smooth and shiny. When the sunlight reflected off the damaged dashboard, the glare created a visibility hazard for the driver. The failure was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer were not notified of the failure. The VIN was not available. The failure mileage was 108,000.
Both door panels on my 2006 Lexus IS 250 are melting and producing the stick sticky black tar looking stuff I guess it's from melting and the odor from that IS sometimes so strong when I'm on long rides that it May gives me headaches my daughter has burnt her arm because the door panels are so hot to touch and melting and this IS usually all year round because of the sun hitting it.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Lexus IS 250. The contact stated that the dashbard melted and became sticky and shiny. As a result, the reflection of the sunlight caused a glare on the front windshield. The glare distorted the contact's visibility when driving. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 30,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Lexus IS 250. The contact stated that the dashboard and the all the door panels melted. In addition, there was a black rubbery substance on the surface. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified. The approximate failure mileage was 43,745.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Lexus IS 250. The contact stated that the dashboard melted and emitted a foul odor. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 114,000. The VIN was not available.
Lexus is250. Drive shaft came off. I had an accident on inter-state 75/85 north bound in downtown atlanta around exit 248b. The front driver side wheel came off in the middle of highway. I did not hit any car except the broken tire hit concrete wall and stopped against concrete wall. I reported this issue to Toyota immediately but it took them 3 months to inspect the car. Since I can not afford to let it sat in collision center for a while, I had to repaired. By the time, they inspected on nov. 25, 2009. It got all repaired. I did show picture to them. However, Lexus refuse to offer any assistance after inspection. Lexus said that I could hit something that it's why my rim was damaged. Of course, my rim was damaged because it hit concrete wall after it came off. Those pictures showed that I did not hit any where (including front bumper). …
I had a car accident last Friday on highway 75, at approximately the 248.7 mark. I was going at the speed limit, and all of a sudden the front wheel came off from axle end and hit divider wall on the interstate. I lost control of the car and bumped my head on the glass. My insurance company and the police told me that I don't need to file report since no other party was involved. I would to attached some pictures of the vehicle taken after the accident if possible. You can clearly see all of 5 bolts are still attached on the tires . It IS very frustrating and astonishing that a highly reputable car maker would have allowed such poor quality on the body structure. There was no side collision at that time, and I when the tire came off loose it scratched and made damages to the car. Currently my car IS at dealer shop, waiting for inspection. …
Have 2006 Lexus is250 with melting dash panel that blinds me in the am during my eastward commute and then again on my westward commute home every day. I purchased vehicle used in March 2010 with 61000 miles from dealer who, unknown to me, painted over melting dash to hide it but by August 2010, the paint wore off and dash was very sticky. I took the care to my local Lexus dealer in birmingham al and he said there was nothing he could do as warranty had expired. I now live along the gulf coast in florida and this continues to be a severe safety hazard and, despite sunglasses, it IS also a health hazard that can lead to cataracts. I am a physician and am aware of the risks of repeated exposure to intense sun glare. The materials are defective and Lexus/Toyota has known about this problem for almost 8 years and has chosen not to issue a safety recall to replace these dangerous dashboards. …
Body complaints in other IS 250 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are body problems on the 2006 Lexus IS 250?
NHTSA has 53 complaints about the body & structure of the 2006 Lexus IS 250, 28% of the model year's 189 complaints. The component named most often is body (15 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2006 Lexus IS 250 body problems?
No. NHTSA lists no body & structure recall for the 2006 Lexus IS 250, though it has 6 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2006 Lexus IS 250 body problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 78,000 miles, and 3% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 1 fire and 4 injuries to body & structure problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.