Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
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. While the contact's daughter was driving approximately 20 MPH, the check engine and vehicle stability control indicators illuminated, as well as other unknown warning indicators. The vehicle lost power and began to emit a burning odor from under the hood. The driver examined the vehicle and noticed fluid underneath the vehicle. The Lexus of milwaukee dealer diagnosed that the fuel rail on one side of the engine failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and opened case number: 170731228. The contact was informed that the vehicle had received a recall repair for a corroded fuel rail in 2010. The approximate failure mileage was 40,000.
The car was shaking and would not excelerate over 40mph. It was brought in to Lexus of pohanka in December of 2016. They performed a top engine clean. The car started having the same issues in the beginning of 2017. I called Lexus customer service and opened a case as I was told there was a recall on a manufacturing defect of the pistons. I had paid $1500.00 for the work performed. I was told a should have received a letter in regard to this problem. Lexus was calling it a customer support program. I never received the letter but repeatedly ask le us to reimburse me and solve the piston misfire. I have all of my emails to support my case. Lexus stopped replying to them. The car at this point IS still shaking and the engine light IS flashing. We have been instructed by Lexus in the past not to drive when light IS flashing. At this time I do not know where to turn. …
The check engine, check vsc light would intermittently come on when I turned on my car and sometimes while driving. This has happened since I purchased my car in 2006. I brought my car in for the recall but they couldn't make the light come on when they hooked up their computers to the computers in my car. I recently brought my car to another dealership to perform the recall of the dashboard and side panels and the problem finally happened while they had the car in their possession. They tested it and said this problem would have been covered by a recall had it not expired. They said the reason IS that carbon buildup in the first, third, and fifth cylinders are causing this problem. Why didn't they discover this when I took my car in for that recall the first time? Because it didn't exhibit the problem at the time doesn't mean it didn't have the issue. …
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. While driving 35 MPH, the engine and the vehicle stability control warning lights illuminated. The contact stated the vehicle became harder to control. The contact mentioned that the failure recurred on multiple occasions. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that the pistons ring sets needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 121,000.
My IS 250 had a recall/TSB for a severe engine problem that involved rebuilding the entire engine. They performed this in 2013. Barely 1 year later I experienced the same problem, I brought it back to the dealer and was told they could not replicate the issue. 2 weeks ago the problem happened again so I brought it back to the dealer, now they inform me the car needs a new engine and IS going to cost over 4000 dollars for a fix they did not perform correctly the first time.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Lexus IS 250. While driving approximately 30 MPH, the check engine warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the engine misfired due to carbon build up. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 144,000.
Automatic transmission. When slowing to a stop or anytime (everytime) the car needs to auto downshift from 2nd to 1st the car hard shifts and the entire car jerks really hard causing almost whiplash. This IS a widely discussed issue with IS and gs models on many forums. New ECU units needed each time costing thousands.
Hi when I am driving a strong odor comes into cab smells like rotten eggs and fuel its very over powering while driving I have talked to mechanics and they cant figure out what it IS or where it comes from. I have read on forums and it IS a common issue with this model
Takata recall, car raditor hose busted without any notice while hood was open which cause burn to passenger, let the car sit for an over an hour before the car was brought to an shop where the car was tested an head gasket was blowed
Engine complaints in other IS 250 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2006 Lexus IS 250?
NHTSA has 30 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2006 Lexus IS 250, 16% of the model year's 189 complaints. The component named most often is engine (2 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2006 Lexus IS 250 engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling 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 engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 90,000 miles, and 15% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 1 fire and 2 injuries and 1 death to engine & cooling 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.