Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power windows, windshield, wipers, mirrors, sunroof).
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).
IS 250 dash has melted and creates harsh glare and reflects into the windshield blocking the view out the front (see the attached picture in which the gooey surface of the dash IS blocking the view of other vehicles on the road) when driving east or west towards the sun making it dangerous to drive. The problem IS worst on hot days when the dash becomes more tacky, gooey, and reflective. The dash also seems to off gas and create a haze that builds on the windshield. Toyota IS replacing some off the dashes and interiors through a "warranty enhancement" but will not replace mine because the vehicle has been in a wreck, had an insurance claim, and been repaired. This voids their "enhancement". The issue IS present on many Lexus vehicles, though and can be a hazard. They will not fix my vehicle because this issue IS not yet a recall. …
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.
The rear view mirror on my 2006 Lexus is250 IS hard to see out of because there IS something that looks like rust behind the glass. I did some research online, and there are several complaints and pictures with mirrors that look the same as mine. I am not certain what causes this to happen but it appears to be a defect in at least the 2006-2007 series of Lexus from what I have researched.
Lexus has a wide know issue with melting dashboards and door panels. My dashboard IS melting. It creates a glare when driving, it houses critical electrical components that can pose a huge safety hazard. I drive this car daily and frequently transport passengers such as family and friends. Lexus refuses to do anything about it. Car interior repair shops have no solution to this problem. Lexus acknowledges that this problem IS widespread but IS not doing anything to prevent tragedy from occurring. The condition continues to get worse to the point that mechanics are refusing to work on anything that requires have to lay hands on the dashboard because it IS literally melting and falling apart. They don't want to be held responsible for any further damage. This poses another safety risk as I can not fix any problems behind the dashboard at all if mechanics are refusing to do work on it. …
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. …
The dashboard on the Lexus IS 250 IS melting and disintegrating leaving a shiny residue that reflects on the windshield while driving in the sun. This shiny residue caused by the melting of the dashboard impairs visibility through the windshield making it dangerous while driving in sunlight. I couldn't see debris that was on the road while driving and hit the debris on the road, this caused me to swerve around and almost hit another vehicle. I'm concerned about this because this shouldn't be happening on a vehicle that IS only a few years old. This shine reflection on the windshield IS unpredictable as the low visibility only occurs when the sun reflects on the dashboard. I can't predict which direction I will be driving, facing the sun or not, making it dangerous to drive at all times.
Visibility:rearview mirrors/devices:interior I currently own a 2006 Lexus is250. About a year ago, I noticed several splotches on the rearview mirror. Initially there were only a few, but the splotches increased to the point that it IS now impossible to use the rearview mirror which interferes with rear visibility and normal driving conditions. This situation can increase the possibility of an accident since it becomes impossible to see anything thru the rearview mirror. The vehicle was taken to the only Lexus authorized dealer in puerto rico and I was informed that I had to pay for all charges since the vehicle was already out of warranty. This IS a potential safety issue which should be covered by Lexus, regardless if the vehicle IS on warranty or not.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Lexus is250. The contact stated that the rear view mirror had splotches on it which interfered with her vision while she was driving. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer where the contact was informed that the failure was an internal defect in the mirror. The dealer stated that they May be able to work with the owner regarding the repair expenses. The vehicle had not been repaired. The current and failure mileages were approximately 84,000.
Rear view mirror on my 2006 is250 Lexus has "streaks and splotches" which create blind spots - a serious safety issue. The dealer stated that it our vehicle was no longer under warranty, but admitted that it IS a common problem. A quick search on the internet confirms that this IS a common complaint. Replacing the mirror at a dealership IS expensive, and given that it IS likely a manufacturing defect, there should be a recall and remedy. Please investigate.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Lexus is250. The contact stated that the rearview mirror developed abnormal black stains, obstructing his visibility of the roadway. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but since the vehicle was no longer under warranty, they refused to provide any assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 120,000 and the current mileage was 125,000.
Related recalls
Visibility/wiper
Toyota is recalling certain model year 2006-2012 Lexus IS250 and IS350 vehicles manufactured August 23, 2005, through October 5, 2011; 2010-2012 Lexus IS250C and IS350C vehicles manufactured April 10, 2009, through October 6, 2011; and 2008-2011 Lexus IS-F vehicles manufactured December 14, 2007, through July 10, 2011.
Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and Lexus dealers will install new wiper arm nuts, free of charge. An interim letter was mailed to owners on April 4, 2013. Owners may contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331.
Window & Wiper complaints in other IS 250 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are window & wiper problems on the 2006 Lexus IS 250?
NHTSA has 21 complaints about the windows, wipers & sunroof of the 2006 Lexus IS 250, 11% of the model year's 189 complaints. The component named most often is rearview mirrors/devices › interior (4 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2006 Lexus IS 250 window & wiper problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 13V-030 (visibility/wiper, Jan 30, 2013). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2006 Lexus IS 250 window & wiper problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 108,000 miles.
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.