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 350 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Lexus IS 350. The contact stated that the dashboard was cracked and the air bags were visible. The dashboard was also melted and sticky due to the sun. The vehicle was taken to Lexus of westminster (located at 13590 beach blvd, westminster, ca 92683, [phone]) where it was diagnosed that the dashboard needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to the repair fees. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 154,588.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Lexus IS 350. The contact stated that the dashboard melted, fractured, and produced a glare during sunny weather conditions. The failure recurred each time the vehicle was driven on a sunny day. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the dashboard was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 60,000. The VIN was unavailable.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Lexus IS 350. Due to the glare of the sun, the dashboard melted and become very sticky. The vehicle was taken to Lexus of westminster (located at 13590 beach blvd, westminster, ca 92683, [phone]), but was not diagnosed due to the diagnostic and repair fees. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 150,000.
Takata recall.... I am filing this complaint for the interior dash and door panels having a melting effect. They are now coated in a sticky residue. The dash causing visibility problems due to the shiny plastic melting. I'm guessing that the heat was a factor in causing this to melt. Making it very unsafe when driving on the highway.
My 2006 Lexus IS 350 has a defective, melting dash panel that reflects a glare onto the windshield. This IS a safety concern as it impairs my vision to see clearly while driving. Newer 2008-up models are made with different material & design and don't have this issue. When I called Lexus customer service to complain of the melting dash to ask for a new dash panel they denied my request because I was out of warranty and would have to pay out of pocket. Lexus IS ignoring owners with models manufactured before the newly redesigned dash & door panels. Lexus knows this IS an ongoing issue as they have even released a tsib(l-sb-0144-11). Not only IS the dash defective but the door panels get sticky and marks easily with barely a touch. I was afraid to touch the dash & door panels for the fear of accidentally damaging it. …
The dashboard of the car IS extremely sticky/shiny along with the tops of the door panels near the windows. When the sun IS overhead shining down onto the dashboard in its melted shiny state it reflects a glare onto the inside of the windshield making it extremely difficult to see out of the car. Also I'm concerned about the function of the passenger side airbag with it being under this dash that has melted. Also if the dash IS touched to add or remove a sunshield when parked it easily comes apart onto fingers/hands/clothes and leaves a sticky black residue. The residue makes it difficult to allow the steering wheel to slide through the hands while turning as it catches/releases easily. The car has been well taken care of and has been a southern california car for its entire life. Previous owner bought it in colorado but lived in southern california. …
Lexus/Toyota has promised to replace recalled parts for a 2006 Lexus IS 350- sticky dashboards and side panels of cars in which low-quality or defective materials were used when manufacturing- that when exposed to sunlight and subsequent heat the parts melted becoming sticky, and permanently remaining in a semi-viscous state. However, no progress has been made towards remedying the situation. Regardless of having been on a waiting list to have the defective dash and door panels replaced since 2015-as of jan 2017 there IS still no estimated time for when the repair work will be done. Lexus claims to have limited parts/supplies to work with thus causing the delay, however after checking with a local third party auto repair shop, I learned that the third party can perform the repairs immediately. …
2006 Lexus is350. Dashboards and door panels are sticky and melting. As a result dashboard causes a shiny unwanted reflective glare which reduces visibility while driving, potentially causing a safety issue increasing the chance or risk of a crash or accident. Furthermore, the door panels are so sticky and soft, one cannot touch them without scratching, ripping or damaging them. Door panels also produce a reflective blinding glare off them, also purposing a safety hazard. Materials used in the manufacturing of the interior trim IS very poor causing unwanted damage and safety issues. A recall should be issued to replace these defective interior trim decor on known defective date and models which are out of warranty. Problems start to arise soon after warranty expires. [redacted]
When I left my home for work, I of course used my door handle to pull the door shut. I didn't realize that my hand transferred the residue to the wheel. When I made my left turn, I expected my wheel to glide through my hand, as it normally does, when coming out of the corner. Instead, as the wheel slid through my hand it caught the sticky patch and kept my car in a left turn. There was a car immediately next to me but slightly behind me(both lanes make a left) and as I crossed into his lane (completely cutting him off) he slammed on the brakes and hit his horn.
Brand new Lexus IS 350 had heavy dash board rattling complaint on the first week! Vehicle was given to Lexus and they held vehicle for few days and returned vehicle. Complaint recurred second time after a month and vehicle was again sent to Lexus. Lexus held vehicle for over a week and gave back. Complaint occurred third time and vehicle IS still at Lexus service station. Heavy dash rattling noise distracts driver and diverts driver concentration. This could lead to serious road accidents ! This complaint has to be investigated to avoid future mishaps !!!
Body complaints in other IS 350 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are body problems on the 2006 Lexus IS 350?
NHTSA has 30 complaints about the body & structure of the 2006 Lexus IS 350, 32% of the model year's 93 complaints. The component named most often is body (11 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2006 Lexus IS 350 body problems?
No. NHTSA lists no body & structure recall for the 2006 Lexus IS 350, though it has 8 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 350 body problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 80,000 miles, and 9% before 25,000 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.