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 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
My dashboard is melting due to a manufacturing defect. The glare from my dashboard makes driving difficult as the glare can blind you. The chemical smell from the melting is horrible. I have placed a dash cover on which has helped but if I am in an accident this dash cover will impede the correct deployment of my airbag on the passenger side. Also the inside door panels are melting and are becoming a "putty" like substance. Everything sticks to it. Including my clothes. While driving I have had to jerk my arm from the rest on the door trim to remove it. This can cause my vehicle to possibly swerve off the road or into oncoming traffic. Warranty Enhancement Program - ZLD and CUSTOMER SUPPORT PROGRAM ZLZ were the remedies for this issue. But these have expired. The Manufacturer will not honor this or consider this a safety / hazardous issue and correct it now. …
The dashboard is melting a known error to Lexus and when the sun hits it reflects off the melted dash and puts a glare on the windshield. Lexus knew about the problem and instead of doing a recall they did an extended warranty back in 2017. I took mine in and assumed they replaced dash and door panels. Called this year because my dash was melting and they stated all they did was the door panels back in 2017. I have informed my local dealership as well as corporate and neither seem willing to help or fix the issue. There are all kinds of write up online about this issue. It is definitely a safety issue that should have been addressed a while back but wasn't.
The dash of my vehicle melts on moderately warm days. It gets so shiny that it reflects off the windshield, making it very difficult to see. Others have also complained about the fumes making them physically ill. The manufacturer had a brief program (ZLD) to replace the dashboard, but I did not receive a notification and missed the very short window. I don't understand how this is something that they can now refuse to fix in my vehicle when it clearly affects safety. This is a recurring and persistent issue and has been for years.
My dashboard is melting and I understand that there was a campaign to resolve this that ended in 2016. I bought the vehicle in 2019 and it has only gotten worse to the point that the dashboard has a sheen to it that causes a glare on the interior of the windshield when the sunlight hits it, making visibility very difficult.
Under hot conditions the dashboard and door materials starts to become sticky and it becomes ultra shiny which reflects on the windshield and when the sun is up you can totally loose visibility in front of you, has happened to me a few time when I have to stop because it becomes very dangerous
My car unfortunately is subject to the sticky/melting dash which is notorious of being a huge problem with my generation of vehicle. That being the 2nd generation of Lexus is250/350/f which affect the models made from 2006-2013. Lexus made a "customer offer" which entitled owners being able to go get it fix, however not all owners were made aware of this due to it not being a full on recall but more of a "promotion" that Lexus was doing. I unfortunately was one of many other owners who were not made aware of the promotion taking place and are now according to Lexus too late to fix the issue because the offer "expired". My sticky dash in particular is very bad. It reflects off into the windshield making it very difficult to see the road clearly when it is glaring due to the sticky/melting dash. …
Melted dashboard and door panels - 2006 Lexus is350 - under heat and humidity, the dashboard on certain Lexus models melt which gives off a glare to the driver and passenger which makes it difficult to see the road during the day without sunglasses. This IS a hazard because I can not see the car in front of me when it brakes unless I wear sunglasses. Lexus has given a complimentary satisfaction repair but with a deadline to be on a waiting list. This should not be a "complimentary" repair, this should be a mandatory replacement for the hazard it can cause the driver and the drivers on the road. I have reported this to Lexus head quarters and they denied my request for repair due to not being on the list by end of May 2017. When in motion, this car should not be operated by anyone with visibility issues.
My 2006 IS 250 71,000 miles has black spots and discolorations on my rear view mirror. It IS almost as if someone sprayed it with something that didn't come off, or peeled a sticker off, definitely it isn't clear and won't clean.part 571 < 571.110571.112 > subpart b - federal motor vehicle safety standards 571.111 standard no. 111; rearview mirrors. S1. Scope. This standard specifies requirements for the performance and location of rearview mirrors. S2. Purpose. The purpose of this standard IS to reduce the number of deaths and injuries that occur when the driver of a motor vehicle does not have a clear and reasonably unobstructed view to the rear.
Inside rear view mirror IS discolored and IS difficult to see from. The mirror has not been damaged or subjected to extreme conditions. The vehicle has been garaged 80% of the time. This IS not normal wear and tear, as I have had vehicles older than this one and have not experienced deterioration of the mirror. The problem started in 2010 and IS getting worse. I can barely see out of the mirror. The "fix" IS to replace the mirror at a cost of nearly $1300.00. It appears as this IS a common complaint for owners of this vehicle.
My rear view mirror IS discolored and has black spots on it. It's a safety issue and it's difficult to see. I've told the dealer several times and they said it would cost over 800 to replace the part. I see many Lexus owners have the same issue and I believe its a default in the part. I don't think I should pay 800 to have it replaced.
Window & Wiper complaints in other IS years
Frequently asked questions
How common are window & wiper problems on the 2006 Lexus IS?
NHTSA has 29 complaints about the windows, wipers & sunroof of the 2006 Lexus IS, 20% of the model year's 143 complaints. The component named most often is rearview mirrors/devices › interior (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2006 Lexus IS window & wiper problems?
No. NHTSA lists no windows, wipers & sunroof recall for the 2006 Lexus IS, though it has 7 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 window & wiper problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 78,000 miles, and 6% 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.