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 2007 Lexus IS owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The dashboard melted again, I had the TSB in 2017 to replace the dash. It is now again melted and obstructs your view by shining onto to the front windshield, obstructing the front view of the driver can cause impairment of vision and could lead to collision. The rear view mirror has black corrosion on it making it impossible to see clearly in the rearview and also obstructing your view which could cause an accident due to limited visibility when changing lanes. Sometimes when driving or parking the power steering locks the steering wheel in place intermittently, could not get it to happen at dealer but happened before and is a severe road hazard( Shows P/S in red on dash) dash lights VSC and traction control intermittently light up and go away. Obviously it is a hazard if the steering locks up when driving. Lexus oem alloy wheels chipping, not a hazard but cosmetic and disappointing.
My vehicle has a sticky door panel issue that is easily damaged/defected when in contact. Due to the material chosen by the manufacturer, the door panels are easily defected in scratches, sun damage, flaking, etc.. I been in contact with other 2007 Lexus IS 250 owners that have the same complain on their vehicle. I called the dealership and they also confirmed the issue, but they were unable to assist me and recommended me to file a complaint with NHTSA. I simply request to have a recall on my vehicle (VIN) to have my door panels replaced by the manufacturer at no out-of-pocket cost to me. Thank you!
Takata recall. I bought my car only two years ago after my first Lexus lasted me upwards of 350,000 miles. Keeping this in mind I found my 2007 is250. I was aware after buying the car (but 2 days outside of my dealership warranty *fishy*) about the passenger air bag recall. The dashboard situation IS harsh. There IS a very chemical smell coming from my dashboard, it feels and peels off like the foam under it. It gets ripped and torn to shreds from very little friction. I have read that some people became very congested and ill from this smell. It IS very pungent. Now for my engine, this IS a big one. As I was driving, my car starts to make a loud but hallow clunking noise. For a long time I thought it was my brakes, so when I got them changed it went away, for a little. Now today as I was driving my car (which IS an automatic) completely stalled in head on traffic. …
Dashboard has melted with a liquid appearance. When the sun IS high in the sky, a reflection causes a severe glare on the windshield. Often it IS necessary to move my head over around the glare to see whats directly in front. The dealer so far has just stated we should get the dash replaced at our expense, but this does not seem like something that should have to be replaced on a luxury car after only 5 or 6 years. We May be forced to do this to keep the car safe. We have heard there are some class action lawsuits starting in some states. We May be interested in participating in one of these to get the dash replaced.
Tl* the contact owns a 2007 Lexus IS. The contact stated that the dashboard had melted and exhibited cracks. The contact was concerned that the front driver and front passenger side air bags May not deploy properly due to the failure. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for inspection. The mechanic advised that the dashboard needed to be replaced. The dashboard was not replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted. The failure mileage was 103,000.
Engine is consuming too much oil regularly. I have to fill in a quart every 600 miles or so. Interior panels are melting
My dash board became sticky and I was unable to Fiat my windshield program. I contacted Lexus and they said the neighborhood of a recall. I looked on the internet and there was plenty of recalls. They replaced my dashboard for me but charge me approximately $500 to do that. They said the car was out of warranty it was a good-faith response. I found the article on abc news in tampa June 14, 2014 the reporter indicated that there's been several problems with Lexus Nissan cars that have had this sticky dashboard. I know Lexus new about it because was all over the internet. They refused to acknowledge it. But I had to pay out-of-pocket and order to be able to drive my car to work. I think this IS terrible. They knew about the dashboards. I also have stickiness on the left panel of my car starting to begin. I'm afraid to take that in also my coffee million dollars to get that fixed. …
The dash console IS soft and sticky. It's literally melting and mars very easy. Shiny and reflective during the hot sunny days. With a hard press, it will retains finger prints. This IS a defective part on the manufacture. Contacted arrowhead Lexus in glendale about the problem and they blame on detailing materials such as cleaners and leather protectant breaking down causing the dash to be sticky and melting. This IS complete false and inaccurate because I personally wash and clean my car and only used microfiber and warm water to clean the interior. Lexus should look into this problem and fix it the right way rather than blaming the customer who has been loyal and owns 3 Lexus so far. I currently own a 2007 Lexus gx470 and a 2007 Lexus is350. I do not have the problem with my gx. It's the is350 dash that has the dash problem.
Black dashboard of vehicle IS "melting" causing a glare on the windshield for the driver. This IS a safety concern as your vision of the road and surroundings are compromised. The inside door panels of the vehicle are also made from the same material as the dashboard. From a cosmetic standpoint the dashboard and door panels cannot be touched without leaving a mark or print behind. I have reached out to the local treasure coast Lexus dealership and the Lexus customer service line twice to be told that I am responsible as the owner to repair. Because I did not purchase their warranty, I am out of luck. Lexus IS negligent for the materials used in production for this vehicle. Will it take a vehicle accident before they take action for their customers? I hope not.
The dashboard of my 2007 Lexus IS 350 IS melting. Not only IS it very sticky, it causes a dangerous glare on sunny days depending on the direction I am driving. I have to adjust my body to lean to one side or the other or up and down to see around the glare. It IS dangerous whether the car IS in motion or not. The claim IS denied by insurance specifying wear and tear and Lexus per there being no recall and the program they temporarily implemented around 2014 for replacements has since ended as of May 2017 (shortly before I noticed the dash was melting and not dirty). Estimated cost of repair from Lexus as of 9/9/19 IS $1,950. This doesn't include fixing the side door handles that have deteriorated as well. I have video as well as the pictures attached.
Body complaints in other IS years
Frequently asked questions
How common are body problems on the 2007 Lexus IS?
NHTSA has 46 complaints about the body & structure of the 2007 Lexus IS, 38% of the model year's 122 complaints. The component named most often is body (17 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2007 Lexus IS body problems?
No. NHTSA lists no body & structure recall for the 2007 Lexus IS, though it has 3 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 2007 Lexus IS body problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 85,000 miles, and 4% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 0 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.