Body complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 1 | 20% | — |
| 2017 | 1 | 9% | 96,000 miles |
| 2015 | 1 | 11% | — |
| 2014 | 1 | 8% | — |
| 2013 | 1 | 11% | 8,000 miles |
| 2012 | 4 | 22% | — |
| 2011 | 3 | 20% | — |
| 2009 | 4 | 10% | 40,000 miles |
| 2008 | 22 | 22% | 60,000 miles |
| 2007 | 46 | 38% | 85,000 miles |
| 2006 | 43 | 30% | 70,000 miles |
| 2005 | 5 | 42% | 100,000 miles |
| 2004 | 3 | 30% | 80,000 miles |
| 2003 | 4 | 33% | 80,000 miles |
| 2002 | 5 | 42% | 120,000 miles |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (doors, hood, frame, rust, paint and trim).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
The dashboard on my 2012 Lexus IS 250 has developed significant cracking across the surface despite the vehicle being garage-kept, low mileage, and well-maintained throughout my ownership. The cracking is not the result of any accident, impact, or misuse - it appeared spontaneously and has progressively worsened over time. Lexus acknowledged this as a known defect by establishing Customer Support Program ZLZ, which provided extended coverage specifically for dashboard, instrument panel, and interior trim panel cracking on certain Lexus models. The existence of this program confirms that Lexus was aware of a systemic manufacturing or materials defect affecting these vehicles. My vehicle fell outside the ZLZ coverage window by a matter of months. …
The dashboard is sticky/melting causing it to be extremely shiny. It is available for inspection upon request. Due to the shininess of the dashboard, it causes a glare on the windshield during the daytime. This glare causes difficulty with being able to safely see through the windshield.
The dashboard of our 2011 Lexus IS has begun to "melt," for lack of better words. We have owned the car since 2011 and it has approximately 162000 miles now. The problem has arisen over the last two years or so and is a known issue for cars of that period. Lexus claims they had an enhanced warranty program for this issue, but we were never contacted and the issue was not an issue then, but clearly this is a known defect in their materials. Replacing the dash on our own would be very costly. The glare resulting from this is terrible. I have reached out to Lexus and they will not take responsibility for the faulty material and I am concerned this is a serious safety issue as visibililty is affected. Rather than a warranty enhancement, I urge a recall to prevent accidents.
The dashboard on our vehicle has started to "melt." While there was a warranty enhancement program in the past (we did not receive notice), the problem has developed after the window for repair closed. This is a true safety issue now as visibility from the front windshield is hindered due to reflection. The dealer has asked us to contact Lexus and Lexus will not help us anymore, stating this is an out of pocket repair. Given that this is a known defect and a potentially serious safety issue, I urge you to initiate a true recall.
The vehicle has lunged forward while slowing down or at very slow speeds, and the brakes do not operate effectively. The brake IS always pressed down as far as it goes without avail. There IS no precursor as to when it will happen. In total, the engine lunged forward about 6 times. The first time I nearly hit a vehicle with my minor daughter in the car. The next few times were not as significant in terms of eminent damage. The next incident was worse. It happened in July of 2019 in a drug store parking lot. I was parking in a stall and the vehicle sped up, squealed the tires, jumped the cement parking block, hit some bushes, and I was able to stop it. On this occasion there was damage to my vehicle. There are dents and scratches from the bushes, a tire sensor or two IS not functional anymore, and the underbody was damaged. …
I purchased a vehicle from empire auto sales now known as car queens. I applied for tags for this car over a year ago. Now my registration IS expired and I'm now finding out that I bout a salvage car that has been totaled out through a insurance company. Which IS fine but the dealer failed to have the car inspected for safety purposes to get a rebuilt title. I am now told that it IS illegal to drive this car! The dealer refuses to talk to me about this situation. I'm not sure if I'm in the right place to ask for help but if not can you please advise me on who to talk too! I just want my family to be safe on the highways. I called jackson ms car title and registration and they agreed that it's a problem with the title for this car! …
The contact owns a 2008 Lexus IS250. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the dashboard and the door panels melted causing the vehicle to become sticky. The vehicle was diagnosed and confirmed that there was a recall on melting dashboards, but the recall was no longer active. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and confirmed that the vehicle was not included in a recall. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.
- The door panel and dashboard is melting under normal to warm weather conditions. Yes. - The rubber is degrading and coming off in pieces . I am concerned that inhalation or contact with this rubber material is a chemical hazard and/or carcinogenic. Also, the shiny sticky dash impedes my driving visibility with a constant glare. - Yes, Lexus offered a limited recall for 2-3 years only. I was never informed of the issue despite going to a Lexus dealership for another safety recall in 2017. - It has been inspected by Toyota but not Lexus. - The rubber began to noticeably degrade in 2019, however, it's likely it began earlier. It has progressively worsened over time. The recall expired in 2018. …
Frequently asked questions
Which Lexus IS years have body problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2007 (46), 2006 (43), 2008 (22), 2002 (5) and 2005 (5) model years. Body complaints make up 38% of all complaints for the 2007.
Is there a recall for Lexus IS body problems?
No. NHTSA lists no body & structure recall for any Lexus IS model year. A widespread problem may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin, so ask a dealer.
At what mileage do Lexus IS body problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 74,000 miles; 23% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the body (48 mentions), followed by the body › door (3).
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.