Engine complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 1 | 20% | — |
| 2020 | 2 | 33% | — |
| 2017 | 2 | 18% | — |
| 2015 | 1 | 11% | — |
| 2014 | 3 | 25% | — |
| 2013 | 3 | 33% | 75,000 miles |
| 2012 | 1 | 6% | — |
| 2011 | 2 | 13% | 115,000 miles |
| 2010 | 4 | 10% | 67,000 miles |
| 2009 | 3 | 8% | 40,000 miles |
| 2008 | 23 | 23% | 104,000 miles |
| 2007 | 9 | 7% | 51,000 miles |
| 2006 | 16 | 11% | 129,000 miles |
| 2005 | 1 | 8% | 47,000 miles |
| 2003 | 3 | 25% | 49,000 miles |
| 2002 | 1 | 8% | — |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
Timing chain cover leak in a 2014 Lexus IS350 is a relatively common issue for vehicles 3.5 liter engine 2GR-FSE. The leak typically occurs due to a failing gasket or sealant on the timing chain cover. Here's what you need to know: Symptoms of a Timing Chain Cover Leak 1. Oil Leaks: Visible oil on the engine or under the car in which can cause a fire in engine compartment 2. Burning Oil Smell: Oil dripping onto hot components may cause a noticeable odor. 3. Low Oil Levels: Frequent topping up of engine oil.
I took my car to my mechanic for an oil change, and they noticed an oil leak at the timing chain cover, which could pose a safety risk, including a potential engine fire. They informed me this is a known issue on Toyota and Lexus vehicles with the 3.5-liter V6 engine. To confirm, I brought the car to a Lexus dealership, and they verified the same problem.
2013 Lexus IS 350C with approximately 56,000 miles experienced engine smoking on startup. The vehicle has been regularly maintained according to the manufacturer's recommended service schedule. The Lexus dealership diagnosed oil entering the combustion chamber and documented that the cylinder walls are scratched, allowing oil to pass the oil-control piston rings. Based on the internal engine damage, the Lexus dealer has recommended complete engine replacement. I am concerned that this type of significant internal engine damage at only approximately 56,000 miles could result in progressive oil consumption, loss of engine performance and potentially engine failure while the vehicle is being operated. The vehicle has not been abused or subjected to unusually high mileage and has received regular maintenance. …
Valley plate leak due to the fact that Toyota/Lexus utilized the improper sealant and used the improper amount, leading to the heat exchanger leaking coolant once the original, inadequate sealant begins to disentegrate. This could cause a condition where the engine could fail and someone could get hurt. Furthermore, all isfs will eventually have a cracked rh manifold on the #8 runner. This can cause a fire hazard in addition to carbon monoxide poisoning.
While driving home in the freeway, I felt my car shake then a sudden loss of power. Then my CEL started blinking and my VSC lit. Got a code for engine misfire(P0302). Is250 has a lot of cases on engine misfires because of excessive carbon build up because of how the engine is designed. My car only has 108,000miles. Lexus released a Customer Support Program for this problem but it already expired. They only gave 9 years from date of purchase for it to be eligible for the free fix. It means they are aware of the problem but my 2010 car just missed that window but I am having the same problem many IS250 owners have. It is really unsafe when you're driving in the freeway then it suddenly loses power. Hopefully this problem gets resolved by Lexus soon.
Isfs year models 2008-2014 are affected the valley plate leak due to the fact that Toyota/Lexus utilized the improper sealant and used the improper amount, leading to the heat exchanger leaking coolant once the original, inadequate sealant begins to disintegrate. This could cause a condition where the engine could fail and someone could get hurt. Furthermore, all isfs will eventually have a cracked rh manifold on the #8 runner. This can cause a fire hazard in addition to carbon monoxide poisoning.
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 had 2 times were the vehicle almost stalled at different red lights within a time frame of 2 days. Shortly after this I started noticing that my vehicle was driving like a 4 cylinder instead of a 6. I took it in to my dealership and they put the car on the computer and found 4 codes in the cars history. 1 stated multiple engine misfires, 2 stated misfire on number 2, 3 stated misfire on number 4 and 3, stated misfire on number 6. In all these instances I never had a check engine light come on. The dealer contacted corporate and a tas was opened for my car and corporate told the dealer to watch the situation and if it should happen again further action would be taken. I brought the car back in Friday for a different issue (radio problems) and told them the car was acting up again. They found no misfires and the mechanics said it was running within specs. …
Related recalls (1)
Engine and engine cooling
Toyota is recalling 214,570 my 2006-2008 Lexus is, my 2006-2007 gs and my 2007-2008 ls passenger vehicles equipped with aluminum fuel delivery pipes (fuel rails). Ethanol fuels with a low moisture content will corrode the internal surface of the fuel rails.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the fuel delivery pipes free of charge. The recall is expected to begin during February 2009. Owners May contact Toyota/Lexus at 1-800-255-3987.
Frequently asked questions
Which Lexus IS years have engine problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2008 (23), 2006 (16) and 2007 (9) model years. Engine complaints make up 23% of all complaints for the 2008.
Is there a recall for Lexus IS engine problems?
Yes — 1 recall, including 09V-020 (engine and engine cooling, Jan 16, 2009). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Lexus IS engine problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 91,000 miles; 28% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the engine (1 mentions).
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.