Owners have filed 157 complaints
about the 2008 Lexus IS 250 with NHTSA between 2009 and 2020.
The largest single group is the airbags.
Across this model's run it ranks 6 of 9 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 76
Against the median year of the Lexus IS 250. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 30
5.7% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 41
24% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a
system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and
knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
33.0%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
66.0%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
1111.0%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
1212.0%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
3131.0%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
2020.0%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
1010.0%
150,000+ miles
77.0%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Aug 2009peak 13Nov 2020
NHTSA investigations into the 2008 Lexus IS 250
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/expert_report-hrblomquist.pdf.C...
Recalls on the 2008 Lexus IS 250
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
United States — NHTSA
19V741000
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2010-2016 4Runner, 2003-2006 Tundra, 2003-2013 Corolla, 2009-2010 Corolla Matrix, 2004-2005 RAV4, 2002-2007 Sequoia, 2011-2013 Sienna, 2008-2012 Scion xB, 2008-2009 Lexus IS-F, 2007-2012 Yaris and Lexus ES350, 2010-2017 Lexus GX460, 2002-2010 Lexus SC430, 2006-2012 Lexus IS250 and IS350 and 2010-2015 Lexus IS250C and IS350C vehicles. These vehicles had their driver or passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior recall using inflators of the same design. The inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
17V006000
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2012 Toyota 4Runner, Corolla, Corolla Matrix, Sienna, Yaris, Scion xB, Lexus ES350, GX460, IS-F, IS250, IS350, IS250C, IS350C, and Lexus LFA vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands, or "Zone A." Additionally, unless included in "Zone A" above, Toyota is recalling certain 2009 Toyota Corolla, Corolla Matrix, Yaris, Yaris HB, Scion xB, Pontiac Vibe, Lexus, ES350, IS250, IS350, and IS-F vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia, or "Zone B." Additionally, unless included in "Zone A" or "Zone B" above, Toyota is recalling certain 2006-2008 Lexus IS250 and IS350, 2007-2008 Lexus ES350, Toyota Yaris, Yaris HB, and 2008 Lexus IS-F and Scion xB vehicles originally sold, or ever reg
Risk: An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
16V340000
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2008-2011 Scion xB and Lexus IS F, 2009-2011 Toyota Corolla and Corolla Matrix, 2006-2011 Toyota Yaris, Lexus IS250 and Lexus IS350, 2010-2011 Toyota 4Runner, Lexus IS250C, Lexus IS350C and Lexus GX460, 2011 Sienna, 2007-2011 Lexus ES350, and 2009-2010 Pontiac Vibe vehicles, originally sold, or ever registered, in Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands, or "Zone A." Additionally, unless included in "Zone A" above, Toyota is recalling certain model year 2008 Scion xB and Lexus IS F, 2007-2008 Toyota Yaris, 2006-2008 Lexus IS250 and Lexus IS350 and 2007-2008 Lexus ES350 vehicles, originally sold, or ever registered, in Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia, or "Zone B." Vehicles of these model years and models that were not originally sold or ever register
Risk: An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
14V647000
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2007-2010 Lexus LS vehicles manufactured May 9, 2006, to July 20, 2010, 2006-2011 Lexus GS vehicles manufactured January 6, 2005, to September 10, 2010, and 2006-2011 Lexus IS vehicles manufactured August 30, 2005, to September 10, 2010. Due to anti-corrosion plating remnants, fuel may leak from where the fuel pressure sensor is attached to the fuel delivery pipe.
Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
13V030000
VISIBILITY/WIPER
Toyota is recalling certain model year 2006-2012 Lexus IS250 and IS350 vehicles manufactured August 23, 2005, through October 5, 2011; 2010-2012 Lexus IS250C and IS350C vehicles manufactured April 10, 2009, through October 6, 2011; and 2008-2011 Lexus IS-F vehicles manufactured December 14, 2007, through July 10, 2011. The nuts that fasten the wiper arms may be insufficiently torqued such that if the wiper arms are restricted by an external load, such as a buildup of heavy snow, one or both of the wipers may become inoperative.
Risk: Inoperative wipers could reduce driver visibility and increase the risk of a vehicle crash.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 202172355,683 units in Canada
Electrical
Issue: This recall is for certain block heater kits installed on certain vehicles or sold as accessories at Toyota or Lexus dealerships. On certain vehicles, the engine block heater cable may not have enough heat protection and could be damaged by high temperatures. If this happens, the cable could short circuit while plugged in, and cause the wiring to overheat or melt. Note: This recall only affects the following block heater/cord part numbers: C014003034 PK5A408J09 PU14000904 C014003151 PK5A408J13 PU14000905 C014000885 PK5A489J11 PU14000907 C014000888 PK5A489J22 PU14000909 C014000907 PK5A410H00 PU14000911 C014100904 PU14000900 PU14000913 C014100907 PU14000901 PU14003571 C014100911 PU14000902 PK5A489J14 PK5A408J05 PU14000903 Safety Risk: Engine block heater wiring that overheats or melts could create the risk of a fire. Corrective Actions: Toyota recommends that you should stop using the engine block heater immediately. Toyota will notify owners by mail and instruct you to take your vehicle to a dealer to disable the engine block heater. For some vehicles, the corrective actions for this recall are under development. For others, a new engine block heater cannot be installed, and the owner will receive a refund of the purchase price of the engine block heater.
Recall 2017007130,661 units in Canada
Airbag
On certain vehicles, long-term exposure to high absolute humidity and temperature, combined with high temperature cycling, could eventually degrade the propellant contained in the passenger frontal airbag. This could cause the airbag to deploy with more force than normal. As a result, if the vehicle were involved in a collision that warrants airbag deployment, fragments could be propelled toward vehicle occupants, and the airbag assembly could be damaged, preventing proper function. These issues could increase the risk of injury. Correction: Depending on the model, dealers will either replace the passenger frontal airbag inflator or airbag assembly. Note: Canadian climate results in the propellant degrading slowly. The recall is being conducted as a precaution to address future risk, and is expected to replace airbag inflators before their function would be affected.
Recall 201445818,949 units in Canada
Fuel System
On certain vehicles, the fuel delivery pipes in the engine compartment may have been produced with particles from the anti-corrosion plating on the gasket seating surface where the fuel pressure sensor is installed. This could affect the sealing properties of the gasket seated between the pressure sensor and the pipe, potentially resulting in a fuel leak. A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source could result in a fire causing injury and/or property damage. Correction: Dealers will replace the gasket and repair the gasket seating surface.
Recall 201303116,756 units in Canada
Visual System
On certain vehicles, the wiper arm securing nuts could have been insufficiently tightened during assembly. If the movement of the wipers is restricted by an external load, such as heavy snow on the windshield, the wiper arms could slip and one or both wipers could become inoperative. If this occurs, driver visibility could be reduced, which could increase the risk of a crash causing injury and/or property damage. Correction: Dealers will clean the mating surface of the wiper arm and motor shaft and install improved wiper arm nuts.
Recall 201103711,773 units in Canada
Fuel System
On certain GS 300, GS 300 AWD, GS 350, IS 250, IS 250 AWD and IS 350 vehicles, the fuel pressure sensor connected to the engine fuel delivery pipe may not have been sufficiently tightened during vehicle assembly. Should the pressure sensor loosen, fuel could leak past a gasket used in the connection between the sensor and pipe, and through the threaded portion of the sensor. Fuel leakage, in the presence of an ignition source, could result in a fire causing property damage and/or personal injury. Correction: Dealers will inspect for fuel leakage from the threaded portion of the fuel pressure sensor. If there are no signs of a fuel leak, the fuel pressure sensor will be tightened to specifications. If a fuel leak is confirmed, the gasket between the sensor and the fuel delivery pipe will be replaced, and the sensor will be tightened.
Recall 2009290437,445 units in Canada
Other
On certain vehicles, the accelerator pedal may become stuck in the wide open position due to an unsecured or incompatible driver's floor mat. A stuck open accelerator pedal may result in very high vehicle speeds and make it difficult to stop the vehicle, which could cause a crash, serious injury or death. Correction: Dealers will reconfigure the shape of the accelerator pedal. Certain models will also have the shape of the floor underneath the accelerator pedal modified and/or a brake override system installed.
Recall 20090158,391 units in Canada
Fuel System
On certain vehicles, the use of selected ethanol fuels may cause the aluminium fuel rails to corrode. This could result in plugged fuel injector(s), causing a rough engine idle and/or the illumination of the engine warning lamp. Corrosion may also cause a pinhole to develop on the fuel rail, which could result in fuel leakage. Fuel leakage, in the presence of an ignition source, could result in a vehicle fire. Correction: Dealers will replace the fuel rails.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 95,000 milesPearlington, MSFire
STRUCTURE:BODY
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 LEXUS IS 250. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DASHBOARD WAS MELTING AND PRODUCED A GLARE THAT IMPAIRED VISION WHILE DRIVING. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO LEXUS OF NEW ORLEANS (8811 VETERANS MEMORIAL BLVD, METAIRIE, LA 70003, (504) 207-3100) WHERE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DETERMINED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 95,000. **TR CONSUMER STATED RECALL ON DASHBOARD'S WARRANTY EXPIRED AFTER 10YEARS OF FIRST USE. UPDATED 11/7/18
NHTSA complaint #11115406 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 42,000 milesRural Valley, PA1 injured
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 LEXUS IS250. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25-30 MPH, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED. THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED BUT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT STOP. THE CONTACT WAS UNSURE OF WHEN OR HOW THE VEHICLE STOPPED BUT THE SHE ENDED UP IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD. THE CONTACT HAD BLACKED OUT AND HIT HER HEAD. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER BUT HAD NOT BEEN INSPECTED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 42,000.
NHTSA complaint #10372469 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Detroit, MICrash
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL
2008 LEXUS IS250. CONSUMER STATES WHEN SHE TURNED INTO A PARKING SPACE, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY JUMPED OVER THE CONCRETE BARRIER AND STOPPED WITHIN INCHES OF HITTING A BRICK WALL.
NHTSA complaint #10334840 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 15,000 milesSeverna Park, MDCrash
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 LEXUS IS250. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 2 MPH INTO A PARKING SPACE. THE VEHICLE SURGED OVER A SIDEWALK AND CAME TO A COMPLETE STOP. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND THEN TRANSPORTED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER TO BE REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 15,000.
NHTSA complaint #10325098 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 17,954 milesCupertino, CACrash
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
I LIKE TO REPORT AN INCIDENT OF A POSSIBLE MANUFACTURE MALFUNCTION ON MY 2008 LEXUS IS250. THE INCIDENT HAPPENED ON 4/29/2010. I WAS FIRST STOPPED FOR RED LIGHT IN THE NEUTRAL GEAR. AS I WAS READY TO MOVE FORWARD ON GREEN LIGHT, I SWITCHED THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION TO "DRIVE," HOWEVER THE CAR JUST ACCELERATED UNCONTROLLABLE FORWARD. I IMMEDIATELY STEPPED THE BRAKE PEDAL REPEATEDLY (~3 TIMES), BUT THE BRAKE DIDN'T WORK UNTIL MY CAR HIT THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME. AFTER COLLIDING WITH THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME, MY LEXUS ENGINE SHUT DOWN BY ITSELF. I TOOK MY CAR TO MAGNUSSEN'S LEXUS DEALERSHIP IN FREMONT, CA, BUT THEY COULD NOT FIND A PROBLEM. IN LIGHT OF SO MANY PROBLEMS REPORTED BY OTHER DRIVERS AGAINST TOYOTA AND LEXUS, I STARTED TO THINK MY INCIDENT IS NOT AN ISOLATED CASE AND MAY BE SIGNIFICANT FOR FURTHER INVESTIGATION. I WOULD LIKE TO MAKE AN OFFICIAL REPORT TO THE INCIDENT THAT HAPPENED TO ME AND ASK YOU TO ADDRESS THE POSSIBLE SAFETY ISSUE. BEST REGARDS
NHTSA complaint #10316955 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 7,000 milesWilliamsville, NYCrash
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 LEXUS IS250. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH INTO HER GARAGE THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED INTO THE REFRIGERATOR DOOR AND THE GARAGE WALL AFTER SHE APPLIED THE BRAKES. THE DEALER ADVISED HER TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO THE COLLISION SHOP TO BE REPAIRED BUT THE DEALER NEVER CHECKED THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED; HOWEVER, THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE BUT DIDN'T INDICATE WHAT COMPONENT IT WAS RELATED TO. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 7,000.
NHTSA complaint #10303783 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 40,000 milesHemet, CA
POWER TRAIN
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 LEXUS IS250. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS AND ATTEMPTING TO ACCELERATE, THE VEHICLE HESITATED PRIOR TO RESPONDING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS MOST EVIDENT AFTER STOPPING AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT AND THEN ATTEMPTING TO DRIVE FROM BEING STATIONARY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO BE DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. NEITHER THE DEALER NOR THE MANUFACTURER WERE MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 40,000.
NHTSA complaint #11375912 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 40,000 milesHemet, CA
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 LEXUS IS250. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS AND ATTEMPTING TO ACCELERATE, THE VEHICLE HESITATED PRIOR TO RESPONDING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS MOST EVIDENT AFTER STOPPING AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT AND THEN ATTEMPTING TO DRIVE FROM BEING STATIONARY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO BE DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. NEITHER THE DEALER NOR THE MANUFACTURER WERE MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 40,000.
NHTSA complaint #11375912 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 70,000 milesWest Milford, NJ
ENGINE
ENGINE CONSUMES ABOUT A QUART OF OIL EVERY THOUSAND MILES. TAIL PIPES FULL OF CARBON. SOMETIMES RUNS ROUGH
NHTSA complaint #11218921 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Santa FE Springs, CA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
DOOR PANELS ARE MELTING. LEXUS CORPORATE WILL NOT FIX THE ISSUE OF ALL DOOR PANELS MELTING INSIDE THE CAR. LEXUS DID HOWEVER FIX THE DASHBOARD BUT DOES NOT WANT TO FIX THE DOOR PANELS. DOOR PANELS FEEL LIKE PLAY DOUGH STICKY AND ITS SHAPE IS BEING DESTROYED GRADUALLY AS BEING USED DAILY.
NHTSA complaint #11196727 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Marysville, WA
AIR BAGS
TAKATA RECALL. MY CAR HAD THE AIRBAG RECALL BUT IT SEEMS LIKE DURING THE RECALL THEY DIDN'T REPLACE THE AIRBAG WIRING HARNESS, CAUSING THE AIRBAG DASH LIGHT.
NHTSA complaint #11190629 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Marysville, WA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TAKATA RECALL. MY CAR HAD THE AIRBAG RECALL BUT IT SEEMS LIKE DURING THE RECALL THEY DIDN'T REPLACE THE AIRBAG WIRING HARNESS, CAUSING THE AIRBAG DASH LIGHT.
NHTSA complaint #11190629 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 75 milesDelray Beach, FL
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I HAVE BOUGHT THIS CAR 3 WEEKS AGO AND IT WAS 75K MILE AND ORIGINALLY HAD 151K MILES ACCORDING TO THE REPORT OFF THE LEXUS WEBSITE.
NHTSA complaint #11187370 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 90,000 milesHilo, HI
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
STRONG GAS SMELL INSIDE CAR.DRIVING IDILING AT A STAND STILLAND WHILE CAR IS THEN TURNED OFF AFTER RUNNING ALSO ANOTHER PROBLEM RELATED OR NOT BUT SHOWING UP AT THE SAME TIME WAS A BAD ODOR NOT THE SMELL OF GAS BUT THE SMELL OF ROTTEN EGGS IS PRESENT AFTER THE CAR EXCELLERATES THE SMELL IS STRONG AND PUNGENT INSIDE VEHICLE ALSO
NHTSA complaint #11182688 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 90,000 milesHilo, HI
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
STRONG GAS SMELL INSIDE CAR.DRIVING IDILING AT A STAND STILLAND WHILE CAR IS THEN TURNED OFF AFTER RUNNING ALSO ANOTHER PROBLEM RELATED OR NOT BUT SHOWING UP AT THE SAME TIME WAS A BAD ODOR NOT THE SMELL OF GAS BUT THE SMELL OF ROTTEN EGGS IS PRESENT AFTER THE CAR EXCELLERATES THE SMELL IS STRONG AND PUNGENT INSIDE VEHICLE ALSO
NHTSA complaint #11182688 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 99,000 milesBeverly Hills, CA
AIR BAGS
AS INSPECTED BY LEXUS DEALERSHIP IN WOODLAND HILLS CA, MY CAR HAS AIRBAG LIGHT ON/OFF INTERMITTENTLY. ERROR CODE B1861 WAS FOUND THAT IS TIED TO KNEE AIRBAG ON THE DRIVER SIDE. THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THE SQUIB CIRCUIT IN THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER I BELIEVE. CAR HAS AROUND 99K MILES BUT THIS SAFETY CONCERN IS SERIOUS. THIS AIRBAG IS SOMETHING THAT NEVER GETS USED UNLESS YOU'RE IN AN ACCIDENT. I'VE NEVER BEEN IN ONE. IT IS JUST BAD WORKMANSHIP ON LEXUS TO INSTALL SUCH A WIRING HARNESS AND SQUIB CIRCUIT THAT'LL GO BAD BEFORE 100,000 MILES. AS A CUSTOMER THIS IS NOT SOMETHING THAT IS VISIBLE TO ME NOR SOMETHING I WOULD ATTEMPT TO TOUCH. IT IS HIDDEN BEHIND THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER AND DASHBOARD. DEALERSHIP QUOTED $3000+ TO FIX SOMETHING THAT WASN'T CAUSED DUE TO CUSTOMER NEGLIGENCE. IT IS JUST BAD WORKMANSHIP FROM LEXUS. THERE IS A GREAT RISK INVOLVED WITH DRIVING LEXUS IS250'S CONSIDERING THIS LIGHT COULD TURN ON ANYTIME AND IF ONE GETS INTO AN ACCIDENT, THEN AIRBAG WOULD NOT DEPLOY RESULTING IN A POSSIBLE CASUALTY OR SERIOUS INJURIES. THIS SHOULD BE A RECALL ON ALL LEXUS AFFECTED BY THIS. CUSTOMER SHOULDN'T BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THESE WORKMANSHIP PROBLEMS.
NHTSA complaint #11172116 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
South Elgin, IL
AIR BAGS
DASH AIRBAG LIGHT RANDOMLY TURNED ON. CAR WAS PARKED. AS SOON AS CAR WAS TURNED ON THE LIGHT LIT UP. LIGHT WAS NOT ON DAY BEFORE. TOOK TO LOCAL LEXUS DEALERSHIP AND HAD CODE SCANNED. DEALERSHIP INFORMED ME THAT MY CAR NEEDS A NEW DASH HARNESS AND REPAIR WOULD COST +$3,000 PLUS TAX FOR PART AND LABOR WHICH IS HALF OF WHAT THE CAR COSTS. ALSO TOLD ME THAT WHEN THE LIGHT IS ON NONE OF MY AIRBAGS WILL DEPLOY IN THE EVENT OF A COLLISION WHICH MAKES ME WORRIED TO DRIVE THE CAR, ESPECIALLY THIS TIME OF YEAR. LOOKED UP THE ISSUE ONLINE AND SAW IT IS A COMMON ISSUE WITH THESE CARS, BUT THERE IS NO TYPE OF RECALL FOR THE ISSUE WHICH IS UNUSUAL FOR SOMETHING THAT IS COMMON AND PUTS LIVES AT RISK.
NHTSA complaint #11163957 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 93,800 milesTampa, FL
STRUCTURE:BODY
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 LEXUS IS 250. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DOOR PANEL AND DASHBOARD STARTED TO MELT, CRACK, AND BECOME STICKY. THE DEALER (LEXUS OF TAMPA BAY, 5852 N DALE MABRY HWY., TAMPA, FL 33614) STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN AN UNKNOWN RECALL; HOWEVER, THEY STOPPED DOING REPAIRS IN NOVEMBER OF 2017. THE MANUFACTURER WAS ALSO CONTACTED AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 93,800.
NHTSA complaint #11152516 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Chula Vista, CA
AIR BAGS
2008 LEXUS IS 250. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARD TO AIRBAG RECALL AND AIRBAG LIGHT REMAINING ON. *AS
NHTSA complaint #11138731 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 105,000 milesGlendale, AZ
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
TAKATA RECALL. WAS UNAWARE OF FUEL SYSTEM RECALL. THE DEALERSHIP NEVER INFORMED ME THAT THIS WAS EVER AN ISSUE. STARTED SMELLING A WEIRD SMELL COMING FROM THE EXHAUST WHEN I ACCELERATE.
NHTSA complaint #11122792 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 900,000 milesPlano, TX
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I HAVE BEEN EXPERIENCING THIS ISSUE SINCE I BOUGHT THE CAR, LEXUS KEEPS TELLING ME THAT MY ENGINE IS FINE AND THEY HAVE TESTED IT ETC, HOWEVER IT COMES TO A DEAD STOP AND WON'T GO I KEEP PRESSING THE GAS BUT IT HESITATES REALLY BAD CLOSE TO BE HIT BY ONCOMING CARS ON A DAILY BASIS.
NHTSA complaint #11121961 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 185,000 milesPasadena, CA
AIR BAGS
TAKATA AIRBAG. PASSENGER AIRBAG TROUBLE LIGHT COMES ON DASH INTERMITTENTLY WHEN STATIONARY AND WHILE IN MOTION ON STREET/HIGHWAY. WHEN I RECENTLY HAD THE TAKATA AIRBAG RECALL DONE, THE DEALERSHIP QUOTED ME $2,100 TO REPLACE THE WIRING HARNESS. I RESEARCHED ON-LINE AND FOUND THIS TO BE UNIVERSALLY OCCURRING PROBLEM WITH LEXUS IS250 MODELS AND OTHERS 2006 AND LATER. THE DEFECTIVE PART IS THE CONNECTOR FROM THE WIRING HARNESS COMING LOOSE AT THE PLUG INTO THE AIRBAG. SINCE THIS A UNIVERSAL SAFETY ISSUE AND RELATED TO A DEFECTIVE PART (RATHER THAN A MECHANICAL PART SUBJECT TO WEAR/TEAR) SHOULDN'T THIS BE A RECALL? SEE FOLLOWING LINK FOR MORE DETAILS, BUT IT IS PRETTY COMMON LORE IN LEXUS CIRCLES THAT IS HAPPENING AT LOW MILES AS WELL AS HIGH MILES. NOT SURE WHY CONSUMERS ARE PAYING FOR THIS FLAW WHEN OUT OF WARRANTY. HTTPS://WWW.CLUBLEXUS.COM/FORUMS/IS-2ND-GEN-2006-2013/542134-AIRBAG-LIGHT-ON-WITH-RESOLUTION-TSB.HTML
NHTSA complaint #11118963 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 95,000 milesPearlington, MSFire
STRUCTURE:BODY
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 LEXUS IS 250. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DASHBOARD WAS MELTING AND PRODUCED A GLARE THAT IMPAIRED VISION WHILE DRIVING. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO LEXUS OF NEW ORLEANS (8811 VETERANS MEMORIAL BLVD, METAIRIE, LA 70003, (504) 207-3100) WHERE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DETERMINED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 95,000. **TR CONSUMER STATED RECALL ON DASHBOARD'S WARRANTY EXPIRED AFTER 10YEARS OF FIRST USE. UPDATED 11/7/18
NHTSA complaint #11115406 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 73,000 milesFayetteville, GA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
THE "VSC" WARNING LIGHT HAS BEEN COMING ON AND STAYING ON SINCE NOVEMBER 2017. I HAVE READ THAT MANY LEXUS IS 250 CARS ARE HAVING THE SAME ISSUE. THE CAR SEEMS TO BE DRIVING FINE FOR NOW BUT THERE HAS TO BE A REASON FOR THE WARNING LIGHT. IF SO MANY OTHER CARS HAVE THIS ISSUE, I'M WONDERING IF IT'S A MANUFACTURE ERROR?? THE WARNING LIGHTS COMES ON AS SOON AS THE ENGINE STARTS AND IT DOES NOT GO OUT.
NHTSA complaint #11113499 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 110,178 milesNewington, CT
TIRES
I PURCHASED 4 BRAND NEW TIRES FROM FIRESTONE COMPLETE AUTO CARE ON 12/27/2015. I HAVE HAD SEVERAL INCIDENTS WITH THE TIRES INCLUDING FREQUENT BUBBLE FORMATION AND A TIRE BLOW OUT ON THE HIGHWAY. I BELIEVE THE FREQUENCY OF THESE INCIDENTS WARRANT INVESTIGATION AS TO POSSIBLE DEFECTS IN THIS BRAND AND LINE OF TIRE THAT COULD BE LIFE THREATENING. I HAD A TIRE BLOWOUT OF THE LEFT DRIVERS SIDE TIRE WHILE ON THE HIGHWAY ON MY WAY TO WORK IN RUSH HOUR TRAFFIC ON 3/30/17. FORTUNATELY, I WAS ABLE TO GET THE CAR IN CONTROL AND GET OFF OF THE NEXT EXIT. I HAD THE TIRE REPLACED LATER THAT MORNING. NEXT, I WAS AT THE LEXUS DEALERSHIP IN NOVEMBER OF 11/2017 FOR AN ALIGNMENT AND A BUBBLE WAS FOUND IN THE SIDEWALL TIRE. THIS TIRE WAS REPLACED AT THE LEXUS DEALERSHIP. ON 4/15/18, I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AND MY CAR FELT UNBALANCED AND THE CHECK TIRE LIGHT CAME ON. I ATTEMPTED TO PUT AIR IN THE RIGHT FRONT PASSENGER TIRE BUT WAS UNABLE TO GET AIR IN. I BROUGHT THE CAR TO FIRESTONE AND WAS TOLD I NEEDED A NEW TIRE. ON 6/2/18, I BROUGHT THE CAR TO MIDAS FOR AN EMISSIONS SYSTEM CHECK AND THE TECHNICIAN SHOWED ME A BUBBLE ON THE SIDEWALL OF THE LEFT DRIVERS SIDE TIRE. I BROUGHT THE CAR TO FIRESTONE AND THIS WAS VERIFIED. I WAS CHARGED AND THE TIRE REPLACED. HAVING PURCHASED THESE 50,000 MILE TIRES IN DECEMBER OF 2015 WITH 93,000 MILES ON MY VEHICLE THIS IS AN EXCESSIVE AMOUNT OF ISSUES AT 126,000 MILES. I HAVE BOTH SAFETY AND FINANCIAL CONCERNS ABOUT THIS PRODUCT. I HAVE ATTEMPTED TO SPEAK WITH FIRESTONE DIRECTLY AT THE STORE, THEY DENY ANY ISSUE WITH THE TIRES. I RECEIVED DISCOUNT PRICING FOR REPLACING 2 TIRES BUT NO OTHER ACCOUNTABILITY BY FIRESTONE. I BELIEVE THIS WOULD HAVE TO OCCUR AT A HIGHER LEVEL. THE TIRES ARE BRIDGESTONE DRIVEGUARD BL WITH RUN FLAT 225/45R17 91W 50,000 MILE.
NHTSA complaint #11100103 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 162,000 milesTuscaloosa, AL
SERVICE BRAKES
REAR BRAKE CALIPERS SEIZING WITHIN MONTHS KEEP HAVING TO REPLACE CALIPER SCREWS OR ENTIRE CALIPER
NHTSA complaint #11088784 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 157,000 milesCharleston, WV
STRUCTURE:BODY
DASH CRACKING, STICKY TRUNK BUTTON, DOOR PAN ELS DISCOLORED . FIRST OWNER PURCHASED NEW. GARAGE KEEP ENTIRE PERIOD SINCE PURCHASE IN 08. I ALWAYS WANTED TO HAVE A LEXUS AND ON MY 50TH BITHDAY AND PURCHASED A NEW ONE. I WANTED A LEXUS BECAUSE IT MEANT QUALITY. I UNDERSTAND TOYOTA /LEXUS ISSUED A NOTICE TO DEALERS BUT NOT A RECALL NOTICE. I NEVER RECIEVED ANY NOTICE FROM MY LOCAL DEALER OR LEXUS REGARDING THIS DEFECT UNTIL THE REPLACEMENT PLAN HAD EXPIRED. CLASS ACTION SUIT WAS DROPPED WHEN TOYOTA/LEXUS AGREED TO REPLACE DASH AND DOOR PANELS BACK 10 YEARS AND NO MILAGE CAP ON CERTAIN VEHICLES, MINE INCLUDED. I WOULD LIKE THIS REPLACED IN A TIMELY FASHION AT NO CHARGE. I CAN'T EVEN TRADE OR SELL MY VEHICLE FOR REAL,VALUE OF A GARAGE KEPT VEHICLE WITH THESE ISSUES. WHY IS IT LEXUS CAN'T DO BETTER FOR ITS CUSTOMERS AND NOT LEAVE ME IN LIMBO? I WOULDN'T PURCHASE ANOTHER LEXUS OR TOYOTA IN THE FUTURE IF THE MANUFACTURE WON'T STAND IT'S PRODUCT. THIS COULD EFFECT UP 3.5 MILLION TOYOTA AND LEXUS VEHICLES. CAN THE DEPT OF,TRANSPORTATION CONTACT THE MANUFACTURE AND PUT A FIRE UNDER THEIR TAILS? I WOULD APPRECIATE ANY HELP AND GUIDANCE ON THIS ISUUE. THANKYOU FOR YOUR HELP.
NHTSA complaint #11083766 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SAN Antonio, TX
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
THE DASHBOARD AND SIDE PANELS ARE MELTING AND VERY STICKY. HAD TO BUY A COVER FOR DASHBOARD TO PREVENT THE SHINY PART FROM HITTING THE WINDSHIELD.
NHTSA complaint #11083182 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SAN Jose, CA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
A LATENT DEFECT IN THE DASHBOARD AND SIDE DOOR PANELS MELT OR DEGRADE UPON PROLONGED EXPOSURE RESULTING IN A STICKY, REFLECTIVE GOO THAT REDUCES VISIBILITY. THE INCREASED GLARE HAS BECOME A SAFETY ISSUE. LEXUS HAS REFUSED MY CLAIM AND WILL NOT REPAIR MY VEHICLE.
NHTSA complaint #11073168 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Linden, NJ
AIR BAGS
WIRING HARNESS THAT IS TOO SHORT.
NHTSA complaint #11035756 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
West Palm Beach, FL
STRUCTURE:BODY
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 LEXUS IS 250. THE CONTACT OBSERVED STICKY RESIDUE ASSOCIATED WITH THE DASHBOARD AND THE FRONT DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE HANDLES WERE NOT FUNCTIONING PROPERLY. THE DEALER (LEXUS OF PALM BEACH, 5700 OKEECHOBEE BLVD, WEST PALM BEACH, FL 33417, (561) 291-6004) FAILED TO PROVIDE THE APPROPRIATE OEM DASHBOARD. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT WAITED YEARS FOR THE HANDLES TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #11033081 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.