Owners have filed 185 complaints
about the 2006 Lexus IS with NHTSA between 2012 and 2026.
The largest single group is the body & structure.
Across this model's run it ranks 1 of 15 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 — 100
Against the median year of the Lexus IS. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 56
10.8% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 14
8% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
10.9%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
43.8%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
1413.2%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
1716.0%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
2119.8%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
3835.8%
150,000+ miles
1110.4%
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.
Mar 2012peak 14Apr 2026
Recalls on the 2006 Lexus IS
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.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 20183464,915 units in Canada
Fuel System
On certain vehicles equipped with a 3.5L V6 engine, the fuel pulsation dampers located in the fuel delivery pipe could develop a leak over time. A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source could increase the risk of fire causing injury and/or damage to property. Correction: Dealers will replace the fuel delivery pipe with an updated part.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 180,000 milesClovis, CAFire
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
The contact owned a 2006 Lexus IS350. The contact stated when she started the vehicle, following an oil change vehicle stalled. The contact stated that she had restarted the vehicle and heard an abnormal popping sound from the engine compartment and flames had burst from under the hood. The contact stated that she had smelled the odor of gasoline from her vehicle as she had entered the vehicle. The contact stated that the service station employees extinguished the flames. The contact stated that the fire department was called and a report was filed. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The vehicle had not been repaired. The contact had researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V432000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The failure mileage was approximately 180,000.
NHTSA complaint #11540808 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Farmersville, CACrash
AIR BAGS
was in a car accident and air bigs didnt go off
NHTSA complaint #11518435 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Warner Robins, GAFire
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
While I was driving, I went to slow down to turn around and my car started smoking and caught fire. It started from under the hood towards the passenger side front closer to the headlight you could just start seeing flames coming from there so I put it in park and hopped out and got as much stuff as I could out of the car. There was no warning signs no lights came on nothing.
NHTSA complaint #11469941 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Warner Robins, GAFire
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
While driving there was no warning lamps messages or other symptoms to any problems. I went to slow down so I could turn around because I missed my stop. The brakes started feeling less pressure I looked up and there was black smoke coming from under the hood then I saw flames. Then the car blew up
NHTSA complaint #11467246 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Warner Robins, GAFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
While driving there was no warning lamps messages or other symptoms to any problems. I went to slow down so I could turn around because I missed my stop. The brakes started feeling less pressure I looked up and there was black smoke coming from under the hood then I saw flames. Then the car blew up
NHTSA complaint #11467246 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Warner Robins, GAFire
ENGINE
While driving there was no warning lamps messages or other symptoms to any problems. I went to slow down so I could turn around because I missed my stop. The brakes started feeling less pressure I looked up and there was black smoke coming from under the hood then I saw flames. Then the car blew up
NHTSA complaint #11467246 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2006 Lexus IS 250. The contact stated that after purchasing the vehicle and driving for two hours, it was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 135,000, and at the time of scanning the vehicle, it was discovered that the mileage was 221,000. The title showed a different name. A Carfax report was not obtained. The Montgomery police department was contacted and referred him to the NHTSA hotline.
NHTSA complaint #11734763 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Germantown, MD
VISIBILITY/WIPER
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.
NHTSA complaint #11732524 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2006 Lexus IS 250. The contact stated that upon selling the vehicle, the new owner later informed the contact that it was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy while the vehicle was undergoing a diagnostic test. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time the contact purchased the vehicle, the mileage was 150,604; however, an Experian Auto Check History Report listed the mileage at over 300,000.
NHTSA complaint #11719036 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2006 Lexus IS 250. It was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a private seller. At the time of purchase, the odometer mileage was 119,000. The contact purchased a Carfax Report, which indicated that the odometer mileage was reported in September 2022 at 144,556, and the vehicle failed inspection. In addition, in October 2018, the odometer was reported at 155,811.
NHTSA complaint #11717329 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 89,000 milesLong Beach, CA
POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2006 Lexus IS 250. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal rattling sound coming from underneath the hood. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with a transmission and radio failure. The local dealer was contacted and informed the contact that the were no recalls associated with the VIN. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 89,000.
NHTSA complaint #11691198 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Manassas, VA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The dashboard glares when it is sunny outside and at night when cars are driving past on the other side, this is a huge safety issue as it impairs visibility. The dashboard is also very sticky
NHTSA complaint #11650553 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Manassas, VA
VISIBILITY/WIPER
The dashboard glares when it is sunny outside and at night when cars are driving past on the other side, this is a huge safety issue as it impairs visibility. The dashboard is also very sticky
NHTSA complaint #11650553 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Seattle, WA
VISIBILITY/WIPER
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
NHTSA complaint #11650159 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Arlington, TX
ENGINE
The vehicle is burning engine oil at an increasingly severe rate, with the manual stating that burning 1.1 quarts every 600 miles is normal. This consumption is excessive given the 5.5-quart capacity and the requirement for expensive full synthetic oil, causing frequent and costly top-offs. This poses a safety risk due to the potential for engine damage or failure if oil levels are not closely monitored. Some owners have had the issue inspected, and Lexus has acknowledged the problem. However, they have stated that repairs require replacing components costing multiple thousands of dollars just for parts, leaving many owners without a feasible solution. This problem is widespread, with numerous reports of similar issues in online forums ( [XXX] ]). A thorough investigation and a more customer-friendly resolution are needed to address this design flaw and ensure reliability and safety. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11632254 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Round Rock, TX
AIR BAGS
There is a common issue with these makes and models with the drivers side knee air bag having issues with connecting which cause the SRS light go on the dashboard. I called Lexus corporate office and local dealer and they said there was a recall but it expired in 2020. From the research i did, this was a small window and there shouldn’t have been an expiration on the recall for something that is a safety hazard. Because of this, they are charging thousands for this issue that has affected hundreds of thousands of vehicles.
NHTSA complaint #11611967 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lutz, FL
AIR BAGS
My 2006 Lexus IS350 is subject to NHTSA Recall number 16V340, for passenger airbag replacement. According to the diections on the NHTSA website shown in the following link: [XXX] The dash pad needs to be removed to access the airbag and perform the repair. Ive contacted my 3 local Lexus dealers and was told in various ways that they do not remove the dash to accomplish the repair but instead just remove the glove compartment and associated parts to access the airbag. I wanted the dash replaced (it was cracked) when the old dash was removed to do this recall repair. SInce the dealers do not actually remove the dash, I was told this was not possible. One dealer told me that for an extra $350, the service dept. would do the repair according to the above linked instructions. I have notified Lyndss Tor at lyndzee.tor@toyota.com as well as Toyota Quality Compliance Quality_Compliance@toyota.com and recieved no reply. I hope the NHTSA can enforce the above linked instructions so that the airbag replacement can be conducted in a proper and safe fasion. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11603397 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Kennebunk, ME
AIR BAGS
My dash has cracked and melted due to a manufacturing defect. The Lexus dealers who I have contacted to perform the safety recall for the defective airbags will not replace the cracked dash at the same time. Having the passenger airbag deploy through a cracked dash is an apparent safety issue. Please investigate this
NHTSA complaint #11601764 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Prattville, AL
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
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.
NHTSA complaint #11601203 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Prattville, AL
VISIBILITY/WIPER
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.
NHTSA complaint #11601203 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Montgomery, AL
AIR BAGS
Many people have have issues with the SRS warning light coming on and not going off. This issue seems to stem from harness connection issues that Lexus is aware of and have acknowledged. This needs to be fixed asap!
NHTSA complaint #11549638 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 92,000 milesFort Myers, FL
STRUCTURE:INTERIOR PANELS:DASHBOARD
The contact owns a 2006 Lexus IS. The contact stated that the dashboard was melted and was causing vision impairment while driving. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be inspected. The vehicle was inspected, and the diagnosis was confirmed. The contact was informed that the warranty had expired. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 92,000. The VIN was unavailable.
NHTSA complaint #11548650 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 180,000 milesClovis, CAFire
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
The contact owned a 2006 Lexus IS350. The contact stated when she started the vehicle, following an oil change vehicle stalled. The contact stated that she had restarted the vehicle and heard an abnormal popping sound from the engine compartment and flames had burst from under the hood. The contact stated that she had smelled the odor of gasoline from her vehicle as she had entered the vehicle. The contact stated that the service station employees extinguished the flames. The contact stated that the fire department was called and a report was filed. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The vehicle had not been repaired. The contact had researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V432000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The failure mileage was approximately 180,000.
NHTSA complaint #11540808 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Burlingame, CA
VISIBILITY/WIPER
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.
NHTSA complaint #11538804 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Jersey Shore, PA
ENGINE
This is happening on the lexus is250 as while as the 350 the loose bolts could cause the VVT gear housing and sprocket to separate and result in the engine stopping while the vehicle is being driven, increasing the risk of a crash. Toyota is recalling certain model year 2007-2011 Lexus GS350 vehicles manufactured June 19, 2006, through July 12, 2011; and model year 2006-2011 Lexus IS350 vehicles manufactured May 27, 2005, through July 13, 2011; and model year 2010-2011 Lexus IS350c vehicles manufactured November 25, 2009, through July 19, 2011. These vehicles, equipped with the 2GR-FSE engine, use bolts to secure the housing and sprocket of the Variable-Valve Timing (VVT) system gear assembly. These bolts could become loose due to abnormal impacts generated within the gear assembly immediately after a cold start-up.
NHTSA complaint #11533970 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
North Hills, CA
VISIBILITY/WIPER
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. It not only poses a safety hazard for me, but to everyone else on the road due to it not letting me see clearly due to how bad the glare is. I was told by Lexus that there is nothing they can do but to pay out of my pocket (3-4K) in order to have it replaced. Lexus claims to “care” for their customers yet are not owning up to help us owners because there special promotion is expired. Knowing how bad the issue was and how practically all cars were subject to the issue, why not make a recall instead of a “promotion”. They screwed over their customers. They screwed over me. I can’t drive my car without fearing for my safety, all due to Lexus not wanted to fix their error when they made the dashboard incorrectly. I hope something can be done because I know there are many other Lexus is250/350/f owners out there that were unfortunate to not have it fix also. It should be a recall, not some limited “promotion” that only a few knew about. It is a “if you were lucky to know” sort of deal and that should not be the case. Especially not when it starts to affect the safety of others and one self.
NHTSA complaint #11531672 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Farmersville, CACrash
AIR BAGS
was in a car accident and air bigs didnt go off
NHTSA complaint #11518435 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fresno, CA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1) Keep getting rotten egg smell from exhaust during acceleration; smell like it is coming from catalytic converters/exhaust system or front of engine. Never had or was informed by dealership that exhaust system could be replaced by Lexus although I brought my vehicles in several time for recalls. Brought vehicle in for recall to Fresno Lexus in 2020 never informed by dealership of Lexus being able to fix issue for free although I had told them of issue. Seems to be very toxic smell; gives me headaches while driving!!!!!!! Lexus should have repaired the issued for free when informed years ago but did nothing!!!!!
NHTSA complaint #11480386 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Salem, OR
POWER TRAIN
After having our car in the local dealerships shop to fix recalls and a Very hard jerking of the car when slowing to 8mph thinking it was the ABS accutator, that unit was replaced and system bled and tested we picked the car up and before we got 100 feet away from the shop our car still had the same problem. After much talking with a lexus forum group I now believe based on their experiences and testing myself it's a Hard 2nd to 1st gear downshift ! and through my investigating, this is a common issue among lexus transmission between years 2006 - 2013
NHTSA complaint #11475164 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Salem, VA
AIR BAGS
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. This is a safety issue and needs to be addressed.
NHTSA complaint #11470682 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Salem, VA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
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. This is a safety issue and needs to be addressed.
NHTSA complaint #11470682 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.