Owners have filed 171 complaints
about the 2007 Lexus IS with NHTSA between 2007 and 2026.
The largest single group is the body & structure.
Across this model's run it ranks 2 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 — 51
9.9% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 22
13% 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.
Body
1785.0%
Engine
15.0%
Sun/Moon Roof Assembly
15.0%
Windshield
15.0%
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
33.2%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
77.4%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
11.1%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
44.2%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
2728.4%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
1717.9%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
2627.4%
150,000+ miles
1010.5%
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 2007peak 14Jun 2026
Recalls on the 2007 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.
Alexandria, VACrash
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Hello: I own a 2007 Lexus IS250. My vehicle has had an ongoing engine misfire issue and has run extremely rough. In addition, my SRS light and there is an issue with the driver's side knee air bag inflator connector. Finally, my dashboard, front and rear door panels have been sticky and melted over time when it is hot and there is no reason why this is occurring. The dashboard and door panels become glossy, crack and have broken off into pieces and the shine/gloss from the dashboard causes blinding while driving due to the reflection of the sun on the dashboard. These issues have been going on for a period of over 10 years and I had multiple accidents due to these numerous issues. I have reported these to Lexus corporate on multiple occasions, including in 2016 and 2017. However, Lexus has refused to fix them stating that they are aware of these issues and had the ZLJ, ZLD and ZLA warranty programs but that they had expired in 2017. However, I later found out that none of those programs had expired at the time I called Lexus's corporate office. One of their programs, the ZLD warranty program, was apparently extended until 2021, however, Lexus failed to inform most vehicle owners of this. These issues are a safety issue. They have caused my car to malfunction for over 10 years and to have accidents. Many Lexus owners have also reported about these issues in Lexus owner forums on the internet and have stated that they have had accidents due to these issues, but Lexus failed to properly inform customers of the extended warranty and refused to fix these cars. With these issues continuing and becoming worse over the years, they are no longer a warranty issue, but a safety issue for drivers. I am requesting that the NHSTA investigate this issue and require, if possible, that Lexus issue safety recalls for these known defects and fix these issues immediately to prevent car accidents.
NHTSA complaint #11736572 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Alexandria, VACrash
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Hello: I own a 2007 Lexus IS250. My vehicle has had an ongoing engine misfire issue and has run extremely rough. In addition, my SRS light and there is an issue with the driver's side knee air bag inflator connector. Finally, my dashboard, front and rear door panels have been sticky and melted over time when it is hot and there is no reason why this is occurring. The dashboard and door panels become glossy, crack and have broken off into pieces and the shine/gloss from the dashboard causes blinding while driving due to the reflection of the sun on the dashboard. These issues have been going on for a period of over 10 years and I had multiple accidents due to these numerous issues. I have reported these to Lexus corporate on multiple occasions, including in 2016 and 2017. However, Lexus has refused to fix them stating that they are aware of these issues and had the ZLJ, ZLD and ZLA warranty programs but that they had expired in 2017. However, I later found out that none of those programs had expired at the time I called Lexus's corporate office. One of their programs, the ZLD warranty program, was apparently extended until 2021, however, Lexus failed to inform most vehicle owners of this. These issues are a safety issue. They have caused my car to malfunction for over 10 years and to have accidents. Many Lexus owners have also reported about these issues in Lexus owner forums on the internet and have stated that they have had accidents due to these issues, but Lexus failed to properly inform customers of the extended warranty and refused to fix these cars. With these issues continuing and becoming worse over the years, they are no longer a warranty issue, but a safety issue for drivers. I am requesting that the NHSTA investigate this issue and require, if possible, that Lexus issue safety recalls for these known defects and fix these issues immediately to prevent car accidents.
NHTSA complaint #11736572 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Alexandria, VACrash
ENGINE
Hello: I own a 2007 Lexus IS250. My vehicle has had an ongoing engine misfire issue and has run extremely rough. In addition, my SRS light and there is an issue with the driver's side knee air bag inflator connector. Finally, my dashboard, front and rear door panels have been sticky and melted over time when it is hot and there is no reason why this is occurring. The dashboard and door panels become glossy, crack and have broken off into pieces and the shine/gloss from the dashboard causes blinding while driving due to the reflection of the sun on the dashboard. These issues have been going on for a period of over 10 years and I had multiple accidents due to these numerous issues. I have reported these to Lexus corporate on multiple occasions, including in 2016 and 2017. However, Lexus has refused to fix them stating that they are aware of these issues and had the ZLJ, ZLD and ZLA warranty programs but that they had expired in 2017. However, I later found out that none of those programs had expired at the time I called Lexus's corporate office. One of their programs, the ZLD warranty program, was apparently extended until 2021, however, Lexus failed to inform most vehicle owners of this. These issues are a safety issue. They have caused my car to malfunction for over 10 years and to have accidents. Many Lexus owners have also reported about these issues in Lexus owner forums on the internet and have stated that they have had accidents due to these issues, but Lexus failed to properly inform customers of the extended warranty and refused to fix these cars. With these issues continuing and becoming worse over the years, they are no longer a warranty issue, but a safety issue for drivers. I am requesting that the NHSTA investigate this issue and require, if possible, that Lexus issue safety recalls for these known defects and fix these issues immediately to prevent car accidents.
NHTSA complaint #11736572 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 135,000 milesPocomoke City, MDCrash1 killed
AIR BAGS
The contact's son owned a 2007 Lexus IS250. The contact stated while her son was driving at 15 MPH through an intersection, another speeding vehicle that did not have the right-of-way, crashed into the passenger's side of the vehicle, causing the front end of the vehicle to crash into another vehicle. The contact's son was knocked unconscious. The air bags failed to deploy. There was no warning light illuminated. The emergency services escorted the contact's son to the nearest hospital, where he passed away a few days later. The vehicle was towed and totaled. A police report was filed. The contact stated that the vehicle had previously been serviced and had passed State inspection. The local dealer was not notified of the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 135,000. The contact is requesting a phone call in regards to this case.
NHTSA complaint #11571096 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Renton, WACrash
AIR BAGS
The dash is shining and obstructs my view of the road
NHTSA complaint #11426068 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Renton, WACrash
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The dash is shining and obstructs my view of the road
NHTSA complaint #11426068 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Modesto, CA
STEERING
The headlights continusely shot off while driving. The shift solenoid are stuck off causing the check engine light to continuously remain on. This all began 2023.
NHTSA complaint #11744650 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Modesto, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The headlights continusely shot off while driving. The shift solenoid are stuck off causing the check engine light to continuously remain on. This all began 2023.
NHTSA complaint #11744650 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Modesto, CA
SERVICE BRAKES
The headlights continusely shot off while driving. The shift solenoid are stuck off causing the check engine light to continuously remain on. This all began 2023.
NHTSA complaint #11744650 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Alexandria, VACrash
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Hello: I own a 2007 Lexus IS250. My vehicle has had an ongoing engine misfire issue and has run extremely rough. In addition, my SRS light and there is an issue with the driver's side knee air bag inflator connector. Finally, my dashboard, front and rear door panels have been sticky and melted over time when it is hot and there is no reason why this is occurring. The dashboard and door panels become glossy, crack and have broken off into pieces and the shine/gloss from the dashboard causes blinding while driving due to the reflection of the sun on the dashboard. These issues have been going on for a period of over 10 years and I had multiple accidents due to these numerous issues. I have reported these to Lexus corporate on multiple occasions, including in 2016 and 2017. However, Lexus has refused to fix them stating that they are aware of these issues and had the ZLJ, ZLD and ZLA warranty programs but that they had expired in 2017. However, I later found out that none of those programs had expired at the time I called Lexus's corporate office. One of their programs, the ZLD warranty program, was apparently extended until 2021, however, Lexus failed to inform most vehicle owners of this. These issues are a safety issue. They have caused my car to malfunction for over 10 years and to have accidents. Many Lexus owners have also reported about these issues in Lexus owner forums on the internet and have stated that they have had accidents due to these issues, but Lexus failed to properly inform customers of the extended warranty and refused to fix these cars. With these issues continuing and becoming worse over the years, they are no longer a warranty issue, but a safety issue for drivers. I am requesting that the NHSTA investigate this issue and require, if possible, that Lexus issue safety recalls for these known defects and fix these issues immediately to prevent car accidents.
NHTSA complaint #11736572 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Alexandria, VACrash
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Hello: I own a 2007 Lexus IS250. My vehicle has had an ongoing engine misfire issue and has run extremely rough. In addition, my SRS light and there is an issue with the driver's side knee air bag inflator connector. Finally, my dashboard, front and rear door panels have been sticky and melted over time when it is hot and there is no reason why this is occurring. The dashboard and door panels become glossy, crack and have broken off into pieces and the shine/gloss from the dashboard causes blinding while driving due to the reflection of the sun on the dashboard. These issues have been going on for a period of over 10 years and I had multiple accidents due to these numerous issues. I have reported these to Lexus corporate on multiple occasions, including in 2016 and 2017. However, Lexus has refused to fix them stating that they are aware of these issues and had the ZLJ, ZLD and ZLA warranty programs but that they had expired in 2017. However, I later found out that none of those programs had expired at the time I called Lexus's corporate office. One of their programs, the ZLD warranty program, was apparently extended until 2021, however, Lexus failed to inform most vehicle owners of this. These issues are a safety issue. They have caused my car to malfunction for over 10 years and to have accidents. Many Lexus owners have also reported about these issues in Lexus owner forums on the internet and have stated that they have had accidents due to these issues, but Lexus failed to properly inform customers of the extended warranty and refused to fix these cars. With these issues continuing and becoming worse over the years, they are no longer a warranty issue, but a safety issue for drivers. I am requesting that the NHSTA investigate this issue and require, if possible, that Lexus issue safety recalls for these known defects and fix these issues immediately to prevent car accidents.
NHTSA complaint #11736572 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Alexandria, VACrash
ENGINE
Hello: I own a 2007 Lexus IS250. My vehicle has had an ongoing engine misfire issue and has run extremely rough. In addition, my SRS light and there is an issue with the driver's side knee air bag inflator connector. Finally, my dashboard, front and rear door panels have been sticky and melted over time when it is hot and there is no reason why this is occurring. The dashboard and door panels become glossy, crack and have broken off into pieces and the shine/gloss from the dashboard causes blinding while driving due to the reflection of the sun on the dashboard. These issues have been going on for a period of over 10 years and I had multiple accidents due to these numerous issues. I have reported these to Lexus corporate on multiple occasions, including in 2016 and 2017. However, Lexus has refused to fix them stating that they are aware of these issues and had the ZLJ, ZLD and ZLA warranty programs but that they had expired in 2017. However, I later found out that none of those programs had expired at the time I called Lexus's corporate office. One of their programs, the ZLD warranty program, was apparently extended until 2021, however, Lexus failed to inform most vehicle owners of this. These issues are a safety issue. They have caused my car to malfunction for over 10 years and to have accidents. Many Lexus owners have also reported about these issues in Lexus owner forums on the internet and have stated that they have had accidents due to these issues, but Lexus failed to properly inform customers of the extended warranty and refused to fix these cars. With these issues continuing and becoming worse over the years, they are no longer a warranty issue, but a safety issue for drivers. I am requesting that the NHSTA investigate this issue and require, if possible, that Lexus issue safety recalls for these known defects and fix these issues immediately to prevent car accidents.
NHTSA complaint #11736572 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Ann Arbor, MI
VISIBILITY/WIPER
The dashboard material has degraded into a sticky, high-gloss liquid state. In direct sunlight, this creates a severe reflective glare on the interior of the windshield, causing temporary blindness and significantly obscuring my view of the road, pedestrians, and traffic signals. This manufacturer defect makes the vehicle unsafe to operate under normal daytime driving conditions. While driving on March 26, 2026, the sun hit the degraded dashboard, creating a mirrored reflection on the windshield that completely obscured my view of the road/pedestrians. This is a recurring safety hazard caused by the material's chemical failure. I have contacted Lexus Headquarters (Case # 260327002525) and that they refused to mitigate this known safety hazard because their "Customer Support Program" (ZLZ) had expired.
NHTSA complaint #11727562 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Garden Grove, CA
STRUCTURE:BODY
Engine is consuming too much oil regularly. I have to fill in a quart every 600 miles or so. Interior panels are melting
NHTSA complaint #11693354 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Garden Grove, CA
ENGINE
Engine is consuming too much oil regularly. I have to fill in a quart every 600 miles or so. Interior panels are melting
NHTSA complaint #11693354 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 135,000 milesPocomoke City, MDCrash1 killed
AIR BAGS
The contact's son owned a 2007 Lexus IS250. The contact stated while her son was driving at 15 MPH through an intersection, another speeding vehicle that did not have the right-of-way, crashed into the passenger's side of the vehicle, causing the front end of the vehicle to crash into another vehicle. The contact's son was knocked unconscious. The air bags failed to deploy. There was no warning light illuminated. The emergency services escorted the contact's son to the nearest hospital, where he passed away a few days later. The vehicle was towed and totaled. A police report was filed. The contact stated that the vehicle had previously been serviced and had passed State inspection. The local dealer was not notified of the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 135,000. The contact is requesting a phone call in regards to this case.
NHTSA complaint #11571096 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Phoenix, AZ
STRUCTURE:BODY
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!
NHTSA complaint #11528803 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Clinton Township, MI
WHEELS
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.
NHTSA complaint #11511235 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Clinton Township, MI
STEERING
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.
NHTSA complaint #11511235 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Clinton Township, MI
STRUCTURE:BODY
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.
NHTSA complaint #11511235 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Pleasant Hill, IA
POWER TRAIN
Lexus as made these cars with sealed transmissions Lexus says not to change transmission fluid but 2006 to 2013 has had known issues by many people of transmissions going out and need replaced the car will not reverse and jerks or the drive become reverse and neutral becomes drive at times this is not just a one car issue there are many is250s with this issue just search the web..
NHTSA complaint #11491085 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Cerritos, CA
AIR BAGS
Air bag light came on out of nowhere, went to take the car in for diagnosis and they stated that the issue code was the airbag B1861 is open in drivers side knee airbag squib circuit. Now all airbags are disabled due to circuit malfunction.
NHTSA complaint #11490372 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
San Francisco, CA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
My vehicle has a sticky dashboard and has a reflection to my front windshield. When it is sunny, that reflection is very blinding when I’m driving. My vehicle is available for inspection if needed. I am scared for myself and my passengers when I’m driving. My vision is 20/20 and this reflection is very bothersome. The issue has been confirmed by my local mechanic. 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. The vehicle has not been inspected by the manufacturer (I offered to do so but they did not confirm an appointment for any further assistance), police, insurance, etc. There were no warning lamps, or any notices for this issue.
NHTSA complaint #11469928 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Renton, WACrash
AIR BAGS
The dash is shining and obstructs my view of the road
NHTSA complaint #11426068 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Renton, WACrash
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The dash is shining and obstructs my view of the road
NHTSA complaint #11426068 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Renton, WACrash
VISIBILITY/WIPER
The dash is shining and obstructs my view of the road
NHTSA complaint #11426068 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Grass Valley, CA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I have a 2007 lexus is350 with the melting dashboard and door panels. The dashboard causes a terrible glare that reflects off the windshield and making it difficult to see the road and causes a smell in the car as well.
NHTSA complaint #11425404 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Vallejo, CA
VISIBILITY/WIPER
I purchased a previously-owned Lexus IS 250 in 2017. At the time I was unaware of the "melting dashboard" issue that is associated with the make and model. As I begin to notice the sticky appearance of the dashboard, I began to conduct some research. During my research, I found that Toyota Corporation was aware of the situation and issued an extended warranty and that a recall has never been issued. Unfortunately, my complaints to Lexus other reiterated this decision. The melting dashboard has become a safety concern. When the sun shines on the dashboard, it produces a reflection that makes for poor visibility. (For the date this incident occurred, I am entering that date of filing this form).
NHTSA complaint #11424844 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Cordova, TN
AIR BAGS
UNKNOWN The airbag light continues to come on and off, also the check VSC keeps coming on. Not sure what the issue is. I feel unsafe and uncomfortable with this occurring!
NHTSA complaint #11424256 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 175,000 milesPalm Harbor, FL
STEERING
POWER STEERING STOPPED WORKING WHILE BACKING OUT OF A PARKING SPACE IN A PARKING GARAGE IN TAMPA, FL. IT HAPPENED WITHOUT A SOUND AND WITHOUT WARNING, AND HASN'T WORKED EVER SINCE.
NHTSA complaint #11400084 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 175,000 milesNewport News, VA
SEAT BELTS
THE ARS LIGHT COMES ON AND WILL NOT GO OFF, WAS ADVISED THAT LEXUS NO LONGER MAKES THIS PART SO I CAN NOT GET IT FIXED THIS WAS A PART OF A PREVIOUS CAMPAIGN RECALL BUT I AM STILL HAVING THE ISSUE
NHTSA complaint #11391000 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.