148 of the
808 complaints filed about the Lexus IS
are about the body and structure —
18% of everything owners reported.
The worst model year for it is 2007.
2012 Lexus IS 250 Complaint Category: Interior/Seat Belts/Air Bags → Interior Component: Interior Moldings/Trim/Panels Narrative This is a safety issue. The dashboard on my 2012 Lexus IS 250 has developed significant cracking and is actively decomposing into a gelatin-like texture, despite the vehicle being garage-kept, low mileage, and well-maintained throughout my ownership. This is not the result of any accident, impact, or misuse — it appeared spontaneously and has progressively worsened. The degrading dashboard material is emitting fumes, which are causing a haze to form on the interior surface of the windshield. This directly impairs driver visibility, particularly at night, creating a glare and obstruction hazard while driving. 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. Despite my appeal to Lexus National Headquarters citing my long-term ownership, the vehicle's low mileage, and the timing of the condition's appearance, Lexus has declined to provide any assistance and has stated this is their final position. Supporting Witness Statement [XXX], a window tinting professional, inspected the windshield and dashboard on XXX, at my residence. He observed that the dashboard surface has deteriorated to a gelatin-like, decomposing texture, and assessed that the haze visible on the interior of the windshield is consistent with off-gassing from the degrading dashboard material, rather than from window tint film, cleaning residue, or normal glass wear. (Contact: [XXX]) INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11748952 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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. Despite my appeal to Lexus National Headquarters citing my long-term ownership, the vehicle’s low mileage, and the timing of the condition’s appearance, Lexus has declined to provide any assistance and has stated this is their final position. I am filing this complaint to document this defect and contribute to the record of affected owners. Dashboard cracking of this nature is not only a cosmetic issue — a deteriorating dashboard can cause glare, distraction, and potential visibility impairment for the driver, which raises legitimate safety concerns. I am requesting that NHTSA review whether Customer Support Program ZLZ adequately addressed the full scope of affected vehicles and owners, and whet
NHTSA complaint #11745928 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
NHTSA complaint #11725593 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
NHTSA complaint #11719069 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I am reporting a recurring front bumper cracking and separation issue on my Lexus IS 500. A crack developed at the front bumper seam directly adjacent to the passenger-side headlight assembly. The crack originates at the bumper mounting/retention area near the headlamp and appears to be stress-related rather than impact-related. There is a known Lexus Technical Service Bulletin addressing front bumper sag and improper retention on this model. Multiple other Lexus IS 500 owners have reported similar cracking and separation in the exact same location, including vehicles that have not been modified or involved in collisions. My concern is that: The crack appears at a structural mounting point of the bumper. Continued stress or separation may compromise bumper retention. Progressive separation could create risk of partial bumper detachment at highway speeds. The issue occurs adjacent to the headlight assembly, raising potential concern for lighting alignment or mounting stability if the condition worsens. This does not appear to be isolated cosmetic damage but rather a recurring stress point at the bumper mounting seam. If the bumper retention system is insufficient or prone to stress cracking, this could pose a potential roadway hazard if separation increases while driving. Given that Lexus has issued a Technical Service Bulletin regarding bumper sag/retention on this model, I am requesting that NHTSA review whether the front bumper attachment design presents a broader safety concern.
NHTSA complaint #11717863 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I've owned my 2014 Lexus IS 250 for over 10 years. I've almost always kept my car covered in a garage at work and at home, and I've never had a problem with the dashboard until now. Just last month (October 2025), my dashboard started melting and getting extremely shiny and sticky during the day - so much so that I can't see out my front windshield because of the glare from the shiny dashboard, making it very dangerous to drive. After my car is out of the sun for a while (like my garage), the dashboard eventually cools down and is no longer shiny or sticky. It has a cloudy, smudged look. However, once I start driving again during the day, the sticky, melting, and shiny dashboard returns. I've tried calling Lexus Corporate to assist with this serious safety issue, but they refuse to help, claiming my car wasn't part of the sticky, melting dashboard campaign. I am extremely disappointed with Lexus Corporate, as my family and I have been very loyal Toyota / Lexus customers for over 35 years. I've taken my car to my local Lexus dealer for inspection, who has confirmed the issue and provided me a quote to replace the dashboard for over $2,400. I hope Lexus Corporate would reconsider and do the right thing by replacing my faulty, dangerous dashboard.
NHTSA complaint #11700408 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2025 Lexus IS-350. The contact stated that the vehicle was purchased brand new. The contact stated that within four days of driving the vehicle, the contact started to experience health and safety issues that persisted throughout the time the vehicle was driven, and the contact noticed an abnormal odor coming from the vehicle. The contact experienced extremely swollen abdomen causing severe digestive distress, constipation, diarrhea and loss of appetite. The contact experienced swollen lymph nodes on the left side of the groin, abnormal weight gain, debilitating fatigue, insomnia, loss of breath, reduced eyesight, loss of strength, joints pain, reduced cognitive ability, malaise. Additionally, the contact experienced hair loss that stopped once the contact stopped driving the vehicle in the month of June. The contact sought medical assistance, and the lab work showed low level of iron. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and the dealer was informed of the issue. The dealer performed a detailing of the vehicle to resolve the issue; however, the contact continued to experience the symptoms while driving the vehicle. The contact hired Nal East Environmental Services(2021 Bridgetown Pike, Feasterville-Trevose, PA 19053) to perform a test on the vehicle. The test was performed, and the contact was informed that extremely positive levels of Volatile Organic Compound(VOC) was found on the vehicle. The manufacturer was notified of the issue, and the Doctor's letter, stating that the VOC presence in the vehicle had made the contact sick, was sent to the manufacturer; however, no assistance was provided. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 15.
NHTSA complaint #11687952 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The dashboard is melting and makes a glare on the windshield making it hard to see the dashboard is melting and sticky also on the door panels I almost crashed when I couldn’t see due to the glare of the melting dashboard reflecting on the windshield
NHTSA complaint #11594599 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
NHTSA complaint #11593384 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2017 Lexus IS 200t. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked in the rain, water leaked into the dashboard causing the headlights to fail. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic, and it was determined to be a manufacturing defect. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 96,000.
NHTSA complaint #11583922 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
The paint is cracking and peeling off. Car is in great shape otherwise and has been kept clean and well maintained. Unsure why the paint is coming off.
NHTSA complaint #11542680 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
There has been a reported issue on the driver side with the bumper separating issue and ive had it replaced same issue and so has my buddy and im hearing that a recall should be coming in regards to fixing this issue. If you guys can figure out this problem im sure all of IS500 car owners would really appreciate it. The car cost too much to have this bumper separation issue. Thank you.
NHTSA complaint #11541658 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
NHTSA complaint #11540388 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
NHTSA complaint #11540388 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
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.
- 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. I informed Lexus, who greedily stated that they could not help me despite them knowingly installing faulty, failing parts in the car, which may be carcinogenic, and as well as, negatively diminishes my visibility with a reflective glare. Plastic and rubber should not melt at normal temperatures and I have never encountered this issue with any car I’ve ever owned.
NHTSA complaint #11480665 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Dashboard and door panels are melting to the point that (short) nails get stuck every time we drive. Car is parked under a roof and it’s still melting. Poor visibility due to shine.
NHTSA complaint #11464299 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.