I am unable to shut the engine off to pump fuel into the vehicle. The purge valve has been replaced, that maf sensor has been cleaned the leak detector pump has been changed. The vehicle will shut off and go into low power mode while driving on Highway, the idling is rough. The check engine light will not go off. The code is reading Po171.
NHTSA complaint #11751475 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I am filing this updated complaint to supplement my prior complaint (NHTSA ID No. XXX, filed January 27, 2026) regarding a recurring, safety-critical engine defect in my 2020 Lexus IS300 RWD, 8AR-FTS engine. DEFECT: Three documented misfire events over seven weeks. The second (12/11/2025) and third (1/17/2026) each involved a temporary stall in active traffic requiring immediate evasive action. All events involved flashing MIL, reduced engine power, shaking, and abrupt deceleration. DIAGNOSIS: Authorized Lexus dealership—following 34-day retention with Lexus Technical Assistance (TAC Case XXX) and personal on-site inspection by a Lexus Field Technical Engineer—confirmed worn intake valve guide on Cylinder 3. Repair estimate: $10,355.61 subtotal per Service Bulletin L-SB-0007-21 ($10,671.72 total incl. shop supplies and tax). Estimate cites L-SB-0007-21 without mileage qualification, confirming technical applicability. TSB PATTERN — NO RECALL: Lexus has issued multiple TSBs on the 8AR-FTS engine: L-SB-0153-17 (September 2017) and L-SB-0007-21 (March 2021, revised April 17 and July 2, 2024), covering 2015-2024 model year vehicles—progressively widening applicability over three years. Both 2024 revisions occurred during the active warranty period. No recall has been issued and this consumer received no notification of any kind. A TSB is an internal dealer communication — not consumer notification. A CPO purchaser relying on Lexus's representations of comprehensive inspection and rigorous certification has a reasonable right to assume known defects were addressed, without searching technical databases. MANUFACTURER RESPONSE: Lexus declined to authorize repair under warranty or as goodwill and declined to confirm authorization in writing. REQUEST: Please investigate whether the pattern of multiple TSBs covering progressively wider applicability—with no recall despite safety-critical symptoms—warrants a formal investigation and escalation to a safety recall. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION A
NHTSA complaint #11732111 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
When I start my car, every once in a while it acts as if it is not getting enough gas and lags. In the colder months it seems to do this more often and sometimes will not start. When the weather is warmer it will sporadically do this. I have put a new battery in thinking it was weak and this could be the cause for it to not want to start, but it has done this at least 5 times within the month that the battery was replaced. My VIN is not showing a recall for the fuel pump like the other 2016 IS200t models, but I’m afraid that this is the recall problem. What should I do if my mechanic says it is the fuel pump? Will it get replaced under the recall?
NHTSA complaint #11726260 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The vehicle is experiencing a failure of the dual-zone HVAC system where the passenger side consistently blows hot air while the driver side is set to cold. This indicates a failure of the HVAC blend door actuator (servo motor), which is a known issue for this model year. This failure poses a safety risk as it can prevent proper defrosting and defogging of the windshield during inclement weather, obstructing driver visibility. Also should note While driving, the vehicle becomes excessively loud and behaves as if it is stuck in the wrong gear, accompanied by a significant loss of engine power. An onboard diagnostic alert has indicated a malfunction in the electronic control of the engine throttle or automatic transmission. This 'limp mode' behavior creates a hazardous situation during highway driving or merging, as the vehicle cannot maintain speed or respond to throttle inputs, increasing the risk of a rear-end collision.
NHTSA complaint #11724450 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
This vehicle has a recurring, safety-critical defect involving intermittent engine misfires, flashing MILs, reduced engine power, sudden loss of acceleration, and noticeable engine shaking. Despite multiple repair attempts and extended diagnostics by a dealership, with manufacturer technical assistance, the defect continues. The defect has repeatedly caused the vehicle to stall and lose propulsion while driving, creating a serious hazard. Documented events include: •FIRST INCIDENT: The MIL flashed and engine power was reduced while driving. The vehicle was taken to the dealership for evaluation and repair. A diagnostic code confirmed a cylinder misfire. •SECOND INCIDENT: Several days after being returned to the owner, the MIL flashed again and engine power was reduced, requiring careful maneuvering. The vehicle was returned to the dealership for further repair and remained in their custody for about a month. •THIRD AND MOST SEVERE INCIDENT: A few days after being returned, the MIL flashed again. The vehicle abruptly slowed, shook, and temporarily stalled in active traffic, requiring immediate intervention to avoid a collision. The engine restarted after pulling over safely. The vehicle has undergone compression testing, coil and spark plug replacement, battery replacement, and extended diagnostics with manufacturer technical support. Despite these efforts, the defect persists, demonstrating it is intermittent and unpredictable. The combination of sudden loss of engine power, stalling, and shaking in traffic creates a foreseeable risk of collision, particularly at intersections and in situations where predictable vehicle response is critical. Videos and diagnostic evidence document these recurring failures.
NHTSA complaint #11713779 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Developed a fuel leak at the tank that has previously been exactly described as a recall on the exact year make and model of this vehicle however, when entering my VIN it does not show my VIN number as being affected. I feel there has been a mistake on the Vin number range. However, Lexus refuses to handle the issue under the recall since the VIN number does not trigger as such.
NHTSA complaint #11705266 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I own a 2017 Lexus IS 200t that is experiencing fuel pump failure. Although I checked my VIN and confirmed there are no open recalls listed, the symptoms match the known fuel pump issues affecting other Lexus vehicles from similar model years. The only reason my vehicle is not included is because my VIN falls outside of the specific batch covered by the recall, even though 2016 and 2017 models share the same problem. Because I am experiencing the identical safety concerns reported in the recall—such as potential engine stalling and loss of power—I believe my vehicle should be considered part of the affected group. It is not safe or fair that some 2017 models are excluded based solely on VIN range when the defect clearly exists in other units as well. My vehicle is showing the same failure and should be eligible for the same repair or recall coverage. If you’d like, I can also format this as an email, a letter to Lexus corporate, or a service request message.
NHTSA complaint #11704536 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fuel pump not reading correct amount of fuel in tank. In order to get correct fuel reading have to disconnect battery for 3 hours and reconnect battery in so I can get an accurate reading.
NHTSA complaint #11690877 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Several time since owning my 2014 LexusIS350 with 141,000 miles on it, it have given inaccurate fuel reading. By almost 100 miles short. Had to disconnect the battery for the ECU to clear so a more accurate reading on fuel can be displayed.
NHTSA complaint #11677897 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
My car has had issues where the car will either not start, or the car will stall and turn off while I am driving on the road, causing my car to become a hazard for myself in the car, and other cars who have to avoid it being in the middle of the road. This first happened to me 2 years ago and I took it to a mechanic who could not identify the issue because they could not replicate it while it was in the shop. I then took it to the nearest Lexus dealership and after a few days they identified the problem as a malfunctioning High Pressure Fuel Sensor and replaced that part, which I paid for out of pocket. The issue happened again 2 months later and the Lexus dealership replaced this part again. That was 2 years ago, the warranty on that replacement ended after 1 year, and my car had the same issue again where it literally stopped and turned off while driving on the road with no warning whatsoever. No light or indicator came on until the car engine turned off and then the entire dashboard lit up. My car is currently at another Lexus dealership and they are attempting to identify the issue once again. I see that there was a Fuel Pump recall put out for other Toyota / Lexus vehicles for this exact issue, but my specific Model / VIN are not a part of this list. The descriptions and reasoning for the recall describe my exact situation, I would like to see if there is a way I am able to add my Model / VIN to this list to protect myself and others. I do not feel safe driving my vehicle as it can turn off on me at any moment on the road.
NHTSA complaint #11676808 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Vehicle: 2008 Lexus IS350 Issue: Excessive oil consumption and fuel/exhaust odor I am experiencing what I believe is excessive oil consumption with my 2008 Lexus IS350. I’ve had to regularly add oil between scheduled oil changes, and I’ve noticed that the oil level is frequently low with no external leaks visible. I’m concerned that this may indicate a known issue with piston rings or internal engine components. In addition to the oil issue, I have recently started smelling strong gas or exhaust fumes while the engine is running, especially at idle or when the car is warm. I am worried that this may be related to catalytic converter damage caused by prolonged oil burning. I believe this may pose both a safety risk and an environmental concern, especially if the catalytic converter is compromised. I have not yet received any recall notices or service bulletins related to this issue, but I am aware that similar Toyota and Lexus models have had oil consumption problems tied to engine design.
NHTSA complaint #11655160 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I was driving my vehicle and then the entire car shut off going about 50 MPH causing the car to immediately stall. Nothing eventually worked making me have to push my car onto the side of the highway. Replaced the alternator and battery. Eventually got my car scanned and the issue I’m having is a fueling system problem. Did some research and my car 2017 IS350 f sport did eventually have that recall issue. The vehicle was not showing any problems before hand it just happened.
NHTSA complaint #11651863 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I have been having problems with hard starts, rough idle, engine dying. My vehicle is experiencing all the same reported issues as a recall issued for a fuel pump on my make/model. My VIN however, is not covered under the recall. I've contacted Lexus and they said that if enough people complained that they could make this fall under the recall. It only has problems at idle and upon acceleration. Once a decent speed is reached, I have no problems. This is intermittent. I've also taken it to a Toyota dealership where they kept it for 2-3 days and could not figure out what the problem was, although they witnessed all the issues. I'm marking September as the date of the incident, but this has been ongoing since last year and currently giving issues.
NHTSA complaint #11645663 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Car keeps randomly dying out while driving sometimes it comes back on sometimes It has to pull over and start the car again has a lean code pretty sure its the fuel pump noticed they have a recall on other is200t for fuel pump issues believe mine should Definitely been part of the recall it's very dangerous when it dies on the highway
NHTSA complaint #11606375 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
It was regular morning on memorial day and I had not used the car all weekend since I really dont drive unless it to and back from work. I started the engine like would any other day and the car began to shake out of nowhere. The check engine went off, the yield sign went off and the traction control went off. I thought maybe it was time to change my brakes because the dealership had recommended it. I changed my brakes and got new tires but the car still shook. I continued to drive like that to work because I had no choice it shaked mostly on idle and I drove like that for a few days on Friday as I was coming back from work on the freeway the car shook in the freeway as I exit out the freeway the car felt almost if I couldn't pick up an speed and I got extremely scared with the cars flying by. I decided not to drive and take it to a nearby mechanic I thought maybe the spark plugs or coils might be the issue but after 3 days in the shop and replacing spark plugs he confirmed it was the direct fuel pump and possibly the fuel injector....my car is only used to drive to and back from work and only has 58k miles. I believe this is a default manufacturer part and I need help recalling this particular part on my vehicle.
NHTSA complaint #11592313 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Sudden engine stalling in the middle of a highway with extremely heavy traffic and stopped in the center lane. Needs to wait inside the car with a passenger in a very scary, tense situation and exposed to serious accident, until a towing arrive for about 1.5 hrs later. The car was towed to the dealer. Since I was in the middle of a highway, I wasn’t able to exit the car to verify the car. But, the engine stalling was compatible with fuel delivery starvation. The fuel tank was full. The starter spin and electric system was functional, so electric voltage was not an issue. No check engine light on, no alerts messages, nothing. Just suddenly engine power loose, stalling and the engine stop. Check engine light on after a lot of cranking. Never fire back.
NHTSA complaint #11575122 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The vehicle stalled while driving. I pulled over because as I press on the gas the car wouldn’t accelerate in speed . I turned the vehicle off and tried to start the car but it wouldn’t start . I was stranded on side the road for 4 hours to get a tow truck tow the vehicle to the Lexus dealer. No warning signs or indicators. Believe to the the fuel pump being bad and causing the issue.
NHTSA complaint #11561214 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
The contact owns a 2008 Lexus IS250. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormally strong fuel odor coming from the vehicle. The failure persisted and the fuel light frequently illuminated on the instrument panel after refueling. The contact inspected the vehicle and discovered fuel residue in the fuel pressure sensor located by the intake manifold. Upon investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V432000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) which he linked to the failure. The manufacturer and the dealer were notified of the failure; however, the contact was informed that the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 102,000.
NHTSA complaint #11537744 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
AT APPROXIMATELY 85K TOTAL MILES, IS250 AUTOMATIC BEGAN DROPPING FROM 5-6K RPM TO 2-3K RPM WHENEVER CHANGING ROAD GRADE TO AN INCLINE OR DECLINE, USUALLY ABOVE 50 MPH, DROPPING TO 35 MPH ON THE HIGHWAY. TO MAINTAIN PROPER SPEED, I WOULD HAVE TO DOWNSHIFT FROM D TO S AND FLOOR THE ACCELERATOR. TRACTION CONTROL, PARKING BRAKE, AND ABS LIGHTS WOULD SOMETIMES COINCIDE WITH THIS PROBLEM. THIS CONTINUED UNTIL I SOLD THE IS250 AT 88K MILES.
NHTSA complaint #11414566 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.