95 of the
808 complaints filed about the Lexus IS
are about the glass, mirrors and wipers —
12% of everything owners reported.
The worst model year for it is 2006.
95
Complaints
12%
Share of all complaints
3
Crashes
0
Fires
Windows, Mirrors & Wipers complaints by model year
The dashboard (instrument panel) on this 2012 Lexus IS 250 has degraded and deteriorated, developing a shiny, reflective surface. In daylight and bright conditions, this degraded surface reflects onto the windshield and produces a significant glare that obstructs the driver's view of the road. The glare materially impairs forward visibility and makes safe operation of the vehicle dangerous, particularly given the driver's reduced tolerance for compromised visibility. This is a known and widespread defect. Lexus formally acknowledged the cracking/melting dashboard condition through Customer Support Program ZLZ, which covered approximately 584,800 vehicles. The defect is understood to result from the dashboard material breaking down over time due to heat exposure. Numerous owners of affected Toyota and Lexus vehicles have reported the identical hazard to NHTSA: a degraded dashboard casting a glare on the windshield that impairs the driver's view. In this vehicle, the condition did not manifest until 2025–2026 — after the support program's coverage window had closed — which is consistent with the latent, heat-driven nature of the defect. The owner contacted Lexus and requested repair. Lexus declined, stating the vehicle was outside the program's coverage limits, and on escalation confirmed it would not take responsibility. The owner is filing this report because the condition is an active safety hazard affecting road visibility, not merely a cosmetic issue, and because Lexus has declined to remedy it despite having formally recognized the defect across hundreds of thousands of vehicles. No crash / no injury / no fire (assuming that's accurate — the form will ask; answer honestly).
NHTSA complaint #11755221 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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 dash has started melting after being in hot weather. Despite ceramic window tint which reduces heat (and likely slowed the melting) the dah continues to melt. This results in significant shining and reduction in visibility. While there was an enhanced warranty program from Lexus in which they would repair the dash, the melting occurred shortly after that expired. They will not take responsibility and fix it as they should, given this is a KNOWN issue with serious safety concerns.
NHTSA complaint #11745346 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
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.
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'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.
I have a stick dashboard and it’s impairing my vision to see out of front windshield. Lexus did have a recall, but it expired. However, I’m still in danger while driving because of glare.
NHTSA complaint #11695432 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM:AIR HANDLER/CHAMBER, DUCTS, AND VALVES
Lexus had a recall for a faulty servo motor back in 2021. The recall work was performed; however, the same issue is happening again. The airflow on the “head only” setting comes out extremely low and blows air on the feet. This is the second malfunction for this electrical component within a four year period and shows faulty components being placed in vehicles. This can become a very dangerous situation if air or heat is not flowing properly from the vents. It can create situations where driver is not comfortable due to any health conditions or other reasons, and can create a potential accident hazard.
NHTSA complaint #11659626 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The dashboard appears to be decomposing, creating a sticky top layer which in addition to being extremely uncomfortable is reflective in direct sunlight obscuring general visibility and oncoming traffic. There was a similar occurrence with previous Toyota and Lexus models: The Problem - The dashboards in certain Toyota and Lexus models, particularly those from 2003-2011, were made with a material that was prone to melting and becoming sticky under prolonged exposure to heat and sunlight. This could lead to the dashboard cracking, becoming glossy, and even oozing a sticky, shiny substance. Affected Models - Most commonly affected models included the 4th Generation 4Runner, 3rd Generation Avalon, 6th Generation Camry, 1st Generation Camry Hybrid, 1st Generation Sienna, and 1st Generation Solara. Toyota's Response - Toyota responded to the issue with various measures, including: Warranty Extensions: Toyota announced extending warranty coverage on affected dashboards to 10 years for some models. Customer Campaigns - Some Toyota models were the subject of specific campaigns to address the sticky dashboard issue. Reimbursement Programs: Toyota offered reimbursement for repairs performed on affected dashboards. Class Action Lawsuits - Several class action lawsuits were filed against Toyota and other automakers due to the melting dashboard issue. Safety Concerns - The melting dashboards could also cause glare on the windshield, making it difficult for drivers to see, which raised safety concerns.
NHTSA complaint #11658790 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
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.
This model was affected by the originally cosmetic, but well documented "sticky dash" recall. I am an automotive enthusiast who has worked within the industry for over 12 years, including notifying customers of NHTSA recalls and assisting with scheduling recalls to be performed. The dashboard can be severely melted to the point of becoming a mirror finish, I was driving at night in the headlights from an opposing truck reflected off the shiny surface of the dashboard having been melted by sunlight. I have great vision and was wearing prescription lenses, the incident nearly caused an oncoming collision. I slid into a ditch briefly and did not sustain damage to my vehicle.
NHTSA complaint #11610108 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
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.
URGENT: MY DASH HAS MELTED ON MY-2009 LEXUS IS 350-CANNOT SEE TO DRIVE, MY 2009 LEXUS IS 350. IT IS GETTING TO DANGEROUS TO DRIVE BECAUSE MELTING DASH BLOCKS VIEW OF ROAD DUE TO SHINING REFLECTION OF MELTING DASH IS ALL YOU CAN SEE IN MY WINDSHIELD WHEN YOU GET IN THE CAR TO DRIVE. THIS IS GOING TO GET ME INTO AN ACCIDENT. YOU CANT SEE A CAR IF ITS MORE THAN 10FT IN FRONT OF YOU BECAUSE THE SHINY-MELTING-STICKY DASH ((REFLECTS ONTO MY WINDSHIELD; OF THE 2009 LEXUS IS 350-JTHBE262392017342 AND MAKES IT TOO DANGEROUS TO SEE TO DRIVE & IMPOSSIBLE TO SEE ANYTHING WHEN DRIVING ALL I CAN SEE IS (((A REFLECTION IN WINDSHIELD ONLY) OF MY : SHINY MELTING DASH -2009 LEXUS IS 350-I CANNOT DRIVE THIS LEXUS. NEEDS REPLACED ASAP BEFORE AN ACCIDENT. NO, I HAVE NEVER RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE ON THIS CAR MELTING DASH. THIS ISSUE IS ALL OVER THE INTERNET WITH OTHER TOYOTA AND LEXUS OWNERS HAVING THIS VERY SAME ISSUE. PLEASE HELP!! ATTACHED PICTURE ONLY SHOWS THE CIRCLE AREA WHERE MY PHONE IS FOCUSING BUT THE WHOLE WINDSHIELD LOOKS LIKE THIS AT ALL TIMES BECAUSE OF THE DASH. THE PICTURE IS ALSO MUCH LESS REFLECTION THAN IN PERSON BECAUSE THE CAMERA IS TRYING TO BYPASS THE GLASS.
NHTSA complaint #11588223 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The dashboard is melting - it is sticky and shiny. The glare it causes on the windshield is horrific. I have a very difficult time seeing when the sun is out. An independent service center has inspected and confirmed it is caused by the melting dashboard. I first noticed it a few months ago. I travel to Nashville often, which is a 3.5 hour drive, and the sight obstruction at interstate driving speeds and traffic is challenging to say the least. I am afraid to drive my car with my granddaughter in with me because it is truly dangerous.
NHTSA complaint #11578247 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.