Toyota is recalling 214,570 my 2006-2008 lexus is, my 2006-2007 gs and my 2007-2008 ls passenger vehicles equipped with aluminum fuel delivery pipes (fuel rails). Ethanol fuels with a low moisture content will corrode the internal surface of the fuel rails...
Engine & cooling
Lexus IS Engine problems by year
9 complaints filed with NHTSA about the Lexus IS's engine & cooling. Stalling, loss of power, oil consumption, overheating, head gaskets, timing chains and engine failure.
Engine complaints by model year
Engine recalls
Latest IS engine complaints
I am filing this updated complaint to supplement my prior complaint (NHTSA ID No. [redacted], 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...
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Lexus dealership - following 34-day retention with Lexus Technical Assistance (TAC Case [redacted]) 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 ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
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...
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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.
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...
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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.
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...
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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.
Timing chain cover leak in a 2014 Lexus IS350 is a relatively common issue for vehicles 3.5 liter engine 2GR-FSE. The leak typically occurs due to a failing gasket or sealant on the timing chain cover. Here's what you need to know: Symptoms of a Timing Chain Cover Leak 1. Oil Leaks: Visible oil on the engine or under the car in which can cause a fire in engine compartment 2. Burning Oil Smell: Oil dripping onto hot components may cause a noticeable odor. 3. Low Oil Levels: Frequent topping up of engine oil.
I took my car to my mechanic for an oil change, and they noticed an oil leak at the timing chain cover, which could pose a safety risk, including a potential engine fire. They informed me this is a known issue on Toyota and Lexus vehicles with the 3.5-liter V6 engine. To confirm, I brought the car to a Lexus dealership, and they verified the same problem.
New engine
Took vehicle for an oil change and toyota dealership sees an oil leak at the timing chain cover which can cause an engine fire. A common problem as Toyota tech stated on all Toyota/Lexus 3.5 liter V6 24-valve, dual overhead cam (DOHC), Direct & port injection, Variable Valve Timing (VVT-i), 306 hp.
On Friday, September 15, 2023 3:00PM, I had a "horrible" experience with my Lexus this weekend and sudden unintended acceleration. I was sitting at a red light, with my foot on the brake. Without warning the engine began to rev, the tires squealed and the car lurched forward. I through the car into park & turned of the car as quickly as I could react and "thank god" no one was injured and there was no accident. I was in the car with my wife and she reminded me she had a similar experience a month ago. I didn't...
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know what to think when she told me. Until I experienced it myself I didn't really understand how dangerous this problem is. She experience this sudden unintended acceleration when the car was in park after she got in the car and started it. I've read of this sudden unintended acceleration but never experienced it until this weekend. It was exactly this.. an unintended, unexpected, uncontrolled acceleration of a vehicle, accompanied by an apparent loss of braking effectiveness. This was not driver error. It is some kind of mechanical, software problem, electrical problem, or some combination of these factors. There was no driver error. This is not an issue with the floor mats. I drove the car home into the garage. I took it to the dealership the first available appointment on Monday. I had another incident on Wednesday, August 30, 2023. I was at the gym. My wife went to move my car as my parking time limit in La Jolla had expired. She experience sudden unintended acceleration when the car was in park after she got in the car and started it. The car had high engine revs and the car lurched forward while in park. The Lexus Dealership kept the car for a week. Mileage 67,249 Vehicle Report - [[redacted]]. Reviewed and analyzed by Lexus Factory. No recommended repairs are needed or required at this time. I opened TAS Case# [[redacted]] . I contacted Lexus Product Liability Team Case # [[redacted]] but, no one from corporate will look at the car. What should do? [[redacted]] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked daily. Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data