Credov's researched list of the 5 faults the Lexus IS F is known for (2007–2014), 5 of them serious or costly. Each one says what to look for when you check the car, so you can spot it before you buy. Not every car has these faults: they are the ones worth checking on this model.
What to look for: Smell for petrol and look for dark fuel stains around the fuel pressure sensor, and ask for the recall records.
Why it matters: Three AU register entries (2011, 2014, 2016) describe the same failure path: insufficiently tightened sensor, then a gasket whose sealing degrades over time, leading to a fuel leak with a fire hazard. A car with the campaign outstanding is a liability to retail.
What to look for: Ask for the fuel pump recall record, and on the drive feel for surging or hesitation and watch for warning lights.
Why it matters: The register states the fuel pump may stop operating, warning lights and messages display, the engine may run rough, and the vehicle can stall and not restart. It is a free dealer fix, but an unrectified car cannot responsibly be retailed.
Sources: 1
What to look for: Ask for the invoice showing when the passenger airbag was replaced, as a 2015-2018 fix may need redoing.
Why it matters: Takata inflators can rupture and throw metal into the cabin; the register's 2019 IS entry states replacement inflators may not fully inflate the passenger airbag. In NZ an outstanding Takata recall is a known retail blocker and buyers check it.
What to look for: Look behind the engine where it meets the firewall for pink coolant crust, and smell for sweet coolant.
Why it matters: Owners say most 2008-2014 IS Fs develop this leak eventually, usually from about 110,000-130,000 km. Left unchecked it slowly drops the coolant level and can overheat the engine, and the fix means removing the intake manifold, so it is a large labour bill.
What to look for: Listen at a cold start, crouched by each front wheel, for a ticking or puffing exhaust leak.
Why it matters: A cracked header lets exhaust gas and fumes escape near the cabin air intake and changes how the engine runs; owners commonly end up replacing them with aftermarket headers rather than paying for factory parts again.
Got a question about a Lexus IS F? Ask Credov: a noise, a warning light, a part or how to fix it.
On top of the faults above, every Credov inspection covers the basics: fuel smell, leaks or filler rust, engine oil leaks, power steering fluid leak, drive belt cracks or squeal, rust underneath: chassis and mounts, engine mounts, engine oil level and colour, coolant level, colour and leaks, head gasket failure signs, cold start: rattle, knock or smoke, rough or hunting idle, engine running hot on gauge, gearbox or diff oil leak, swapped gearbox without lvv and more.
Researched by Credov from manufacturer recalls and service bulletins, owner reports and workshop sources. Repair prices are typical ranges, not quotes. See also fault codes and repair costs.