Credov's researched list of the 8 faults the Lexus IS350 is known for (2006–2014), 7 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: Listen at the front of the engine for a brief hard rattle in the first 1-2 seconds of a cold start.
Why it matters: The register states the bolts securing the housing and sprocket of the intake VVT gear can loosen from abnormal impacts within the gear immediately after start-up; the housing and sprocket could separate and stop the engine while driving.
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: Ask if the car has ever braked hard on its own, and look for a pre-collision recall entry in the service book.
Why it matters: Lexus told MLIT that the millimetre-wave radar obstacle detection software on the Pre-Collision System was inadequate, that scattered radar reflections are occasionally read as an obstacle in front, and that the automatic brake then applies and produces unexpected hard braking when there is no risk of collision.
Sources: 1
What to look for: Check that the brake warning light doesn't stay on with other lights after start-up, and listen for a repeating buzzer.
Why it matters: Lexus published a free repair programme in Japan stating that with heavy, frequent braking the solenoid valve section of the brake actuator wears, the brake warning lamp and others light, and that if the car keeps being used in that state the buzzer sounds and braking becomes less effective.
Sources: 1
What to look for: Check for warning lights that stay on together, and look for a mid-2025 brake campaign entry in the service book.
Why it matters: Lexus notified a service campaign in Japan stating that on the electric brake actuator, frequent braking wears the hydraulic control valve earlier than expected, that several warning lamps then light together, and that continued use brings on a buzzer and needs more pedal effort for less braking.
Sources: 1
What to look for: Feel inside both rear wheel arches for raised paint, and look for blisters or fresh underseal along the lower rear panels.
Why it matters: Lexus notified a service campaign in Japan stating that the water-sealer on the body panel joint inside the rear fender was applied in the wrong place, so water carrying de-icing agent gets in through the joint, the panel rusts early and the paint blisters.
Sources: 1
What to look for: Ask about hard starting or stalling, and look for a fuel pump recall entry dated November 2023 or later.
Why it matters: Lexus filed a further recall with MLIT in November 2023 for cars built 2017 to 2020 over the same fault as the earlier campaign: the resin impeller in the low-pressure fuel pump was moulded at too low a density, it swells in fuel and deforms, touches the pump case, the pump works badly and the engine can stop while the car is being driven.
Sources: 1
What to look for: Feel the dash top and door tops for tackiness, and look for a shiny glare or cracks near the airbag seam.
Why it matters: Lexus USA ran a warranty enhancement program covering this condition on these model years. A degraded dash causes windscreen glare and is an every-day irritant to the next owner, and a dashboard replacement is a large labour job that the sale price has to absorb.
Sources: 1
Got a question about a Lexus IS350? 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.