KnownCarProblems2006 Lexus IS 350 Problems and Recalls
Owners filed 93 complaints with NHTSA about the 2006 Lexus IS 350, most often about the body and structure (32% of complaints, typically around 79,000 miles). It is the most complained-about IS 350 model year since 2000 and has 8 recalls.
Most common 2006 Lexus IS 350 problems
Body and structure
30 complaints · 32%Half of these problems showed up before 79,000 miles. Parts named most often: body.
2006 Lexus is350. Dashboards and door panels are sticky and melting. As a result dashboard causes a shiny unwanted reflective glare which reduces visibility while driving, potentially causing a safety issue increasing the chance or risk of a crash or accident. Furthermore, the door panels are so sticky and soft, one…
I have a Lexus is and the dash and the side door panels get molten or sticky. This causes severe safety issues since I am not sure of the chemicals that are emitted and if they are carcinogenic. Kids get this all over them and its hard to get this sticky material from their hands. I am not sure if this material is…
Visibility and wipers
18 complaints · 19%Half of these problems showed up before 80,500 miles. Parts named most often: rearview mirrors/devices.
Rear view mirror inside vehicle is becoming difficult to see out of, especially at night! According to Lexus forms and dealerships, the mirror is flaking from the inside and if out of warranty will cost over $1000 to repair. I do understand normal wear and tear on a vehicle, however, this is clearly a poorly made part…
The dashboard of the car is extremely sticky/shiny along with the tops of the door panels near the windows. When the sun is overhead shining down onto the dashboard in its melted shiny state it reflects a glare onto the inside of the windshield making it extremely difficult to see out of the car. Also I'm concerned…
Air bags
17 complaints · 18%Half of these problems showed up before 84,500 miles. Parts named most often: frontal, knee bolster.
When the car was turned on, our airbag light came on and stayed on. Scanlon Lexus of ft myers, fl evaluated the problem and concluded that the driver-side knee airbag is the problem and that the wiring harness needs to be replaced. They also stated that Lexus is aware of the issue for this model and that the design is…
Takata recall- took my car to the Lexus dealership in honolulu hi for the recall on the passenger side airbag which they claimed it was completed and resolved. Two days later the airbag light on dash would blink. I called them to let them know and we made an appt. When I took the Lexus back they did a diagnostic test…
Engine
14 complaints · 15%Half of these problems showed up before 90,000 miles. Parts named most often: engine.
My vehicle, and doing research there are numerous other Lexus models and years all experiencing oil loss from the timing chain cover gasket causing oil loss that could pose a potential risk to the engine from oil loss and affect drivability and safety. Lexus has not provided a recall on this known issue. They request…
My 2006 Lexus IS 350 is using oil at an alarming rate. I bought the car new in 2006 and it gets it's regular oil changes, I have to add a quart of oil around around 600 milles driven. It currently has 189,000 miles, but this has been going on for some time. I looked up the information on the internet and it said to go…
Steering
8 complaints · 9%Half of these problems showed up before 112,000 miles.
The electrical power steering failed. It's hard to make turn. Diagnositics indicate failure due to faulty electrical components. Asked Lexus dealer fix but refused.
The Lexus 2006 is350 has electric power steering problems. The problem caused by defected ecu component. I brought it to Lexus car dealer and they requested $500 just to look at it. It's too expensive. This car company is irresponsible. Don't buy Lexus car!!!! They can't make Lexus steering reliable. Request: Lexus…
Brakes
5 complaints · 5%2006 Lexus IS 350 vibrated when applying brakes from highway speed, at 44k miles I took to the Lexus dealership twice and they found nothing wrong, I finally took it to my private mechanic and it was determined the rear rotors were warped, rotors and pads were replaced with new OEM parts and the problem was abated. At…
The car like many push button start cars requires that you step on the brake pedal when starting, but the car will not start sometimes and/or requires a lot of force on the brake pedal to start the car which is apparently due to the brake booster going bad. This has been happening intermittently over the course of the…
Speed control
4 complaints · 4%Parts named most often: accelerator pedal.
Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6) I own a 2006 Lexus IS 350. I have had two incidents of "unattended acceleration" but was fortunate that both occurred on the freeway and I was able to get the vehicle to stop accelerating. My question is this; I received a…
Tl contact owns a 2006 Lexus is350. The contact was driving approximately between 35-45 MPH when the vehicle accelerated up to 90 MPH without warning. The brake pedal was depressed to the floor with extreme force. The vehicle failed to slow down. Immediately,the emergency brake was engaged and the vehicle slowed down.…
Fuel system
4 complaints · 4%I experienced a problem that may be the same problem as the Lexus valve spring problem, or related to it. The mechanic said it was caused by a design flaw. Here is part of a letter I sent to Lexus in march 2010: I own a 2006 Lexus is350, which I had been very happy with until february 1, 2010. As I was driving to…
My vehicle, and doing research there are numerous other Lexus models and years all experiencing oil loss from the timing chain cover gasket causing oil loss that could pose a potential risk to the engine from oil loss and affect drivability and safety. Lexus has not provided a recall on this known issue. They request…
Complaints are owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects. One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.
2006 Lexus IS 350 recalls
Air bags: inflator module
Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix: Toyota will notify owners. Depending on the vehicle model, dealers will replace the front driver inflator, front passenger airbag inflator, the airbag assembly, or the front passenger airbag sub-assembly and inflator. The recall began november 20, 2019. Owners may contact toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371 or lexus customer service at 1-800-255-3987. Toyota's numbers for this recall are j0a, j0b, and j0c. Lexus' numbers for this recall are jli, jlj, and jlk.
Full defect summary
Toyota motor engineering & manufacturing (toyota) is recalling certain 2010-2016 4runner, 2003-2006 tundra, 2003-2013 corolla, 2009-2010 corolla matrix, 2004-2005 rav4, 2002-2007 sequoia, 2011-2013 sienna, 2008-2012 scion xb, 2008-2009 lexus is-f, 2007-2012 yaris and lexus es350, 2010-2017 lexus gx460, 2002-2010 lexus sc430, 2006-2012 lexus is250 and is350 and 2010-2015 lexus is250c and is350c vehicles. These vehicles had their driver or passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior recall using inflators of the same design. The inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
Fuel system: delivery
Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
Fix: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel delivery pipe with a new pipe that has improved pulsation dampers, free of charge. The recall began august 23, 2018. Owners may contact lexus customer service at 1-800-255-3987. Toyota's number for this recall is jlf.
Full defect summary
Toyota motor engineering & manufacturing (toyota) is recalling certain 2007-2011 lexus gs350 and gs450h, 2006-2013 lexus is350 and 2010-2014 lexus is350c vehicles, equipped with 3.5l v6 2gr-fse gasoline engines. The diaphragms in the fuel pulsation dampers may harden over time and develop cracks, possibly causing a fuel leak.
Air bags: inflator module
Risk: An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix: Toyota will notify the toyota, scion and lexus owners. General motors will contact the pontiac owners. Depending on the model, dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator or the air bag assembly, free of charge. The recall began on february 1, 2017. Owners may contact toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331, or pontiac customer service at 1-800-762-2737. Toyota's numbers for final remedy for this campaign are g0p (toyota zone a), g0r (toyota zone b), h0a (toyota zone c), glg (lexus zone a), glh (lexus zone b) and hla (lexus zone c).
Full defect summary
Toyota motor engineering & manufacturing (toyota) is recalling certain 2012 toyota 4runner, corolla, corolla matrix, sienna, yaris, scion xb, lexus es350, gx460, is-f, is250, is350, is250c, is350c, and lexus lfa vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in alabama, california, florida, georgia, hawaii, louisiana, mississippi, south carolina, texas, puerto rico, american samoa, guam, the northern mariana islands (saipan), and the u.s. Virgin islands, or "zone a." additionally, unless included in "zone a" above, toyota is recalling certain 2009 toyota corolla, corolla matrix, yaris, yaris hb, scion xb, pontiac vibe, lexus, es350, is250, is350, and is-f vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in arizona, arkansas, delaware, district of columbia, illinois, indiana, kansas, kentucky, maryland, missouri, nebraska, nevada, new jersey, new mexico, north carolina, ohio, oklahoma, pennsy
Air bags: inflator module
Risk: An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix: Toyota will notify the toyota and lexus owners. General motors will contact the pontiac owners. Depending on the model, dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator or the air bag assembly, free of charge. The recall began on december 6, 2016. Owners may contact toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for interim notification for this campaign are g1p (toyota zone a), g1r (toyota zone b), g2g (lexus zone a), and g2h (lexus zone b). Toyota's numbers for final remedy for this campaign are g0p (toyota zone a), g0r (toyota zone b), glg (lexus zone a), and glh (le
Full defect summary
Toyota motor engineering & manufacturing (toyota) is recalling certain model year 2008-2011 scion xb and lexus is f, 2009-2011 toyota corolla and corolla matrix, 2006-2011 toyota yaris, lexus is250 and lexus is350, 2010-2011 toyota 4runner, lexus is250c, lexus is350c and lexus gx460, 2011 sienna, 2007-2011 lexus es350, and 2009-2010 pontiac vibe vehicles, originally sold, or ever registered, in alabama, california, florida, georgia, hawaii, louisiana, mississippi, south carolina, texas, puerto rico, american samoa, guam, the northern mariana islands (saipan), and the u.s. Virgin islands, or "zone a." additionally, unless included in "zone a" above, toyota is recalling certain model year 2008 scion xb and lexus is f, 2007-2008 toyota yaris, 2006-2008 lexus is250 and lexus is350 and 2007-2008 lexus es350 vehicles, originally sold, or ever registered, in arizona, arkansas, delaware, distric
Fuel system: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
Fix: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will clean and reseal the fuel pressure sensor mounting area, free of charge. The recall began march 3, 2015. Owners may contact toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331.
Full defect summary
Toyota motor engineering & manufacturing (toyota) is recalling certain model year 2007-2010 lexus ls vehicles manufactured may 9, 2006, to july 20, 2010, 2006-2011 lexus gs vehicles manufactured january 6, 2005, to september 10, 2010, and 2006-2011 lexus is vehicles manufactured august 30, 2005, to september 10, 2010. Due to anti-corrosion plating remnants, fuel may leak from where the fuel pressure sensor is attached to the fuel delivery pipe.
Engine
Risk: The loose bolts could cause the vvt gear housing and sprocket to separate and result in the engine stopping while the vehicle is being driven, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Toyota will notify owners, and lexus dealers will replace the vvt unit free of charge. Owners may contact toyota at 1-800-331-4331.
Full defect summary
Toyota is recalling certain model year 2007-2011 lexus gs350 vehicles manufactured june 19, 2006, through july 12, 2011; and model year 2006-2011 lexus is350 vehicles manufactured may 27, 2005, through july 13, 2011; and model year 2010-2011 lexus is350c vehicles manufactured november 25, 2009, through july 19, 2011. These vehicles, equipped with the 2gr-fse engine, use bolts to secure the housing and sprocket of the variable-valve timing (vvt) system gear assembly. These bolts could become loose due to abnormal impacts generated within the gear assembly immediately after a cold start-up.
Visibility and wipers: visibility/wiper
Risk: Inoperative wipers could reduce driver visibility and increase the risk of a vehicle crash.
Fix: Toyota will notify owners, and lexus dealers will install new wiper arm nuts, free of charge. An interim letter was mailed to owners on april 4, 2013. Owners may contact toyota at 1-800-331-4331.
Full defect summary
Toyota is recalling certain model year 2006-2012 lexus is250 and is350 vehicles manufactured august 23, 2005, through october 5, 2011; 2010-2012 lexus is250c and is350c vehicles manufactured april 10, 2009, through october 6, 2011; and 2008-2011 lexus is-f vehicles manufactured december 14, 2007, through july 10, 2011. The nuts that fasten the wiper arms may be insufficiently torqued such that if the wiper arms are restricted by an external load, such as a buildup of heavy snow, one or both of the wipers may become inoperative.
Engine
Risk: The engine could fail and stop suddenly while the vehicle is in motion, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Toyota will notify owners and dealers will repair the vehicles free of charge. The safety recall began on september 2, 2010. Owners may contact lexus at 1-800-255-3987.
Full defect summary
Toyota is recalling certain model year 2006 through 2008 lexus passenger cars manufactured from august 26, 2005 through august 4, 2008. Micro-foreign objects in the material of the valve spring may degrade the strength of the valve spring, possibly causing the spring to break.
Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which recalls are still open on your car.
NHTSA defect investigations
Desiccated air bag inflator rupture
Summary
From 2000 through 2017, takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("psan") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004l. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 blomquist report at www.NHTSA.gov/sites/NHTSA.gov/files/documents/expert_report-hrblomquist.pdf.consequently, all frontal inflators using propellant 2004 that do not contain a "desiccant" (a substa
Questions about the 2006 Lexus IS 350
- What are the most common problems with the 2006 Lexus IS 350?
- By NHTSA owner complaints: body and structure (30 complaints, typically around 79,000 miles); visibility and wipers (18 complaints, typically around 80,500 miles); air bags (17 complaints, typically around 84,500 miles).
- How many recalls does the 2006 Lexus IS 350 have?
- 8 recalls listed by NHTSA, the latest from October 17, 2019 (air bags). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which ones are still open on your car.
- Is the 2006 a bad year for the Lexus IS 350?
- It is the most complained-about IS 350 model year since 2000, with 93 complaints. Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so popular years collect more of them, and the newest years have had less time to.