Vehicles / Lexus / Is 250 / 2008

2008 Lexus Is 250UNDER FEDERAL INVESTIGATION

125 federal complaints (157 component records) · 5 recall campaigns on file · 1 federal investigation · 165 service bulletins · 8 Canadian recalls
See all 11 model years of the Lexus Is 250 →
Engine
2.5L 6-cyl
Fuel
Premium
Drive
RWD
EPA economy
18 city / 26 hwy
Federal complaints
125
Recall campaigns
5
Specifications show one example EPA configuration for this model year; other engines, drivetrains, and trims exist and the records below cover all of them.
How to read this file. Complaint records are unverified owner submissions to the federal safety agency. Counts are raw, not adjusted for sales volume or vehicle age. Recall campaigns apply to the model; only a VIN check shows whether this car is affected or repaired. Parts shown are named by an editorial note or listed as a search directory; none is a diagnosis. Full methodology.

Fault profile

Complaint-component records on this vehicle, grouped by family. A complaint naming two systems counts once in each.

Air bags
38
Body & structure
30
Engine & cooling
15
Speed control
12
Other
11
Glass & wipers
10
Fuel system
8
Electrical system
8
Complaints are owner-reported and not verified by the agency.

Known issues

The component families with the most complaint records against this vehicle. Counts, crash and fire figures belong to the whole family, not to any single named issue. Parts listed are related system parts, not a diagnosis.

Air bags

38 complaint records
"TAKATA RECALL. MY CAR HAD THE AIRBAG RECALL BUT IT SEEMS LIKE DURING THE RECALL THEY DIDN'T REPLACE THE AIRBAG WIRING HARNESS, CAUSING THE AIRBAG DASH LIGHT...."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse air bags parts in the directory →

Body & structure

30 complaint records1 fire report
"HEAT CAUSES THE DASHBOARD AND DOOR PANELS TO MELT. THE DASHBOARD WHEN MELTED CAUSES A GLARE ON THE WINDSHIELD, THAT MAKES IT HARD TO SEE OBJECTS ON THE ROAD. *TR..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse body & structure parts in the directory →

Engine & cooling

15 complaint records
"AS I WAS ATTEMPTING TO ACCELERATE, THE VSC LIGHT AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON, THE CAR LOST POWER, WOULD NOT ACCELERATE, AND THE ENGINE STARTED MISFIRING. *TR..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse engine & cooling parts in the directory →

Federal defect investigations

Formal investigations opened by the federal safety agency into this vehicle. An investigation is the step between a complaint pattern and a recall; not every one results in one.

InvestigationStatusComponentSubject
EA21002
opened Sep 2021
OPENAir BagsDesiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture
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.

Recall campaigns

Safety-recall remedies are normally provided at no charge. Under US federal law the mandatory free remedy applies when the vehicle was no more than 15 years old at the time the defect was determined; manufacturers often cover older vehicles voluntarily. Canadian rules differ. Confirm eligibility with the manufacturer using the VIN. Each campaign number links to the federal record.

CampaignComponentSummaryRemedy
19V741000Air BagsToyota 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...Normally free
17V006000Air BagsToyota 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...Normally free
16V340000Air BagsToyota 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,...Normally free
14V647000Fuel System, GasolineToyota 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...Normally free
13V030000Visibility/WiperToyota 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...Normally free

Transport Canada recalls

Recalls issued under Canadian law for this model year, from Transport Canada's Vehicle Recalls Database. Matched by model name, so a Canadian-market variant may appear here that was sold under another name in the US. Units are Canadian vehicles affected.

RecallSystemUnits (CA)Summary
2021723
2021-11-24
Electrical55,683Issue: This recall is for certain block heater kits installed on certain vehicles or sold as accessories at Toyota or Lexus dealerships.
2018346
2018-06-26
Fuel System4,915On certain vehicles equipped with a 3.5L V6 engine, the fuel pulsation dampers located in the fuel delivery pipe could develop a leak over time.
2017007
2017-01-09
Airbag130,661On certain vehicles, long-term exposure to high absolute humidity and temperature, combined with high temperature cycling, could eventually degrade the propellant contained in the passenger frontal airbag.
2014458
2014-10-16
Fuel System18,949On certain vehicles, the fuel delivery pipes in the engine compartment may have been produced with particles from the anti-corrosion plating on the gasket seating surface where the fuel pressure sensor is installed.
2013031
2013-01-30
Visual System16,756On certain vehicles, the wiper arm securing nuts could have been insufficiently tightened during assembly. If the movement of the wipers is restricted by an external load, such as heavy snow on the windshield, the wiper arms could slip and...
Show 3 more Canadian recalls
RecallSystemUnits (CA)Summary
2011037
2011-01-26
Fuel System11,773On certain GS 300, GS 300 AWD, GS 350, IS 250, IS 250 AWD and IS 350 vehicles, the fuel pressure sensor connected to the engine fuel delivery pipe may not have been sufficiently tightened during vehicle assembly.
2009290
2009-10-07
Other437,445On certain vehicles, the accelerator pedal may become stuck in the wide open position due to an unsecured or incompatible driver's floor mat.
2009015
2009-01-19
Fuel System8,391On certain vehicles, the use of selected ethanol fuels may cause the aluminium fuel rails to corrode. This could result in plugged fuel injector(s), causing a rough engine idle and/or the illumination of the engine warning lamp.

Service bulletins and warranty extensions

Manufacturer communications to dealers on file with the federal agency: repair instructions, service campaigns, and warranty extensions. A warranty extension means the manufacturer may pay for a repair the recall table does not cover.

BulletinTypeComponentSummary
22LE02 - Takata
Jul 2022
Air BagsCSP: On July 30, 2018, a settlement of claims for Economic Loss related to Takata airbag inflators was approved for full implementation.
Takata CSP Cover
Jul 2022
Air BagsCSP: Takata CSP Coverage Job Aid - published 7.28.2022
Safety Recall 22
Apr 2022
EquipmentLexus Safety Recall and Service Campaign - Technician Certification Requirements 4.13.2022
L-SB-0006-22
Mar 2022
EquipmentTSB: This Service Bulletin includes procedures to replace damaged or loose front carpet floor retainer(s) without replacing the carpet assembly. Follow the Repair Procedure in this bulletin to replace the loose or damaged carpet floor retainer(s).
L-SB-0004-22
Feb 2022
Air BagsTSB: Some 2005 ? 2022 model year Lexus vehicles that have undergone water intrusion may exhibit a condition in which a musty smell is present. Follow the procedures in this bulletin to remediate the odor and address this condition.
Show 55 more bulletins
BulletinTypeComponentSummary
Lexus PRO19-02 -
Jan 2022
EquipmentPOL: This consolidated Tire Warranty Guide contains the complete warranty terms for all brands of ground and spare tires currently in use by Lexus. This information must be kept near the point of vehicle sale and be available to any customer that requests it.
L-SB-0046-21
Nov 2021
Back Over PreventionTSB: For proper calibration of the millimeter wave radar sensor, the vehicle and radar target must be on a level surface with a consistent plane.
Lexus Safety Re
Mar 2021
Air BagsLexus Safety Recall and Service Campaign - Technician Certification Requirements
L-TT-0281-20 Rev
Mar 2021
SteeringTT: Some customers may encounter Bluetooth® connectivity concerns such as: ?Difficulty to pair the phone. ?Intermittent Bluetooth® failure to connect to the vehicle when first turning on the vehicle.
L-SB-0002-20 Rev
Aug 2020
EngineTSB: Vehicles may display evidence of a fluid leak or fluid seep from powertrain components. This bulletin explains how to determine the differences between a fluid leak versus a fluid seep. Cases that are determined to be a ?leak?
L-SB-0023-20
Jun 2020
WheelsTSB: SUPERSESSION NOTICE The information contained in this bulletin supersedes Service Bulletin Nos. ST004-01, SU001-08, and L-SB-0174-08. The aforementioned bulletins are obsolete, and any printed versions should be discarded.
L-SB-0174-08 Obs
Jun 2020
SteeringTSB: OBSOLETE NOTICE June 23, 2020: This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see L-SB-0023-20.
ZLJ - Dealer Let
Jun 2020
Air BagsDL: This Customer Support Program has expired as of June 12, 2020
Lexus Safety Re
May 2020
EquipmentSafety Recall and Service Campaign - Technician Certification Requirements
L-SB-0008-20
Apr 2020
EquipmentTSB: SUPERSESSION NOTICE The information contained in this bulletin supersedes Service Bulletin Nos. L-SB-0048-08, PG007-07, PG016-01, PG015-01, PG004-97, PG003-97, PG003-93, PG002-90, L-SB-0048-08, PG007-07, PG016-01, PG015-01, PG004-97, PG003-97, PG003 93, and PG002-90.
L-SB-0179-17 Obs
Apr 2020
EquipmentTSB: OBSOLETE NOTICE April 06, 2020: This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see L-SB-0008-20. Replacement Certification Labels and VIN Plates
L-TT-0284-20
Mar 2020
EquipmentTT: For proper calibration of the millimeter wave radar sensor, the vehicle must be on a level surface. If a level surface is not available, this tech tip should be used in conjunction with the repair manual to set the angle of the front millimeter wave radar sensor and...
L-TT-0281-20
Mar 2020
Electrical SystemTT: Some customers may encounter Bluetooth® connectivity concerns such as: ?Difficulty to pair the phone. ?Intermittent Bluetooth® failure to connect to the vehicle when first turning on the vehicle.
L-SB-0060-13 Obs
Feb 2020
EquipmentTSB: February 06, 2020: This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see L-SB-0003-20.
L-SB-0016-19_Rev
Jan 2020
EquipmentTSB: REVISION NOTICE January 15, 2020 Rev1: ? The Warranty Information and Repair Procedure sections have been updated. Any previous printed versions of this bulletin should be discarded.
L-TT-0221-17_Rev
Oct 2019
SteeringTT: Some customers may encounter Bluetooth® connectivity concerns such as: ? Difficulty to pair the phone. ? Intermittent Bluetooth® failure to connect to the vehicle when first turning on the vehicle. ?
L-SB-0060-13_Rev
Jul 2019
EquipmentTSB: Some 2006 – 2020 model year Lexus vehicles may exhibit odors that naturally occur from the HVAC system and/or related environmental factors. Although there is no way to eliminate these odors, follow the General Procedure in this bulletin to minimize the odors experienced.
L-SB-0001-18-Rev
Jul 2019
Electrical SystemTSB: REVISION NOTICE July 01, 2019 Rev1: G1668 Applicability has been updated to include 2019 ? 2020 model year Lexus vehicles. G2158 The Techstream Preparation and Process Overview sections have been updated. Any previous printed versions of this bulletin should be discarded.
L-SB-0014-08_Rev
Apr 2019
EquipmentTSB: OBSOLETE NOTICE April 4, 2019: This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see L-SB-0017-19.
L-TT-0221-17_Rev
Apr 2019
Electrical SystemTT: Some customers may encounter Bluetooth® connectivity concerns such as: ? Difficulty to pair the phone. ? Intermittent Bluetooth® failure to connect to the vehicle when first turning on the vehicle. ?
L-SB-0007-19
Feb 2019
Air BagsTSB: SUPERSESSION NOTICE The information contained in this bulletin supersedes Service Bulletin No. L-SB-0167-08. ? Applicability has been updated to include 2008 model year IS F vehicles. Service Bulletin No.
L-SB-0167-08
Feb 2019
Seat BeltsTSB: OBSOLETE NOTICE February 27, 2019: This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see L-SB-0007-19.
ZLJ-Customer Sup
Feb 2019
Air BagsRegion Email: Lexus has received reports regarding an illumination of the SRS warning light in some of the subject vehicles even though the airbags are functioning.
ZLJ-Dealer Packa
Feb 2019
Air BagsDealer Package: Lexus has received reports regarding an illumination of the SRS warning light in some of the subject vehicles even though the airbags are functioning.
ZLJ-Dealer Daily
Feb 2019
EquipmentDealer Daily Message: Customer Support Program ZLJ Dealer Letter and Q&A are now available on TIS. Refer to the Dealer Letter and Q&A for additional information.
ZLJ-Lexus POL19-
Feb 2019
Air BagsCustomer Support Program Bulletin: Lexus has received reports regarding an illumination of the SRS warning light in some of the subject vehicles even though the airbags are functioning.
ZLZ-Lexus POL18-
Feb 2019
EquipmentCustomer Support Program Bulletin: Lexus has received reports indicating that a combination of high humidity, high temperatures, and light intensity may cause the surface of the Dashboard (Instrument Panel) and/or certain interior trim panels in some of the subject vehicles to...
L-TT-0257-19
Feb 2019
WheelsTT: Some models are equipped with front and rear wheels of different offsets or width. Wheel offset, defined as the distance between the wheel?s centerline and the wheel-to-rotor mounting surface, affects the clearance between the back of the wheel and surrounding brake...
ZLZ_Dealer Packe
Jan 2019
Electrical SystemDealer Packet: January 23,2019 Lexus has expanded this Customer Support Program to include certain IS 250/350 vehicles. Lexus has received reports indicating that a combination of high humidity, high temperatures, and light intensity may cause the surface of the dashboard...
ZLZ_Lexus POL18-
Jan 2019
Electrical SystemCustomer Support Program Bulletin: Lexus has received reports indicating that a combination of high humidity, high temperatures, and light intensity may cause the surface of the Dashboard (Instrument Panel) and/or certain interior trim panels in some of the subject vehicles to...
L-TT-0235-17_Rev
Nov 2018
EquipmentTT: HVAC drain tube is found to blocked/clogged.
L-SB-0041-15_Rev
Sep 2018
EquipmentTSB: REVISION NOTICE September 27, 2018 Rev2: ? Applicability has been updated to include 2009 ? 2013 model year IS250 and IS350, 2010 ? 2015 model year IS250C and IS350C, 2008 ? 2014 model year IS F, 2008 ? 2013 model year LS460, and 2007 ? 2013 model year LS600h vehicles. ?
L-TT-0221-17Rev1
Mar 2018
EquipmentDiagnosis of bluetooth connectivity complaints.
L-SB-0021-14_Obs
Jan 2018
EquipmentTSB: OBSOLETE NOTICE January 22, 2018: This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see L-SB-0001-18.
L-SB-0001-18
Jan 2018
Power TrainTSB: SUPERSESSION NOTICE The information contained in this bulletin supersedes Service Bulletin No. L-SB-0021-14. * Applicability has been updated to include applicable 2018 models and 2016 * 2018 model year RC 300 and 2015 * 2018 model year RC 350 vehicles.
L-TT-0237-18
Jan 2018
Fuel SystemTT: Special Service Tools: Injector Seal Tool Sets. In the event that injector seal repair is required on vehicles equipped with a direct injection fuel system, a Special Service Tool Set is required to properly install the seal onto the injector.
L-TT-0235-17
Dec 2017
EquipmentTT: HVAC drain tube is found to blocked/clogged.
L-SB-0048-08 Obs
Dec 2017
EquipmentTSB: Replacement Certification Labels. OBSOLETE NOTICE November 28, 2017: This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see L-SB-0179-17.
L-SB-0179-17
Nov 2017
EquipmentTSB: SUPERSESSION NOTICE The information contained in this bulletin supersedes SB Nos. L-SB-0048-08, PG007-07, PG016-01, PG015-01, PG004-97, PG003-97, PG003-93, and PG002-90. Service Bulletin Nos.
L-SB-0113-12_Rev
Nov 2017
Electrical SystemTSB: REVISION NOTICE November 22, 2017 Rev1: ? Applicability has been updated to include 2014 ? 2018 model year vehicles. Any previous printed versions of this bulletin should be discarded.
ZLD-Lexus POL14-
Nov 2017
Equipment Adaptive/MobilityWarranty Policy Bulletin: Lexus has received reports where some vehicles may exhibit cracked and/or sticky/melting dashboards as a result of heat or humidity.
L-TT-0221-17
Mar 2017
Electrical SystemThis bulletin is regarding the Diagnosis of Bluetooth Connectivity Complaints: Some customers may encounter Bluetooth® connectivity concerns such as: Difficulty to pair the phone. Intermittent Bluetooth® failure to connect to the vehicle when first turning on the vehicle.
ZLD Dealer Daily
Mar 2017
Electrical SystemDealer Daily: Rev March 23, 2017 Voluntary Extension of Warranty Coverage for Cracked and/or Sticky/Melting Dashboards (Instrument Panels) as a Result of Heat or Humidity.
ZLD_POL14-03_War
Mar 2017
Electrical SystemWarranty Policy Bulletin POL14-11: REVISED December 10, 2014: Toyota has received reports where some vehicles may exhibit cracked and/or sticky/melting dashboards as a result of heat or humidity.
L-SB-0014-08_Rev
Mar 2017
StructureTSB: REVISION NOTICE March 22, 2017 Rev2: ? Applicability has been updated to include 2016-2017 model year Lexus vehicles. ? February 11, 2015 Rev1: Applicability has been updated to include 2006 ? 2015 model year Lexus vehicles. On some vehicles, when Rapgard?
L-SB-0060-13 Rev
Nov 2016
EquipmentTSB: REVISION NOTICE November 10, 2016 Rev1: ? Applicability has been updated to include 2015 ? 2017 model year applicable Lexus vehicles. ? The Parts Information section has been updated. Any previous printed versions of this bulletin should be discarded. Some 2006 ?
ZLD_Warranty Enh
Oct 2016
Electrical SystemWarranty Enhancement Program: Update: Technician requirements and parts order processes have been updated. Extension of Warranty Coverage for Cracked and/or Sticky/Melting Dashboards (Instrument Panels) as a Result of Heat or Humidity.
L-SB-0021-14 Rev
Sep 2016
EquipmentTSB: Revision Notice: Applicability section has been updated to include 2016-2017 applicable model year Lexus vehicles. The Repair Procedure section, Required Tools & Equipment section, and the Repair Procedure section has been updated.
L-SB-0186-09 REV
Aug 2016
Visibility"TSB: AUGUST 11, 2016 REV1: • GS MODEL VEHICLES WERE REMOVED AND A NEW BULLETIN L-SB-0043-16 IS NOW AVAILABLE FOR THIS MODEL. ANY PREVIOUS PRINTED VERSIONS OF THIS BULLETIN SHOULD BE DISCARDED.
ZLD_WARRANTY POL
Jun 2016
StructureWARRANTY POLICY BULLETIN (POL14-03): LEXUS HAS RECEIVED REPORTS WHERE SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT CRACKED AND/OR STICKY/MELTING DASHBOARDS AS A RESULT OF HEAT OR HUMIDITY.
Pol-14-03
Jun 2016
StructureWarranty Policy Bulletin (POL14-03): Lexus has received reports where some vehicles may exhibit cracked and/or sticky/melting dashboards as a result of heat or humidity.
L-SB-0151-09 REV
May 2016
SuspensionTSB: SOME 2006 – 2009 MODEL YEAR IS VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH F-SPORT REAR LOWERING COIL SPRINGS MAY EXHIBIT A CLICKING NOISE FROM THE REAR SUSPENSION WHEN DRIVING. NEW REAR LOWERING COIL SPRINGS ARE AVAILABLE TO ADDRESS THIS CONDITION.
DLB_Dealer Lette
Mar 2016
Electrical SystemDLB Expired on February 28, 2016
DLB_Technical In
Mar 2016
Electrical SystemDLB Expired on February 28, 2016
GR1_Region Lette
Jan 2016
Air BagsRegion Letter: Safety Recall completion is important not only in satisfying government requirements, but also is an integral part of our commitment to meet customer expectations of Toyota products.

Showing 60 of 165 distinct bulletins on file for this vehicle.

Before you buy this vehicle

A test-drive checklist generated from this vehicle's own complaint and recall record.

  1. Watch the airbag warning light through a full key cycle.It should light on start and go out within seconds. A light that stays on, or never lights at all, means the system needs attention. Run the VIN for inflator recalls specifically.
  2. Walk the body slowly in daylight.Panel gaps, rust at the rockers and wheel arches, and cracked trim are this vehicle's structure complaints. Open and close the liftgate or trunk and look at the latch area.
  3. Cold-start it yourself and listen for the first thirty seconds.Knocking, ticking that fades as it warms, or blue or white smoke on startup are the sounds of this vehicle's engine cluster. Check the oil level and the coolant color, and ask whether the engine or its head gaskets have ever been out.
  4. Run the VIN against open recalls before you negotiate.This vehicle has 5 recall campaigns on file. An open recall needs VIN-specific confirmation. Many are quick, no-charge fixes and worth negotiating over; an unresolved do-not-drive advisory, or a remedy the manufacturer has not yet made available, should stop the purchase until it is resolved.
  5. Ask for the service history in writing, then read it against this page.The complaint families above are where owners of this vehicle report trouble. Repairs in exactly those systems are evidence the car had the problem; no such repairs could mean it never developed it, or that it was never fixed. The test-drive items above are how you tell those apart.

Parts search directory

The generic parts list for this vehicle has its own page: a search launcher for every system, filtered by fuel type and era but not by engine, trim, or brake type. It is not a diagnosis and not a fitment guarantee.

Open the parts directory for this Lexus Is 250 →