Recalls: Lexus XE20 IS sedan
Overview
Manufacturers, or importers, issue recalls for defects or faults which have the potential to cause injury. Generally, manufacturers will inform the original buyers if their vehicle is subject to a recall and of the steps required to remedy the defect or fault. Please note that the recalls below (if any) are for Australian-delivered vehicles only. Furthermore, the number of recalls should not be taken as an indication of a model’s reliability or its safety more generally.
Recalls: Lexus XE20 IS sedan
Lexus XE20 IS 250: seatbelts may not retract
In April 2006, a recall was issued for Lexus XE20 IS 250 models due to potential jamming of the internal components of the Emergency Locking Retractor as a result of the front seatbelts being extended quickly with strong force. This could prevent the seatbelt from retracting any further (PRA 2006/8448).
2005 Lexus XE20 IS 250: fuel pipes could fracture
In November 2007, a recall was issued for Lexus XE20 IS 250 models manufactured from 31 August 2005 to 19 November 2005 due to possible high stress areas in the two fuel pipes located on the engine’s fuel delivery manifold. As a result of high fuel pressure pulsations and naturally corrosive agents in the fuel, a fracture could form in the pipes over time (PRA 2007/9683).
2005 Lexus XE20 IS 250: potential brake fluid leak
In October 2010, a recall was issued for Lexus XE20 IS 250 models manufactured from 31 August 2005 to 8 December 2005 due to the brake fluid containing insufficient polymers, causing the brake master cylinder rear rubber seal to become dry and curl during brake application. This could result in brake fluid leaking from the rear of the brake master cylinder, causing a low level of brake fluid and the warning light to illuminate. If operated in this condition, brake pedal feel could change and braking performance could degrade over time. Owners were to contact their dealership for inspection and replacement of the rear rubber cup of the brake master cylinder (PRA 2010/12082). The affected vehicles were in the VIN ranges:
- JTH BK262# 02000014 to 02005703; and,
- JTH BK262# 05000071 to 05007477.
Lexus XE20 IS 250: potential fuel leak #1
In February 2011, a recall was issued for Lexus XE20 IS vehicles due to a potential fuel leak. The fuel leak was due to insufficient tightening of the fuel pressure sensor connected to the engine fuel delivery pipe and, over time, the pressure sensor could loosen (PRA 2011/12306). The recalled vehicles had VINs in the following ranges:
- JTHBK262#02060424 to JTHBK262#02093965; and,
- JTHBK262#05052880 to JTHBK262#05097364.
2010-11 Lexus XE20 IS 350: engine could cut out
In September 2013, a recall was issued for 750 Lexus XE20 IS 350 vehicles that were available for sale from April 2010 to July 2011. In these vehicles, the bolts used to secure the housing and sprocket of the variable intake valve timing gear assembly could become loose due to abnormal impacts generated within the gear assembly immediately after start-up. The variable valve timing gear housing and sprocket could then separate, causing the engine to stop while the vehicle was being driven. The affected vehicles were in the VIN range JTH BE262 # 05024769 to JTH BE262 # 05027877 (PRA 2013/13730).
2007-10 Lexus XE20 IS 250: potential fuel leak #2
In October 2014, a recall was issued for Lexus XE20 IS 250 vehicles that were produced from 5 September 2007 to 22 June 2010. In these vehicles, the sealing property of the gasket between the fuel pressure sensor and the fuel delivery pipe could degrade over time – if this occurred, fuel may leak and pose a fire hazard. If the owner detected a smell of fuel either inside or outside the vehicle, Lexus recommended that the driver immediately stop driving the vehicle and contact their nearest Lexus Dealer for diagnosis and repair. The recalled IS 250 vehicles had VINs in the range JTH BK262 # 02060529 to JTH BK262 # 05127450 (PRA 2014/14385).
2007 Lexus XE20 IS 250: potential fuel leak #3
In April 2016, a recall was issued for Lexus XE20 IS 250 vehicles that were manufactured from August 2007 to September 2007. Due to improper tightening of the fuel pressure sensor, the sealing performance of the fuel pressure sensor to the delivery pipe could degrade over time. If this occurred, fuel could leak past the gasket; in the presence of an ignition source, there would be a risk of a fire (PRA 2016/15329). The recalled Lexus XE20 IS 250 vehicles had VINs in the following ranges:
- JTH BK262 # 02000014 to JTH BK262 # 02060636; and,
- JTH BK262 # 05000034 to JTH BK262 # 05052951.
2005-11 Lexus XE20 IS 250: Takata airbag recall #1
In June 2016, Lexus issued a recall for Lexus XE IS 250 vehicles that were manufactured from 31 August 2005 to 27 December 2011. Over time, the front passenger airbag inflator in these vehicles may be susceptible to moisture ingress that would cause the inflator propellant to degrade. In the event of a collision that caused the front passenger airbag to deploy, the airbag may deploy abnormally and the airbag inflator housing may rupture, causing metal fragments to be scattered through the cabin – this posed a risk of injury to the occupants (PRA 2016/15425). The recalled Lexus IS 250 vehicles had VINs in the following ranges:
- JTH BK262 # 02000014 to JTH BK262 #02102809; and,
- JTH BK262 # 05000071 to JTH BK262 # 05167140.
2010-11 Lexus XE20 IS 350: Takata airbag recall #1
In June 2016, Lexus issued a recall for Lexus XE20 IS 350 vehicles that were manufactured from 2 August 2010 to 26 December 2011. Over time, the front passenger airbag inflator in these vehicles may be susceptible to moisture ingress that would cause the inflator propellant to degrade. In the event of a collision that caused the front passenger airbag to deploy, the airbag may deploy abnormally and the airbag inflator housing may rupture, causing metal fragments to be scattered through the cabin – this posed a risk of injury to the occupants. The recalled Lexus IS 350 vehicles had VINs in the range JTH BE262 # 05025201 to JTH BE262 # 05029666 (PRA 2016/15425).
2012 Lexus XE20 IS 250 and IS 350: Takata airbag recall #2
In January 2017, a recall was issued for Lexus XE20 IS 250 and IS 350 vehicles. In these vehicles, the front passenger’s airbag inflator could be susceptible to moisture intrusion over time and this could cause the inflator propellant to degrade. In the event that the front passenger airbag deployed, overly aggressive combustion could cause the airbag inflator housing to rupture, scattering metal fragments within the cabin and posing a hazard to occupants. The recalled Lexus XE20 IS vehicles had VINs in the following ranges (PRA 2017/15846) –
- Lexus XE20 IS 250: JTH BK262 # 02102942 to JTH BK262 # 02102989 (manufactured from 15 February 2012 to 27 February 2012);
- Lexus XE20 IS 250: JTH BK262 # 05167177 to JTH BE262 # 05190378 (manufactured from 7 January 2012 to 26 December 2012); and,
- Lexus XE20 IS 350 JTH BE262 # 05029670 to JTH BE262 # 05031711 (manufactured from 6 January 2012 to 26 December 2012).
In January 2018, PRA 2017/15846 was expanded by PRA 2018/16536 to include the following vehicles –
- Lexus XE20 IS 250: JTH BK262 # 05190360 to JTH BK262 # 05193682 (manufactured from 7 January 2013 to 20 March 2013); and,
- Lexus XE20 IS 350: JTH BE262 # 05031713 and JTH BE262 # 05032064 (manufactured from 10 January 2013 to 19 March 2013).
2008-12 Lexus XE20 IS F: Takata airbag recall #3
In October 2019, recall campaign CGG94 was issued for Lexus XE20 IS F vehicles that were manufactured from 7 August 2008 to 26 December 2012. These vehicles had previously been recalled for ‘like-for-like’ replacement of a Takata airbag and this recall was to replace that defective airbag. For the VINs of the recalled vehicles, please see PRA 2019/17791.
Search online for recalls by VIN
To see if a Lexus vehicle has been recalled, you can conduct a search on the Lexus Australia website using its VIN.
Problems and faults: Lexus XE20 IS
Overview
This section identifies potential problems, causes and fixes based on the experiences of owners and repairers, online sources and technical service bulletins. This information is provided solely for reference purposes and AustralianCar.Reviews recommends that only properly qualified persons carry out repairs or modifications. Furthermore, the number of items below should not be taken as an indicator of a model’s reliability or the frequency with which they may occur.
To report a problem or fault to the AustralianCar.Reviews team, please use the Contact Us form. Note that AustralianCar.Reviews does not offer advice on automotive problems or disputes; such enquiries will not receive a reply. For vehicles purchased from dealers after 1 January 2011, please see our Australian Consumer Law fact sheet.
Lexus XE20 IS 250: carbon deposits, DTC P030# & rough running
For the Lexus IS 250’s 4GR-FSE engine, there have been reports of carbon deposits (or build-up) on the intake valves. In these direct injection engines, carbon deposits may accumulate on the stem and throat of the intake valve due to:
- the vaporisation of oil which is not trapped by the oil separator; or
- unburned fuel and exhaust gases that escape past the piston rings and enter the crankcase (‘blow-by’).
Since direct injection engines do not spray fuel on the backside of the intake valves, the detergent properties of the fuel cannot remove the carbon build up (as occurs in port injected engines).
In November 2012, Lexus issued Service Bulletin L-SB-0124-12 for 2006-10 Lexus XE20 IS 250 vehicles exhibiting one or more of the following:
- Illumination of the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) with Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) P0300, P0301, P0302, P0303, P0304, P0305 and/or P0306;
- Rough running after coming to rest with the engine at operating temperature;
- Rough running with engine misfires after a cold start; and,
- Engine oil consumption exceeded 1 litre every 2000 km.
To fix,
- The engine was to be removed from the vehicle;
- The engine block, cylinder head and valves were to be cleaned and decarbonised;
- The cylinder bores were to be inspected for crosshatch and/or vertical scratches. If vertical scratches were present and could be felt with a fingernail, or if the crosshatch was not visible, the short block assembly was to be replaced;
- The engine was to be reassembled with new pistons, piston rings, valve stem seals, valve springs, valve lash adjusters and valve spring retainers; and,
- The engine was to be reinstalled in the vehicle.
According to the service bulletin, new pistons, piston rings, valve springs, valve lash adjusters and valve spring retainers were introduced on 2010 model year Lexus IS 250 vehicles with VINs after JTHBF5C2#A5111623, so these vehicles are not supposed to experience the same carbon build-up problems.
Lexus IS 250: housing bolts for the camshaft gear
For IS 250 vehicles that were manufactured in 2006 and 2007, a brief metal-on-metal grinding or knocking noise may be heard from the engine bay on start-up. Theses noises were caused by the housing bolts of the intake camshaft gear assembly backing out of the gear. Lexus issued a service bulleting regarding this problem (L-SB-0155-08).
Lexus XE20 IS 250: engine knock/rattle at start up
In July 2007, Lexus issued Technical Service Information Bulletin EG017-07 for 2006-07 model year Lexus IS 250 vehicles. In these vehicles, there may be a brief rattle or knocking noise from the engine compartment for around one second after a cold start. To fix, the intake camshaft gear assemblies were to be replaced.
Lexus XE20 IS 250 and IS 350: engine oil leak
In February 2007, Lexus issued Technical Service Information Bulletin EG001-07 for 2006 model year Lexus XE20 IS 250 and IS 350 vehicles. In these vehicles, a small oil leak may occur on the timing cover and/or the camshaft housing sub-assembly. To fix, the right and left camshaft housing sub-assemblies were to be replaced.
Lexus XE20 IS 250 and IS 350: engine won’t start or stalls on start-up
In November 2008, Lexus issued Service Bulletin L-SB-0161-08 Rev1 for 2006-08 Lexus XE20 IS 250 and IS 350 vehicles. Intermittently, the engine may not start or may start and immediately stall after the ‘Push Start’ button is pressed. A new ‘Push Start’ switch was introduced to fix this problem.
2006-08 Lexus IS 250: sticky/melting dashboard
For 2006-08 Lexus IS 250 vehicles,the polymer which the dashboard is made from may degrade due to sunlight/heat and humidity. As a result, the dashboard surface may:
- Become sticky to the touch; and,
- Appear shiny and reflect more light, causing increased glare and impaired visibility.
The driver may also experience a ‘chemical’ smell.
In2014, Toyota and Lexus USA initiated Warranty Enhancement Program ZE6. The specific condition covered by the Warranty Enhancement Program was a cracked and/or sticky/melting dashboard in a covered (i.e. non-convertible) vehicle as a result of heat or humidity. If the condition was verified, the repair would be performed in accordance with the applicable Technical Service Bulletin. For the Warranty Enhancement Program,
- The ‘Primary Coverage’ extended the warranty until 31 May 2017 regardless of mileage or date of first use of the vehicle; and,
- The ‘Secondary Coverage’ supplemented the Primary Coverage for some owners by extending the warranty for ten (10) years from the date of first use of the vehicle, regardless of mileage.
Within Australia, there have been instances of owners having had their dashboards replaced free of charge.
Lexus XE20 IS: dashboard rattle
In July 2008, Lexus issued Service Bulletin L-SB-0044-08 for 2006-07 model year Lexus XE20 IS 250 and IS 350 vehicles. In these vehicles, drivers may experience rattling noises from the front of the instrument panel at the base of the windscreen. To fix,
- The instrument panel sub-assembly was to be removed;
- The instrument panel clip (Stay no. 3) at the centre of the dash was to be replaced with a new clip, as were the four instrument panel clips;
- Felt was to be applied along the defroster nozzle lip;
- Foam was to be applied to the instrument pad HVAC duct; and,
- The instrument panel pad was to be re-installed in reverse order of disassembly.
Lexus XE20 IS: windscreen rattle
In May 2010, Lexus issued Lexus Service Bulletin L-SB-0090-08 Rev 1 for pre-2010 Lexus XE20 IS 250 and IS 350 vehicles. In these vehicles, a creaking, ticking or rattling noise may be heard at the top or bottom of the windscreen. According to the service bulletin, this may be attributable to:
- The two windscreen stoppers that are bottom to the top of the windscreen; or,
- The windshield retainers which are bonded to the lower edge of the windscreen.
Lexus IS 250 and IS 350: windscreen trim cracking
A common problem for the XE20 IS 250 and IS 350 is cracking of the trim around the windscreen – this allows water seepage and creates unwanted wind noise. In July 2012, a Lexus Service Bulletin (L-SB-0012-12: Roof Side Drip Molding Poor Appearance) was issued regarding this problem.
Lexus XE20 IS: water on front or rear carpets
In February 2010, Lexus issued Technical Service Information Bulletin AC003-07 for 2006-07 model year Lexus XE20 IS 250 and IS 350 vehicles. In these vehicles, water may leak onto the front or rear carpets due to the HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) evaporator drain becoming blocked by debris. To fix, the evaporator drain grommet was to be removed and checked to see if foam was blocking the evaporator drain port. If so, the foam was to be trimmed. For further information, please refer to the service bulletin.
Lexus XE20 IS 250 and IS 350: excessive sulfur odour
In September 2005, Lexus issued Technical Service Information Bulletin EG017-06 for 2006 model year Lexus XE20 IS 250 and IS 350 vehicles. In stop-and-go driving and under heavy acceleration, these vehicles may produce an excessive sulphur odour. To reduce this odour, a new catalytic converter was introduced (part numbers 17410-31710 and 17410-31700 for the IS 250 and IS 350, respectively).
Lexus IS 250 and IS 350: navigation screen failure
There have been reports of the touch screen function for the navigation screen no longer working. Due to the cost of repair by dealers where the entire navigation unit is replaced, alternatives include replacement with an aftermarket system or with a refurbished/used touchscreen from another XE20 IS vehicle.
Lexus XE20 IS 250: front brakes squeak
In July 2007, Lexus issued Technical Service Information Bulletin BR001-07 for 2006-07 Lexus XE20 IS 250 vehicles. In these vehicles, the front brakes may make a squeaking noise when the vehicle is slowly coming to rest. Updated front brake pads, grease and a fitting kit were developed to improve this condition.
Lexus XE20 IS 350: squeal/squeak from front brakes
In February 2009, Lexus issued Service Bulletin L-SB-0015-09 Rev1 for 2006-09 Lexus XE20 IS 350 vehicles. In these vehicles, the brakes may make a squeal or squeaking noises when they are lightly applied in cold weather conditions. To address this concern, a new anti-squeal shim kit was introduced.
Lexus XE20 IS 250 and IS 350: brake pad dust
In April 2007, Lexus issued Technical Service Information Bulletin BR002-06 for the following 2006-07 model year Lexus XE20 IS 250 and IS 350 vehicles. Under certain conditions, the high-friction front brake pads of these vehicles may produce significant brake pad dust on the wheels. For drivers who prefer less brake pad dust, an alternative brake pad material was developed (part no. 04465-53030).
Lexus XE20 IS: rattling noise from rear of vehicle
In April 2008, Lexus issued Service Bulletin L-SB-0024-08 Rev1 for 2006-12 Lexus XE20 IS 250 and IS 350 vehicles. In these vehicles, there may be a rattling noise from the rear of the vehicle when it is driven over bumps. To fix, the parking brake cables should be adjusted to reduce free play in the parking brake shoe.
Lexus IS 250 and IS 350: instrument LED failure
The tips of the LED needles on the dashboard gauges (including the speedometer and tachometer) may start to dim over time and, eventually, fail. Due to the labour-intensive nature of removing the dashboard, replacement may cost over $1000.
Lexus XE20 IS 250 and IS 350: rear view mirror discoloration and stripes
In December 2009, Lexus issued Service Bulletin L-SB-0186-09 for 2006-08 model year Lexus XE20 IS 250 and IS 350. In these vehicles, the interior rear view mirror glass may be discoloured or have a striped pattern. An improved service part was introduced to fix this condition.
Lexus XE20 IS: noise from auxiliary port with external device
In August 2007, Lexus issued Technical Service Information Bulletin AU001-07 for 2006-07 model year Lexus XE20 IS 250/350 vehicles. In these vehicles, there may be a noise in the auxiliary mode of the radio when using an MP3 player or other external audio source connected to the 12 volt power port of the vehicle. An improved auxiliary port and in-line filter were developed to improve this condition. For information on how to install the new in-line filter and auxiliary port, please refer to the service bulletin.
