IsItAGoodCar

Common Problems with the
2006–2012 Lexus IS (XE20)

We've identified 3 known issues that can affect the 2006–2012 Lexus IS (XE20). 2 of these are serious faults that could be expensive to repair.

3
Known Issues
2
Serious
0
Moderate
1
Minor

The 2006–2012 period has 2 more issues than the Lexus IS (XE20) average across all year periods.

All Known Issues

IS 220d DPF and EGR Trouble

SeriousExhaust & Emissions

Short-trip use can clog the diesel particulate filter and EGR system, causing limp mode, warning lights and stacked repair bills on the already less-desirable 220d.

Most affected: IS 220d

Estimated cost: £600–£2,000Affects: 2006–2012Often appears around: 60,000+ miles with short-trip use

Typical symptoms

  • •DPF warning light
  • •Frequent regeneration
  • •Poor performance or limp mode

What to inspect before you buy

  • ✓Ask what kind of trips the car usually does
  • ✓Check for DPF or EGR invoices
  • ✓Look for smoke or warning lights once fully warm

IS 220d Head Gasket and Cooling Trouble

SeriousCooling System

The 2.2 diesel can also develop more serious cooling-system and head-gasket issues, which is one reason UK buyers generally prefer the V6 petrol.

Most affected: IS 220d

Estimated cost: £1,000–£2,500Affects: 2006–2012Often appears around: 70,000–130,000 miles

Typical symptoms

  • •Coolant loss
  • •Pressurised coolant hoses
  • •White smoke on startup

What to inspect before you buy

  • ✓Check the coolant level from cold
  • ✓Look for repeated topping-up or fresh coolant in the boot
  • ✓Watch for bubbling in the header tank after a hard drive

Rear Brake Caliper and Disc Corrosion

MinorBrakes

Age and low annual mileage can leave the rear calipers sticky and the discs rusty, even on otherwise very dependable petrol cars.

Estimated cost: £200–£450Affects: 2005–2013

Typical symptoms

  • •Inner rear discs heavily rusted
  • •One rear wheel hotter than the other
  • •MOT advisories for binding or pitted brakes

What to inspect before you buy

  • ✓Inspect the inside faces of the rear discs
  • ✓Check for a lip or pitting
  • ✓Feel for excess heat from one rear wheel after the drive

Buying Tips for the 2006 Lexus IS (XE20)

  • ✓The IS 250 automatic is the default recommendation; only buy an IS 220d if the long-run use and maintenance history are unusually convincing.
  • ✓Inspect the rear brakes closely because sticky rear calipers and corroded discs are a common age-related annoyance.
  • ✓Test the audio, navigation and all screen functions because older premium electronics are expensive to sort properly.
2005 Lexus IS (XE20)2013 Lexus IS (XE20)

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Other Lexus IS (XE20) Year Periods

20052006–20122013

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