IsItAGoodCar
Reliability Guide

Common Problems with the
2012 Lexus IS (XE20)

The final production year for the XE20 generation. By this time, the diesel had been replaced by the slightly better IS 200d, but the petrol V6 remained the paragon of reliability.

What changed for 2012

  • •Final year of production before the radically styled XE30 arrived.
  • •Range focused heavily on the IS 250 and high-specification 'Advance' trims.

Common MOT watch-outs

  • !Suspension bush wear, particularly front lower control arms.
  • !Cloudy or deteriorating headlight lenses causing beam pattern failures.
3
Known Issues
2
Serious
0
Moderate
1
Minor

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.

Est. Repair Cost: £600–£2,000
Warning Signs:

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

What to Inspect:
  • Ask what kind of trips the car usually does
  • Check for DPF or EGR invoices
  • Look for smoke or warning lights once fully warm
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research Team

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.

Est. Repair Cost: £1,000–£2,500
Warning Signs:

Coolant loss, Pressurised coolant hoses, White smoke on startup

What to Inspect:
  • 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
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research Team

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.

Est. Repair Cost: £200–£450
Warning Signs:

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

What to Inspect:
  • 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
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research Team

Buying Tips for 2012 Lexus IS (XE20)

  • Check the touchscreen navigation (if fitted) for unresponsive areas, as the digitizer can fail.
  • Verify the condition of the alloy wheels, which are prone to severe corrosion and peeling lacquer.
2009–20112013
Check a 2012 Lexus IS (XE20) by Registration