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The Lexus IS250 and GS300 sedans use small V6 engines with very high compression. Due to the nature of their design they are subject to a build-up of carbon inside the parts of the engine surrounding the combustion area. Valves and other components can become coated with this carbon and then the engine will run roughly at idle, or possibly even stall. If you have an IS250 or GS300 and these issues have come up you should take action, but hold off any panic. Lexus is trying hard to take care of customers with this problem.
Lexus IS250 GS300 Customer Support Program
The first thing to know is that Lexus issued a letter to all 2006-2010 IS250 and GS300 owners explaining the issue. The letter also offers help. Although not a recall, Lexus is offering to correct the problem and has added a 9-year, unlimited mileage warranty on affected cars. If somehow your vehicle falls outside the coverage a bit try speaking to your dealer. They are likely to help. If not, try keeping the discourse civil and contacting Lexus regional customer service for help. They may intervene and offer to pay for some or all of the work the dealer needs to do to correct the issue. Lexus created the coverage plan to capture all of the affected cars. Newer cars might still be under the car’s drivetrain warranty anyway, and there were not many cars affected older than 9 years when the program was started.
Carbon Buildup – The Fix
Lexus will remove parts of the engine and try to remove the carbon. Failing that, parts will be replaced. Some owners report “my engine was replaced.” Lexus is not fooling around. They are making the engines right.
Carbon Build-up – How to Prevent It
The most important thing to do is always to use name-brand premium fuel. This ensures that your engine is receiving the most detergent possible. Fans and owners also say that driving the car hard (redlining the engine occasionally) also helps. Others say it is not possible to prevent the issue, but redlining one's car is also good for the soul, so why not?
Have Your IS250 or GS300 Inspected
If your IS250 or GS300 is getting close to 9-years old, it might be wise to take it to a Lexus dealer for them to inspect the car for the issue. Even if you are charged, which is unlikely, you will either receive needed repairs, or you create a paper trail for future help if needed.
Photo courtesy of Ryan Nanyets, Lexus IS250 Owner and Facebook Lexus IS Owners Club Contributor
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Comments
I am having the same problem
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I am having the same problem with only 58k miles. I bought this car used 1.5 yrs ago with only 29k miles. It was bought from a Toyota used car dealership. Of course no one informed me about the engine warranty plan that expired 5 months ago nor that the engine had issues. I am getting no where with Lexus . Any info on a class action suit ? Please advise. [email protected]
Same issue for me. Fed up
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Same issue for me. Fed up with Lexus! This is a quality brand? I've had Fords last longer. My 2007 IS250 had warning lights come on and has 2 cylinders misfiring. Dealer confirmed the carbon buildup issue. Lexus is denying the repair since it is over the 9 year warranty. They only offered $1500 towards the $6000 repair. Car only has 85k miles and well maintained with only premium fuel. We are paying for a bad design. If they don't make this right I will never buy a Lexus again and convince others to do the same. They will lose more than $6k from this.
Fellow IS250 & GS300-50
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Fellow IS250 & GS300-50 owners...
I've got bad news -----
I recently spoke with a very reputable & well known lawyer & law firm out of Los Angeles, who has successfully taken cases and won & currently has a couple cases, against various large auto manufacturers. He looked at our thread / this page and a couple others on the web pertaining to the carbon build up issue prior to reaching out to me for out appointment. He also had me obtain a copy of the " 9 yr Bulletin" Lexus issued for said issue so he could view the wording, etc.
He shared, that although there is clearly a manufacture / product defect, in the court of law and how the laws are written, when interpreted by every judge he has had a case against for various defects & issues, should a new car / truck properly function for 4 to 5 years max from the date it is purchased, the car / truck "lasted" / did it's job and the auto maker rarely is or can be held responsible.
So, he said that although there is clearly a defect, and it sucks Lexus is not standing by its cars, being the full issue, pistons failing, misfiring, build up and challenges etc., does not occur in most cases until the 9 year mark / Bulletin time frame, we do not have a case or in his words, one he feels comfortable taking because he knows it would be a losing battle.
The above said.... for my situation & car, instead of dropping a dime to "repair" the issue, even though Lexus "offered" to cover the parts ($1800-2500)... I requested they cover the top engine cleaning (retail cost $300-600). Lexus agreed and honestly, my car has never ran smoother.
Yes, it is a Band-Aid and eventually (probably 3-5 years) the issue will come back AND I didn't plan on buying a new car for another couple of years.... the top engine cleaning works(ed), allowed me to clear all the check engine lights etc, and when I find the next car I want to buy.... I can & will still get full KBB trade in or private sale value.
If you haven't done so... I would recommended you do the same. Sorry I struck out!
To all you concerned folk:
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To all you concerned folk:
-My 2006 is250 top part of engine was completely replaced(free- courtesy of Lexus Carlsbad) in 2016 due to the voluntary recall
-25K miles later in 2020 the carbon build up returned on cylinder #3(along with all relevant dash lights) where an engine flush was recommended/clean #3. = $900 paid by me
- 2K miles driven and 6 months later, exact same dash lights/symptoms occurred and dealer is now telling me "O well, needs a $6k engine teardown to determine scope of the issue and then most likely a new full long block engine". AT MY EXPENSE. Car is worth $4k.....haggling with Corporate currently-I'll be lucky if they keep it and give me 2K towards a trade-in..... SAD......Buyer beware