Recalls: Lexus XE20 IS 250 C
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 250 C
2008-10 Lexus IS 250 C: fuel leak
In October 2014, a recall was issued for Lexus XE20 IS 250 C vehicles that were produced from 1 December 2008 to 21 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 C vehicles had VINs in the range JTH FK252 # 02500022 to JTH FK252 # 02513951 (PRA 2014/14385).
2009-11 Lexus IS 250 C: Takata airbag recall #1
In June 2016, Lexus issued a recall for Lexus IS 250 C vehicles that were manufactured from 16 April 2009 to 3 November 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 250 C vehicles had VINs in the range JTH FK252 # 02500065 to JTH FK252 #02522663 (PRA 2016/15425).
2012-14 Lexus IS 250 C: Takata airbag recall #2
In January 2017, a recall was issued for Lexus XE20 IS 250 C vehicles that were manufactured from 10 January 2012 to 26 December 2012. 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 250 C vehicles had VINs in the range JTH FK252 # 02523147 to JTH FK252 # 02527939 (PRA 2017/15846).
In January 2018, PRA 2017/15846 was expanded by PRA 2018/16536 to include Lexus XE20 IS 250 C vehicles that were manufactured from 7 January 2013 to 12 March 2013; these vehicles had VINs in the rangeJTH FK252 # 02527924 to JTH FK252 02530177.In January 2019, PRA 2018/16536 was extended for Lexus IS 250 C vehicles that were produced from 6 January 2014 to 5 August 2014; for the VINs of these vehicles, please see PRA 2019/17284.
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 Convertible
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 250C: carbon deposits, DTC P030# & oil consumption
For the Lexus IS 250 C’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 C vehicles with VINs after JTHFF2C2#A2507313, so these vehicles are not supposed to experience the same carbon build-up problems.
Lexus IS 250 C: 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 IS 250 C: rattling noise from rear of vehicles
In April 2008, Lexus issued Service Bulletin L-SB-0024-08 Rev1 for 2006-12 Lexus XE20 IS C 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 C: dashboard rattles
Dashboard rattles are a common problem for the XE20 IS 250 C. To test, drive the vehicle over uneven surfaces and push down on the dashboard at all points – i.e. in front of the driver, in the centre of the dashboard and on the passenger’s side – so that the dashboard flexes. If there are any rattles, creaks or squeaks, then both Lexus Services bulletins TSIB L-SB-0090-08 (Upper/Lower Windshield Tick Noise) and TSIB L-SB-0044-08 (Instrument Panel Rattle) are applicable. Since removal of the dashboard is labour-intensive, repair costs will likely exceed $1000 and may recur after attempted repairs.
Lexus XE20 IS 250 C: windscreen rattle
In May 2010, Lexus issued Lexus Service Bulletin L-SB-0090-08 Rev 1 for pre-2010 Lexus XE20 IS 250 C 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 C: 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 IS 250 C: 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.
