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Lexus IS 250Model year report

2006 Lexus IS 250 Problems

Complaints
189filed with NHTSA
Median mileage
83,411miles, 138 complaints with mileage
Recalls
6campaigns on record
Trend
FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA crash rating
—overall rating starts with 2011 models
EPA fuel economy
24 mpgcombined, 2.5L 6-cyl RWD · 21 city / 29 hwy

Sources: NHTSA records for the 2006 Lexus IS 250 (complaints, recalls, investigations), EPA fuel economy. Report an error

What owners report

Complaints on this model year cluster around interior materials and the airbag system. Owners most often describe a sticky, melting dashboard and door panels that crack and shine, and an airbag warning light tied to a wiring harness repair quoted in the thousands of dollars. Drivetrain and speed-control complaints appear too, mostly at higher mileage, with a smaller group reporting low-mileage accelerator concerns.

  1. Body and structure

    Sticky, melting dashboard and door panels

    • 53 complaints (28%)
    • median 80,500 mi at 8.3 yrs old (32 state mileage)
    • 2 mention a crash, fire or injury
    • filed 2012–2019

    Owners describe the dashboard and interior door panel surfaces becoming sticky, shiny and tacky, with cracks and pieces breaking off, often worse in hot or humid climates. Several say the glossy surface reflects sunlight onto the windshield and interferes with the view forward. Complaints describe a warranty enhancement program covering the panels, but also long waits for parts and coverage refused once the vehicle was out of warranty. Reported from roughly 30,000 to 150,000 miles, with several owners noting symptoms worsen in hot, sunny weather.

    5 related service bulletins

    What to check: Inspect the dash top and door panels in direct sun for tackiness, shine, cracks or peeling, and ask whether the warranty enhancement replacement was ever performed.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “The dash and both driver and passenger side door panels look as if they are melting. Every time I touch the door my fingernail chips off another piece of the soft material, making it look as though an animal was clawing at it. On really hot sunny days the dash can become somewhat shiny obstructing the view at certain angles and lighting. Dangerous and annoying.”

    NHTSA complaint #10622406, filed 2014-08, 90,000 miles

    “Both door panels on my 2006 Lexus IS 250 are melting and producing the stick sticky black tar looking stuff I guess it's from melting and the odor from that is sometimes so strong when I'm on long rides that it may gives me headaches my daughter has burnt her arm because the door panels are so hot to touch and melting and this is usually all year round because of the sun hitting it.”

    NHTSA complaint #11097210, filed 2018-05, 98,000 miles
  2. Vehicle speed control

    Sudden or unintended acceleration

    • 14 complaints (7%)
    • median 24,000 mi at 3.7 yrs old (13 state mileage)
    • 8 mention a crash, fire or injury
    • filed 2006–2012

    Owners describe the engine revving or the car surging forward without throttle input, sometimes while braking, and in several cases the accelerator pedal sticking near the floor mat. Complaints mention having to shift into park or shut the engine off to stop the car, and dealers often pointing to floor mat interference rather than a component fault. Mostly reported under 40,000 miles, with a few at higher mileage.

    Recall 05V565000

    What to check: Check that the correct floor mats are fitted and secured, and confirm the accelerator pedal recall was performed; note any hesitation or surge during a test drive.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “Back on may 21, 2009, I pulled out of my driveway in my 2006 Lexus is250 and the accelerator immediately became stuck down forcing my car to go almost 55 MPH down a winding hill. At this point the brakes also did not work and I simply had to wait for everything to begin working again. I was extremely lucky this happened at night and nobody was in front of me because this is a main road. I contacted Lexus the next day who informed it was just my floor mat and to remove the extra mat immediately. …”

    NHTSA complaint #10308706, filed 2010-02, 28,000 miles

    “Lexus fast acceleration in my car. It has happened 4 or 5 times in my 2006 Lexus IS 250, which I bought new. At first, I thought it was my fault since I usually wear wide athletic shoes. I thought that I was touching both the brake and accelerator and mentioned it to my sister, who works for a Lexus dealer. She told me that they were coming out with a letter about the floor mats causing the problem. I took the driver's side floor mat out of my car. I checked the clearance and it was about 2 inches. …”

    NHTSA complaint #10314266, filed 2010-02, 28,000 miles
  3. Air bags

    Airbag warning light / harness fault

    • 24 complaints (13%)
    • median 107,980 mi at 10.0 yrs old (21 state mileage)
    • owner-quoted repair $3,500 (median of 11 quotes)
    • filed 2012–2022

    Owners report the SRS or airbag warning light coming on and staying lit while driving, sometimes with a diagnostic code pointing to the driver knee airbag squib circuit. Complaints describe dealers attributing it to the instrument panel wiring harness and quoting repairs in the thousands of dollars, with coverage sometimes denied as out of warranty. Several owners mention having seen a service bulletin describing the condition. Mostly reported between about 45,000 and 155,000 miles, often appearing with no other symptoms.

    Recall 16V340000Recall 17V006000Recall 19V7410004 related service bulletins

    What to check: Confirm the airbag light is off at start-up and ask whether the harness or connector bulletin work was done; also check that the Takata inflator recalls were completed.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “I drove my car to work with no abnormal lights on the dash. After working 7 hours I returned to my car and started it after a few seconds I looked up to notice the airbag light was illuminated. I turned the car off waited a few seconds and started it again and the light is still on. I have read that this is a common issue with the airbag wiring harness and can cost up to $3500 to repair.”

    NHTSA complaint #10745559, filed 2015-08, 107,980 miles

    “My 2006 Lexus IS 250 awd was at a local dealership for additional recall work, and other maintenance. When I picked up the car, the airbag light was on. Note: they confirmed it was not on upon initial inspection. I never left the lot and was put in another car. The dealer determined that there was a short in the airbag wiring harness, and they claimed they did not do it. They directed me to Lexus corporate. …”

    NHTSA complaint #10563163, filed 2014-02, 123,200 miles
  4. Fuel system

    Raw fuel smell and fuel leaks

    • 13 complaints (7%)
    • median 72,091 mi at 6.8 yrs old (12 state mileage)
    • 3 mention a crash, fire or injury
    • filed 2006–2019

    Owners report a strong raw gasoline smell inside the cabin, most noticeable at a cold start in the morning and fading as the car warms up. Complaints describe dealers finding leaks at the fuel pipes or a fuel hose and gasket between the engine and tank, after earlier visits attributed the smell to worn spark plugs. One owner notes a prior fuel-line recall repair that later leaked again. Reported from roughly 40,000 to 150,000 miles, typically noticed on first start of the day.

    Recall 14V647000

    What to check: Smell for fuel in the engine bay and cabin after an overnight cold start, and ask whether the fuel line recall was completed.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “Starting getting raw gas odor inside car when starting car 1st thing in morning. I took my 2006 Lexus is-250 into dealer. I met with mechanic before starting car ( on the dealer lot ) so he could understand problem. It took about 20 seconds and we both had to get out of car because of gas smell. Customer rep called about 2 hours later and stated the mechanic found leaks in the fuel pipes. This was repaired on a recall about 17 months earlier.”

    NHTSA complaint #10379683, filed 2011-01, 41,901 miles

    “In late 2012 took my wife's IS 250 to the Lexus dealership due to heavy raw gas smell. The Lexus dealer in nj stated that the issue was related to old spark plugs...had my first tune up for the vehicle at 100k miles. Well the smell didn't go away. We recently moved to fl and took the vehicle to a fl Lexus dealership. This time we forced them to hold the car over night as the raw gas smell is prominent in the a.m., then goes away. They found the fuel hose/fuel gasket from the engine to the fuel tank was leaking. …”

    NHTSA complaint #10510178, filed 2013-04, 105,000 miles
  5. Other or unknown

    Power steering assist loss

    • 6 complaints (3%)
    • median 124,900 mi at 12.0 yrs old (6 state mileage, few)
    • filed 2012–2023

    Owners describe the steering wheel suddenly becoming extremely hard to turn, sometimes with the power steering warning light on, and in one case the wheel feeling loose at speed. Complaints say restarting the car sometimes restored assist temporarily, and that the vehicle was towed or parked afterward. Some suspect the electric steering connectors. Reported mostly between about 95,000 and 140,000 miles.

    What to check: During a test drive, turn the wheel lock-to-lock at low speed and listen for assist cutting in and out; ask whether the steering column or connectors have been serviced.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “I drove approximately 65 miles stopped and parked for 15 minutes. I then turned the car on and while commencing to drive away, noticed that my steering wheel was locked and incredibly hard to steer left or right. My dashboard had no problem indicator lights on, so I turned the car off and restarted it and regained steering capabilities. The following morning, I drove 1 mile away and upon my return while doing 35 MPH the steering wheel locked and became incredibly hard to steer resulting in a near death experience that I will never forget. …”

    NHTSA complaint #11100301, filed 2018-06, 114,800 miles

    “Car was driving fine all day. At 7pm went to back out of a parking spot and the p/s light came on and steering wheel is locked. Turned the car off and on again, but problem is still there. Had to have the car towed to a repair shop. The steering wheel is impossible to move, very hard.”

    NHTSA complaint #11185426, filed 2019-03, 138,220 miles

Buying note. Check the dashboard and door panels closely for stickiness or cracking in sunlight, verify all airbag and fuel-line recalls were completed, and ask for records on the airbag harness and steering repairs. A pre-purchase inspection that includes a cold-start fuel smell check and a steering test is worthwhile.

Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.

NHTSA recorded 189 consumer complaints for the 2006 Lexus IS 250. 138 of the complaints include a mileage, and 29% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 83,411 miles. Of all complaints, 10 involved a crash, 3 a fire, 14 an injury, 2 a death, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 6 recall campaigns and 195 technical service bulletins for this model year.

Not compared (before 2008). Model years 2008–2023 of the same vehicle that have at least 25 complaints are compared, and a model needs at least 3 of them.

Which parts are reported most

Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.

Also reported: Transmission and drivetrain (8), Brakes (7), Electronic stability control (5), Equipment (4), Seat belts (2), Seats (2), Suspension (2), Latches, locks and linkages (1), Tires (1), Wheels (1).

Example complaints

Body and structure: “I copied one of the other complaints, since my experience is exactly the same. Car dashboard is literally melting. The surface is now sticky which reflects a glare on the front windshield obstructing safe viewing for driving. When the sun is shining, it is very hard to see through the reflection of the dash on the inside windshield. Rearview mirror has black lines obstructing safe viewing for driving.”

NHTSA complaint #10629221, filed 2014-08, 100,000 miles

Air bags: “Takata recall - we are in zone a . Received recall notice advising no person should sit in passenger seat due to risk of injury or death.. Contacted dealer and Lexus (ca) told the fix will likely not be available until early 2017. Would like to sell the car.. But can't sell until airbag defect is repaired; we are unable to use the car until the defect is repaired...”

NHTSA complaint #10927693, filed 2016-11, 130,000 miles

Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors): “The rear view mirror on my 2006 Lexus is250 is hard to see out of because there is something that looks like rust behind the glass. I did some research online, and there are several complaints and pictures with mirrors that look the same as mine. I am not certain what causes this to happen but it appears to be a defect in at least the 2006-2007 series of Lexus from what I have researched.”

NHTSA complaint #10824226, filed 2016-02, 145,000 miles

Engine: “Hi when I am driving a strong odor comes into cab smells like rotten eggs and fuel its very over powering while driving I have talked to mechanics and they cant figure out what it is or where it comes from. I have read on forums and it is a common issue with this model”

NHTSA complaint #11181440, filed 2019-02, 135,000 miles

Mileage when problems were reported

29% of the 138 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 42,000 and 118,000 miles.

7%0–107%10–2515%25–5014%50–7519%75–10030%100–1508%150+
Share of complaints by mileage when the problem was reported, in thousands of miles (138 complaints with mileage). Red bars: under 50,000 miles. Bucket widths differ. Median: 83,411 miles.

Complaints by year filed

Trend: falling. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.

’07’10’1333’16’19’23
Complaints by year the complaint was filed with NHTSA. Red bars: the last 3 full calendar years used for the trend. The current year (2026) is partial.

Fuel economy and running cost

EPA ratings for each 2006 Lexus IS 250 version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).

VersionEngineTransmissionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yr
IS 250 RWD2.5L 6-cyl6-speed automatic212924$3,400
IS 250 RWD2.5L 6-cyl6-speed manual182621$3,900
IS 250 AWD2.5L 6-cyl6-speed automatic202622$3,750

Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.

Recalls and investigations

Recall details for the 2006 Lexus IS 250 → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls

Technical service bulletins

TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 195 on record; the latest 10 are shown.

See all 195 bulletins →

Other model years of the Lexus IS 250

YearComplaintsMedian miRecallsCrash ★MPGScore (50 = typical)Trend
20151610,0000524—Falling
20143525,500052413 · FewerFalling
2013539,0002423—Not enough data
20121740,0004—22—Falling
2011305,2954—2232 · FewerStable
20104038,5576—2250 · TypicalStable
20094857,4506—2456 · TypicalStable
200812566,0005—2465 · MoreFalling
200721375,0005—24Not compared (before 2008)Falling
200618983,4116—24Not compared (before 2008)Falling

All Lexus IS 250 model years · Best and worst years by complaints

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2006 Lexus IS 250?

Complaints on this model year cluster around interior materials and the airbag system. The issues reported most often: Sticky, melting dashboard and door panels; Sudden or unintended acceleration; Airbag warning light / harness fault.

How many NHTSA complaints does the 2006 Lexus IS 250 have?

NHTSA recorded 189 consumer complaints for the 2006 Lexus IS 250 as of Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.

What part of the 2006 Lexus IS 250 is reported most often?

Body and structure is named most often, in 53 complaints (28% of the total), followed by air bags with 46.

Has the 2006 Lexus IS 250 been recalled?

NHTSA lists 6 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What gas mileage does the 2006 Lexus IS 250 get?

The EPA rates the 2006 Lexus IS 250 (IS 250, 2.5L 6-cyl) at 24 mpg combined, 21 city and 29 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,400 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.

At what mileage are problems with the 2006 Lexus IS 250 reported?

Among the 138 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 83,411 miles and the middle half falls between 42,000 and 118,000 miles; 29% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).

Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.