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Lexus IS 250Model year report

2007 Lexus IS 250 Problems

Complaints
213filed with NHTSA
Median mileage
75,000miles, 142 complaints with mileage
Recalls
5campaigns 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 2007 Lexus IS 250 (complaints, recalls, investigations), EPA fuel economy. Report an error

What owners report

Owners of this model year most often describe a sticky, melting dashboard and interior door trim that shines in sunlight and creates glare on the windshield; complaints about this span a wide mileage range and are frequently tied to hot, humid climates. Two other recurring themes are airbag-related warnings and wiring concerns, including the passenger-side inflator recalls, and headlights that cut out while driving and need to be switched off and on to come back.

  1. Body and structure

    Sticky, melting dashboard and door panels

    • 69 complaints (32%)
    • median 85,000 mi at 7.9 yrs old (39 state mileage)
    • 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
    • filed 2013–2021

    Owners describe the dashboard and interior door trim becoming soft, shiny and tacky, leaving a dark residue on hands and clothing and scratching easily. Many say the shiny surface reflects sunlight onto the windshield and obscures the view of the road. Some report the dealer replaced the dashboard or told them a replacement was needed, while others say coverage had expired or parts were unavailable. Reported across a wide mileage span, roughly 48,000 to 183,000 miles, and often in hot, humid climates.

    9 related service bulletins

    What to check: Inspect the dashboard and door panels in daylight for a shiny or tacky surface and press gently with a fingernail; ask whether the dashboard warranty enhancement was ever applied.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “My vehicle is one of the models affected by the sticky 'melting' dashboard issue made known to the public a few years ago. When driving during the day, sunlight creates a blinding reflection onto the windshield'making it impossible to see what's in front of you. This problem almost resulted in an auto accident for me two weeks ago while driving through an intersection.”

    NHTSA complaint #11047627, filed 2017-11, 150,000 miles

    “The door panels from front and passenger side are melting very bad. If I stick my nail by mistake, nail goes through and I get the sticky black rubbery material in nail. I pay too much for the car and Lexus only replace the dash board because it was also melting.”

    NHTSA complaint #10588226, filed 2014-05, 108,265 miles
  2. Exterior lighting

    Headlights cutting out while driving

    • 29 complaints (14%)
    • median 51,000 mi at 5.0 yrs old (23 state mileage)
    • filed 2008–2019

    Owners report headlights that fade or shut off while driving, sometimes at highway speed, and come back only after turning the light switch off and on or restarting the car. Some had bulbs or the headlight assembly replaced and the problem returned; others were quoted a costly control unit replacement. Mostly reported between about 40,000 and 100,000 miles.

    What to check: Test the headlights on a dark road or against a wall for several minutes and cycle the switch; ask whether bulbs or the headlight control unit have been replaced.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “When operating the front headlights, the lights will fade off during driving. The bulb does not go completely out, but within a few minutes of driving, they will go out. I have to click the lights on and off for them to come back on. I have had one bulb replaced, and will have the other replaced as well. This seems to be a common issue with this vehicle as I have a co-worker that experiences the same with his is350 Lexus.”

    NHTSA complaint #10789560, filed 2015-11, 85,040 miles

    “The headlights on my 2007 Lexus IS 250 keep going out while I'm driving, the dealership(Lexus of atlantic city) want me to pay $600.00 for the replacement of the computer that is causing the problem. I talked with a former Lexus service tech and he said they have had this problem for a while but dont want to address it because of the cost involved and the negative press. I have been stopped by the state police and almost ticketed for this problem. …”

    NHTSA complaint #10322712, filed 2010-03, 65 miles
  3. Air bags

    Airbag warning light and passenger seat sensor

    • 35 complaints (16%)
    • median 100,000 mi at 9.6 yrs old (9 state mileage, few)
    • 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
    • filed 2007–2019

    Owners describe the airbag or SRS warning light staying on and the passenger airbag showing as inactive. Several say the dealer attributed it to the airbag wiring harness or the occupant sensor under the passenger seat and quoted a repair of roughly two to three thousand dollars, while others report the work was not covered. Reported from about 30,000 miles up to around 105,000 miles.

    Recall 19V741000Recall 17V006000Recall 16V3400003 related service bulletins

    What to check: With the ignition on, confirm the airbag light goes out after the bulb check and that the passenger airbag indicator shows active with someone seated; ask for the recall repair history.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “I bought my car since 2007 on feb, have no idea why the passenger seat belt always off when my girlfriend sitting in my car. I did bring it back to Lexus but they said no problem......the past 3 and a half years I don't feel comfortable to let my family sitting in my car cause I don't know what going on with the passenger seat belt sign.”

    NHTSA complaint #10332751, filed 2010-05, 63,000 miles

    “There has been an ongoing problem with these cars with the air bag wiring harness. Many cars have had this problem including my car. The wiring harness gets disconnected from the air bag itself and disconnects puts on the air bag light. Taking it to the local dealer I was told that it would be $2,500 out of pocket. Looking through the forums many people have had this problem and it is a very normal problem with these cars.”

    NHTSA complaint #11182112, filed 2019-02, 100,000 miles
  4. Vehicle speed control

    Unintended acceleration or surge at low speed

    • 27 complaints (13%)
    • median 26,000 mi at 3.4 yrs old (25 state mileage)
    • 5 mention a crash, fire or injury
    • filed 2007–2018

    Owners describe the car accelerating on its own, sometimes with the pedal reportedly stuck, and in other cases a surge when braking or parking. Several say the dealer could not reproduce the problem or found no fault, and some mention being placed on a waiting list for a recall part. Mostly reported at low mileage, commonly under 30,000 miles.

    What to check: Ask whether any accelerator pedal or floor mat campaign work was done, check that the floor mat is secured, and have a mechanic check throttle response and pedal travel.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “I was driving my Lexus IS 250 awd (2007) at 30 MPH on route 27 in montgomery county ,md at 7 am on august 14, 2007. My gas pedal became stuck and I crashed into a tree. My car is totaled and I sustained neck and back injuries. The consumer learned there was a recall regarding the defect. Updated 10/09/07.”

    NHTSA complaint #10201175, filed 2007-08, 3,400 miles

    “I purchased a 2007 Lexus is250 about a month ago from carmax. I was driving at approx 30mph when a cat entered the roadway. I tried to slam on the brakes but the car accelerated instead and quickly gained speed. I don't know how fast I was going when I was able to step on the brake enough for it to stop. Carmax tells me its not their problem, even though they sold me a car that was already recalled. And Lexus says that they don't have the part for it but will put me on a waiting list. …”

    NHTSA complaint #10322492, filed 2010-03, 28,000 miles
  5. Air bags

    Airbags not deploying in a collision

    • 11 complaints (5%)
    • median 81,000 mi at 8.0 yrs old (9 state mileage, few)
    • 6 mention a crash, fire or injury
    • filed 2009–2017

    Several owners describe collisions, including rear-end and multi-car impacts and a rollover, in which no airbags deployed; some later received recall notices for the passenger inflator. Others report damaged airbag sensors found during inspection after a crash. Described in crashes at mileages from roughly 21,000 to 175,000.

    Recall 19V741000Recall 17V006000Recall 16V3400002 related service bulletins

    What to check: Check the vehicle identification number for open airbag inflator recalls and confirm with a dealer that all recall remedies have been completed.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “I was in a car accident a 4-car pile up. I was first rear ended by a chevy tahoe. He shoved me into the car in front of me and then they hit the car in front of them. My entire front was severely damaged to the point my car is totaled. The back end of my car was severely damaged as well. The airbags did not deploy. I was in a 2007 Lexus is250.”

    NHTSA complaint #10365615, filed 2010-11, 47,000 miles

    “On june 8th of 2016 I was sitting at a red light and was rear-ended and pushed into the another vehicle causing extensive damage and total loss. None of my airbags were deployed and I was taken to the emergency room with neck left arm and back trauma. My passenger had neck sprain and a bruise on her thigh.”

    NHTSA complaint #10906718, filed 2016-09, 175,000 miles

Buying note. Check the dashboard and door panels carefully in sunlight and confirm both airbag recalls and any dashboard warranty enhancement were completed, since those are the most common owner-reported concerns. A pre-purchase inspection covering headlight operation and the airbag warning lights is worthwhile given the reported repair costs.

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 213 consumer complaints for the 2007 Lexus IS 250. 142 of the complaints include a mileage, and 36% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 75,000 miles. Of all complaints, 12 involved a crash, 10 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns and 191 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: Engine cooling (8), Electronic stability control (6), Tires (5), Brakes (4), Equipment (4), Wheels (4), Transmission and drivetrain (3), Back-over prevention (rear camera) (1), Seat belts (1), Seats (1), Suspension (1).

Example complaints

Body and structure: “The dashboard is sticky, chipping and melting resulting in a blinding glare on the driver side wind shield. The glare reduces and hinders visibility and it has become a safety concern and hazard. The dash and door panel are so soft that anytime I bump it with my nail or ring, a chunk of the dash comes out. This melting is a potential hazard for the function of the air bags.”

NHTSA complaint #10593320, filed 2014-05, 75,000 miles

Air bags: “I have complained to the Lexus dealership as well as sonic about this dashboard. My warranty was valid my first several complaints, pictures were taken by a Lexus rep and sent to corporate. At that time corporate denied complaint I personally called and a rep told me that they have received calls in regards to melting sticky dashboard and they having this problem with people that live in hot humid climate. I was in disbelief that the rep told that to me. …”

NHTSA complaint #10680738, filed 2015-02, 104,000 miles

Other or unknown: “Vsc light, check engine light, traction control light all came on at the same time. Po303 cylinder 3 misfire detected. Have saw online many people complaining of the same problem. Engine is shaky during idle or shaky when its cold. Previous owned a 2009 Lexus is250 and had the same problem. Heard of some people saying Lexus dealers took cars in and had problem fixed as recall. Not finding any recalls for my car. My mechanic says its a good running car, but something doesn't feel right.”

NHTSA complaint #10851199, filed 2016-03, 130,000 miles

Vehicle speed control: “Engine light comes on and the car stalls or cuts off. The vsc light and traction light is on also. There's a burning smell that happens often. In addition my acceleration pedal causes me issues also which has put a whole in mat by getting stuck from time to time.”

NHTSA complaint #11101067, filed 2018-06, 90,000 miles

Mileage when problems were reported

36% of the 142 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 42,000 and 100,000 miles.

5%0–108%10–2523%25–5013%50–7523%75–10020%100–1508%150+
Share of complaints by mileage when the problem was reported, in thousands of miles (142 complaints with mileage). Red bars: under 50,000 miles. Bucket widths differ. Median: 75,000 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.

’07’09’11’1342’15’17’19’21
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 2007 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 2007 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. 191 on record; the latest 10 are shown.

See all 191 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 2007 Lexus IS 250?

Owners of this model year most often describe a sticky, melting dashboard and interior door trim that shines in sunlight and creates glare on the windshield; complaints about this span a wide mileage range and are frequently tied to hot, humid climates. The issues reported most often: Sticky, melting dashboard and door panels; Headlights cutting out while driving; Airbag warning light and passenger seat sensor.

How many NHTSA complaints does the 2007 Lexus IS 250 have?

NHTSA recorded 213 consumer complaints for the 2007 Lexus IS 250 as of Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.

What part of the 2007 Lexus IS 250 is reported most often?

Body and structure is named most often, in 59 complaints (28% of the total), followed by air bags with 52.

Has the 2007 Lexus IS 250 been recalled?

NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What gas mileage does the 2007 Lexus IS 250 get?

The EPA rates the 2007 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 2007 Lexus IS 250 reported?

Among the 142 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 75,000 miles and the middle half falls between 42,000 and 100,000 miles; 36% 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.