2001 Lexus IS 300 Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 3about this part
- Share
- 11%of 27 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 92,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 3 complaints about the engine cooling of the 2001 Lexus IS 300, 11% of the 27 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 92,000 miles. 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“The contact owns a 2001 Lexus is300. While driving approximately 45 MPH, the contact noticed smoke emitting from the engine. The contact pulled over and shut the vehicle off. When she opened the hood, she saw smoke coming from the radiator and a crack at the top of the radiator. The vehicle was towed to an authorized dealer where the crack was confirmed and the vehicle was repaired. The current and failure mileages were approximately 114,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10360998, filed 2010-10, 114,000 miles“The contact owns a 2001 Lexus IS 300. While driving 50 MPH, the contact noticed smoke rising from under the hood, followed by a loud noise. The vehicle shut off and was unable to be restarted. The vehicle was towed to the dealer who diagnosed the cause of failure as the timing belt. The dealer did not make the repair. The vehicle was towed to a mechanic who stated that there was oil build-up inside the engine. He recommended that the engine be replaced. As of june 6, 2007, the engine has not been repaired. The current mileage is 140,000 and failure mileage was 70,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10192559, filed 2007-06, 70,000 miles“Consumer states that when coming to a complete stop and trying to make a left or right turn the vehicle will at times shut off. Contacted dealer and the dealer is not willing to do anything. Nlm”
NHTSA complaint #8019812, filed 2002-09Related service bulletins
- 10015651Apr 26, 2005Heated oxygen sensor repair manual correction. 00245-rm105-4u2. *tt 00245-rm869-u2. *tt 00245-rm869-u2. *tt 00245-rm980-u2.
Engine cooling: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2002 | 1 | 4% |
| 2001 | 3 | 11% |
Other parts of the 2001 Lexus IS 300
5 complaintsSuspension
4 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
3 complaintsAir bags
2 complaintsBrakes
2 complaintsFuel system
2 complaintsTires
2 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
2 complaintsElectrical system
1 complaintsEngine
1 complaintsSteering
1 complaintsBody and structure
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2001 Lexus IS 300
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology