2006 Lexus IS350
The 2006 Lexus IS350 marked a significant step for Lexus in the sport sedan market. It featured a sophisticated design, a well-appointed interior, and a powerful engine. The IS350, in particular, packed a punch with its 3.5-liter 2GR-FSE V6 engine, producing 306 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. Other engine options for the 2006 IS included the IS250 with a 2.5-liter V6. Both models were equipped with a 6-speed automatic transmission. Owners often praise the IS350 for its smooth power delivery, comfortable ride, and Lexus reliability. However, some common complaints include the small rear seat, limited trunk space, and some specific mechanical issues that can arise with age.
Engine
3.5L 2GR-FSE V6
- Carbon Buildup on Intake Valves
- Description/Symptoms: Direct injection engines are prone to carbon buildup on the intake valves because there is no fuel washing the valves. This buildup can lead to rough idling, misfires, reduced power, and decreased fuel economy.
- Solution: A manual cleaning of the intake valves, often involving walnut blasting, can remove the carbon deposits. Chemical treatments exist but are less effective.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1000+
- Recalls: None Found
- Oil Leaks (Timing Cover/Valve Cover)
- Description/Symptoms: Oil leaks can develop from the timing cover and valve cover gaskets as the engine ages. Symptoms include visible oil leaks, burning oil smell, and low oil levels.
- Solution: Replacing the affected gaskets with new ones.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+ (depending on location and complexity)
- Recalls: None Found
- Water Pump Failure
- Description/Symptoms: The water pump can fail, leading to overheating. Symptoms include coolant leaks, high engine temperature, and a whining noise from the engine bay.
- Solution: Replacing the water pump.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $700+
- Recalls: None Found
2.5L 4GR-FSE V6
- Carbon Buildup on Intake Valves
- Description/Symptoms: Direct injection engines are prone to carbon buildup on the intake valves because there is no fuel washing the valves. This buildup can lead to rough idling, misfires, reduced power, and decreased fuel economy.
- Solution: A manual cleaning of the intake valves, often involving walnut blasting, can remove the carbon deposits. Chemical treatments exist but are less effective.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1000+
- Recalls: None Found
- Oil Leaks (Timing Cover/Valve Cover)
- Description/Symptoms: Oil leaks can develop from the timing cover and valve cover gaskets as the engine ages. Symptoms include visible oil leaks, burning oil smell, and low oil levels.
- Solution: Replacing the affected gaskets with new ones.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+ (depending on location and complexity)
- Recalls: None Found
- Water Pump Failure
- Description/Symptoms: The water pump can fail, leading to overheating. Symptoms include coolant leaks, high engine temperature, and a whining noise from the engine bay.
- Solution: Replacing the water pump.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $700+
- Recalls: None Found
Transmission
A960E 6-Speed Automatic (Both Engine Options)
- Torque Converter Issues
- Description/Symptoms: Hesitation or shuddering during acceleration, especially at lower speeds. Can also lead to transmission slipping.
- Solution: Replacing the torque converter. In some cases, a transmission rebuild or replacement may be necessary if the issue has caused significant damage.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $2500+ (depending on severity and chosen solution)
- Recalls: None Found
Suspension
- Lower Control Arm Bushing Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Clunking noises from the front suspension, especially when going over bumps. Can also affect handling and tire wear.
- Solution: Replacing the lower control arm bushings or the entire lower control arm assembly.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $600+ (depending on parts and labor)
- Recalls: None Found
Electrical
- Navigation Screen Failure
- Description/Symptoms: The navigation screen may become unresponsive, flicker, or fail completely. This is more common in older models.
- Solution: Replacing the navigation screen or the navigation unit. Sometimes a repair of the existing unit is possible.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1500+ (depending on repair vs. replacement and new vs. used)
- Recalls: None Found
- Clock Spring Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Airbag light illumination, horn malfunction, and/or issues with steering wheel controls.
- Solution: Replacing the clock spring.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+
- Recalls: None Found
- Oxygen Sensors
- Description/Symptoms: Check engine light activation. Bad gas mileage, hesitation, etc.
- Solution: Replacement
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $500+ (Depending on which sensors need replacement)
- Recalls: None Found
Exterior
- Headlight Condensation
- Description/Symptoms: Moisture buildup inside the headlight housings, reducing visibility and potentially damaging the headlight bulbs.
- Solution: Removing the headlights, drying them out, and resealing them. Sometimes new headlight assemblies are required if the damage is severe.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $800+ (depending on repair vs. replacement)
- Recalls: None Found
Interior
- Dashboard Cracking
- Description/Symptoms: Cracking or melting of the dashboard material, particularly in hot climates. This is a common issue with this generation of Lexus vehicles.
- Solution: Replacing the dashboard (expensive) or using a dashboard cover. Some owners have had success with repair kits, but the results can vary.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $2000+ (depending on solution)
- Recalls: None Found
- Center Console Lid Latch Failure
- Description/Symptoms: The latch mechanism on the center console lid breaks, preventing the lid from staying closed.
- Solution: Replacing the latch or the entire center console lid.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $300+
- Recalls: None Found
Summary
The 2006 Lexus IS350 is a generally reliable vehicle, but like all cars, it has its share of potential issues. The most concerning are related to carbon buildup and oil leaks, which can lead to costly repairs. Other issues, like the dashboard cracking and suspension bushing failures, are also common and can impact the overall ownership experience. Potential buyers should be aware of these issues and factor them into their purchasing decision. Overall, the severity of these issues ranges from minor inconveniences to potentially expensive repairs.