2010 Lexus IS350
2010 Lexus IS350
Overview
The 2010 Lexus IS350 is generally regarded as a reliable luxury sport sedan, building on Lexus’s reputation for quality and durability. It features a potent V6 engine and a smooth automatic transmission, offering a blend of performance and comfort. While most owners report a positive ownership experience with minimal unexpected repairs, like any vehicle, certain components can occasionally present issues. This analysis focuses on documented, non-wear-and-tear related problems that owners have reported, providing insights into potential areas of concern and their typical resolutions.
Engine
3.5L V6 (2GR-FSE)
Oil Leaks (Valve Cover Gaskets)
- Symptoms: Visible oil on the engine, burning oil smell, low oil level.
- Solution: Replacement of valve cover gaskets.
- Cost: $300 - $600
Carbon Buildup (Direct Injection)
- Symptoms: Reduced engine performance, rough idle, decreased fuel efficiency, check engine light.
- Solution: Intake valve cleaning (e.g., walnut blasting or chemical cleaning).
- Cost: $400 - $800
Transmission
6-Speed Automatic (A960E)
No widespread issues reported.
- Symptoms: No widespread issues reported.
- Solution: No widespread issues reported.
- Cost: No widespread issues reported.
Suspension
Standard Chassis
No widespread issues reported.
- Symptoms: No widespread issues reported.
- Solution: No widespread issues reported.
- Cost: No widespread issues reported.
Electrical
Standard Electrical System
HVAC Blower Motor Resistor Failure
- Symptoms: Fan only works on highest setting, or not at all.
- Solution: Replacement of the blower motor resistor.
- Cost: $100 - $250
Key Fob Battery Drain
- Symptoms: Key fob stops working prematurely, requires frequent battery replacement.
- Solution: Replacement of key fob battery, potential diagnosis of parasitic drain if persistent.
- Cost: $5 - $20 (battery), $100+ (diagnosis)
Exterior
Standard Exterior
No widespread issues reported.
- Symptoms: No widespread issues reported.
- Solution: No widespread issues reported.
- Cost: No widespread issues reported.
Interior
Standard Interior
No widespread issues reported.
- Symptoms: No widespread issues reported.
- Solution: No widespread issues reported.
- Cost: No widespread issues reported.
Summary Verdict
The 2010 Lexus IS350 is a highly reliable vehicle with a strong track record. The primary areas that may require attention are related to the direct-injected engine, specifically potential carbon buildup on intake valves and occasional oil leaks from valve cover gaskets. Electrical components like the HVAC blower motor resistor and key fob battery can also be points of failure, though these are generally minor and relatively inexpensive to fix. The transmission, suspension, exterior, and interior components are largely free from widespread issues, contributing to a positive ownership experience. Regular maintenance is key to ensuring the longevity of this well-built luxury sedan.