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2010 Lexus IS350

The 2010 Lexus IS350 is a popular luxury sport sedan known for its blend of performance, reliability, and comfortable ride. The IS350 boasts a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 306 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. Other engine options available in the IS line for 2010 included a 2.5-liter V6 (IS250). The IS350 comes standard with a 6-speed automatic transmission. Owners often praise the car’s smooth and powerful engine, responsive handling, and luxurious interior. Common dislikes include the somewhat cramped rear seating and a dated infotainment system compared to newer models.

Engine

3.5L 2GR-FSE V6

  • Carbon Buildup on Intake Valves (Direct Injection)
    • Description/Symptoms: Rough idle, misfires, decreased fuel economy, and loss of power. This is a common issue with direct injection engines.
    • Solution: Walnut blasting the intake valves to remove carbon deposits.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $800+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Oil Leaks (Valve Cover Gaskets and Timing Cover)
    • Description/Symptoms: Visible oil leaks around the valve covers or timing cover, burning oil smell, low oil level.
    • Solution: Replace the valve cover gaskets or reseal the timing cover.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: Valve cover gaskets: $200 - $400; Timing cover reseal: $800 - $1500+
    • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

A760E 6-Speed Automatic

  • Harsh Shifting/Slipping (Valve Body)
    • Description/Symptoms: Hard shifts, slipping between gears, delayed engagement. The valve body can develop wear and cause improper fluid pressure control.
    • Solution: Valve body replacement.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1500+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Torque Converter Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: Shuddering at low speeds, especially during light acceleration; abnormal noise; check engine light
    • Solution: Torque converter replacement
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1000 - $2000+
    • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

  • Control Arm Bushing Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Clunking noise from the front or rear suspension, loose steering, uneven tire wear. Bushings wear out over time, causing excessive play in the control arms.
    • Solution: Replace the worn control arm bushings or the entire control arm.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: Bushing replacement: $200 - $400 per arm; Control arm replacement: $300 - $600 per arm
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Strut/Shock Absorber Leaks
    • Description/Symptoms: Bouncy ride, poor handling, visible oil leaks on the struts or shocks.
    • Solution: Replace the leaking struts or shocks.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500 per corner
    • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

  • Navigation Screen Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Blank screen, flickering, unresponsive touch screen, or distorted display.
    • Solution: Repair or replace the navigation unit screen or the entire unit.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: Screen repair: $300 - $600; Unit replacement: $800 - $2000+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Bluetooth Connectivity Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: Difficulty pairing devices, dropped connections, poor audio quality during calls.
    • Solution: Software update (if available), Bluetooth module replacement.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: Software update: $0 - $100; Module replacement: $300 - $700
    • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

  • Headlight Condensation
    • Description/Symptoms: Moisture buildup inside the headlight housing.
    • Solution: Remove and reseal the headlight housing, replace the headlight assembly.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: Reseal: $100 - $300; Replacement: $500 - $1000+ per headlight
    • Recalls: None Found

Interior

  • Dashboard Cracking (Due to UV Exposure)
    • Description/Symptoms: Cracks appearing on the dashboard surface, especially in warmer climates.
    • Solution: Dashboard replacement, dashboard cover.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: Dashboard replacement: $1000 - $2500+; Dashboard cover: $50 - $200
    • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2010 Lexus IS350 is a generally reliable vehicle, but some common issues include carbon buildup on the intake valves, potential oil leaks, and issues with the transmission valve body. Electrical and suspension issues are less frequent but can occur. Dashboard cracking is a common cosmetic issue in warmer climates. The severity and cost of repairs vary, with engine and transmission repairs potentially being the most expensive. Potential buyers should inspect the vehicle thoroughly and be aware of these potential issues to make an informed decision.

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