2011 Lexus IS350
The 2011 Lexus IS350 is a popular luxury sport sedan known for its blend of performance, comfort, and reliability. It features a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 306 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. The IS350 only came with a six-speed automatic transmission for the 2011 model year. Some owners appreciate the car’s smooth ride, responsive handling, and luxurious interior. Common complaints include the relatively small rear seat, limited cargo space, and some dated technology features. The IS250, with a smaller 2.5-liter V6, was also available as an option for the 2011 model year.
Engine
3.5L 2GR-FSE V6
- Carbon Buildup
- Description/Symptoms: Direct-injection engines like the 2GR-FSE can experience carbon buildup on the intake valves, leading to rough idling, misfires, reduced fuel economy, and decreased performance.
- Solution: Cleaning the intake valves either manually or through chemical induction cleaning. In some cases, walnut blasting is required for stubborn buildup.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $800+ depending on the cleaning method and shop.
- Recalls: None Found
- Water Pump Failure
- Description/Symptoms: The water pump may fail, causing coolant leaks and potentially leading to overheating. Symptoms include a whining noise from the engine, visible coolant leaks near the front of the engine, and rising engine temperature.
- Solution: Replacement of the water pump and coolant flush.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $700+ depending on the shop and the labor involved.
- Recalls: None Found
Transmission
A760E 6-Speed Automatic
- Torque Converter Issues
- Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported torque converter issues, such as shuddering or vibration at low speeds, particularly during light acceleration. This can be caused by wear and tear or fluid degradation.
- Solution: Fluid flush and replacement with new, high-quality transmission fluid can sometimes alleviate the issue. In more severe cases, the torque converter may need to be rebuilt or replaced.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400 for a fluid flush; $800 - $2000+ for torque converter repair or replacement.
- Recalls: None Found
Suspension
- Lower Control Arm Bushing Failure
- Description/Symptoms: The lower control arm bushings can wear out over time, leading to clunking noises from the front suspension, particularly when going over bumps. It can also affect steering precision and stability.
- Solution: Replacement of the lower control arm bushings or the entire lower control arm assembly.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+ depending on whether just the bushings or the entire control arm are replaced and the shop labor rates.
- Recalls: None Found
Electrical
- Navigation Screen Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported that the navigation screen can fail or become unresponsive. This could be due to a faulty screen, a problem with the navigation unit, or wiring issues.
- Solution: Replacing the navigation screen or navigation unit. In some cases, a software update might resolve the issue.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1500+ depending on the extent of the problem and the repair needed.
- Recalls: None Found
- Oxygen Sensor Failure
- Description/Symptoms: The oxygen sensors can fail, causing poor fuel economy, engine misfires, and the check engine light to illuminate.
- Solution: Replacement of the faulty oxygen sensor(s).
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+ depending on the sensor and the shop labor rates.
- Recalls: None Found
Exterior
- Headlight Condensation
- Description/Symptoms: Moisture can accumulate inside the headlight housings, leading to condensation. This can reduce headlight effectiveness and visibility.
- Solution: Removing the headlight assembly, drying out the moisture, and resealing the housing.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300+ depending on whether the owner attempts DIY or goes to a shop.
- Recalls: None Found
Interior
- Dashboard Cracking
- Description/Symptoms: In hot climates, the dashboard can develop cracks over time due to sun exposure and heat.
- Solution: Replacing the dashboard or using a dashboard cover. Repairing cracks is possible but may not provide a long-lasting solution.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 (dashboard cover) - $1500+ (dashboard replacement).
- Recalls: None Found
Summary
The 2011 Lexus IS350 is generally a reliable vehicle, but like any car, it can have its share of issues. The most common problems reported by owners include carbon buildup, water pump failure, torque converter issues, and some electrical problems. Most of these repairs can range from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars. Overall, the IS350 is a reliable car but some problems can be expensive to repair.