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2014 Lexus IS250

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By Research the Car 4 min read

Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of common issues and complaints for the 2014 Lexus IS250, formatted for your website.

The 2014 Lexus IS250 is a popular luxury sedan known for its stylish design, comfortable ride, and reliability. The IS250 comes equipped with a 2.5-liter V6 engine producing 204 horsepower and 185 lb-ft of torque. While many owners appreciate the car’s aesthetics and Lexus’ reputation, common dislikes include the somewhat underpowered engine, limited rear seat space, and a dated infotainment system compared to its competitors. Other available engine options are the 3.5L V6 (IS350) with a six or eight speed automatic transmission.

Engine

2.5L V6

  • Carbon Buildup on Intake Valves
    • Description/Symptoms: Direct injection engines are prone to carbon buildup on the intake valves, which can lead to rough idling, decreased fuel economy, misfires, and loss of power.
    • Solution: A walnut blasting service to clean the intake valves.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $800+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Oil Leaks
    • Description/Symptoms: Oil leaks from valve cover gaskets, timing cover, or oil pan. This can cause oil spots on the ground, a burning oil smell, and low oil levels.
    • Solution: Replacing the leaking gaskets or seals.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1000+ depending on the location of the leak.
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Coolant Leak from Water Pump
    • Description/Symptoms: Coolant leaks from the water pump area, often accompanied by engine overheating.
    • Solution: Replacement of the water pump.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $700+
    • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

6-Speed Automatic Transmission (A960E)

  • Harsh Shifting
    • Description/Symptoms: Some owners report harsh or jerky shifts, particularly during downshifts or when the transmission is cold. This may indicate issues with the valve body or worn transmission fluid.
    • Solution: A transmission fluid flush, valve body replacement, or, in severe cases, a transmission rebuild or replacement.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 for a flush, $800+ for valve body, $3000+ for rebuild/replacement.
    • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

  • Control Arm Bushings Wear
    • Description/Symptoms: Premature wear of the front lower control arm bushings, leading to clunking noises over bumps and degraded handling.
    • Solution: Replacing the control arm bushings or the entire control arm assembly.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+ per side.
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Wheel Bearing Noise
    • Description/Symptoms: Humming or grinding noise from one or more wheels, increasing with speed.
    • Solution: Replacement of the faulty wheel bearing.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600 per wheel.
    • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

  • Navigation/Infotainment System Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: The infotainment system can experience freezing, slow response times, or failure to boot up. Navigation errors and Bluetooth connectivity problems are also reported.
    • Solution: Software updates (if available), replacement of the head unit.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200 for software, $500 - $1500+ for head unit replacement.
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Battery Drain
    • Description/Symptoms: The battery drains quickly, especially if the car is not driven frequently. This can be due to a parasitic draw from a faulty module or accessory.
    • Solution: Identifying and repairing the source of the parasitic draw, replacing the battery.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+ depending on the complexity of the issue. Battery replacement is typically $200 - $400.
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Sensor Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Malfunction of various sensors, such as oxygen sensors or mass airflow sensors.
    • Solution: Replacement of the faulty sensor.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $400 per sensor.
    • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

  • Headlight Condensation
    • Description/Symptoms: Moisture buildup inside the headlight housing, affecting visibility and potentially damaging the headlight assembly.
    • Solution: Removing the headlight and drying it out, resealing the headlight housing, or replacing the headlight assembly.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200 for resealing, $500 - $1000+ for replacement.
    • Recalls: None Found

Interior

  • Dashboard Cracking
    • Description/Symptoms: Cracking or warping of the dashboard, particularly in warmer climates.
    • Solution: Replacement of the dashboard or installation of a dashboard cover.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2000+ for dashboard replacement.
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Door Lock Actuator Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: One or more door locks failing to lock or unlock remotely or manually.
    • Solution: Replacement of the faulty door lock actuator.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400 per door.
    • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2014 Lexus IS250 is generally reliable, but owners should be aware of the potential for carbon buildup, oil leaks, and cooling system issues on the 2.5L V6 engine. Harsh shifting in the transmission can also occur. Suspension components, particularly control arm bushings, are susceptible to wear. Electrical issues like infotainment problems and battery drain, along with exterior headlight condensation and interior dashboard cracking, are also potential areas of concern. The severity of these issues ranges from minor inconveniences to more costly repairs, but overall, the IS250’s problems are typically less severe and expensive compared to some other luxury cars in its class.

Lexus, IS250
Lexus IS250 2014
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