2015 Lexus IS350

The 2015 Lexus IS350 is a popular luxury sports sedan known for its sleek styling, comfortable ride, and reliable performance. It comes equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 306 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. While the IS250 was available with a 2.5L V6, the IS350 exclusively features the 3.5L. The rear-wheel-drive (RWD) models are paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission, while all-wheel-drive (AWD) models utilize a 6-speed automatic. Owners often praise the IS350 for its smooth engine, comfortable interior, and Lexus’s reputation for reliability. Common dislikes include the somewhat cramped rear seating and the infotainment system, which some find less intuitive than competitors.

Engine

3.5L V6 (2GR-FSE)

• Carbon Buildup on Intake Valves
  • Description/Symptoms: Direct injection engines like the 2GR-FSE can experience carbon buildup on the intake valves over time, leading to rough idling, decreased fuel economy, and reduced performance.
  • Solution: A manual cleaning of the intake valves (walnut blasting) or using fuel additives designed to reduce carbon buildup.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Water Pump Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Coolant leak, overheating, whining noise from the engine bay.
  • Solution: Replacement of the water pump.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $700+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

8-Speed Automatic (RWD Models)

• Rough Shifting
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported occasional rough or harsh shifting, particularly between certain gears. This is more common with higher mileage vehicles.
  • Solution: A transmission fluid flush and software update may resolve the issue. In more severe cases, valve body replacement might be necessary.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 (fluid flush), $800 - $1500+ (valve body replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found

6-Speed Automatic (AWD Models)

No Issues Found

Suspension

• Lower Control Arm Bushing Wear
  • Description/Symptoms: Clunking or rattling noise from the front suspension, especially when going over bumps. Worn bushings can also affect handling and tire wear.
  • Solution: Replacement of the lower control arm bushings or the entire lower control arm.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600+ per side
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Navigation/Infotainment System Freezing or Rebooting
  • Description/Symptoms: The infotainment system occasionally freezes, reboots unexpectedly, or experiences glitches.
  • Solution: A software update from the dealership may resolve the issue. In some cases, replacement of the head unit may be required.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $0 (software update), $1000 - $2000+ (head unit replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Battery Drain
  • Description/Symptoms: The vehicle battery drains quickly, especially if left unused for a few days.
  • Solution: Possible causes include a faulty alternator, parasitic drain, or a failing battery. Diagnosis and repair of the specific cause is needed.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Daytime Running Light (DRL) Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: One or both of the DRLs fail to illuminate.
  • Solution: Replacement of the DRL assembly or bulb (if replaceable).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200-$500+ per side.
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Dashboard Cracking (Rare, but possible in hot climates)
  • Description/Symptoms: Cracks may appear on the dashboard surface, especially in areas exposed to direct sunlight. This is less common in the 2015 model year but possible.
  • Solution: Dashboard replacement or repair. A dashboard cover can be used to prevent further cracking.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 (dashboard cover) $1000 - $2000+ (dashboard replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Sunroof Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Sunroof may get stuck, make noises when opening or closing, or leak.
  • Solution: Cleaning and lubricating the sunroof tracks, repairing or replacing the sunroof motor, or replacing the sunroof seal.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $1000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2015 Lexus IS350 is generally a reliable vehicle. The most commonly reported issues involve the engine (carbon buildup and water pump failure), transmission (rough shifting, especially on the 8-speed), suspension (control arm bushing wear), and electrical system (infotainment glitches and battery drain). While dashboard cracking and sunroof issues are possible, they are less common. Most of these issues are not considered severe, but the cost of repairs can vary significantly depending on the specific problem. Carbon cleaning, water pump replacement, control arm bushings, and infotainment repairs can all lead to costs of several hundred dollars or more.