2017 Lexus IS300

The 2017 Lexus IS300 is a luxury sports sedan that slots below the IS350 and offers a blend of comfort and engaging driving dynamics. The IS300 comes standard with a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 engine producing 241 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. All-wheel drive models are equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 255 horsepower and 236 lb-ft of torque. The IS300 RWD comes with an 8-speed automatic transmission, while the AWD model has a 6-speed automatic. Owners generally appreciate the Lexus IS300 for its comfortable ride, stylish interior, and reputation for reliability. Common dislikes include the somewhat cramped rear seats and the infotainment system’s interface.

Engine

2.0L Turbocharged Inline-4 (RWD)

• Carbon Buildup on Intake Valves
  • Description/Symptoms: Direct-injection engines like the 2.0T are prone to carbon buildup on the intake valves due to the lack of fuel washing over them. Symptoms include rough idling, decreased fuel economy, and reduced performance.
  • Solution: Manual cleaning of the intake valves with walnut blasting or chemical cleaning.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Turbocharger Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Whining or screeching noises from the turbocharger, loss of power, check engine light.
  • Solution: Turbocharger replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1500 - $3000+
  • Recalls: None Found

3.5L V6 (AWD)

• Coolant Leak (Water Pump)
  • Description/Symptoms: Coolant leaking from the front of the engine, overheating, low coolant level.
  • Solution: Replacement of the water pump and coolant.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $600 - $1000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

8-Speed Automatic (RWD)

• No Issues Found

6-Speed Automatic (AWD)

• No Issues Found

Suspension

• Creaking or Squeaking Noises
  • Description/Symptoms: Creaking or squeaking noises coming from the suspension while driving over bumps.
  • Solution: Inspect and replace worn suspension components such as sway bar bushings, control arm bushings, or ball joints.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+ per component replaced
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Infotainment System Freezing/Crashing
  • Description/Symptoms: The infotainment system freezes, becomes unresponsive, or crashes intermittently.
  • Solution: Software update, replacement of the infotainment system module (rare).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $0 (Software update) - $1000+ (Module replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Battery Drain
  • Description/Symptoms: Car is difficult to start or requires a jump start, even after short periods of being parked.
  • Solution: Diagnose and repair parasitic drain, replace the battery.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $300+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Headlight Condensation
  • Description/Symptoms: Moisture or condensation buildup inside the headlight housing.
  • Solution: Removal of headlight housing to allow ventilation, application of sealant to prevent future moisture. In severe cases, replacement of the headlight assembly.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50-$200+, $500-$1000+ for housing replacement
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Dashboard Cracking
  • Description/Symptoms: Cracking or splitting of the dashboard material, particularly in hot climates.
  • Solution: Dashboard replacement, or dashboard cover.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $2000+ for replacement, $50-200+ for cover.
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary:

The 2017 Lexus IS300 is generally a reliable vehicle, but owners may experience issues with carbon buildup in the 2.0L turbo engine, water pump leaks in the 3.5L V6, suspension noises, infotainment system glitches, and dashboard cracking. The severity and cost of these issues can vary. Carbon buildup and water pump leaks can be relatively costly to repair.