2017 Lexus IS350

The 2017 Lexus IS350 is a popular luxury sports sedan known for its comfortable ride, stylish design, and reliability. It’s powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 306 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. While the IS350 is generally well-regarded, some owners have reported certain issues. What people tend to like about the car is its reliability, interior styling, and exterior styling. Common complaints are the cramped back seats, the somewhat outdated infotainment system, and the less sporty handling than its competitors. Other engine options available in the 2017 Lexus IS line include a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 engine in the IS200t/IS300 (RWD) and a 3.5-liter V6 engine with lower output in the IS300 (AWD).

Engine

3.5L 2GR-FSE V6

• Oil Leaks from Timing Cover
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil leaks are reported to occur from the front timing cover. Symptoms include visible oil leaks near the front of the engine, a burning oil smell, and low oil levels.
  • Solution: Replacing the timing cover gasket or resealing the timing cover.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1000 - $2000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Coolant Leak From Water Pump
  • Description/Symptoms: Coolant may begin to leak from the water pump which will cause the coolant to get low. Drivers may notice the vehicle overheating.
  • Solution: Replacing the water pump.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

Aisin AA80E 8-Speed Automatic Transmission

• Harsh Shifting
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported harsh or jerky shifting, especially between lower gears. This can be more noticeable during acceleration or deceleration.
  • Solution: Some owners have had success with a transmission fluid flush and fill. In some cases, the valve body may need to be replaced or the transmission rebuilt.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 for fluid flush. $1500+ for valve body replacement or transmission rebuild.
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• No Issues Found

Electrical

• Navigation/Infotainment System Freezing or Rebooting
  • Description/Symptoms: The infotainment system can sometimes freeze, lag, or spontaneously reboot while driving. This can affect navigation, audio, and climate control.
  • Solution: Updating the system software if available, or replacing the head unit in severe cases.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $0 (software update if available) - $1000+ (head unit replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Dead Battery Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Premature battery failure is a reported issue. Symptoms include difficulty starting the vehicle, especially in cold weather.
  • Solution: Replacing the battery.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• No Issues Found

Interior

• Dashboard Cracking/Melting (Limited Reports)
  • Description/Symptoms: In rare cases, owners in very hot climates have reported dashboard cracking or melting.
  • Solution: Dashboard replacement
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1500 - $3000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2017 Lexus IS350 is generally a reliable vehicle, but it has a few potential issues to be aware of. Oil leaks, transmission harshness, and electrical glitches are the most commonly reported problems. The severity and cost of these issues can vary, but they are generally not catastrophic. The most expensive potential repairs are related to the engine timing cover or the dashboard. Potential buyers should inspect used IS350s carefully for signs of these problems and obtain a pre-purchase inspection from a qualified mechanic.