2019 Lexus IS300

The 2019 Lexus IS300 is a popular luxury sport sedan known for its sleek styling, comfortable ride, and Lexus reliability. It’s available with two engine options: a 2.0L turbocharged inline-4 producing 241 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, and a 3.5L V6 producing 260 horsepower and 236 lb-ft of torque in the rear-wheel-drive version, and 311 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque in the all-wheel-drive version. People appreciate the car’s comfortable interior, smooth ride, and stylish design. Common dislikes include the somewhat dated infotainment system, tight rear seating, and less engaging driving dynamics compared to some competitors.

Engine

2.0L Turbocharged Inline-4

• Carbon Buildup on Intake Valves
  • Description/Symptoms: Direct injection engines like the 2.0L turbo can suffer from carbon buildup on the intake valves over time, as there’s no fuel washing over them to keep them clean. This can lead to rough idling, decreased performance, and reduced fuel economy.
  • Solution: A walnut blasting service to clean the intake valves.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found

3.5L V6

No Issues Found

Transmission

6-Speed Automatic (RWD V6 Model)

No Issues Found

8-Speed Automatic (2.0L Turbo and AWD V6 Models)

• Harsh Shifting
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported harsh or jerky shifting, particularly between lower gears. This can be more noticeable during cold starts or stop-and-go traffic.
  • Solution: Software update or transmission flush.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150- $300+ for a software update, $200- $400+ for a transmission flush
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

No Issues Found

Electrical

• Infotainment System Freezing/Rebooting
  • Description/Symptoms: The infotainment system can occasionally freeze, become unresponsive, or unexpectedly reboot. This may affect navigation, audio, and climate control functions.
  • Solution: Software update or replacement of the head unit.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $300+ for a software update, $1000+ for a head unit replacement
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Automatic High Beam Malfunction
  • Description/Symptoms: The automatic high beam system may not function correctly, either failing to activate or deactivating at inappropriate times.
  • Solution: Sensor recalibration or replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Dashboard Cracking
  • Description/Symptoms: In hot climates, some owners have reported cracking or splitting of the dashboard material.
  • Solution: Dashboard replacement or repair.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $2000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2019 Lexus IS300 generally exhibits good reliability, but some issues have been reported. The carbon buildup on the 2.0L turbo engine and harsh shifting in the 8-speed automatic transmission are potential concerns. Infotainment glitches and dashboard cracking are also issues to be aware of. Most repairs are moderately expensive. Overall, the IS300 is a dependable car, and awareness of these potential issues can help prospective buyers make an informed decision.