2006 Lexus IS Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Avoid The 2006 Lexus IS ranks as the worst year in the lineup, with a complaint index of 100, 143 complaints, and 7 recalls covering fuel system, brakes, engine, seat belts, and airbags. Its top problem area is Structure & Body, largely melting dashboards and door panels.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 100/100
- #1 of 21 IS years
- Verdict
- Avoid
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 143
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 7
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 3
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 5
- Injuries
- 2
- Top issue
- Structure & Body
Top 2006 Lexus IS problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Structure & Body43 (30%)
- Visibility & Wipers29 (20%)
- Airbags26 (18%)
- Other25 (17%)
- Engine17 (12%)
- Electrical System11 (8%)
- Steering8 (6%)
- Brakes7 (5%)
- Transmission & Powertrain7 (5%)
- Fuel System4 (3%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Dashboard and door panels melt and become sticky, especially after sun exposure, sometimes affecting both driver and passenger sides.
- Rear brake calipers seize and rotors rust and develop ridges, leaving rear brakes non-functional even at lower mileage.
- Underhood fires occur without prior warning lights, in some cases producing black smoke and flames near the engine.
- Fuel system components leak gasoline odor and can ignite after stalling, particularly following maintenance like oil changes.
- Interior rearview mirrors discolor and become hard to see through, described by owners as a known but only warranty-covered issue.
- Engine runs rough and shakes intermittently under braking, with some cases traced to worn pistons and valve springs.
2006 Lexus IS recalls
7 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 11V029000Jan 26, 2011Fuel System244,779 vehicles
Fuel system, gasoline:delivery
Toyota is recalling certain model year 2006-2009 lexus is and model year 2006-2007 lexus gs vehicles. Due to insufficient tightening of the fuel pressure sensor connected to an engine fuel delivery pipe with nickel phosphorus plating, there is a possibility that, over time, the pressure sensor could loosen. If loosening occurs, fuel could leak past a gasket used in the connection between the sensor and the pipe and through the threaded portion of the sensor.
Risk: Fuel leakage, in the presence of an ignition source, could result in a fire.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect for fuel leakage from the threaded portion of the fuel pressure sensor and if a fuel leak is not confirmed, dealers will further tighten the fuel pressure sensor with the proper torque. If a fuel leak is confirmed, the gasket between the sensor and the fuel deliver pipe will be replaced with a new one, and the sensor will be tightened with the proper torque. This service will be performed free of charge. The safety recall began on march 7, 2011. Owners may contact toyota at 1-800-331-4331.
- NHTSA 10V499000Oct 21, 2010Brakes728,544 vehicles
Service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components:master cylinder
Toyota is recalling certain model year 2005-2006 avalon, model year 2004-2006 highlander, model year 2004-2006 lexus rx, and model year 2006 lexus gs and is vehicles. Brake fluid containing polymers is used that acts as lubricants for certain brake system components. If replacement brake fluid is used that does not contain such polymers, or that contains only small amounts, a part of the rubber seal located at the rear of the brake master cylinder may become dry, and the seal may curl during movement of the piston. If this occurs, a small amount of brake fluid could slowly leak from the seal into the brake booster.
Risk: A leak of brake fluid could lead to a change in brake pedal feel and overtime a degradation in braking performance increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the seal with a newly designed one. This service will be performed free of charge. The safety recall began on november 15, 2010. Owners may contact toyota at 1-800-331-4331 and lexus at 1-800-255-3987.
- NHTSA 09V388000Oct 5, 2009Engine4,445,056 vehicles
Vehicle speed control:accelerator pedal
Toyota is recalling certain model year 2004-2010 passenger vehicles. The accelerator pedal can get stuck in the wide open position due to its being trapped by an unsecured or incompatible driver's floor mat.
Risk: A stuck open accelerator pedal may result in very high vehicle speeds and make it difficult to stop the vehicle, which could cause a crash, serious injury or death.
Remedy: Toyota filed an amended defect report on november 25, 2009, stating that dealers will modify the accelerator pedal and, on certain vehicles, alter the shape of the floor surface under the pedal. These changes address the risk of pedal entrapment due to interference with the floor mat. Redesigned accelerator pedals will become available beginning in april 2010 and dealers will replace any modified pedal with the new pedal if desired. Also, dealers will replace any genuine toyota or lexus all-weather floor mats with redesigned all-weather mats, or repurchase the previous mats from owners who do not want the new ones. Additionally, software modifications will be installed on camry, avalon and lexus es 350, is 350 and is 250 models that will ensure that the brake overrides the accelerator in the event both brake and accelerator pedals are applied. Toyota will begin mailing letters to owners on december 31, 2009. Owners may contact toyota at 1-800-331-4331, lexus at 1-800-255-3987.
2006 compared with other IS years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2006 Lexus IS reliable?
- Among 21 model years of the IS with data, 2006 ranks worst, with a complaint index of 100 and 143 complaints, giving it an Avoid verdict relative to other IS years.
- What problems does the 2006 Lexus IS have?
- NHTSA complaints point to Structure & Body issues like melting dashboards (30% of complaints), plus Visibility & Wipers, Airbags, and Engine problems, including fuel system fires.
- Does the 2006 Lexus IS have recalls?
- Yes, NHTSA lists 7 recalls for the 2006 Lexus IS covering fuel system leaks and corrosion, sticking accelerator pedals, brake fluid seals, seat belt retractors, and airbag inflators.
- What is the median mileage for failures on the 2006 Lexus IS?
- Across all reported problems, the overall median mileage at failure is 90,000 miles, though this varies by problem area, from about 70,430 miles for Structure & Body issues to 139,000 miles for Electrical System issues.
- Which Lexus IS years are safer than 2006?
- Later years like 2015, 2017, 2020, and 2023 earn a Good verdict with much lower complaint indexes (25, 40, 35, and 45 respectively), compared to 100 for 2006.