2006 Lexus IS problems, complaints & recalls
Updated from NHTSA data · How we count
Owners have filed 50 complaints with NHTSA about the 2006 Lexus IS, most often about airbags. There are 2 recalls for this model year.
- Complaints
- 50
- Recalls
- 2
- Crashes
- 2
- Fires
- 3
- Injuries
- 0
- Median mileage
- 133,000 mi at time of problem
Key facts
- Airbags is the most-reported problem area, named in 10 of 50 complaints (20%).
- Electrical System (8) and engine (8) follow.
- Half of the complaints that list mileage happened before 133,000 mi.
- Owners reported 2 crashes, 3 fires and 0 injuries.
- The 2006 Lexus IS has 2 recalls on file.
- It has the most serious complaint record of all 22 Lexus IS model years we track.
2006 Lexus IS problems by category
- Other / Unknown14 complaints
- Airbags · 1 crash10 complaints
- Electrical System8 complaints
- Engine8 complaints
- Visibility & Wipers7 complaints
- Transmission & Drivetrain6 complaints
- Steering · 1 crash5 complaints
- Body & Structure5 complaints
- Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion3 complaints
- Driver Assistance & Safety Tech1 complaints
- Suspension1 complaints
A complaint can mention more than one problem area, so categories add up to more than the total.
Most-reported components
| Component (as filed with NHTSA) | Complaints |
|---|---|
| Unknown or other | 14 |
| Air bags | 10 |
| Engine | 8 |
| Visibility/wiper | 7 |
| Power train | 6 |
| Electrical system | 5 |
| Steering | 5 |
| Electrical system:instrument panel:speedometer/odometer | 3 |
When problems happen (mileage)
2006 Lexus IS recalls (2)
- 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.
- 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.
Recent 2006 Lexus IS complaints
Excerpts of the newest owner complaints, lightly cleaned of personal details. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
- Filed Apr 30, 2026221,000 miTXElectrical System
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2006 Lexus IS 250. The contact stated that after purchasing the vehicle and driving for two hours, it was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 135,000, and at the time of scanning the vehicle, it was discovered that the mileage was 221,000. The title showed a different name. A Carfax report was not obtained. The Montgomery police department was…
NHTSA complaint #11734763 · source - Filed Apr 20, 2026MDVisibility & Wipers
My dashboard is melting and I understand that there was a campaign to resolve this that ended in 2016. I bought the vehicle in 2019 and it has only gotten worse to the point that the dashboard has a sheen to it that causes a glare on the interior of the windshield when the sunlight hits it, making visibility very difficult.
NHTSA complaint #11732524 · source - Filed Feb 19, 2026300,000 miTXElectrical System
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2006 Lexus IS 250. The contact stated that upon selling the vehicle, the new owner later informed the contact that it was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy while the vehicle was undergoing a diagnostic test. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time the contact purchased the vehicle, the mileage was 150,604; however, an Experian Auto Check History Report listed the mileage at over 300,000.
NHTSA complaint #11719036 · source - Filed Feb 11, 2026155,811 miTXElectrical System
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2006 Lexus IS 250. It was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a private seller. At the time of purchase, the odometer mileage was 119,000. The contact purchased a Carfax Report, which indicated that the odometer mileage was reported in September 2022 at 144,556, and the vehicle failed inspection. In addition, in October 2018, the odometer was reported at 155,811.
NHTSA complaint #11717329 · source - Filed Oct 3, 202589,000 miCATransmission & Drivetrain
The contact owns a 2006 Lexus IS 250. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal rattling sound coming from underneath the hood. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with a transmission and radio failure. The local dealer was contacted and informed the contact that the were no recalls associated with the VIN. The manufacturer was made aware of…
NHTSA complaint #11691198 · source - Filed Mar 25, 2025VAOther / UnknownVisibility & Wipers
The dashboard glares when it is sunny outside and at night when cars are driving past on the other side, this is a huge safety issue as it impairs visibility. The dashboard is also very sticky
NHTSA complaint #11650553 · source - Filed Mar 24, 2025WAVisibility & Wipers
Under hot conditions the dashboard and door materials starts to become sticky and it becomes ultra shiny which reflects on the windshield and when the sun is up you can totally loose visibility in front of you, has happened to me a few time when I have to stop because it becomes very dangerous
NHTSA complaint #11650159 · source - Filed Dec 24, 2024TXEngine
The vehicle is burning engine oil at an increasingly severe rate, with the manual stating that burning 1.1 quarts every 600 miles is normal. This consumption is excessive given the 5.5-quart capacity and the requirement for expensive full synthetic oil, causing frequent and costly top-offs. This poses a safety risk due to the potential for engine damage or failure if oil levels are not closely monitored. Some owners have had the issue inspected, and Lexus has acknowledged…
NHTSA complaint #11632254 · source
Compare the 2006 Lexus IS with another vehicle →
Other 2006 Lexus models
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data, as of Oct 11, 2026. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology