The 2009 Lexus Is 250 has 6 safety recalls and 48 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is air bags (20 complaints).
Recalls6safety recalls
Complaints48filed by owners
Crashes · fires3 · 0reported in complaints
Injuries · deaths1 · 0reported in complaints
Safety recalls
Air bags › Frontal › Passenger side › Inflator module
NHTSA recall 19V741000 · Oct 17, 2019 · 928,220 vehicles · opened after NHTSA action (ODI)
Problem: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2010-2016 4Runner, 2003-2006 Tundra, 2003-2013 Corolla, 2009-2010 Corolla Matrix, 2004-2005 RAV4, 2002-2007 Sequoia, 2011-2013 Sienna, 2008-2012 Scion xB, 2008-2009 Lexus IS-F, 2007-2012 Yaris and Lexus ES350, 2010-2017 Lexus GX460, 2002-2010 Lexus SC430, 2006-2012 Lexus IS250 and IS350 and 2010-2015 Lexus IS250C and IS350C vehicles. These vehicles had their driver or passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior recall using inflators of the same design. The inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix: Toyota will notify owners. Depending on the vehicle model, dealers will replace the front driver inflator, front passenger airbag inflator, the airbag assembly, or the front passenger airbag sub-assembly and inflator. The recall began November 20, 2019. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371 or Lexus customer service at 1-800-255-3987. Toyota's numbers for this recall are J0A, J0B, and J0C. Lexus' numbers for this recall are JLI, JLJ, and JLK.
Components: Air bags › Frontal › Passenger side › Inflator module; Air bags › Frontal › Driver side › Inflator module
Air bags › Frontal › Passenger side › Inflator module
NHTSA recall 18V024000 · Jan 9, 2018 · 628,018 vehicles · opened after NHTSA action (ODI)
Problem: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2013 Scion xB, Toyota Corolla, Corolla Matrix, Sienna, 4Runner, Lexus IS250, IS350, IS250C, IS350C, IS-F, and GX460 vehicles sold, ever registered, in the states of AL, CA, FL, GA, HI, LA, MS, SC, TX, PR, AS, GU, the MP (Saipan), and the U.S. VI or "Zone A." Toyota is also recalling certain 2010 Scion xB, Toyota Corolla, Corolla Matrix, Yaris, 4Runner, Lexus IS250, IS350, IS250C, IS350C, ES350, IS-F, GX460, and Pontiac Vibe vehicles sold, ever registered, in the states of AZ, AR, DE, DC, IL, IN, KS, KY, MD, MO, NE, NV, NJ, NM, NC, OH, OK, PA, TN, VA, and WV or "Zone B." Toyota is also recalling certain 2009 Scion xB, Toyota Corolla, Corolla Matrix, Yaris, Lexus IS250, IS350, ES350, IS-F, and Pontiac Vibe vehicles ever registered in the states of AK, CO, CT, ID, IA, ME, MA, MI, MN, MT, NH, NY, ND, OR, RI, SD, UT, VT, WA, WI, and WY or "Zone C." These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix: Toyota will notify the Toyota, Scion and Lexus owners. General Motors will contact the Pontiac owners. Depending on the vehicle model, dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, or replace the air bag assembly. The recall began on January 29, 2018. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331, or Pontiac customer service at 1-800-762-2737. Toyota's numbers for this recall are "Zone A" Toyota: G0P, Lexus: GLG; "Zone B" Toyota: G0R, Lexus GLH; "Zone C" Toyota: H0A, and Lexus: HLA.
Air bags › Frontal › Passenger side › Inflator module
NHTSA recall 17V006000 · Jan 9, 2017 · 577,875 vehicles · opened after NHTSA action (ODI)
Problem: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2012 Toyota 4Runner, Corolla, Corolla Matrix, Sienna, Yaris, Scion xB, Lexus ES350, GX460, IS-F, IS250, IS350, IS250C, IS350C, and Lexus LFA vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands, or "Zone A." Additionally, unless included in "Zone A" above, Toyota is recalling certain 2009 Toyota Corolla, Corolla Matrix, Yaris, Yaris HB, Scion xB, Pontiac Vibe, Lexus, ES350, IS250, IS350, and IS-F vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia, or "Zone B." Additionally, unless included in "Zone A" or "Zone B" above, Toyota is recalling certain 2006-2008 Lexus IS250 and IS350, 2007-2008 Lexus ES350, Toyota Yaris, Yaris HB, and 2008 Lexus IS-F and Scion xB vehicles originally sold, or ever registered in Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin and Wyoming. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
Risk: An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix: Toyota will notify the Toyota, Scion and Lexus owners. General Motors will contact the Pontiac owners. Depending on the model, dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator or the air bag assembly, free of charge. The recall began on February 1, 2017. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331, or Pontiac customer service at 1-800-762-2737. Toyota's numbers for final remedy for this campaign are G0P (Toyota Zone A), G0R (Toyota Zone B), H0A (Toyota Zone C), GLG (Lexus Zone A), GLH (Lexus Zone B) and HLA (Lexus Zone C).
Air bags › Frontal › Passenger side › Inflator module
NHTSA recall 16V340000 · May 23, 2016 · 1,754,517 vehicles · opened after NHTSA action (ODI)
Problem: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2008-2011 Scion xB and Lexus IS F, 2009-2011 Toyota Corolla and Corolla Matrix, 2006-2011 Toyota Yaris, Lexus IS250 and Lexus IS350, 2010-2011 Toyota 4Runner, Lexus IS250C, Lexus IS350C and Lexus GX460, 2011 Sienna, 2007-2011 Lexus ES350, and 2009-2010 Pontiac Vibe vehicles, originally sold, or ever registered, in Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands, or "Zone A." Additionally, unless included in "Zone A" above, Toyota is recalling certain model year 2008 Scion xB and Lexus IS F, 2007-2008 Toyota Yaris, 2006-2008 Lexus IS250 and Lexus IS350 and 2007-2008 Lexus ES350 vehicles, originally sold, or ever registered, in Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia, or "Zone B." Vehicles of these model years and models that were not originally sold or ever registered in either Zones A or B are not subject to this safety recall. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the front air bags, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
Risk: An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix: Toyota will notify the Toyota and Lexus owners. General Motors will contact the Pontiac owners. Depending on the model, dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator or the air bag assembly, free of charge. The recall began on December 6, 2016. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for interim notification for this campaign are G1P (Toyota Zone A), G1R (Toyota Zone B), G2G (Lexus Zone A), and G2H (Lexus Zone B). Toyota's numbers for final remedy for this campaign are G0P (Toyota Zone A), G0R (Toyota Zone B), GLG (Lexus Zone A), and GLH (Lexus Zone B).
Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
NHTSA recall 14V647000 · Oct 15, 2014 · 422,509 vehicles
Problem: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2007-2010 Lexus LS vehicles manufactured May 9, 2006, to July 20, 2010, 2006-2011 Lexus GS vehicles manufactured January 6, 2005, to September 10, 2010, and 2006-2011 Lexus IS vehicles manufactured August 30, 2005, to September 10, 2010. Due to anti-corrosion plating remnants, fuel may leak from where the fuel pressure sensor is attached to the fuel delivery pipe.
Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
Fix: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will clean and reseal the fuel pressure sensor mounting area, free of charge. The recall began March 3, 2015. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331.
Visibility/wiper
NHTSA recall 13V030000 · Jan 30, 2013 · 267,718 vehicles
Problem: Toyota is recalling certain model year 2006-2012 Lexus IS250 and IS350 vehicles manufactured August 23, 2005, through October 5, 2011; 2010-2012 Lexus IS250C and IS350C vehicles manufactured April 10, 2009, through October 6, 2011; and 2008-2011 Lexus IS-F vehicles manufactured December 14, 2007, through July 10, 2011. The nuts that fasten the wiper arms may be insufficiently torqued such that if the wiper arms are restricted by an external load, such as a buildup of heavy snow, one or both of the wipers may become inoperative.
Risk: Inoperative wipers could reduce driver visibility and increase the risk of a vehicle crash.
Fix: Toyota will notify owners, and Lexus dealers will install new wiper arm nuts, free of charge. An interim letter was mailed to owners on April 4, 2013. Owners may contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331.
Recall repairs are free at any authorised dealer. A recall listed here may already have been fixed on a particular car: enter its 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls.
Fuel economy
IS 250
24mpg combined
City / highway
21 / 29 mpg
Fuel
Premium Gasoline
2.5 L · 6 cyl · Automatic (S6) · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $3,400/year to fuel
IS 250 AWD
22mpg combined
City / highway
20 / 26 mpg
Fuel
Premium Gasoline
2.5 L · 6 cyl · Automatic (S6) · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive · about $3,750/year to fuel
IS 250
21mpg combined
City / highway
18 / 26 mpg
Fuel
Premium Gasoline
2.5 L · 6 cyl · Manual 6-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $3,900/year to fuel
EPA estimates from fueleconomy.gov for each engine and transmission sold. Annual cost is the EPA's estimate for 15,000 miles a year at its current fuel and electricity price assumptions. Your results will vary.
What owners report
Problem area
Complaints
Crashes
Fires
Injuries
Typical mileage*
Air bags
20
1
0
0
100,000 mi
Vehicle speed control Accelerator pedal
6
2
0
1
7,250 mi
Structure Body; Interior panels › Dashboard
6
0
0
0
72,000 mi
Unknown or other
6
0
0
0
69,500 mi
Visibility/wiper
4
0
0
0
60,000 mi
Fuel system, gasoline
3
0
0
0
—
Power train Automatic transmission
2
0
0
0
—
Visibility Sun/moon roof assembly
2
0
0
0
—
Electrical system
2
0
0
0
—
Fuel/propulsion system
2
0
0
0
—
Wheels
1
0
0
0
—
Tires
1
0
0
0
—
*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.
Recent owner complaints
Apr 13, 2019 · 60,000 milesVisibility/wiper DASHBOARD IS MELTING AND STICKY. CAUSING A RIDICULOUS GLARE FROM SUNLIGHT AND HEADLIGHTS. CONTACTED LEXUS DEALERSHIP; THEY STATED THERE IS A RECALL FOR THIS BUT THEY COULDN'T HELP ME I WOULD NEED TO CALL LEXUS THEMSELVES. CALLED LEXUS PROVIDED MY VIN AND OTHER INFORMATION. THEY TOLD ME MY VIN WAS NOT PART OF THE RECALL AND I WOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR ALL REPAIRS MYSELF.
Apr 1, 2018Unknown or other MY DASHBOARD IS MELTED AND STICKY. CAN BE A SAFETY HAZARD FOR GLARE ON THE ROAD.
Jan 21, 2016 · 98,000 milesStructure › Interior panels › Dashboard DASH MATERIAL IS DECOMPOSING, CREATING A LARGE SPOT OF GLARE ONTO WINDSHIELD. LEXUS IS WELL AWARE OF THIS FROM THOUSANDS OF COMPLAINTS, AND IN 2011 UPDATED WARRANTY FOR SOME VEHICLES.HOWEVER THEY HAVE TOLD ME THAT VEHICLE IS NOT COVERED AND ARE BEING SUED BUY MANY FOR THIS SAME COMPLAINT. JUST ADDING MY CAR TO LIST I HAVE SEEN THAT YOU ALREADY HAVE. THIS MAKES IT UNSAFE TO DRIVE INTHE SUNLIGHT!!
Oct 1, 2018 · 65,000 milesEngine TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 LEXUS IS 250. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH, THE CHECK ENGINE AND TRACTION CONTROL INDICATORS ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT PROPERLY ACCELERATE. THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER AND LOCAL DEALER WERE NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 65,000.
Sep 16, 2018 · 55,900 milesVisibility/wiper THE LEFT AND RIGHT SIDE MIRRORS HAVE BECOME LOOSE AND FREELY MOVE FORWARD AND BACKWARD. I HAVE TO USE HEAVY DUTY CLOTH TAPE TO PERMANENTLY SECURE THEM IN THE REAR FACING ORIENTATION. I FOUND A YOUTUBE VIDEO WHICH DISCLOSES THE MECHANICAL DEFECT THAT NEEDS TO BE CORRECTED. THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD IF THE MIRRORS WERE NOT HELD STEADY IN THE REAR FACING ORIENTATION AND THIS MECHANICAL DEFECT SHOULD NOT OCCUR.
Nov 19, 2015Structure › Body TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 LEXUS IS 250. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DASHBOARD WAS PRODUCING A VERY STICKY SUBSTANCE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SUBSTANCE WAS LIKE GLUE AND COVERED THE ENTIRE DASHBOARD. THE CONTACT ALSO MENTIONED THAT THE GLUE LIKE SUBSTANCE WAS DIFFICULT TO REMOVE FROM CLOTHING. THE FAILURE WAS ALSO NOTICED ON THE SIDE PANEL. THE CONTACT REFERENCED A RECALL FOR THIS FAILURE AND STATED THAT SHE HAD BEEN PLACED ON A WAITING LIST SINCE 2015; HOWEVER, A RECALL WAS NOT LOCATED FOR THIS VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO JM LEXUS (5350 W SAMPLE RD, MARGATE, FL 33073, (954) 972-2200), BUT THE FAILURE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS…
Mar 1, 2016Unknown or other MELTING DASHBOARD CAUSING A GLARE WHILE DRIVING WHERE YOU CAN'T REALLY SEE WHERE YOU ARE GOING PROPERLY.
Mar 19, 2018 · 100,000 milesFuel/propulsion system TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 LEXUS IS250. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START AND WAS TOWED TO NORTH SIDE LEXUS (17925 NORTH FWY., HOUSTON, TX 77090). THE DEALER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 14V647000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE), 16V340000 (AIR BAGS), AND 13V030000 (VISIBILITY/WIPER). THE TECHNICIAN INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE PART THAT WAS NEEDED WAS A FUEL PRESSURE SENSOR; HOWEVER, IT WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE NHTSA CAMPAIGN UMBER: 14V647000 FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE) RECALL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE REMAINED AT THE DEALER AND WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.
Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.
NHTSA defect investigations
EA21002 · opened Sep 17, 2021 · openDesiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/expert_report-hrblomquist.pdf.Consequently, all frontal inflators using propellant 2004 that do not contain a "desiccant" (a substance that traps and holds moisture) in US vehicles are under recall. These "non-desiccated" inflators either have been or are required to be replaced.In some cases, the remedy part for these recalled…