Is the 2006 Lexus IS reliable?

There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.

What are the most common problems with the 2006 Lexus IS?

The most-reported component is structure, accounting for 31% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2006 Lexus IS have?

7 recalls on file for this model year.

2006 Lexus IS

○ Not enough data

2006 Lexus IS
RENDERED 2026-11-01T13:31:23.974Z

Not enough comparison years on file yet for a fair verdict.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

How is this computed?

Complaints: 143
Recalls: 7
Investigations: 0
Top problem: Structure

Complaints per year

2006: 143 complaints

View as data table

Year	Complaints
1998	0
1999	1
2000	0
2001	1
2002	12
2003	12
2004	10
2005	12
2006	143
2007	122
2008	102
2009	40
2010	40
2011	15
2012	18
2013	9
2014	12
2015	9
2016	2
2017	11
2018	3
2019	2
2020	6
2021	2
2022	4
2023	5
2024	1
2025	1
2026	2

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Structure

31% · 44 reports

Most commonly citing body and dashboard.

FIRE

Show complaint excerpts

Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Lexus IS250. The contact stated that the driver and passenger side door panels, and the dashboard had melted and became sticky.

NHTSA ODI report, 2013-07-25

The contact owns a 2006 Lexus IS. The contact stated that the dashboard was melted and was causing vision impairment while driving. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be inspected. The vehicle was inspected, and the diagnosis was confirmed.

NHTSA ODI report, 2023-10-06

Visibility/wiper

18% · 26 reports

Air bags

18% · 26 reports

CRASHINJURY

Show complaint excerpts

Many people have have issues with the SRS warning light coming on and not going off. This issue seems to stem from harness connection issues that Lexus is aware of and have acknowledged. This needs to be fixed asap!

NHTSA ODI report, 2023-10-12

Engine

11% · 16 reports

FIRE

Electrical system

8% · 11 reports

Most commonly citing speedometer/odometer.

FIREINJURY

Show complaint excerpts

I was driving my car when all of a sudden the sensor advised me my coolant was low as I looked over to my left shoulder I notice smoke coming out before it caught fire.

NHTSA ODI report, 2018-07-20

Also filed under Electronic stability control (esc) and wheels

Safety timeline

7 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

R

2006-04-06Air bags06V096000 On certain vehicles, due to improper assembly of the air bag inflator, which IS used in the side air bag, the curtain shield air bag, and the knee air bag assembly, some inflators were produced with…

Remedy: Dealers will replace the specific SRS air bag. The recall began on April 6, 2006. Owners may contact Toyota at 1-888-270-9371, Scion at 1-866-548-1851, or Lexus at 1-800-255-3987.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2006-04-21Seat belts06V121000 On certain passenger vehicles, if the front seat belt retractors (Both driver and front passenger) become locked, they may not release due to a component of the emergency locking system. If the…

Remedy: Dealers will replace the front seat belt assemblies. The recall began on April 21, 2006. Owners may contact Lexus at 1-800-255-3987.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2007-12-15Fuel system, gasoline07V545000 On certain vehicles, high stress areas may have been created in two specific fuel pipes located in the engine compartment. Combined with other factors such as the presence of corrosive agents in…

Remedy: Dealers will replace the two involved fuel lines with newly designed lines free of charge. The recall began on December 15, 2007. Owners may contact Lexus at 1-800-255-3987.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2009-01-16Engine and engine cooling09V020000 Toyota IS recalling 214,570 my 2006-2008 Lexus IS, my 2006-2007 GS and my 2007-2008 LS passenger vehicles equipped with aluminum fuel delivery pipes (Fuel rails). Ethanol fuels with a low moisture…

Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the fuel delivery pipes free of charge. The recall IS expected to begin during February 2009. Owners may contact Toyota/Lexus at 1-800-255-3987.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2009-12-31Vehicle speed control09V388000 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…

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.…

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2010-11-15Service brakes, hydraulic10V499000 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…

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…

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2011-03-07Fuel system, gasoline11V029000 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…

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…

Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

2006 Lexus IS — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

Structure: 44 reports on file for this year.
Visibility/wiper: 26 reports on file for this year.
Air bags: 26 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

Recall 06V096000 · Air bags
Recall 06V121000 · Seat belts
Recall 07V545000 · Fuel system, gasoline
Recall 09V020000 · Engine and engine cooling
Recall 09V388000 · Vehicle speed control
Recall 10V499000 · Service brakes, hydraulic
Recall 11V029000 · Fuel system, gasoline

FAQ

Is the 2006 Lexus IS reliable?: There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 2006 Lexus IS?: The most-reported component is structure, accounting for 31% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2006 Lexus IS have?: 7 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.