Reliability AnalysisBased on known issue patterns, repair cost data, and ownership trends · How we score

2006 Lexus IS Reliability ReportCommon Problems, Repair Costs & Expert Verdict

83/ 100

KeepScore

LOW RISK

Grade: B+

A premium, comfortable, and generally stout luxury sedan, but the IS250 demands vigilance for its specific engine quirks.

Full system breakdown + what I would do

Quick Facts · 2006 Lexus IS

  • Has 7 NHTSA recalls on record — the most notable involves the vehicle speed control:accelerator pedal.
  • Scores 6 points below the strongest nearby year — the 2005 Lexus IS earns a 89.
  • The system most likely to surface first: engine (is250 carbon buildup) (moderate severity).

Should You Buy the 2006 Lexus IS?

The 2006 Lexus IS offers a compelling blend of luxury, performance, and impressive long-term durability, making it one of the safest used compact luxury sedans you can acquire. While the IS250 engine has a well-documented carbon buildup issue that demands proactive attention, the overall platform is exceptionally robust, delivering a premium driving experience without the typical European luxury car repair anxieties. Choose wisely, maintain diligently, and this Lexus will serve you for many years.

Biggest Strengths

  • Exceptional build quality and interior materials longevity
  • Reliable Aisin automatic transmission
  • Robust IS350 engine option with dual injection

Top Risk Areas

The systems that break first on the 2006 Lexus IS. Mileage windows, repair costs, and fix-before-you-buy notes are in the full report.

1
Engine (IS250 Carbon Buildup)moderate
2
Engine (Water Pump)moderate
3
Suspension & Steeringmoderate
Typical mileage, cost ranges, and the exact what-to-check list are in the full report.

NHTSA Recalls

7 recalls on record from NHTSA. Check your VIN atnhtsa.gov to see if the repair was performed.

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.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

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 CONTENT WILL CORRODE THE INTERNAL SURFACE OF THE FUEL RAILS. AS THIS CONDITION PROGRESSES, THE ENGINE MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LIGHT MAY ILLUMINATE.

What breaks on the 2006 Lexus IS?

Full reliability breakdown — engine, transmission, rust, electrical. With repair costs and mileage danger zones.

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Lexus IS by Year

Compare KeepScores across nearby years of the Lexus IS. Click any year for its full report.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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