2009 Lexus IS 250 problems & reliability
48 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2009 Lexus IS 250, alongside 6 safety recall campaigns. Last verified Aug 7, 2026. Complaints are unverified reports submitted by owners to the federal Office of Defects Investigation.
Each complaint is counted once (by NHTSA case number), even when it names several vehicles.
1 complaint report injuries (1 injured).
Most reported problems
| Component | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Air Bags → | 20 | 42% |
| Structure | 6 | 13% |
| Unknown OR Other | 6 | 13% |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 6 | 13% |
| Visibility/wiper | 4 | 8% |
| Fuel System, Gasoline | 3 | 6% |
| Electrical System | 2 | 4% |
| Fuel/propulsion System | 2 | 4% |
| Power Train | 2 | 4% |
| Visibility | 2 | 4% |
Component groups as classified by NHTSA. A complaint can name more than one component, so shares may sum to more than 100%.
Mileage when problems occurred
Half of the failures with a reported odometer reading occurred by 57,450 miles (middle 50% between 21,575 and 72,750 miles), based on 24 complaints that included mileage.
Complaints by incident year
What owners report
“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…”
Visibility/wiper · filed Jul 6, 2019
“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…”
Structure · filed Jan 28, 2019
“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.”
Traction Control System · filed Oct 15, 2018
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Federal defect investigations
- Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture
Engineering Analysis EA21002 · opened Sep 17, 2021 · open
Technical service bulletins
155 manufacturer communications (TSBs, service campaigns, warranty extensions) are on file with NHTSA for the 2009 Lexus IS 250. The 10 most recent:
CSP: Takata CSP Coverage Job Aid - published 7.28.2022
Takata CSP Cover · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jul 28, 2022
CSP: On July 30, 2018, a settlement of claims for Economic Loss related to Takata airbag inflators was approved for full implementation. The settlement includes Lexus?s agreement to provide a Customer Support Program…
22LE02 - Takata · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jul 28, 2022
Lexus Safety Recall and Service Campaign - Technician Certification Requirements 4.13.2022
Safety Recall 22 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Apr 13, 2022
TSB: This Service Bulletin includes procedures to replace damaged or loose front carpet floor retainer(s) without replacing the carpet assembly. Follow the Repair Procedure in this bulletin to replace the loose or…
L-SB-0006-22 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Mar 9, 2022
TSB: Some 2005 ? 2022 model year Lexus vehicles that have undergone water intrusion may exhibit a condition in which a musty smell is present. Follow the procedures in this bulletin to remediate the odor and address…
L-SB-0004-22 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Feb 24, 2022
POL: This consolidated Tire Warranty Guide contains the complete warranty terms for all brands of ground and spare tires currently in use by Lexus. This information must be kept near the point of vehicle sale and be…
Lexus PRO19-02 - · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jan 12, 2022
TSB: For proper calibration of the millimeter wave radar sensor, the vehicle and radar target must be on a level surface with a consistent plane. If a level surface with a consistent plane is not available, use the…
L-SB-0046-21 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Nov 10, 2021
Lexus Safety Recall and Service Campaign - Technician Certification Requirements
Lexus Safety Re · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Mar 31, 2021
TT: Some customers may encounter Bluetooth® connectivity concerns such as: ?Difficulty to pair the phone. ?Intermittent Bluetooth® failure to connect to the vehicle when first turning on the vehicle. ?Various Bluetooth®…
L-TT-0281-20 Rev · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Mar 16, 2021
TSB: Vehicles may display evidence of a fluid leak or fluid seep from powertrain components. This bulletin explains how to determine the differences between a fluid leak versus a fluid seep. Cases that are determined to…
L-SB-0002-20 Rev · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Aug 5, 2020
TSBs are repair guidance manufacturers send to dealers — they are not recalls and repairs are not automatically free. Full documents are available on NHTSA’s site.
Safety recalls
The 2009 Lexus IS 250 has 6 NHTSA recall campaigns — recall repairs are free at franchised dealers regardless of the vehicle’s age.
Check whether your specific vehicle is affected
Recall campaigns often cover only certain VIN ranges. Enter your VIN on the official NHTSA site to confirm whether your vehicle is included and whether the repair is still open.
Check VIN on NHTSA →Buying a used 2009 Lexus IS 250?
- · Decode the seller’s VIN with our free VIN decoder to confirm the exact year, engine and trim.
- · Check for unrepaired recalls by VIN on NHTSA’s official lookup — recall repairs are free.
- · Owners most often reported problems around 57,450 miles — budget accordingly if the car is approaching that mileage.