MajorVery commonEngine

Lexus IS: 4GR-FSE Excessive Oil Consumption (IS250)

4GR-FSE Excessive Oil Consumption (IS250) is a very common engine fault on the Lexus IS on the 2005–2013 cars, and we rate it major. Putting it right costs ≈A$3,220 to ≈A$6,900 at independent workshop rates, shown as an approximate guide in Australian dollars. Below is what goes wrong, the symptoms to notice on a test drive, where to look, and what to ask the seller before you hand over any money. It is one of 43 documented faults on the Lexus IS.

Vehicle: Lexus IS
Engine: 4GR-FSE
Years: 2005–2013
Fuel: petrol
System: Engine

This page covers the Lexus IS as a model. Some faults only affect particular engines or build years — enter a plate below to narrow the list to one car.

All Lexus IS faults43 documented faults on this model

What you are looking at

No photograph available

We do not hold a verified photograph for this fault yet. We would rather show none than show a picture of something else.

What goes wrong

The 4GR-FSE 2.5L direct-injection V6 fitted to the IS250 suffers from inadequate piston ring seal, allowing engine oil to pass into the combustion chamber and burn off. Consumption rates of 1 litre per 1,000–2,000 km are widely reported. Lexus issued extended warranty coverage in some markets and a piston ring replacement procedure. The issue is structural to the engine design and worsens with mileage. Affected units rarely throw a warning light until oil level is critically low.

What you would notice

Oil level drops significantly between service intervals without visible external leaks
Blue-tinged smoke from exhaust on cold start or overrun
Spark plugs fouled with oily carbon deposits
Oil warning light illuminates at low mileage after last top-up

How to check it

Where to look. Engine block — piston rings and valve stem seals

Check oil dipstick and compare against last service date.
Remove oil filler cap and inspect for heavy carbon sludge.
Ask for a 1,000 km oil-consumption test if concerned.
Inspect spark plugs for oil fouling.
Pull service records to see how frequently oil was topped up between services.

What it costs to put right

≈A$3,220 to ≈A$6,900 at independent workshop rates, shown as an approximate guide in Australian dollars. That is for this job on its own, not for the car.

An estimate, converted to Australian dollars, for the repair as normally carried out. What a specific car costs depends on which part has failed and what it damaged on the way — treat this as the floor for a negotiation, not a quote.

Ask the seller

“How much oil has been added between scheduled services in the last 12 months?”
“Has a dealer or independent shop performed any engine oil consumption test or piston ring repair?”
“Has the vehicle ever had a Lexus extended warranty claim related to oil consumption?”

Now check the Lexus IS you are actually looking at

Everything above is true of the model, and it is free. What it does not tell you is whether THIS car still has money owing on it, has been written off or reported stolen, what kms it showed in past sale ads, whether it has had accident repair claims and what it is worth today. That comes from the official records for that plate. Enter the plate and its state for the A$17.90 Vehicle Check, or the full history from A$24.99.

Where this comes from

The failure described above is documented in published sources — owner forums, technical service bulletins, recall notices and workshop write-ups — held in our fault database. The inspection instructions and the cost estimate are KickTyres’ own interpretation of them, and it is a starting point for an inspection rather than a manufacturer statement.

Lexus IS buyer questions

Is 4gr-fse excessive oil consumption (is250) serious on a Lexus IS?

We rate it major and very common on the Lexus IS. The 4GR-FSE 2.5L direct-injection V6 fitted to the IS250 suffers from inadequate piston ring seal, allowing engine oil to pass into the combustion chamber and burn off. Consumption rates of 1 litre per 1,000–2,000 km are widely reported. Lexus issued extended warranty coverage in some markets and a piston ring replacement procedure. The issue is structural to the engine design and worsens with mileage. Affected units rarely throw a warning light until oil level is critically low.

How much does it cost to fix on a Lexus IS?

≈A$3,220 to ≈A$6,900 at independent workshop rates, shown as an approximate guide in Australian dollars. That figure is for this job on its own. A car showing the symptoms on this page is usually worth either walking away from or negotiating down by at least the repair figure.

Which Lexus IS years are affected?

Our research records this fault on the 2005–2013 Lexus IS. Build dates move around, especially on imported cars, so treat the range as the years to look hardest at rather than a guarantee either way. The official records tell you the exact build and first registration date for the car in front of you.

How do I check for it before I buy?

Check oil dipstick and compare against last service date. Remove oil filler cap and inspect for heavy carbon sludge. Ask for a 1,000 km oil-consumption test if concerned. Inspect spark plugs for oil fouling. Pull service records to see how frequently oil was topped up between services. Look here: Engine block — piston rings and valve stem seals