Thinking about buying a used Lexus IS (1999–2021) in New Zealand? We've documented 39 known faults for this model spanning electrical, brakes, engine, and transmission. Each researched and verified before it's published. The most serious issues here are rated critical. Two are set out in full below — the rest, with the symptoms, repair costs and checks for each, are free with an account.
39
Documented faults
Critical
Most serious
$700–$2,000
Typical repair
9
Systems covered
Known Lexus IS faults
Every fault below is documented specifically for this model — researched and verified before it’s published.
012AR-FXE hybrid MG2 resolver position fault
CriticalOccasionalElectrical $2,500–$9,000 to fix
The IS 300h P410 hybrid transaxle contains two motor-generators. MG2 drives the front wheels and uses a resolver (rotary position sensor) to provide rotor position feedback to the inverter for precise motor control. Resolver winding degradation or connector corrosion causes intermittent or permanent loss of MG2 position data. The inverter logs resolver-related DTCs (typically in the P3000 range), the hybrid system posts a warning and enters reduced-power or non-start fail-safe. Repair requires partial or full transaxle disassembly; genuine resolver replacement is specialist work and parts are not cheap.
Symptoms to notice
Hybrid system warning light and master warning light illuminated simultaneously
Vehicle enters limp mode or reduced power mode
Vehicle fails to enter Ready mode despite apparent 12V and HV battery health
P3000-range diagnostic trouble codes stored in hybrid ECU
Intermittent loss of drive followed by temporary recovery
What to check
Confirm vehicle enters Ready mode reliably after multiple cold starts. Verify 12V auxiliary battery condition which can generate misleading hybrid faults. Check service history for any inverter or transaxle work. If a workshop inspection is possible: Perform a full hybrid ECU scan with a Toyota-compatible scan tool (Techstream or equivalent) and check for resolver, inverter, or MG2-related codes.
Where to look: Hybrid transaxle (P410), MG2 motor-generator resolver, high-voltage inverter unit
Ask the seller
“Has the vehicle ever shown a hybrid system warning light or entered fail-safe mode?”
“Have any hybrid system components been replaced under warranty or out-of-pocket?”
“Has the vehicle been scanned for hybrid ECU codes within the last 12 months?”
02Power Steering Rack Seal Leak
MinorCommonFluid Leaks $850–$2,000 to fix
The hydraulic rack-and-pinion steering unit on the GSE20 IS250 and IS350 develops seal wear at the rack ends, causing power steering fluid to seep from the boots or drip from the rack housing. Higher-mileage examples and those with degraded fluid are most affected. Leaking fluid can contaminate the subframe and boots. Rack resealing is possible but many workshops recommend rack replacement at this price point.
Symptoms to notice
Power steering fluid wet on top or beneath the steering rack
Oily residue inside the rubber rack boots (inner tie rod seal area)
Fluid level dropping in reservoir with no other identified leak source
Slight groan or variation in steering feel at full lock
What to check
Squeeze the inner rack boot from outside — it should be dry inside. Look for wet or oil-stained residue on the rack housing and subframe below. Check the PS reservoir level and fluid colour. Inspect the high-pressure hose banjo fitting at the rack for weeping.
Where to look: Steering rack mounted to front subframe behind the engine, inner tie rod boots on each end
Ask the seller
“Has the power steering fluid been checked recently?”
“Any steering noise or change in feel?”
“Has a mechanic identified any fluid leaks underneath?”
BrakesCritical
EngineCritical
EngineCritical
ElectricalMajor
ElectricalMajor
EngineMajor
EngineMajor
TransmissionMajor
EngineMajor
ElectricalMajor
EngineMajor
Body & RustMajor
TransmissionMajor
EngineMajor
SuspensionMajor
EngineMajor
SuspensionMajor
TransmissionMajor
EngineMajor
EngineMajor
Body & RustMajor
BrakesMajor
TransmissionMajor
EngineMajor
CoolingMajor
EngineMajor
SuspensionMajor
ElectricalMajor
ElectricalMinor
Fluid LeaksMinor
SuspensionMinor
EngineMinor
EngineMinor
SuspensionMinor
SuspensionMinor
EngineMinor
InteriorCosmetic
37 more documented faults on the Lexus IS
Symptoms, what to check, where to look and what to ask the seller — for every fault above. Free with an account, no card needed. One account covers one vehicle, so make it the car you’re actually looking at.
This page covers the model. Enter the plate of the actual car you’re looking at and see its year, engine, safety rating and register flags — free, no account needed.
Like any used car, it depends on the specific example and its service history. Across the 39 documented faults for the Lexus IS, the recurring problem areas are electrical, brakes, and engine. A Lexus IS with a full service history and no signs of the issues listed on this page can be a sound buy but each one needs to be checked individually before you commit.
What are the most common problems with a used Lexus IS?
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We've catalogued 39 known faults for the Lexus IS, covering electrical, brakes, and engine. Two are written out in full on this page. The rest — with the symptoms to notice, what to inspect, and typical repair costs for each — are free once you create an account.
How much do repairs cost on a Lexus IS?
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Most single repairs on the Lexus IS fall between $700–$2,000 at NZ independent-workshop rates. Some of the 39 documented faults cost less and a few cost considerably more, and no one car needs them all. Knowing which ones to look for before you view is what lets you negotiate the price down or walk away.
Should I get a pre-purchase inspection on a Lexus IS?
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Yes. A Lexus IS inspection focused on its known weak points is the single best way to avoid an expensive mistake. KickTyres gives you a guided, model-specific inspection plus a market valuation and negotiation figure for $17.90 far less than the cost of missing one of the faults on this page.