Thinking about buying a used Lexus IS250 (2005–2020) in New Zealand? We've documented 7 known faults for this model spanning electrical, engine, and suspension. Each researched and verified before it's published. The most serious issues here are rated major. Two are set out in full below — the rest, with the symptoms, repair costs and checks for each, are free with an account.
7
Documented faults
Major
Most serious
$800–$2,000
Typical repair
3
Systems covered
Known Lexus IS250 faults
Every fault below is documented specifically for this model — researched and verified before it’s published.
01Electric power steering torque sensor failure
MajorOccasionalElectrical $1,200–$3,200 to fix
The IS250 and IS350 use a column-assist electric power steering system in which a torque sensor in the steering column measures driver steering input and signals the EPS ECU to provide proportional electric assistance. The torque sensor sub-unit is susceptible to internal degradation of the piezoelectric sensing element and to connector corrosion or wiring harness chafing at the firewall pass-through. Failure modes range from intermittent loss of power assist to a persistent directional pull or an off-centre steering wheel in the absence of any wheel alignment fault. The EPS ECU stores specific diagnostic codes for sensor circuit faults. In some cases the fault resets after an ignition cycle, masking the underlying degradation until total assist loss occurs. Repair involves either the torque sensor sub-assembly or the full intermediate steering column depending on parts availability and whether the shaft is integrated.
Symptoms to notice
PS warning light (orange steering wheel icon) illuminated on the instrument cluster
Sudden and significant increase in steering effort, most noticeable at parking speeds
Steering pulling consistently to one side with no corresponding wheel alignment fault
Steering wheel sitting off-centre after confirmed correct four-wheel alignment
Intermittent loss of assist that clears temporarily after switching the ignition off and on
What to check
Note whether the PS warning light has any recorded occurrence in freeze-frame data. Inspect the steering column wiring harness for chafing at the firewall grommet and check the torque sensor connector for pin corrosion. Test drive the vehicle at low speed in a car park and verify that steering assistance is smooth, equal in both directions, and proportional to input. If a workshop inspection is possible: Connect a diagnostic scan tool to the EPS ECU (not just the engine ECU) and retrieve all stored and pending codes — particularly C1511, C1512, C1513, and C1555 which relate to the torque sensor circuit.
Where to look: Steering column torque sensor — located on the intermediate shaft between the steering wheel and the rack, inside the passenger cabin
Ask the seller
“Has the PS (power steering) warning light ever illuminated, even briefly?”
“Has the steering ever felt heavier than normal, or required more effort on one side than the other?”
“Has any steering system diagnostic or repair work been carried out during the vehicle's life?”
02Front lower arm rear bush wear — toe wander
MajorCommonSuspension $700–$1,400 to fix
The rear pivot bushing of the front lower wishbone (lower control arm) on the IS-platform uses a hydraulic or high-density rubber compound bush that degrades with age, heat cycling, and accumulated load. As the bush softens and collapses internally, the control arm is free to pivot rearward under braking forces and forward under acceleration, causing the front wheel toe angle to change dynamically rather than remaining fixed. This produces characteristic toe wander — the car pulls to one side under braking, tracks inconsistently at highway speed, and resists holding a stable alignment. The bush is a press-fit item requiring a hydraulic press for removal and installation; a full four-wheel alignment must be performed after replacement.
Symptoms to notice
Vehicle pulls to one side consistently under braking
Inconsistent straight-line tracking at highway speed
Steering wheel found off-centre shortly after a fresh alignment
Premature or uneven front tyre wear, often showing feathering
Clunking or thudding from the front suspension over road imperfections
What to check
Visually inspect the rear lower arm bush for cracking, splitting, extrusion of the rubber element, or metal-to-metal contact. Check front tyre inner edges for abnormal wear indicating persistent toe misalignment. Request the most recent wheel alignment printout and check front toe readings. If a workshop inspection is possible: With the vehicle on a hoist, grasp each front wheel at the 9 and 3 o'clock positions and apply rearward and forward force to detect play in the lower arm rear bush pivot.
Where to look: Rear pivot bushing of the front lower control arm (wishbone), both left and right sides
Ask the seller
“When was the last wheel alignment performed, and were any suspension components flagged as worn?”
“Has the car ever pulled noticeably to one side when braking?”
“Have the front lower control arm bushes been inspected or replaced during ownership?”
EngineMajor
EngineMajor
EngineMajor
SuspensionMajor
SuspensionMajor
5 more documented faults on the Lexus IS250
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 7 documented faults for the Lexus IS250, the recurring problem areas are electrical, engine, and suspension. A Lexus IS250 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 IS250?
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We've catalogued 7 known faults for the Lexus IS250, covering electrical, engine, and suspension. 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 IS250?
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Most single repairs on the Lexus IS250 fall between $800–$2,000 at NZ independent-workshop rates. Some of the 7 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 IS250?
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Yes. A Lexus IS250 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.