Thinking about buying a used Toyota Lexus IS300 (1998–2005) in New Zealand? We've documented 6 known faults for this model spanning suspension, transmission, electrical, and engine. 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.
6
Documented faults
Critical
Most serious
$500–$1,200
Typical repair
5
Systems covered
Known Toyota Lexus IS300 faults
Every fault below is documented specifically for this model — researched and verified before it’s published.
01Front Lower Arm Ball Joint Wear
CriticalVery commonSuspension $300–$700 to fix
The front suspension lower control arm ball joints on the Altezza use a conventional tapered stud and rubber-booted socket design that is susceptible to grease loss and corrosion over time, accelerated by New Zealand's wet driving conditions. As the ball joint wears, increasing axial and radial play develops, causing geometry instability and a characteristic knocking under braking and cornering loads. Failure of the ball joint taper to retain in the hub knuckle constitutes a critical loss-of-control risk.
Symptoms to notice
Knocking or clunking from the front suspension over bumps and during braking
Wandering steering or vague self-centering, particularly at motorway speeds
Uneven or accelerated tyre wear on the front axle
What to check
Check the ball joint dust boot condition for cracks or grease loss. Any perceptible play in the ball joint constitutes a WoF rejection in New Zealand. If a workshop inspection is possible: With the vehicle on a hoist, grasp the wheel at 6 and 12 o'clock and check for vertical play. Use a pry bar under the lower arm to check for axial play in the joint.
Where to look: Front suspension lower control arm, ball joint at the outer end connecting to the steering knuckle
Ask the seller
“Have the front ball joints been replaced, and if so when?”
“Is there any knocking from the front suspension over bumps or when braking?”
“Has the vehicle recently passed a WoF with no suspension advisories?”
02Brake Caliper Guide Pin Seizure
MajorVery commonBrakes $200–$600 to fix
The front and rear sliding-type brake calipers on the Altezza rely on lubricated steel guide pins moving within aluminium caliper brackets to allow the caliper to float and apply even clamping force across both brake pad faces. Corrosion and the breakdown of guide pin grease over time causes the pins to seize within the bracket bores, preventing the caliper from sliding freely. This results in one-sided pad contact, rapid uneven pad wear, brake dragging and overheating, and significantly reduced braking performance.
Symptoms to notice
Uneven brake pad wear with the inner pad significantly more worn than the outer pad (or vice versa)
Brake drag, wheel overheating, or a burning smell after normal driving
Vehicle pulls to one side under braking
What to check
Seized pins will be immovable or corroded solid. Inspect brake pad wear for uneven thickness across the inner and outer pads (a difference of more than 3mm indicates caliper float restriction). Check disc faces for uneven wear or hot spots. If a workshop inspection is possible: Remove the wheels and pull each guide pin by hand — they should slide smoothly with light resistance.
Where to look: Front and rear brake caliper guide pin bores within the caliper mounting brackets
Ask the seller
“When were the brake pads last replaced and was wear even on both sides?”
“Does the car pull to one side when braking?”
“Is there any burning smell or excessive heat from any wheel after driving?”
TransmissionMajor
ElectricalMajor
SuspensionMajor
EngineMajor
4 more documented faults on the Toyota Lexus IS300
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 6 documented faults for the Toyota Lexus IS300, the recurring problem areas are suspension, transmission, and electrical. A Toyota Lexus IS300 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 Toyota Lexus IS300?
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We've catalogued 6 known faults for the Toyota Lexus IS300, covering suspension, transmission, and electrical. 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 Toyota Lexus IS300?
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Most single repairs on the Toyota Lexus IS300 fall between $500–$1,200 at NZ independent-workshop rates. Some of the 6 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 Toyota Lexus IS300?
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Yes. A Toyota Lexus IS300 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.