2016 Lexus IS 300

Owner complaints

What owners report most

1. Electrical system1
2. Service brakes1
3. Tires1

Latest complaints

• May 25, 2022NY100,000 mi
  Electrical system
  The contact owns a 2016 Lexus IS300. The contact stated that the instrument panel continued to display an electrical short that flashed the lights and emitted a loud sound from the radio for the system to be reset. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer who reprogrammed the software however…

  The contact owns a 2016 Lexus IS300. The contact stated that the instrument panel continued to display an electrical short that flashed the lights and emitted a loud sound from the radio for the system to be reset. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer who reprogrammed the software however, the failure persisted. The contact stated that the failure was happening more frequently. The contact returned the vehicle to the dealer who stated that the front display and radio needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 100,000.

• Mar 5, 2022WI
  Service brakes
  When I bought this car in 2019, I bought it in the summer time so I didn't hear anything so I bought the car. When winter came along and as it got colder out I notice that when I get up in the morning and cold start the car and when I put it on drive and pressed on my brakes there will be a…

  When I bought this car in 2019, I bought it in the summer time so I didn't hear anything so I bought the car. When winter came along and as it got colder out I notice that when I get up in the morning and cold start the car and when I put it on drive and pressed on my brakes there will be a squeeking noise coming from the brake...I told Madison of Lexus about this and they say it's just the brake dust..as time goes by It keeps on doing it more and more often. I told Madison of Lexus about it and they want me to go in to fix the problem. I went in and they say they look at it. so it turns out that they have to order the part. I forgot what the part was called. I waited for my warrenty check up and I even called them the day before I went in to the shop to have it fix and the people that fix car told me over the phone that yes the part for my brakes are in. So I went in and after they were done with the car I ask the technician or who was fixing my car to see if they got my brakes fix. He told me that he didn't even touch the brakes because they have fix it last time I was there. I try explaining my whole suggestion with him but all he said was they fix it last time and that's it. I came home again with same problem. I live in la crosse wi and I go to Madison. So they been dodging me about my brakes. Now it's 2022 and I'm stuck with the same problem but now it don't happen on cold start only. Now it's every time when I press on my brakes that the nosie comes on. I try changing my brakes pads but same thing happen. I haven't try buying new rotor. But EVERY time I press on my brakes it squeeks now. Even in the summer. Lexus won't do anything about it. I read online and alot of people have the same problem like me. And turst me it's not the brake dust I'm 200% sure about it. You guys should really take a look into this and help me out. I'll even send a video of it when I brake if you need me to send it to you guys. please help I been dealing with this 3 long years.

• Sep 18, 2019NV31,300 mi
  Tires
  TL* the contact owns a 2016 lexus IS 300 equipped with bridgestone turanza all season tires, size: 225/40/r18 (na). While the contact was performing a routine oil change on the vehicle, he noticed that the inside of the driver and passenger side front tire treads were worn down. Dolan lexus (7175 s…

  TL* the contact owns a 2016 lexus IS 300 equipped with bridgestone turanza all season tires, size: 225/40/r18 (na). While the contact was performing a routine oil change on the vehicle, he noticed that the inside of the driver and passenger side front tire treads were worn down. Dolan lexus (7175 s virginia st, reno, NV 89511) stated that the failure was due to normal wear, and the tires became worn down quickly. The contact was informed that he would get less than 15,000 miles on the tires. The tires were not changed. One year later, while performing another oil change, the contact noticed that the inner tires were bald. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, but the cause of the failure was not determined. The contact researched the failure on the internet and found that the front lower control arm bushing was floating. As a result, the tire moved inward and became bald quickly. The lexus manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to bridgestone. The tire manufacturer (bridgestone) was contacted and stated there were no known failures with the tire. The vehicle failure mileage was 31,300. The tire failure mileage was 5,600.

Defect investigations

NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.

• Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture

  EA21002Opened Sep 17, 2021Open
  From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant…

  From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/expert_report-hrblomquist.pdf.Consequently, all frontal inflators using propellant 2004 that do not contain a "desiccant" (a substance that traps and holds moisture) in US vehicles are under recall. These "non-desiccated" inflators either have been or are required to be replaced.In some cases, the remedy part for these recalled inflators was, or will be, an inflator using either propellant 2004 or 2004L that does contain a desiccant. None of these "desiccated" remedy parts (which were installed in older model year vehicles) are currently under recall for a degradation concern. Certain subsets of desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004 for use as original equipment, however, have been recalled for a degradation concern. All Takata inflators produced with propellant 2004L contain desiccant, and none of these desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L are under recall for a degradation concern. There have been no reported field ruptures in any non-recalled desiccated PSAN inflators.It is understood that desiccants fully saturate at some threshold, at which point any additional moisture will not be captured. This means the degradation process observed in non-desiccated inflators using propellant 2004 may also occur in non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004, assuming additional moisture enters the inflator and high temperature cycling occurs. Based on available information, desiccant saturation can occur within the first five years in the worst environments, and the time required for full saturation is affected by multiple factors. While no present safety risk has been identified, further work is needed to evaluate the future risk of non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004.Three entities -- Takata (now known as TK Global), the Independent Testing Coalition, and Exponent -- have been studying the long-term behavior of Takata desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004L (as well as 2004) in the presence of moisture and temperature cycling. The research efforts, which include development of predictive modeling techniques and field sample analysis, are ongoing. To date, none of the researchers have identified field evidence showing that propellant 2004L is undergoing a degradation process that leads to aggressive deployment and potential rupture. However, the time in service of such inflators remains short compared to that of the inflators using propellant 2004. Further study is needed to assess the long-term safety of desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L.The Office of Defects Investigation is opening this investigation to examine whether a safety defect related to propellant degradation exists in non-recalled desiccated PSAN frontal inflators manufactured by Takata. This investigation will require extensive information on Takata production processes and surveys of inflators in the field. Lists of recall actions that may have used desiccated PSAN inflators as remedy parts, as well as the makes and models originally manufactured with them, is available with the downloadable version of this document (see nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=EA21002 -- note this information is subject to change/revision as the investigation proceeds). This investigation does not supersede EA15-001, which remains open.

Service bulletins

Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.

• 10230353TI: 19LE05 Expired December 1, 2022
• 10230352DP: Limited Service Campaign KLG expired December 01, 2022
• 10230351TI: 19LE05 Expired December 1, 2022
• 10230350DP: Customer Support Program 19LE05 expired December 1, 2022.
• 10214355Lexus Safety Recall and Service Campaign - Technician Certification Requirements 4.13.2022
• 10209023TSB: 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 this condition. The purpose of this service bulletin is to provide general guidelines and procedures for odor remediation. This service bulletin provides a guide on how to prepare the interior of the vehicle prior to an odor remediation being performed, as well as contact information for an approved vendor who will arrange the remediation, and instructions on how to prepare the interior of the vehicle for reassembly once the remediation has been completed. Refer to all model and model year specific Repair Manuals and the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) website for the most up-to-date safety and precautionary guidelines. This service bulletin is to provide a general overview and direction for the odor remediation process.
• 10207962TSB: This Service Bulletin includes guidelines meant to help determine whether to repair or replace a wire harness assembly based on damage type. This Service Bulletin should be used in conjunction with the applicable model and model year Electronic Wiring Diagram (EWD) and/or Repair Manual.
• 10207945POL: 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 available to any customer that requests it. Customers can find this information on the Owner?s section of Lexus.com. Dealers can locate a copy of this guide on the Claims Processing & Resource Center in Dealer Daily as well.
• 10205336Floor Mat Installation During PDS
• 10205335The Position before New Vehicle Delivery
• 10205334Long-Term Vehicle Storage Guidelines
• 10205333XM Actvation Confirmation during PDS
• 10205326Battery Maintenance for In-Stock Vehicles.
• 10205314Battery Maintenance During PDS
• 10205309Rattle Noise From Rear of Vehicle
• 10204550DP: There is a possibility that the A/C servo motor(s) have an internal electrical malfunction which could lead to inconsistent air temperature coming from the air conditioner (A/C) vents, air not coming out at the selected temperature, and/or air not coming out of the selected A/C vent of the vehicle. Although the A/C servo motors are covered by Lexus? New Vehicle Limited Warranty for 4 years or 50,000 miles (whichever comes first), we at Lexus care about the customers? ownership experience. Lexus is providing coverage for repairs related to A/C servo motor(s) that have an internal electrical malfunction which could lead to the symptoms described above.
• 10202453TT: When used in conjunction with the Repair Manual, these Blind Spot Monitor, Forward Recognition Camera, and Front Millimeter Wave Radar tips leverage SSTs and readily available tools to support target placement in varying shop environments.
• 10198149Pol: updates to the 2014-2021 lexus universal flat rate manual
• 10197433Safety connect system disabled.
• 10190468Lexus Safety Recall and Service Campaign - Technician Certification Requirements
• 10190455TT: 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 Audio functions are no longer functioning with customer?s phone such as ability to change the track using the steering wheel controls. These concerns can be caused by changes made on the customer?s phone. Make sure to inquire with the customer if the connectivity concerns occurred after receiving an operating system update on their phone or if they have restored their phone data/settings recently.
• 10188921TSB: Some 2013 ? 2017 model year Lexus vehicles may exhibit one of the following HVAC conditions. ?Uneven temperature or air flow between the vents. ?Little or no air flow from the vent(s). ?Improper MODE control function. Additionally, some vehicles may store one or more of the following HVAC servo Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs). ?B1441 ? Air Mix Damper Control Servo Motor Circuit (Front Passenger Side Lower Air Mix). ?B1442 ? Air Inlet Damper Control Servo Motor Circuit. ?B1443 ? Air Outlet Damper Control Servo Motor Circuit. ?B1446 ? Air Mix Damper Control Servo Motor Circuit (Driver Side Lower Air Mix). ?B1447 ? Rear Air Mix Damper Control Servo Motor Circuit. ?B1448 ? Passenger Side Face Servo Motor Circuit. ?B1449 ? Rear Air Outlet Damper Control Servo Motor Circuit. ?B1453 ? Driver Side Air Outlet Damper COOL Control Servo Motor Circuit. ?B1454 ? Passenger Side Air Outlet Damper COOL Control Servo Motor Circuit. ?B1455 ? Driver Side Air Outlet Damper FOOT/DEF Control Servo Motor Circuit. Follow the procedures in this bulletin to address this condition.
• 10187279TSB: Some 2013 ? 2017 model year Lexus vehicles may exhibit one of the following HVAC conditions. ?Uneven temperature or air flow between the vents ?Little or no air flow from the vent(s) ?Improper MODE control function Additionally, some vehicles may store one or more of the following HVAC servo Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs). ?B1441 ? Air Mix Damper Control Servo Motor Circuit (Front Passenger Side Lower Air Mix) ?B1442 ? Air Inlet Damper Control Servo Motor Circuit ?B1443 ? Air Outlet Damper Control Servo Motor Circuit ?B1446 ? Air Mix Damper Control Servo Motor Circuit (Driver Side Lower Air Mix) ?B1447 ? Rear Air Mix Damper Control Servo Motor Circuit ?B1448 ? Passenger Side Face Servo Motor Circuit ?B1449 ? Rear Air Outlet Damper Control Servo Motor Circuit ?B1453 ? Driver Side Air Outlet Damper COOL Control Servo Motor Circuit ?B1454 ? Passenger Side Air Outlet Damper COOL Control Servo Motor Circuit ?B1455 ? Driver Side Air Outlet Damper FOOT/DEF Control Servo Motor Circuit Follow the procedure in this bulletin to address this condition.
• 10187257AL: There is a possibility that the A/C servo motor(s) have an internal electrical malfunction which could lead to inconsistent air temperature coming from the air conditioner (A/C) vents, air not coming out at the selected temperature, and/or air not coming out of the selected A/C vent of the vehicle. Although the A/C servo motors are covered by Lexus? New Vehicle Limited Warranty for 4 years or 50,000 miles (whichever comes first), we at Lexus care about the customers? ownership experience. Lexus is providing coverage for repairs related to A/C servo motor(s) that have an internal electrical malfunction which could lead to the symptoms described above.
• 10187256DP: There is a possibility that the A/C servo motor(s) have an internal electrical malfunction which could lead to inconsistent air temperature coming from the air conditioner (A/C) vents, air not coming out at the selected temperature, and/or air not coming out of the selected A/C vent of the vehicle. Although the A/C servo motors are covered by Lexus? New Vehicle Limited Warranty for 4 years or 50,000 miles (whichever comes first), we at Lexus care about the customers? ownership experience. Lexus is providing coverage for repairs related to A/C servo motor(s) that have an internal electrical malfunction which could lead to the symptoms described above. The following information is provided to inform you and your staff of the program notification schedule and your degree of involvement.
• 10183269TSB: This Service Bulletin provides updated non-electric water pump leak inspection and diagnostic tips for some 2008 ? 2021 model year Lexus vehicles.
• 10179782Ti: technical instructions for limited service campaign klg customer support program 19le05 safety connect system ? Vehicle location inaccurate
• 10179697TSB: 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 be a ?leak? should be repaired accordingly and will be covered under warranty if applicable. Cases that are determined to be a ?seep? should be documented on the repair order and inspected at the next service interval. Follow the Repair Information in this bulletin to determine if the concern in question is a fluid leak or fluid seep and review the Repair Procedure section to address this condition.
• 10179601TSB: 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 be a ?leak? should be repaired accordingly and will be covered under warranty if applicable. Cases that are determined to be a ?seep? should be documented on the repair order and inspected at the next service interval. Follow the Repair Information in this bulletin to determine if the concern in question is a fluid leak or fluid seep and review the Repair Procedure section to address this condition.
• 10177780TSB: SUPERSESSION NOTICE The information contained in this bulletin supersedes Service Bulletin Nos. ST004-01, SU001-08, and L-SB-0174-08. The aforementioned bulletins are obsolete, and any printed versions should be discarded. Be sure to review the entire content of this service bulletin before proceeding. This Service Bulletin provides best practice procedures for vehicle pulling complaint, diagnosis, and repair for 2002 ? 2021 model year Lexus vehicles. This information supplements Repair Manual procedures when the symptoms are: ?Vehicle Pulling: The vehicle moves to the right or left when the driver holds the steering wheel while driving straight ahead without exerting steering effort. ?Steering Wheel Off Center: The vehicle travels straight, but the steering wheel is not pointed straight ahead. The vehicle is not pulling. Before repairing a vehicle pulling to one side, it is necessary to clearly identify the cause of the pulling condition. Frequently, pulling to one side is diagnosed as a wheel alignment concern. However, the actual cause may be related to the lateral force generated by the tires, vehicle damage, road crown or worn components. Performing a wheel alignment when tire force is the cause could result in the wheel alignment being set at a value outside of specifications. This could then cause other problems such as uneven tire wear, etc. A customer may notice a pull to the left when in the left lanes of travel and notice a pull to the right or no pull when traveling in the right lanes of travel on the very same section of roadway. This road crown effect is environmental and cannot be corrected with suspension adjustments or any other wheel or tire modification discussed in this bulletin.
• 10176283Safety Recall and Service Campaign - Technician Certification Requirements
• 10174889TSB: OBSOLETE NOTICE April 06, 2020: This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see L-SB-0008-20. Replacement Certification Labels and VIN Plates
• 10174888TSB: SUPERSESSION NOTICE The information contained in this bulletin supersedes Service Bulletin Nos. L-SB-0048-08, PG007-07, PG016-01, PG015-01, PG004-97, PG003-97, PG003-93, PG002-90, L-SB-0048-08, PG007-07, PG016-01, PG015-01, PG004-97, PG003-97, PG003 93, and PG002-90. The aforementioned bulletins are obsolete, and any printed versions should be discarded. Replacement certification labels (the vinyl label installed on the driver door or door post) and VIN plates (the metal plate riveted to dashboard) (see Figure 1) for most 1990 ? 2020 model year vehicles may be available provided the requests meet the criteria listed in this Service Bulletin.
• 10173986TT: In certain cases of leaking air conditioning systems, the root cause of the leak is inadvertently overlooked, causing a repeat repair. To improve customer satisfaction and repair A/C system leaks in one dealer visit, Toyota has developed a set of guidelines for evaluating A/C system components.
• 10173971TT: Some vehicles may continue to experience abnormal blend door noise when changing the HVAC temperature setting after the air conditioner radiator assembly (evaporator case) was replaced for the same condition.
• 10173803TSB: Some 2013 ? 2020 model year Lexus AWD F Sport and non-F Sport model vehicles may exhibit a squeal/squeak noise from the front brake pads. For customers who find this characteristic objectionable, an updated shim kit is now available as a service part.
• 10173793TT: 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 Audio functions are no longer functioning with customer?s phone such as ability to change the track using the steering wheel controls. These concerns can be caused by changes made on the customer?s phone. Make sure to inquire with the customer if the connectivity concerns occurred after receiving an operating system update on their phone or if they have restored their phone data/settings recently.
• 10172827TSB: February 06, 2020: This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see L-SB-0003-20.
• 10172825TSB: Some 2006 ? 2020 model year Lexus vehicles may exhibit odors that naturally occur from the HVAC system and/or related environmental factors. Although there is no way to eliminate these odors, follow the General Procedure in this bulletin to minimize the odors experienced.
• 10172824The Data Communication Module (DCM) in the subject vehicles are equipped with software to identify the location of the vehicle using the Global Positioning System (GPS) to support features of the Safety Connect system. Due to incorrect programming in the DCM software, after November 2nd, 2019, the GPS coordinates for this system will be calculated incorrectly. This will cause the system to use incorrect vehicle coordinates if one of the system?s features is activated

Every Lexus IS 300 model year

Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.