The 2001 IS 300 with the 2JZ-GE inline-six is mechanically solid but suffers from age-related cooling system failures, weak automatic transmissions, and a notorious ball joint wear issue. Most examples are now 20+ years old, so expect rubber and plastic component deterioration regardless of mileage.
Lower Ball Joint Premature Wear
Common · high severityTypical onset: 60,000-100,000 mi
Symptoms: Clunking over bumps, Wandering steering, Tire wear on inner edge, Play in front suspension when prying wheel
Fix: OEM ball joints are pressed into the lower control arm and fail early. Requires replacement of entire lower control arms (non-serviceable joints). 2-3 hours labor per side for proper alignment afterward.
Estimated cost: $800-1,200
Automatic Transmission (A340E) Failure
Occasional · high severityTypical onset: 120,000-180,000 mi
Symptoms: Harsh 2-3 shift or slipping, Delayed engagement when cold, Burnt transmission fluid smell, Check engine light with shift solenoid codes
Fix: The A340E is the weak link in this drivetrain. Solenoids fail first, but if fluid wasn't changed every 30k, expect internal clutch wear. Rebuild runs 12-16 hours labor; used replacements are a gamble at this age.
Estimated cost: $2,500-4,000
Radiator and Cooling System Leaks
Common · medium severityTypical onset: 80,000-120,000 mi
Symptoms: Coolant puddles under car, Pink residue on radiator end tanks, Overheating in traffic, Low coolant warning
Fix: Plastic radiator end tanks crack with age. Water pump and thermostat housings also develop leaks around this mileage. Radiator replacement is 2-3 hours; add another hour if doing water pump and hoses at same time (recommended).
Estimated cost: $600-1,000
Transmission Oil Cooler Line Leaks
Occasional · medium severityTypical onset: 100,000+ mi
Symptoms: ATF drips near radiator, Low transmission fluid level, Burnt fluid smell if driven low, Pink fluid mixing with coolant if internal cooler fails
Fix: External cooler lines rust and weep at crimped fittings. If the internal radiator cooler fails, ATF mixes with coolant—requires immediate radiator replacement and full fluid flush. External lines: 1-2 hours. Internal failure: 4-5 hours total.
Estimated cost: $300-500 (lines only), $1,200-1,800 (if internal cooler contaminates system)
VVTi Gear Rattle on Cold Start
Occasional · low severityTypical onset: 150,000+ mi
Symptoms: Loud rattle for 2-3 seconds on cold start, Check engine light P1349 (VVT system malfunction), Noise disappears once oil pressure builds
Fix: The cam gear's internal oil control valve screen clogs with sludge, delaying oil pressure to the VVTi actuator. Often cured by switching to 5W-30 synthetic and shorter oil change intervals. If code persists, cam gear replacement is 4-6 hours (timing cover removal required).
Estimated cost: $800-1,400
Steering Rack Leaks
Occasional · medium severityTypical onset: 120,000-160,000 mi
Symptoms: Power steering fluid on inner tie rod boots, Moaning noise when turning lock-to-lock, Steering gets heavier over time, Fluid level drops repeatedly
Fix: Rack seals harden and leak. OEM racks are expensive; remanufactured units are common but quality varies. Replacement is 3-4 hours including alignment.
Estimated cost: $900-1,500
Headlight Lens Oxidation and Moisture Intrusion
Common · low severitySymptoms: Yellowed/hazy lenses, Condensation inside housing, Reduced light output at night, Failed state inspection (in some states)
Fix: Plastic lenses oxidize badly after 15+ years. Polishing helps temporarily; replacement housings (aftermarket or used OEM) are the real fix. Bulb replacement also requires removing the entire bumper cover (1.5 hours labor for access).
Estimated cost: $200-600 (aftermarket housings + labor)
Buy a manual transmission example with documented maintenance; avoid high-mileage automatics unless the trans has been recently rebuilt.
AI-assisted summary drawn from NHTSA recall data, our labor-times database, and platform knowledge. Not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection on a specific vehicle.