The 2011 IS 350 with the 2GR-FSE V6 is generally reliable, but suffers from a critical carbon buildup issue on direct-injection engines and known transmission cooler line failures. When the engine does fail internally, it's catastrophic and expensive.
Carbon Buildup on Intake Valves (Direct Injection)
Common · medium severity
Typical onset: 60,000-100,000 mi
Symptoms: rough idle, especially when cold, hesitation or stumbling on acceleration, misfires (P0300-P0306 codes), reduced fuel economy
Fix: Walnut blasting the intake valves is the proper fix — requires removing intake manifold and blasting each runner. 4-6 hours labor. Some shops use chemical induction cleaning as temporary relief but it's less effective long-term.
Estimated cost: $600-1,200
Transmission Oil Cooler Line Failure
Common · high severity
Typical onset: 80,000-140,000 mi
Symptoms: transmission fluid leak near radiator area, pink fluid on ground, transmission slipping or harsh shifts if fluid level drops, check engine light with trans temp codes
Fix: The steel lines corrode and crack where they connect to the cooler at the radiator. Requires replacement of cooler lines and often the auxiliary cooler itself. 2-3 hours labor. Critical to catch early before transmission starves for fluid.
Estimated cost: $400-800
Catastrophic Engine Failure (Piston/Bearing)
Rare · high severity
Typical onset: 80,000-150,000 mi
Symptoms: sudden knocking or ticking from engine block, metal shavings in oil, loss of power, complete engine seizure in worst cases
Fix: The 2GR-FSE can suffer piston ring land failure or spun bearings, often with no warning. Once internal damage occurs, you're looking at short block replacement or full rebuild. 20-30 hours labor plus $4,000-6,000 in parts. Some failures traced to oil starvation from carbon clogging oil passages.
Estimated cost: $7,000-12,000
Melting Dashboards (2006-2012 Models)
Occasional · low severity
Symptoms: sticky or tacky dash surface, dashboard warping or cracking, reflective glare from melted surface
Fix: TSB and class-action lawsuit addressed this. Lexus extended warranty coverage to 10 years/unlimited miles, but that expired in 2021-2022 for 2011 models. Replacement requires full dash removal and new dash skin. 8-12 hours labor if you're paying out of pocket now.
Estimated cost: $1,500-2,500
Transmission Mount Wear
Occasional · low severity
Typical onset: 100,000-150,000 mi
Symptoms: clunking when shifting from Park to Drive, vibration at idle in gear, excessive movement felt through shifter
Fix: Rubber transmission mounts deteriorate over time, especially the rear mount. Replacement is straightforward — lift powertrain slightly and swap mount. 1.5-2 hours labor.
Estimated cost: $250-450
EVAP Purge Valve / Fuel System Faults
Occasional · low severity
Typical onset: 70,000-120,000 mi
Symptoms: check engine light with P0441, P0446, or P0171 codes, fuel smell in cabin occasionally, rough idle after refueling
Fix: EVAP purge valve sticks or fuel injectors clog from carbon. Purge valve replacement is 0.5 hours labor. Injector cleaning or replacement is 2-3 hours if manifold removal required for direct injection service.
Estimated cost: $150-600
Owner tips
Use Top Tier gasoline exclusively and add fuel system cleaner every 5,000 miles to slow carbon buildup — it won't prevent it but helps delay symptoms.
Inspect transmission cooler lines annually once past 70,000 miles; they rust from underneath and leak suddenly.
Change oil every 5,000 miles with quality 0W-20 synthetic — extended intervals increase carbon deposits in oil galleries and intake valves.
If you see any engine oil consumption beyond 1 quart per 3,000 miles, investigate immediately; piston ring issues can escalate fast.
Buy one if it has documented carbon cleaning and clean transmission cooler lines, but budget $1,000-1,500 for deferred intake valve service and avoid any with unknown engine history or oil consumption — when the 2GR-FSE fails, it's a total loss.
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.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE · 19V741000
2019-10-17 · EA15001
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2010-2016 4Runner, 2003-2006 Tundra, 2003-2013 Corolla, 2009-2010 Corolla Matrix, 2004-2005 RAV4, 2002-2007 Sequoia, 2011-2013 Sienna, 2008-2012 Scion xB, 2008-2009 Lexus IS-F, 2007-2012 Yaris and Lexus ES350, 2010-2017 Lexus GX460, 2002-2010 Lexus SC430, 2006-2012 Lexus IS250 and IS350 and 2010-2015 Lexus IS250C and IS350C vehicles.
These vehicles had their driver or passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior recall using inflators of the same design. The inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: Toyota will notify owners. Depending on the vehicle model, dealers will replace the front driver inflator, front passenger airbag inflator, the airbag assembly, or the front passenger airbag sub-assembly and inflator. The recall began November 20, 2019. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371 or Lexus customer service at 1-800-255-3987. Toyota's numbers for this recall are J0A, J0B, and J0C. Lexus' numbers for this recall are JLI, JLJ, and JLK.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE · 19V005000
2019-01-09 · EA15001
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2014-2016 Toyota 4Runner, 2014-2015 Scion xB, Lexus IS350C, IS250C, 2014 Toyota Sienna, Lexus IS-F, and 2014-2017 Lexus GX460 vehicles sold, or ever registered in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands or "Zone A."
Toyota is also recalling certain 2011-2013 Toyota Corolla, Corolla Matrix, Lexus IS250, IS350, 2011-2016 4Runner, 2011-2015 Scion xB, Lexus IS350C, IS250C, 2011-2014 Toyota Sienna, Lexus IS-F, 2011-2017 Lexus GX460, and 2011-2012 Lexus ES350 vehicles ever registered in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia or "Zone B."
Toyota is also recalling certain 2010-2013 Toyota Corolla, Corolla Matrix, Lexus IS350, 2010-2016 4Runner, 2010-2013 Lexus IS250, 2010-2015 Scion xB, Lexus IS350C, IS250C, 2010-2017 Lexus GX460, 2010-2014 Lexus IS-F, and 2010-2012 Lexus ES350 vehicles ever registered in the states of Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming or "Zone C."
These vehicles are equipped with air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, used as original equipment or replacement equipment (such as after a vehicle crash necessitating replacement of the original air bags), that may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: Toyota will notify owners. Depending on the vehicle model, dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, or replace the air bag assembly. The recall began February 15, 2019. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are "Zone A" Toyota: G0P, Lexus: GLG; "Zone B" Toyota: G0R, Lexus GLH; "Zone C" Toyota: H0A, and Lexus: HLA.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS · 18V432000
2018-06-26
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2007-2011 Lexus GS350 and GS450h, 2006-2013 Lexus IS350 and 2010-2014 Lexus IS350C vehicles, equipped with 3.5L V6 2GR-FSE gasoline engines. The diaphragms in the fuel pulsation dampers may harden over time and develop cracks, possibly causing a fuel leak.
Consequence: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel delivery pipe with a new pipe that has improved pulsation dampers, free of charge. The recall began August 23, 2018. Owners may contact Lexus customer service at 1-800-255-3987. Toyota's number for this recall is JLF.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE · 16V340000
2016-05-23 · EA15001
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2008-2011 Scion xB and Lexus IS F, 2009-2011 Toyota Corolla and Corolla Matrix, 2006-2011 Toyota Yaris, Lexus IS250 and Lexus IS350, 2010-2011 Toyota 4Runner, Lexus IS250C, Lexus IS350C and Lexus GX460, 2011 Sienna, 2007-2011 Lexus ES350, and 2009-2010 Pontiac Vibe vehicles, originally sold, or ever registered, in Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands, or "Zone A."
Additionally, unless included in "Zone A" above, Toyota is recalling certain model year 2008 Scion xB and Lexus IS F, 2007-2008 Toyota Yaris, 2006-2008 Lexus IS250 and Lexus IS350 and 2007-2008 Lexus ES350 vehicles, originally sold, or ever registered, in Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia, or "Zone B."
Vehicles of these model years and models that were not originally sold or ever registered in either Zones A or B are not subject to this safety recall.
These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the front air bags, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
Consequence: An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: Toyota will notify the Toyota and Lexus owners. General Motors will contact the Pontiac owners. Depending on the model, dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator or the air bag assembly, free of charge. The recall began on December 6, 2016. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for interim notification for this campaign are G1P (Toyota Zone A), G1R (Toyota Zone B), G2G (Lexus Zone A), and G2H (Lexus Zone B). Toyota's numbers for final remedy for this campaign are G0P (Toyota Zone A), G0R (Toyota Zone B), GLG (Lexus Zone A), and GLH (Lexus Zone B).
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS · 14V647000
2014-10-15
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2007-2010 Lexus LS vehicles manufactured May 9, 2006, to July 20, 2010, 2006-2011 Lexus GS vehicles manufactured January 6, 2005, to September 10, 2010, and 2006-2011 Lexus IS vehicles manufactured August 30, 2005, to September 10, 2010. Due to anti-corrosion plating remnants, fuel may leak from where the fuel pressure sensor is attached to the fuel delivery pipe.
Consequence: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will clean and reseal the fuel pressure sensor mounting area, free of charge. The recall began March 3, 2015. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331.
ENGINE · 13V395000
2013-09-04
Toyota is recalling certain model year 2007-2011 Lexus GS350 vehicles manufactured June 19, 2006, through July 12, 2011; and model year 2006-2011 Lexus IS350 vehicles manufactured May 27, 2005, through July 13, 2011; and model year 2010-2011 Lexus IS350c vehicles manufactured November 25, 2009, through July 19, 2011. These vehicles, equipped with the 2GR-FSE engine, use bolts to secure the housing and sprocket of the Variable-Valve Timing (VVT) system gear assembly. These bolts could become loose due to abnormal impacts generated within the gear assembly immediately after a cold start-up.
Consequence: The loose bolts could cause the VVT gear housing and sprocket to separate and result in the engine stopping while the vehicle is being driven, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and Lexus dealers will replace the VVT unit free of charge. Owners may contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331.
VISIBILITY/WIPER · 13V030000
2013-01-30
Toyota is recalling certain model year 2006-2012 Lexus IS250 and IS350 vehicles manufactured August 23, 2005, through October 5, 2011; 2010-2012 Lexus IS250C and IS350C vehicles manufactured April 10, 2009, through October 6, 2011; and 2008-2011 Lexus IS-F vehicles manufactured December 14, 2007, through July 10, 2011. The nuts that fasten the wiper arms may be insufficiently torqued such that if the wiper arms are restricted by an external load, such as a buildup of heavy snow, one or both of the wipers may become inoperative.
Consequence: Inoperative wipers could reduce driver visibility and increase the risk of a vehicle crash.
Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and Lexus dealers will install new wiper arm nuts, free of charge. An interim letter was mailed to owners on April 4, 2013. Owners may contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331.
Vehicle Info — 2011 Lexus IS 350
Performance
Horsepower
306hp
Torque
277lb-ft
Fuel economy (EPA)
City
20mpg
Highway
27mpg
Combined
22mpg
Fuel
Premium Gasoline
Capability & size
Seating
5seats
EPA class
Subcompact Cars
Wiper blades
Second generation (XE20) 2006-2013. Sedan body style has no rear wiper.
Size-standard part numbers — verify your connector type before buying. Rear blades are model-specific; check the package's vehicle list.
Fuel economy figures are EPA data via fueleconomy.gov (median across matching trims). Performance figures are compiled estimates for the 2011 Lexus IS 350 3.5L V6 and can vary by trim.
🔧 Built by master technician Chris Hackleman · Master Technician · 20+ years.