IS250Kevin

iTrader: (9)

what is the standard warranty for our vehicles? years/miles?

calvin2376

iTrader: (2)

I've had the car into the dealer 5 different times for the dash rattle on my 2007 IS350. It is an incredibly annoying, and unfortunately incredibly persistent, problem. If you're at all DIY inclined though, a quick search on the CL forum/Google will uncover the Lexus-issued TSIB that applies to this issue (L-SB-0044-08) and you can attempt it for yourself. All they do is take the dash off, switch out the stock clips for rubber ones that are less prone to rattling, and apply a whole mess of foam padding all over the place, literally every surface. The only difficult part of this process is taking the dash out.

You can also likely order the parts you need for the TSIB through the dealer. The parts you really need to order from the dealer are the new clips (P/N 55328-48110, you'll need 5). The foam padding you can supply yourself.

Just a thought. I'm sorry about your predicament; I know how irritating the dash issue can be and I agree, Lexus should really cover this on their cars, since it reflects poorly on their cars' quality.

Jeff Lange

iTrader: (1)

4 years / 50k miles (USA) / 80k kms (Canada)

That's for the comprehensive warranty (everything* covered).

Jeff

* Almost

RasAlgethi

I'm looking for a IS350 and this is scaring me. What years does this rattle affect? How common is the problem?

Jmags

iTrader: (1)

From my research it's 100% common in 2007-2010. It just depends on where you live if it bothers you or not.

In colder climates we usually have less smooth roads so both of those factors make it happen more.

calvin2376

iTrader: (2)

In addition, the issue seems to be worse when it's cold (the plastic expands in the heat, causing less squeaking/rattling).

I also agree with Jmags; it is pretty much 100% common in the 2006-2008 (and I assume 2009-2010) IS350 models. The dash design and architecture was the same for all, so if one person doesn't have the dash rattle, it only means 1) they haven't yet gotten it, or 2) something about the environment (like hotter climate) is causing the issue not to arise.

This shouldn't scare you away from an IS350. I bought a 2007 IS350 with 56k miles, so it was out of factory warranty. I noticed the issue right away on the test drive, and pointed it out to the salesman and told him I wanted it fixed if I bought the car, and he agreed.

So as you're looking for IS350s, I would say follow these steps. For any Lexus, you can input the VIN into the owner's section of the website and get the service history (more detailed than Carfax, shows exactly what services/repairs have been done to the car), and you can check that the dash rattle has been performed. If you're buying from a private seller, check to make sure this issue has been addressed. If not, then have him address it before the sale; if he doesn't agree, don't buy the car. If you're buying from a dealer, make the sale conditional upon their agreement to fix the dash rattle if it arises (like I did). They should do it; you can specifically reference TSIB L-SB-0044-08.

This all necessarily presumes you're talking about buying a USED, OUT OF FACTORY WARRANTY IS350. Because if you're buying either a new or still-in-factory-warranty IS, this is all moot; the dash rattle is covered by the factory warranty. And if you buy a car under factory warranty and the issue doesn't arise, you might as well take it in and tell them you ARE having the issue so they address it for you proactively. Last thing you want is to buy a warrantied car and then have the dash rattle show up the day you're out of warranty!

RasAlgethi

^ Thanks a lot for the informative response. Can you link me to the page where i would input the VIN in? I can't seem to find it.

ecr527

That's a pretty loud rattle. My car makes a bunch of rattling noises, but nothing like that. I do have on coming from my moonroof when it's either in tilt mode or funny open. I think you have a 50-50 chance of getting them to cover it. It seems that you were nice enough in your letter, and that tends to go a long with (at least with some people).

robertrios

iTrader: (11)

i live in florida and have never experienced the rattle and i have an 07 is250 AND an after market sub system (2 12w6v2 powered by 1200 rms @ 1ohm) still no front end rattle. So yea it might have more to do with your locatoin...however my car is at about 31k so im not sure if this develops with age?

pli

iTrader: (1)

just buy foam and try to fix it yourself?

Jmags

iTrader: (1)

yeah, I heard back from the internet sales guy, saying he was going to forward it to the service dept. However they didn't email/call me today.....so i guess it's foam for me.