inkaddict

Hello Lexus Fam,

I have a 2009 Lexus IS 250. Just hit 104,000. Had the carbon buildup CSB performed. While they were down there (free labor after all), I had them swap out the serpentine belt and the water pump. Which of course they said was leaking. I did notice my coolant was a little low a day or so before I took it to the dealership, so they just confirmed it for me. I'm just curious what mileage markers have other 2nd gen IS owners hit? I've heard stories of 250k but haven't seen it confirmed. I was told the water pump would be good for another 100,000k. Is that what everyone else's experience is about? What other issues, will I run into at higher miles? Appreciate the advice.

Skier76

Just hit 100k on ours. Did you have any signs of the carbon issues before you had the procedure done?

DixieLex

17

no issues...so far

inkaddict

Signs of carbon buildup I had. Rough idle especially on cold start. The Rpm usually should rev when warming up between 800-1400. Mine would rev between 500 and 800. The needle would dance in between them. I got the check engine once. And I was going faster but once it came on (it was a particularly cold day) it wouldn't let me accelerate past 40 and even up to 40 it'd take me 10-20 seconds pedal to the floor. Code was misfire. Went away on next start up. Never had the acceleration problem after that. Was burning about .8 quart of full synthetic oil every 1000 miles.

Vanze

my 09 is around 115k but nothing so far. I'm planning on getting rid of it before the end of the year since the warranty on the buildup ends this year (please correct me if i'm wrong... i read that it is 9 years after model year, so 2018). I don't want to have to pay for the cleaning once it does go bad

tomiv9

126k on mine. Had the carbon buildup recall done at 60k. They also replaced the water pump then.

Innergflow

are the newer models 2012 -2013 better with this carbon issue ?

tomiv9

yes, the recall was to upgrade the previous 2010 is250s with the piston rings on the 2010+ models. The newer piston rings help prevent carbon buildup. You may still get some of the rough idol symptoms eventually, but usually they are infrequent, minor and not really a concern. If the rough idol symptoms do become frequent you get a top engine cleaning.