Jay3Day

Hey everyone!

I recently got a new-to-me 2014 IS 250 Non F-Sport with 37K miles, and even more recently, joined ClubLexus.

I know Lexus/Toyota products in general are very reliable- we have a 20 year old 4Runner still going in the family. Lexus/Toyota products are a family favorite- it's part of the reason why I decided to grab a Lexus. However, I do know in the back of my mind that nothing is completely bulletproof.

That being said, has anyone experienced any major or even ongoing problems with their 3IS? I'm just a tiny bit worried as I know I'm going to be putting a lot of miles on it for the foreseeable future. It drives and handles like a charm- but I know that the 2.5L V6 carried over from the 2IS had carbon build up issues(at least in the 2IS)- did something similar to that carry over to the 3IS?

Thanks for the help/advice!
(PS: Sorry if I'm a little misinformed- I'm still trying to work my way through all there is to ClubLexus )

Raghza

The carbon build up should be fixed on the 3IS.
Overall it's a very reliable car an I don't think of anything you should worry about. Enjoy your new ride!

Sasnuke

Welcome to the forum!
I think you will definitely enjoy your new-to-you IS.

There may be a few things to keep an eye on.
If you have Navi...some of the 2014's have experienced issues with it, the radio head unit being the ultimate root cause.
If you have Blind Spot Montioring and/or Clearance Sonar, there is an updated Gateway ECU for batter drain issues.
The Amp...if you all of sudden lose sound from the audio system...the Amp in the trunk is likely the cause...replacement is the fix.
Doors stop locking/unlocking...there's been a number of report door lock actuator failures...not the end of the world...a new actuator, or just the motor within it will fix it right up.
Carbon buildup issue was corrected around 2011, so you're good to go.
Be sure to check tire pressure and alignment...3IS likes to wear the front tires on the inside. Installing the Front Lower Control Arm bushings from the RCF/GSF will assist with minimizing that...and an easy DIY install if you're handy.

Jay3Day

Sounds good, thank you for the reply!

Jay3Day

Thanks for the response! I'm glad that the Carbon Build up Issue was cleared up, really puts my mind at ease

The door unlock/lock malfunction seems to be a common issue in Toyota/Lexus products... unfortunately.

Pertaining to the Blind Spot Monitoring problem- is there anyway to get that updated Gateway ECU? I bought the car L-Certified (not sure if that makes any difference) so might've been fixed, but seeing as though the service records that came with the car don't have any mention of that, is there a way to check if the Gateway ECU has been updated?

Thanks again!

E46CT

Welcome! You're right nothing is bulletproof. There are some issues where the 2014 seems to have the most reported cases. See here: https://www.clublexus.com/forums/is-...-concerns.html

Jay3Day

Thanks for the link! Seems very informative I'm glad that most of these deal more with non-engine related/mechanical stuff- I feel like that kind of stuff can get pricey.

E46CT

If any of that stuff ever goes out, try eBay. Never buy dealer new. You can also send it to an electronics fixing place as i imagine a lot of failures comes down to a single component that costs pennies. like a resistor or failed capacitor or failed solder joint. Dealers make fortunes replacing full units over something that likely costs pennies (component wise)

Jay3Day

Seems like solid advice. Will most of that stuff on eBay be OEM? I imagine that there would be a lot of off-brand replacements, and as cheap as they are, I could never really fully trust them. Going to a third-party seems like a good idea for the electronics themselves though- installation is something that I could never trust myself to do, I'm not exactly handy lol

davyjordi

There are some Lexus dealerships who have eBay storefronts that sell OEM parts at discounted prices. I would look for those.

Jay3Day

Sounds good, thanks!

premier3IS

You'll eat thru brakes and rotors, but other than that probably nothing major mechanical wise. I think most of the problems would most likely be electrical if you have any.

All I did in my 3 years of ownership was just replace my vacuum regulator valve, and brakes and rotors. Very sturdy and reliable car. Returned it with 17k miles on it just a few weeks ago.

Congrats on the new car. Lots of well informed people on this forum, you'll be in good hands if you ever need assistance.

Jay3Day

That's a welcome insight, and thank you for your congratulations! If you don't mind me asking, what is the vacuum regulator valve for?

Everything aside, it's good to hear that your IS was low maintenance- I'm looking forward to having the car for awhile, and I'm sure that this forum will come in handy should I ever need help

athanato

Is this still an issue with the 2018 AWD?

arentz07

Yes, it is as far as we know. For sure it's an issue with 2016 and earlier. The OE Bridgestone Turanzas are terrible tires, so might as well burn through them... Maybe you could try running those for a few thousand miles and checking the tread depths after? Then you'd know for sure.