Lexus IS II (XE20) (2005 – 2013)

Reliability score : 7.8/10

The second-generation Lexus IS (XE20) marks a turning point for Toyota's premium division. Designed to compete head-on with the German benchmarks (3 Series, C-Class, A4), it adopts a rear-wheel-drive architecture and a dynamic design (L-Finesse philosophy). To conquer the European market, Lexus introduced a diesel engine under the hood of the IS 220d (borrowed from Toyota) for the first time in its history. Paradoxically, this desire to adapt to the European market spawned the least reliable version in the range, contrasting sharply with the legendary reliability of the V6 petrol versions (IS 250, IS 350), which border on mechanical perfection. A facelift occurred in 2008, then in 2010 (introduction of the IS 200d).

Common issues

Défaillance du joint de culasse (moteur 2.2 D-CAT) High

🔧 100 000 – 180 000 km

💶 1 500 – 3 000 € (peut être plus pour remplacement moteur)

Vérifier historique entretien, niveau liquide refroidissement, signes de surchauffe.

Encrassement vanne EGR et collecteur d'admission Medium

🔧 80 000 – 150 000 km

💶 300 – 800 €

Privilégier longs trajets réguliers; envisager nettoyage préventif.

Problèmes de filtre à particules (FAP) / DPF Medium

🔧 100 000 – 200 000 km

💶 800 – 2 000 €

Éviter trajets courts fréquents; s'assurer de cycles de régénération complets.

Défaillance des injecteurs de carburant Medium

🔧 120 000 – 200 000 km

💶 300 – 700 € par injecteur

Utiliser carburant de qualité; surveiller ralenti irrégulier ou fumée excessive.

Estimated maintenance costs

Oil change	£100 – 170
Timing chain	£700 – 1 300 (si remplacement nécessaire)
Clutch	£900 – 1 600
Complete brakes	£300 – 550
Estimated annual budget	£700 – 1 400

Indicative estimates (independent garage, UK market). Prices vary by region and year.