2006 Lexus Is: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2006 Lexus Is: 7 recalls, 143 owner complaints and up to 24 mpg combined.
Recalls
7 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Airbags Vehicle recall #06V096000 · 2006 · 133 vehicles
What's wrong: On certain vehicles, due to improper assembly of the air bag inflator, which is used in the side air bag, the curtain shield air bag, and the knee air bag assembly, some inflators were produced with an insufficient amount of the heating agents necessary for proper air bag deployment. In this condition, the expansion force of the gas May be insufficient to properly inflate the air bag when the SRS system is activated…
Why it matters: This May increase the risk of injury to the occupant in the involved seating position in the event of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the specific SRS air bag. The recall began on April 6, 2006.
Seat belts Vehicle recall #06V121000 · 2006 · 28,947 vehicles
What's wrong: On certain passenger vehicles, if the front seat belt retractors (both driver and front passenger) become locked, they May not release due to a component of the emergency locking system. If the seat belt is locked in this condition, the occupant May not be able to properly fasten the seat belt.
Why it matters: An occupant not properly wearing a seat belt May have an increased risk of injury during a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the front seat belt assemblies. The recall began on April 21, 2006.
Fuel system Vehicle recall #07V545000 · 2007 · 34,343 vehicles
What's wrong: On certain vehicles, high stress areas May have been created in two specific fuel pipes located in the engine compartment. Combined with other factors such as the presence of corrosive agents in fuel, a crack May form over time leading to fuel leakage from the fuel line(s).
Why it matters: Fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source could result in a fire.
The fix: Dealers will replace the two involved fuel lines with newly designed lines free of charge. The recall began on December 15, 2007.
Engine & cooling Vehicle recall #09V020000 · 2009 · 214,570 vehicles
What's wrong: Ethanol fuels with a low moisture content will corrode the internal surface of the fuel rails. As this condition progresses, the engine malfunction indicator light May illuminate.
Why it matters: Over time, the corrosion May create a pinhole resulting in fuel leakage. Fuel leakage, in the presence of an ignition source, could result in a fire.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the fuel delivery pipes free of charge. The recall is expected to begin during February 2009.
Speed control / throttle Vehicle recall #09V388000 · 2009 · 4,445,056 vehicles
What's wrong: The accelerator pedal can get stuck in the wide open position due to its being trapped by an unsecured or incompatible driver's floor mat.
Why it matters: A stuck open accelerator pedal May result in very high vehicle speeds and make it difficult to stop the vehicle, which could cause a crash, serious injury or death.
The fix: Toyota filed an amended defect report on November 25, 2009, stating that dealers will modify the accelerator pedal and, on certain vehicles, alter the shape of the floor surface under the pedal. These changes address the risk of pedal entrapment due to interference with the floor mat. Redesigned…
Brakes (hydraulic) Vehicle recall #10V499000 · 2010 · 728,544 vehicles
What's wrong: Brake fluid containing polymers is used that acts as lubricants for certain brake system components. If replacement brake fluid is used that does not contain such polymers, or that contains only small amounts, a part of the rubber seal located at the rear of the brake master cylinder May become dry, and the seal May curl during movement of the piston. If this occurs, a small amount of brake fluid could slowly leak…
Why it matters: A leak of brake fluid could lead to a change in brake pedal feel and overtime a degradation in braking performance increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the seal with a newly designed one. This service will be performed free of charge. The safety recall began on November 15, 2010.
Fuel system Vehicle recall #11V029000 · 2011 · 244,779 vehicles
What's wrong: Due to insufficient tightening of the fuel pressure sensor connected to an engine fuel delivery pipe with nickel phosphorus plating, there is a possibility that, over time, the pressure sensor could loosen. If loosening occurs, fuel could leak past a gasket used in the connection between the sensor and the pipe and through the threaded portion of the sensor.
Why it matters: Fuel leakage, in the presence of an ignition source, could result in a fire.
The fix: Dealers will inspect for fuel leakage from the threaded portion of the fuel pressure sensor and if a fuel leak is not confirmed, dealers will further tighten the fuel pressure sensor with the proper torque. If a fuel leak is confirmed, the gasket between the sensor and the fuel deliver pipe will be…
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 5 mention a fire, 2 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Body & structure (43): the most common themes are door / lock issues (23).
- Airbags (26): the most common themes are warning light on (6).
- Visibility/Wiper (26): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Other / unknown (24): the most common themes are fire / smoke (2).
The 2006 Lexus Is has 143 owner complaints, ranking #1 of 27 Is model years for complaints (6.5× the average Is year). Complaints peaked in 2014 (43 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 10 years old, at a median of 89,500 miles. Neighboring years: 2005 (12 complaints, 0 recalls), 2007 (122 complaints, 3 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5 L 6-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 21 | 29 | 24 | Premium |
| 2.5 L 6-cyl | Automatic (S6) | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 20 | 26 | 22 | Premium |
| 2.5 L 6-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 18 | 26 | 21 | Premium |
| 3.5 L 6-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 19 | 26 | 21 | Premium |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2006 Lexus Is.
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FAQ
Does the 2006 Lexus Is have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 7 vehicle recalls for the 2006 Lexus Is. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2006 Lexus Is problems?
Owners have filed 143 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are body & structure (43), airbags (26), visibility/wiper (26).
What gas mileage does the 2006 Lexus Is get?
EPA ratings run up to 24 mpg combined (2.5 L, Automatic (S6)), across 4 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2006 Lexus Is repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.