My check engine light is on. Is it safe to drive?

Basic rule that holds true with any vehicle, if the check engine light is on steady, and the vehicle is running ok with good oil pressure and not overheating, then it should be safe to drive until you can have the vehicle checked by your shop. If however the check engine light is flashing, and or you detect a performance problem, then it’s not recommended to drive the vehicle any distance.

My battery light is on in the dash. Is it safe to drive?

Normally when the battery light is on, that indicates a possible issue with the alternator. If indeed the alternator isn’t recharging the battery, you run the risk of being stranded if driven as the battery voltage will become depleted.

When should I have maintenance items like spark plugs, driveline fluids, timing belt, filters, etc?

By far the easiest way to keep up with all the maintenance items on your vehicle is to stay close to the Manufacturer’s recommended service schedule. Remember all vehicles may not have the same service intervals for a certain item. So It’s always best to check the owner's manual for your specific vehicle.

We are driving on a long trip soon, but my car isn’t due for any maintenance yet. Should I have the vehicle looked over before leaving?

Absolutely 100% you should have the vehicle checked over before driving on any long trips. Things like spare tire pressure, quick visual inspection of tires for nails/cuts and pressures. Visual inspection under the hood to assure no leaks and all fluid levels are good. These things take maybe 15 minutes and are totally worth the piece of mind while traveling long distances.

There is a warning light on in my dash. What should I do? It seems to be running ok.

Every warning light on the instrument panel has a purpose. Warning lights are there to alert us that a computer/module has detected an abnormality in one of the systems on your vehicle. If you’re not sure what the light indicates, there is a section in your owner's manual that will give detailed information related to the light in question.

I have noticed a fluid leak under my car when parking ?

Any fluid leak should be inspected by your shop to verify the source. Trying to identify fluid on your driveway or parking lot can be a bit tricky. Coolant while water based, can have an oily feel on your fingers and may lead you to think it’s engine oil. Engine oil and transmission fluid are similar, but transmission fluid if not too spent, will have a red look unless it’s a CVT transmission. Engine oil could be darker looking, or clear if you just had the oil changed recently. Brake fluid is usually clear, but oily feeling much like engine oil. Checking the under hood fluid levels many times can lead you in the right direction.

How often should I change my engine oil?

I don’t think any 2 vehicle manufacturers are the same. At Creech Import Repair, we recommend every 5,000 miles to change the oil and filter. Many mfg’s recommend longer intervals, but if they extend past 5k we highly recommend checking the engine oil level every 1,000 miles. By nature of design, any internal combustion engine is going to use or consume some amount of oil. Also detergent in oil is designed to suspend by-products of combustion, which is what eventually turns the engine oil dark. At some point the detergent content will become loaded and can’t store anymore. This is the point when the engine can start to gum up inside with deposits and can be harmful to your engine and shorten its life.

Lexus IS Repair in Raleigh

Luxury Sport Sedan Service & Maintenance

The Lexus IS has been a cornerstone of Lexus’s sport sedan lineup since its U.S. debut in 2001. Known for blending Japanese reliability with European-inspired handling, the IS competes directly with BMW’s 3 Series, Audi’s A4, and Mercedes-Benz’s C-Class. With models ranging from the IS 250 and IS 350 to the high-performance IS F and IS 500, Lexus has built a reputation for performance, refinement, and long-term dependability

At Creech Import Repair in Raleigh, NC, we provide expert care for all Lexus IS models. Our ASE-certified technicians use factory-grade diagnostics and OEM-quality parts to ensure your IS remains as fun to drive as the day you bought it.

Common Lexus IS Problems

While the Lexus IS is known for reliability, some model years have recurring issues:

Carbon Buildup in Direct Injection Engines – Especially in IS 250 and IS 350 models.
Transmission Hesitation – Jerky or delayed shifting, common in early IS 250 automatics.
Dashboard & Interior Melting – Heat-related wear in certain older IS models.
Brake Wear – Premature pad and rotor wear due to sport-tuned braking system.
Suspension Clunking – Worn bushings, struts, or control arms.
Infotainment Freezing or Screen Failures – Outdated software or faulty components.
Oil Consumption – More common in higher-mileage IS 250 engines.

Common Lexus IS Problems by Generation

2001–2005 Lexus IS 300 (XE10 – 1st Generation)

Dashboard & Interior Wear – Sunlight caused dashboards and door panels to crack or become sticky.
Fix: Replace dashboard panels; Lexus offered some goodwill repairs.
Brake Rotor Warping – Sporty driving led to premature rotor wear.
Fix: Use high-quality rotors and pads; resurface or replace as needed.
Suspension Clunking – Worn lower control arm bushings and ball joints.
Fix: Replace bushings, ball joints, or entire control arms.

2006–2013 Lexus IS 250 / IS 350 (XE20 – 2nd Generation)

Carbon Buildup (IS 250 Direct Injection Engines) – Leads to rough idle, hesitation, and power loss.
Fix: Walnut blasting or fuel system cleaning every 60–80k miles.
Transmission Hesitation – Jerky or delayed shifting in IS 250 automatics.
Fix: ECU software update or transmission service.
Dashboard & Door Panel Melting – Common in hot climates.
Fix: Replace affected interior components (Lexus issued recalls for some models).
Water Pump Failures – Coolant leaks causing overheating.
Fix: Replace water pump and coolant flush.

2014–2020 Lexus IS 200t / IS 250 / IS 300 / IS 350 (XE30 – 3rd Generation)

Turbocharger Lag (IS 200t) – Noticeable hesitation during acceleration.
Fix: ECU tuning or turbo maintenance.
Infotainment System Glitches – Freezing, lag, or unresponsive Remote Touch interface.
Fix: Software updates or head unit replacement.
Premature Brake Wear – Aggressive brake pad wear due to sport tuning.
Fix: Replace with premium pads/rotors.
Suspension Noises – Worn struts and bushings leading to clunks over bumps.
Fix: Replace struts, shocks, or bushings.

2021–Present Lexus IS 300 / IS 350 / IS 500 (XE30 Refresh – 4th Generation)

Lane Assist & Safety System Malfunctions – Sensors misalign after potholes or curb hits.
Fix: Recalibrate radar and camera systems.
Touchscreen Lag or Freezing – Infotainment delays and Bluetooth dropouts.
Fix: Software updates or unit replacement.
Fuel Pump Recall Issues – Certain models affected by faulty pumps leading to stalling.
Fix: Replace under recall or with updated parts.

Services We Offer for Lexus IS Owners

🔧

Engine & Driveability

Spark plug and ignition coil replacement
Valve cover gasket repair
Fuel injector cleaning
Idle air control and VVT solenoid service
Engine diagnostics and check engine light analysis
Oil leak repair

❄️

Heating & Cooling

A/C system inspection and recharging
Compressor and condenser replacement
Radiator and water pump repair
Cabin filter changes
Blower motor diagnostics

🚗

Suspension & Braking

Brake pad and rotor replacement
Brake fluid flush
Suspension inspections and strut/shock replacement
Control arm and sway bar link repair
ABS light diagnosis and wheel speed sensor service

⚡

Electrical & Interior

Battery testing and alternator diagnostics
TPMS sensor replacement and calibration
Window and door lock actuator service
Infotainment screen troubleshooting
Sensor recalibration for safety systems

Recommended Lexus IS Maintenance

Service	Interval	Benefit
Oil & Filter Change	Every 5,000–7,500 miles	Protects engine
Brake Inspection	Every 10,000 miles	Ensures safety
Coolant Flush	100,000 miles	Prevents overheating
Spark Plugs	120,000 miles	Maintains performance
Transmission Fluid Change	60,000–90,000 miles	Extends transmission life
Cabin & Engine Air Filters	15,000–30,000 miles	Improves air quality

Signs Your Lexus IS Needs Service

Check Engine Light or Hybrid Warnings – From simple O2 sensors to hybrid battery issues.
Jerky Acceleration or Hesitation – Often linked to transmission or fuel delivery problems.
Brake Squealing or Reduced Stopping Power – Indicates worn pads or rotors.
Excessive Oil Consumption – Especially on older IS 250 engines.
Suspension Noises – Clunking, rattling, or loose handling.
Infotainment Issues – Freezing screens, unresponsive navigation, or Bluetooth dropouts.
Uneven Tire Wear or Pulling – Suggests misalignment or worn suspension components.

Book Lexus IS Service in Raleigh

Your Lexus IS is more than just transportation — it’s a precision sport sedan designed for performance and comfort. Keep it running at its best with expert care from Creech Import Repair.

📍 Visit Us: Creech Import Repair – Raleigh, NC
📞 Call: (919) [872-1999]
🌐 Book Online: Schedule an Appointment

Frequently Asked Questions – Lexus IS

Overall, the IS is reliable, but older IS 250s may suffer from oil consumption and transmission hesitation.

Sport brakes often wear faster; inspections every 10k miles are recommended.

Maintenance is lower than German rivals, but performance parts can be pricier than Toyota counterparts.

With regular maintenance, many Lexus IS sedans can exceed 200,000 miles. Proper oil changes and timely repairs are key to longevity.

Yes. IS 250 models with direct-injection engines are known for intake valve carbon buildup, which can cause rough idling or hesitation. Walnut blasting every 60–80k miles can help.

Yes. Many IS trims come with all-wheel drive, making them reliable in snow and rain when paired with proper tires.

The IS 200t can experience turbo lag and occasional wastegate issues. Regular oil changes and using premium fuel improve reliability.

Yes, Lexus IS models tend to retain value better than many German rivals, thanks to their reputation for reliability and lower repair costs.

The IS 300 offers a 2.0L turbo or V6 depending on the year, while the IS 350 comes with a more powerful V6, offering stronger performance and sportier handling.

Most modern Lexus IS models use timing chains, which typically last the life of the engine with proper oil maintenance. Older IS models with timing belts should be replaced around 90k–100k miles.

Yes, some IS models (especially 2014–2020) report lagging or freezing infotainment systems. Software updates or unit replacements usually resolve the problem.

Contact us today

For an estimate with the most trusted auto repair shop in Wake County, Creech Import Repair!

Shop Location

1818 St. Albans Dr #106
Raleigh, NC 27609

Monday - Friday

7:30 am - 5:30 pm

Call us 919-872-1999

Our Commitment to You

At Creech Import Repair, our philosophy is simple: Treat customers with kindness, respect, and honesty, and success will follow. Contact us for any and all of your automotive repair needs.

Please Note

Online bookings are not considered confirmed appointments until verified by a member of our Service Team.
We take your privacy very seriously. Learn more about how we protect your information by reading our Privacy Policy.

Schedule An Appointment

Lexus IS Repair in Raleigh, NC

Luxury Sport Sedan Service & Maintenance