Lexus IS 350
The 2GR-FSE 3.5L V6 is rock-solid — 200k+ miles is normal. Known issue: cylinder 5 overheating by design can cause oil consumption and cylinder wall damage. Check water pump and coils from 30-50k miles.
Facelift sharpened the looks, engine stays proven
The 2021+ facelift brought aggressive new styling and improved infotainment. The 2GR-FSE V6 remains unchanged — 311 hp, smooth, reliable. The 8-speed shifts cleaner than before. This is the last IS you can buy with a naturally aspirated V6 (excluding the V8 IS 500). Production ends 2025 with no direct successor announced. F Sport is the trim to find.
Engine Weaknesses 2
Similar to the 4GR-FSE but less prevalent. Cylinder bore scuffing leads to oil consumption. Block replacement is the only permanent fix due to thin-wall liner construction. Most 2GR-FSE engines avoid this issue with proper maintenance.
Symptoms: Gradual increase in oil consumption, blue smoke on cold start, oil on spark plugs
Water pump bearing or seal fails, causing coolant leak. Documented past 80,000 miles. Thermostat often replaced simultaneously. Overheating risk if not addressed promptly.
Symptoms: Coolant leak from front of engine, overheating, antifreeze smell, low coolant warning