PROBLEM GUIDE
Here's what owners are experiencing, based on our research of real owner reports and repair data.
Last updated June 2026
2006–2011
Model years affected
$2,250 – $2,750+
Typical repair cost, by problem
Click a problem for the full write-up — symptoms, what we found, and typical repair costs where we have them.
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Start my diagnosis →Needing added oil well before scheduled changes; blue-grey exhaust smoke
Check engine light: On
Multiple reports of severe oil consumption, including one owner needing 2.5 quarts every 1,300 miles; separately, blue-grey exhaust smoke with an unusual odor reported at 100,000+ miles.
Both headlights failing simultaneously
Check engine light: Off
Multiple reports of both headlights failing simultaneously, tied to ballast failure — a pattern also seen on several other Toyota/Lexus-family vehicles, with a similar customer-support-program mechanism.
Black spots or streaks developing on the mirror surface
Check engine light: Off
Black spots and streaks develop on the rearview mirror surface over time — a visibility-relevant cosmetic and functional defect.
Jerking or uneven feel during braking
Check engine light: Off
Seized rear brake calipers reported, causing jerking or an uneven feel during braking.
A brief rattle or knocking noise occurs on initial engine start-up
Check engine light: Off
A brief rattle or knocking noise occurs on initial engine start-up. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 50 owner reports on file.
This generation has SIX confirmed recall campaigns — fuel system (Campaigns 20V012000, 18V432000, 14V647000), engine (Campaign 09V020000), engine VVT actuator (Campaign 13V395000), and airbags (Campaign 15V286000). Enter your VIN to get the confirmed, current recall picture for your specific car.
The information on this page is for general educational purposes only and is not a diagnosis. It is compiled from aggregated owner-reported data and publicly available sources, not from an inspection of your vehicle. Symptoms described here can have multiple causes, and the presence of a commonly reported problem does not mean your vehicle has it. Repair cost ranges are estimates that vary by region, shop, vehicle condition, and parts availability. Recall and service campaign information may be incomplete or out of date — verify current recall status with NHTSA or your manufacturer. MyGearGuru is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by any vehicle manufacturer; manufacturer and model names are used for identification only. Always consult a qualified technician before making repair decisions.
The most common problem on this generation is excessive engine oil consumption, with one owner needing 2.5 quarts every 1,300 miles and reports of blue-grey smoke with an unusual odor at 100,000+ miles. Owners also report both headlights failing at once due to ballast failure, a pattern documented on several other Toyota and Lexus vehicles. This generation's NHTSA sample also includes several serious single-case safety reports — including an airbag non-deployment injury, a spontaneous airbag deployment, an engine fire, and unintended acceleration — that are not yet independently corroborated, so they are noted here rather than listed as common problems.