Carbon build-up on intake valves (direct injection)
usually 90,000–180,000 km · Medium risk
Signs: Rough idle, misfire when cold
Fix: Clean the intake valves (walnut blasting)
€300–700
Engine: common problems, timing drive and oil
2.5 V6 direct injection (Lexus IS 250 / GS 250, 4GR-FSE)
Petrol · 2,499 cm³ · 153–158 kW
2
model generations
2
known faults
Enter your VIN and mileage and get a plan built for your exact engine and gearbox.
Fuel: Petrol. Timing drive: chain.
In our database this engine is fitted to 2 model generations, among them: Lexus IS (XE20), Lexus GS (L10).
The most expensive known risk is carbon build-up on intake valves (direct injection): it usually appears at 90,000–180,000 km and costs €300–700 to fix.
Key facts
| Fuel | Petrol |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 2,499 cm³ |
| Power | 153–158 kW |
| Years | 2005–2015 |
| Timing drive | Chain |
| Oil | 5W-30 / 0W-20 · API SN · ~6.3 L · every 15,000 km |
| Engine codes | 4GR |
Known engine faults
Faults that belong to the engine itself. They apply to every model with this engine, and each model has its own extra faults on its model page.
Water pump
usually 150,000–220,000 km · Wear part
Signs: Coolant weep
Fix: Replace pump
€250–450
Engine-related service
Intervals and typical prices, using the Lexus IS (XE20) as an example. The app gives the exact plan for your car.
| Item | Interval | Typical price |
|---|---|---|
| Engine oil + oil filterEngine | every 15,000 km or every 12 months | €70–150 |
| Air filterEngine | every 30,000 km or every 24 months | €15–45 |
| Spark plugsIgnition | every 60,000 km or every 48 months | €50–160 |
| Auxiliary (serpentine) beltEngine | every 120,000 km | €70–180 |
| Coolant replacementCooling | every 150,000 km or every 96 months | €70–150 |
| Timing chain inspection (listen on cold start)Engine | every 150,000 km | €0–120 |
Models with this engine
Model generations this engine is fitted to.
Common questions
Does the 2.5 V6 direct injection (Lexus IS 250 / GS 250, 4GR-FSE) engine have a timing chain or a timing belt?
Chain.
What oil does the 2.5 V6 direct injection (Lexus IS 250 / GS 250, 4GR-FSE) engine take?
5W-30 / 0W-20 · API SN · ~6.3 L · every 15,000 km.
What are the known problems with the 2.5 V6 direct injection (Lexus IS 250 / GS 250, 4GR-FSE) engine?
The faults with the highest risk: carbon build-up on intake valves (direct injection) (90,000–180,000 km, €300–700).
Which cars have the 2.5 V6 direct injection (Lexus IS 250 / GS 250, 4GR-FSE) engine?
Lexus IS (XE20), Lexus GS (L10).
Sources and notes
Faults, intervals and prices are indicative and collected from public sources and owner experience; always rely on the service book and a qualified workshop. Test statistics: DVSA – Anonymised MOT tests and results, Open Government Licence v3.0. Dutch tests: RDW Open Data (CC0). Owner complaints: NHTSA ODI (public domain). Recalls: DVSA Vehicle Safety Branch Recalls Database, OGL v3.0. Brand and model names are trademarks of their owners and are used only to describe the vehicles.
Updated 08/10/2026