P0400 Error Help!

Koum · December 27, 2016

Lexus IS220d

Bought the car from a dealership in london around 4 or 5 days ago, Loved the car and everything about it. However since driving it around my local town felt like a loss of power at lower rpm's then a sudden kick in of power.

So today we went to the garage to inflate the tyres as they were very underflated, on the drive home i noticed more smoke than usual coming out the rear then the check vsc error and traction control errors came on and it went into limp mode all the way home.

So since getting it home i checked the history on the car and its had the EGR Valve blocked off in the past, i've read this isn't advised on this model?

Anyway so i plugged it in and the error p0400 " Exhaust Gas Recirculation Flow Malfunction" came up so ive cleared it and haven't driven it since. What should i DO?

Should I clean the EGR Valve myself?

steveledzep · December 27, 2016

Take it back to the dealer and demand a refund. Then buy an IS250....far better vehicle !!

Rebecca · December 27, 2016

I have to agree with steveledzep on this one. The is220d is the work of the devil. Trust me I've owned one.

Trade it in for the 250. You won't be disappointed.

ahmedali44 · December 27, 2016

Symptoms are pointing to dpf blocked.when had is220d same symptoms

you get warranty.what mileage???? I also agree take it back get is250 won't be disappointed

Koum · December 28, 2016

its at 73k miles, phoned them they didn't pick up today, so i've removed the EGR and cleaned it and i added an additive to my fuel and filled up with bp diesel. So far so good all power is back and after ragging it a few times everything seems to of cleaned up... for now.

Heres some photos:

Shahpor · December 28, 2016

Yep. pretty typical diesel issue, especially around London.

Should be alright now.

Typically, I would recommend another clean every 5k miles. Is it all town driving you do? I ask because the DPF could really use a good rag up the motorway once in a while.

Oh, I think it is worth mentioning that this is a non-Lexus general Diesel issue, so contrary to what might have been said, I am pretty certain the IS220d isn't the Devil's work.

steve2006 · December 28, 2016

I read today that oven cleaner, the white foamy spray on stuff is very good for cleaning EGR valves, just make sure it is well rinsed before refitting it.

ahmedali44 · December 28, 2016

Once in a while add wynes dpf cleaner in tank with half tank of fuel which is quiet good @ take on motorway in 4th gear for 20-30 mins

Cleaning egr I used carb cleaner it's work ok. Also could use paraffin to clean it best let it soak overnight

Hope it's sorted now as this could be problem due to egr blocked heavily with carbon

messi · December 30, 2016

This will be the start of the problems you will get with the is220d. Remember, Lexus have stopped making diesels due to fact the engine is very very unreliable. Wait till you get the headgasket issue. I have agree, take it back, get your money back and get an is250 or ls430 or ls460 or gs300 or gs430 etc but not a diesal.

Shahpor · December 30, 2016

5 hours ago, messi said:

This will be the start of the problems you will get with the is220d. Remember, Lexus have stopped making diesels due to fact the engine is very very unreliable. Wait till you get the headgasket issue. I have agree, take it back, get your money back and get an is250 or ls430 or ls460 or gs300 or gs430 etc but not a diesal.

Really? So the fact that I have managed over 15,000 trouble free miles shouldn't be possible?

Most of the issues the 220d seem to have are common diesel specific problems, which if the car is used as intended, won't be a problem. If you buy a diesel and do only short town journeys, then you are going to have problems.

But to stop repeating myself, the rest can be found here:

messi · December 30, 2016

Its not the most unreliable car out there, Rangerover have won the award for most unreliable car, but the is220d is probably the worst car Lexus have made, they realised that, and realised yes they have alot of issues and so stopped making them and went down the hybrid and direct injection route.

ahmedali44 · December 30, 2016

I was in London working as I'm a black taxi driver in city they was is220d 57 plate in front of me and it was smoking like a chimney and could smell oil burning.

Funny thing is that it's mot expired in October only had 71k.how could you not know that your Mot has expired

Rebecca · December 31, 2016

Well all I can say is I'm glad I got rid of my is220d for the is250. It's light years ahead.

No more embarrassing thick smoke chuffing out of the exhaust. No horrendous turbo lag, no need to worry about egr and dpf problems. No need to worry about my head gasket failing at any given moment. No more having to work that awkward and totally mismatched gearbox. 1st and 6th gear are a joke.

It's not probably the worst car ever made by lexus as stated by messi, it is without doubt the worst car ever made by lexus and I've spoken to the guys at lexus bristol who have told me the majority of their repair work is carried out on the is220d.

When I took my old is220d in to get the egr and 5th injector issues I was having they confirmed the vehicle had in the past had a new head gasket fitted.

How did lexus get it so right with the is250 and so wrong with the is220d?

Shahpor · December 31, 2016

I am curious Rebecca, did you test drive the IS220d before buying it? The reason I ask is that the turbo lag and gearbox ratios are plainly evident when you drive it, so if you did test drive it, then why did you buy it?

Lexus produced the 220d because of pressure from their dealers. The dealers were seeing demand from the public for a diesel variant. The problems arose because diesel engines are only good under certain circumstances, namely longer motorway journeys. Under those conditions they are usually fine, but dealers don't bother telling people when they buy them to drive around town.

As for the head gasket, it was a flaw that has mostly been rectified now. It is unusual to see head gasket problems these days.

Having a flaw is hardly a Lexus only thing. For example, my friend has a BMW 118d. These engines are known for timing chain failures. When he got his into a BMW specialist, the mechanic told him it was the 4th one he had done in 2 months. The newest car had only 18k when it broke! Also, since BMW, in their infinite wisdom, decided to fit the chain to the back of the engine, my friends car had its engine removed, chain replaced, and also need a new dual mass flywheel, EGR valve and DPF! The total bill was £4500.

What is different though is that the people on the BMW forum didn't bash him when he said his diesel car had a problem. In this regard, I am disappointed by the responses on here. Which is a shame because this is one of the best forum I have been a member of otherwise.

The point I am trying to make is that perhaps you guys could help this new member with his query rather than jumping on this opportunity to tell him he has bought the wrong car, and giving him your opinion on what car he should buy?

ahmedali44 · December 31, 2016

I have to agree with sharpor dpf,egr problem arise due to local mileage which happens to all diesels but is220d is only car with 5th injector problem, gasket, gearbox is hopeless as mine went soon pick car up lucky had warranty.dmf was noisy but been lucky sold it before head gasket or 5th injector problems.overall wasn't bad to drive

I test drove mine too but how long u drive it for 10 mins can't really tell by test by 10 mins, need at least 24hrs then u can tell how well car is.

Is220d was a experimental project which went wrong that stuck to petrol or hybrid

Had mercs, ford's never had gasket go on car.

My sister bought bmw120d on 2011 with 87k auto which is soooo noisy but did warn as no good for school runs due to dpf,egr getting blocked but let them find out for themselves.

Rebecca · December 31, 2016

Shahpor I did indeed test drive the is220d before purchasing but driving around hereford on a Friday afternoon in heavy traffic is probably not the best time to get a feel for the car. All I remember at the time was how luxurious and comfortable the car felt as it was the se-l model. I simply had to have it.

It was only after a couple of days I noticed the huge turbo lag on the vehicle. I'm fully aware all turbo engines suffer lag as did my mercedes e220 but the lag on the 220d is horrendous.

I found 6th gear at 70-80 on a motorway run unusable as the car would actually shudder as though it was going to stall. I think it's only good for 90mph and above. Do lexus not know the uk speed limit is 70mph?

I found the amount of grey smoke it chuffed out to be really embarrassing. I could see drivers in my rear view mirror laughing and pointing. I took the car in and found the egr to be faulty along with a fifth injector problem that cost me hundreds to put right.

Since joining the forum I can clearly see the car is very unreliable for the majority of owners who don't use the vehicle for what it was intended for and that's many many motorway miles.

Shahpor · December 31, 2016

51 minutes ago, Rebecca said:

Shahpor I did indeed test drive the is220d before purchasing but driving around hereford on a Friday afternoon in heavy traffic is probably not the best time to get a feel for the car. All I remember at the time was how luxurious and comfortable the car felt as it was the se-l model. I simply had to have it.

That's fair enough, and I can certainly understand getting excited after driving the car.

51 minutes ago, Rebecca said:

Since joining the forum I can clearly see the car is very unreliable for the majority of owners who don't use the vehicle for what it was intended for and that's many many motorway miles.

It doesn't need many many motorway miles, just some. The reason it is better for many motorway journeys is it is more cost effective on fuel to do so.

Also, I do think that my original point of how diesel owners are treated on this forum is still valid.

Rebecca · December 31, 2016

Shahpor I totally understand where your coming from, the diesel does indeed get a lot of bashing here on the forum.

I can clearly see you love your diesel and are very happy with it just like I was when I first purchased mine.

Not long after obtaining my vehicle I joined the forum as I was in love with lexus and wanted to learn as much as I could about the is220d and lexus vehicles in general.

However I soon became disheartened after reading the endless posts on how unreliable and poor the vehicle was and it is upsetting to hear your pride and joy is not the car you thought it was.

I know I've done my fair share of diesel bashing myself here on the forum because of the problems I had endured with the car but I really don't mean to upset or offend anybody here and I apologise if I have.

madasahatter · December 31, 2016

31 minutes ago, Rebecca said:

Shahpor I totally understand where your coming from, the diesel does indeed get a lot of bashing here on the forum.

I can clearly see you love your diesel and are very happy with it just like I was when I first purchased mine.

Not long after obtaining my vehicle I joined the forum as I was in love with lexus and wanted to learn as much as I could about the is220d and lexus vehicles in general.

However I soon became disheartened after reading the endless posts on how unreliable and poor the vehicle was and it is upsetting to hear your pride and joy is not the car you thought it was.

I know I've done my fair share of diesel bashing myself here on the forum because of the problems I had endured with the car but I really don't mean to upset or offend anybody here and I apologise if I have.

You are entitled to your opinion, as you say you have knowledge of both. I personally would not buy any diesel vehicle. If people are happy with them then

that is good, i am happy i came on the forum first, i also google all cars i am interested in for faults. All cars have them unfortunately, in this day and age

you would think they would be more reliable. On that note i wish all a happy and prosperous new year.

Shahpor · December 31, 2016

44 minutes ago, Rebecca said:

Shahpor I totally understand where your coming from, the diesel does indeed get a lot of bashing here on the forum.

I can clearly see you love your diesel and are very happy with it just like I was when I first purchased mine.

Not long after obtaining my vehicle I joined the forum as I was in love with lexus and wanted to learn as much as I could about the is220d and lexus vehicles in general.

However I soon became disheartened after reading the endless posts on how unreliable and poor the vehicle was and it is upsetting to hear your pride and joy is not the car you thought it was.

I know I've done my fair share of diesel bashing myself here on the forum because of the problems I had endured with the car but I really don't mean to upset or offend anybody here and I apologise if I have.

I appreciate what you are saying Rebecca.

Of course Keith is right that everyone is entitled to their opinions.

I can imagine that it was pretty disappointing for you when your car went wrong, and I am glad you are so pleased with your IS250.

I don't actually love my diesel, and I will probably be getting a petrol next, but mine has been a faithful workhorse and I will miss it when it is gone.

Also, I am by no means targeting you specifically about the bashing, it is just that this place is quite unwelcoming to diesel owners and I fear we may run off new members, which would be a shame. (Us diesel owners need to stick together, for protection).

madasahatter · December 31, 2016

25 minutes ago, Shahpor said:

I appreciate what you are saying Rebecca.

Of course Keith is right that everyone is entitled to their opinions.

I can imagine that it was pretty disappointing for you when your car went wrong, and I am glad you are so pleased with your IS250.

I don't actually love my diesel, and I will probably be getting a petrol next, but mine has been a faithful workhorse and I will miss it when it is gone.

Also, I am by no means targeting you specifically about the bashing, it is just that this place is quite unwelcoming to diesel owners and I fear we may run off new members, which would be a shame. (Us diesel owners need to stick together, for protection).

The petrol have issues also, a recent head gasket by a forum member. Most have been in for the fuel pressure sensor gasket, and awaiting the air bag recall.

Its all gone quiet on that front. In america they have had even bigger issues. I am on many forums. And you want to thank yourself, you do not own a Vw group

car. Diesel gate is only a small part of there problems. With the Lexus the problem seems to be the Diesel is not much more fuel efficient than the petrol.

Mazda diesels are another to be avoided if only doing short journeys.

peachy · December 31, 2016

I actually found the is220d a great car when running right. Far more engaging than the lazy boy is250 and when that turbo eventually kicked it it shifted. Not as quick to 60mph as the 250 but mid range power the diesel will certainly keep up.

Sure the gearbox is not the best but you soon get used to it and simply adjust your driving style to suit.

Head gaskets can be a problem but any car can blow a gasket. Happened to me twice on non lexus cars.

5th injector is often a problem but a trip to lexus who will do some reprogramming of the ecu will cure the grey smoke issue.

We all know the 250 is generally a better and more reliable car but you diesel guys just remember its a lexus is and you should be proud to own and drive one.

Happy new year to all you lexus owners. I'm off to get drunk 🍺🍺🍺

Koum · December 31, 2016

Thankyou for the replies,

I have now contacted the dealership and going to have them have a look at it in the new year. I'm within 30days of purchase so may even try for a refund.

As said before by other members though, Seems like allot of bashing towards the car. I actually Love driving this car I have had many compliments on the style and elegance of the car and I thoroughly enjoy driving it around.

First Newish car I've ever owned and all everyone seems to be saying on here is get a different one. Not happy.

Regards, Koum (Fred)

steveledzep · December 31, 2016

26 minutes ago, Koum said:

Seems like allot of bashing towards the car. I actually Love driving this car I have had many compliments on the style and elegance of the car and I thoroughly enjoy driving it around.

First Newish car I've ever owned and all everyone seems to be saying on here is get a different one. Not happy.

Everyone on here is giving you good advice Fred, based upon experience.

My initial response of get a refund and go for an IS250 still stands.

The style and elegance will still attract many compliments, but your driving experience will be so much better. Go make yourself happy

Shahpor · December 31, 2016

1 hour ago, Koum said:

Thankyou for the replies,

I have now contacted the dealership and going to have them have a look at it in the new year. I'm within 30days of purchase so may even try for a refund.

As said before by other members though, Seems like allot of bashing towards the car. I actually Love driving this car I have had many compliments on the style and elegance of the car and I thoroughly enjoy driving it around.

First Newish car I've ever owned and all everyone seems to be saying on here is get a different one. Not happy.

Regards, Koum (Fred)

Try to not let it get to you Fred. It is almost like a right of passage on here.

This is actually one of the friendliest forums I have been on, and it is well worth hanging around. Most on here will also do their best to help if you have problems.

The important thing is to just enjoy driving it. I have been going up and down the M4 frequently for a while now, and being in mine definitely makes to journey more bearable.

Yours looks clean. Any more pictures?