Intermittent white exhaust smoke

[M Dunne]

This occurs after 2 miles driving with the smell inside of diesel or oil inside the car - Any thoughts ?

[steve2006]

Hello M and welcome to the LOC.

Do you also notice a loss of power with the white smoke and any warning lights?

Given the known problems with the diesel engined Lexus models the list of possible causes is long and generally expensive.

Going on your description alone I would first head towards the EGR valve, this is renowned for getting clogged with carbon deposits and jamming up. It only opens once the engine reaches normal running temperature which after around 2 miles it has. At this point the valve should open but of course if it is jammed shut it cannot hence the white smoke.

If you have moderate DIY skills it can be cleaned, there are plenty of video tutorials just search “Lexus IS220d EGR cleaning”

A new replacement valve isn’t too bad on price which is probably the better option as cleaning is not always successful.

This is just my personal opinion of your problem, there are other causes like the 5th injector and head gasket failures but if you have no warning lights and no diagnostic codes the above would be my first port of call.