Cylinder head distortion and coolant loss (IS 220d)
Attaches to 2AD-FHV at engine level · Engine · carried by 1 variants across 1 chassis
Overview
Cylinder head distortion and coolant loss (IS 220d) is a common fault recorded against 2AD-FHV at engine level, typically from 100–200k km. It shows up as coolant vanishing without a visible leak, temperature rising under load, and eventually overheating and white smoke. Where it's documented, the repair runs €2,500–€4,500 (cylinder head replacement at a Lexus specialist, costs dated 2026-07), and it can be partly checked before you buy. 1 variants across 1 chassis in this database inherit it.
What happens
Symptom. Coolant vanishing without a visible leak, temperature rising under load, and eventually overheating and white smoke.
Cause. The same head distortion as the Toyota 2.2, on the higher-output version fitted to the IS. Lexus and Toyota extended warranty coverage in several markets, so documented head work is the thing that decides the car.
Later parts. Revised cylinder head fitted under warranty programmes and in later production
Sources. Lexus and Toyota extended warranty programmes in several European markets
How to check it
Paperwork
Ask for head or warranty paperwork first, then check the coolant level and the expansion tank for residue. Unexplained top-ups should be treated as the fault.
On these cars the folder is most of the value.
Every variant that carries this
| Variant | Chassis | Body | Years | Risk | Good buy | Cost as % of good buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IS 220d 2AD-FHV | XE20 | sedan | 2005–2012 | R4 | €4,100 | 85% |
The last column is the point. The same repair is an inconvenience on one variant and a reason to scrap the car on another. A failure costing a quarter of the vehicle's value changes the purchase decision regardless of how rare it is.