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2008 Lexus LS Problems and Recalls

Owners filed 43 complaints with NHTSA about the 2008 Lexus LS, most often about the brakes (49% of complaints, typically around 107,000 miles). It is the 2nd most complained-about LS model year since 2000 and has 1 recall.

Complaints43
Recalls1
Crashes reported0
Fires reported1
Injuries reported0

Most common 2008 Lexus LS problems

  1. Brakes

    21 complaints · 49%

    Half of these problems showed up before 107,000 miles. Parts named most often: power assist, antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip.

    My brakes have been making a clicking and tapping sound. They also feel spongy and hard to stop the car. I was driving home and the dash lights "brake malfunction" came on. I continued to my house and upon entering my driveway, the brakes seemed to have difficulty stopping the car. Upon researching the problem and…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2019, at 124,000 miles
    The contact owns a 2008 Lexus ls460. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed but failed to stop the vehicle. The contact drove the vehicle off the roadway onto a grassy shoulder to slow the vehicle to prevent a crash. The contact then called the dealer and was advised…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2022, at 90,000 miles

  2. Other or unspecified

    11 complaints · 26%

    The door panels and dashboard gets sticky during warm days. Also, it has peeled easily when barely scraped. Other Lexus models have already been recalled for same issue.
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2019, at 70,000 miles
    Backing out of driveway (in motion) into a city street, car stopped abruptly and would not start again. Immediately warning lights vcs, brake and ABS showed on panel. The ABS control module was replaced 6/25/20 costing me $2,708.36 (invoice attached). In march (03/06/20) I paid $2,014.96 for tires and brake…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2020, at 42,352 miles

  3. Body and structure

    5 complaints · 12%

    Parts named most often: body.

    This problem is a known issue and is commonly referred to "melting dash" or "stick interior panels". There is a tsb l-sb-0144-11. The problem is that the interior vinyl panels start disintegrating or melting in hot climates. This includes the door panels and the dash. The surface of these panels becomes sticky and…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2016, at 66,000 miles
    Interior door panels and glove compartment become sticky and shiny when the car is in the sun for any period of time. Lexus used inferior materials and is not standing behind their defect. This reflects poorly, especially for a presumably luxury brand.
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2018, at 42,000 miles

  4. Speed control

    5 complaints · 12%

    My 2008 Lexus ls600hl has a defective brake actuator. Lexus is aware of the issue on these cars and put out a warranty enhancement on the actuator but only for certain LS that fall within a certain VIN# range. My vehicle VIN did not make it into the warranty enhancement but is experiencing the issues stated in the…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2020, at 125,000 miles
    The contact owns a 2008 Lexus ls460. The contact stated while driving at approximately 30 MPH, the vehicle stalled with the vsc (vehicle stability control) warning light illuminated. The contact stated that on several occasions the accelerator pedal was depressed however, the vehicle failed to exceed 30 MPH. The…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2020, at 163,000 miles

  5. Engine

    4 complaints · 9%

    My Lexus ls460 spontaneously started on fire in a public parking lot. No warning lights ,no known car problems. I had parked my car to run into a store. When I turned it off it made a loud repetitive clacking sound. I turned it back on and turned it off again. Same thing. I turned it back on and tried to back up but…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2019, at 132,000 miles
    The contact owns a 2008 Lexus ls460. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle and depressing the brake pedal, there was a knocking and ticking sound coming from the brakes. Additionally, the brake light, traction control light, and check engine warning lights were illuminated. The ABS, brakes, and vsc…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2024, at 126,000 miles

  6. Stability control

    4 complaints · 9%

    The contact owns a 2008 Lexus ls460. The contact stated while driving at approximately 30 MPH, the vehicle stalled with the vsc (vehicle stability control) warning light illuminated. The contact stated that on several occasions the accelerator pedal was depressed however, the vehicle failed to exceed 30 MPH. The…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2020, at 163,000 miles
    While I was driving one day, my car's braking system loss power to the brakes and I almost hit another car. The car began beeping and will not stop while the car is on. I signed up for drivers.Lexus.com to obtain the vehicle service history report and the brake actuator assembly was replaced back in 2012 which was…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2020, at 87,000 miles

  7. Electrical

    3 complaints · 7%

    My Lexus ls460 spontaneously started on fire in a public parking lot. No warning lights ,no known car problems. I had parked my car to run into a store. When I turned it off it made a loud repetitive clacking sound. I turned it back on and turned it off again. Same thing. I turned it back on and tried to back up but…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2019, at 132,000 miles

Complaints are owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects. One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.

2008 Lexus LS recalls

  1. Engine: engine and engine cooling

    NHTSA 09V020000 · January 16, 2009 · 214,570 vehicles

    Risk: Over time, the corrosion may create a pinhole resulting in fuel leakage. Fuel leakage, in the presence of an ignition source, could result in a fire.

    Fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the fuel delivery pipes free of charge. The recall is expected to begin during february 2009. Owners may contact toyota/lexus at 1-800-255-3987.

    Full defect summary

    Toyota is recalling 214,570 my 2006-2008 lexus is, my 2006-2007 gs and my 2007-2008 ls passenger vehicles equipped with aluminum fuel delivery pipes (fuel rails). Ethanol fuels with a low moisture content will corrode the internal surface of the fuel rails. As this condition progresses, the engine malfunction indicator light may illuminate.

Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which recalls are still open on your car.

Questions about the 2008 Lexus LS

What are the most common problems with the 2008 Lexus LS?
By NHTSA owner complaints: brakes (21 complaints, typically around 107,000 miles); other or unspecified (11 complaints); body and structure (5 complaints).
How many recalls does the 2008 Lexus LS have?
1 recall listed by NHTSA, the latest from January 16, 2009 (engine). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which ones are still open on your car.
Is the 2008 a bad year for the Lexus LS?
It is the 2nd most complained-about LS model year since 2000, with 43 complaints. Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so popular years collect more of them, and the newest years have had less time to.

Other Lexus LS years

Lexus LS problems by year