KnownCarProblems2008 Lexus RX Problems and Recalls
Owners filed 70 complaints with NHTSA about the 2008 Lexus RX, most often about the engine (23% of complaints, typically around 114,000 miles). It is the 2nd most complained-about RX model year since 2000.
Complaints70
Recalls0
Crashes reported5
Fires reported2
Injuries reported1
Most common 2008 Lexus RX problems
Engine
16 complaints · 23%Half of these problems showed up before 114,000 miles.
Following a routine oil change at my Lexus dealer, the car exhibited an oil leakage while driving on the highway. The car's engine began smoking, a burning smell was noticeable, and the rear windshield was covered in oil. The view through the rearview windshield was not visible. The car engine made some strange noises…
On june 3rd, 2020 I got my 2008 Lexus RX 350 serviced for 115,000 mile service at johnson Lexus of raleigh. I have had my car serviced religiously at the same dealer since I bought it brand new in 2008. It cost about $250, on june 13th I noticed large amount of engine oil under the car. The car had not been driven…
Brakes
16 complaints · 23%Half of these problems showed up before 138,000 miles. Parts named most often: antilock.
The contact owns a 2008 Lexus rx400h. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40 MPH and depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle failed to respond and made an abnormal pumping and grinding sound. Additionally, an unknown beeping and buzzing alarm sounded. The contact stated that he depressed the brake…
The brake actuator has malfunctioned. Lexus has verified this has happened to my vehicle this week. They have declined any assistance, including replacement of the part and labor, providing me the part to replace myself (at no cost for the part), and even refuse to sell me the part at their manufactured cost basis.…
Other or unspecified
13 complaints · 19%Half of these problems showed up before 10,500 miles.
The dashboard is breaking down (melting) causing it to be extremely shiny and sticky. As well as omitting a gas which has caused a severe glare on the inside of the windshield. This has made it extremely difficult and unsafe to drive at night. Lexus had my vehicle in september of 2016 to fix an oil hose recall and…
I purchased a vehicle from a dealership in illinois. Driving the vehicle home to milwaukee, wisconsin the hybrid system, traction control system, and all wheel drive system error lights went off at once. The vehicle went into limp mode in the middle of the lane. I struggled to merge over onto the emergency lane. I…
Body and structure
7 complaints · 10%Parts named most often: body, interior panels.
All four tires needed to be replaced in a brand new vehicle after only 1000 miles because the car is titled to the left and misaligned. After six attempts, two different dealers can't get the defects fixed.
My dash board cracked and this is a manufacter's issue. There are thousands w/ the same issue & Lexus does not want to be responsible. It cracks every where & melts because of the heat. Our cars are worth nothing w/ this issue. There are cracks where the air bag resides & this is a safety issue. Please help US!!!
Air bags
6 complaints · 9%The contact owned a 2008 Lexus RX 350. The contact stated while driving approximately 20 MPH, the contact was crashed into by another vehicle on the driver's side door. The contact stated that the driver's side air bags did not deploy. The driver's side door and the driver's side front wheel and axle were broken. The…
The contact owns a 2008 Lexus rx350. The contact stated while operating the vehicle, the passengerâs side air bag warning light remained illuminated, indicating that the passengerâs side air bag was deactivated. The contact stated that the air bag warning light remained illuminated with and without a front seat…
Steering
5 complaints · 7%All four tires needed to be replaced in a brand new vehicle after only 1000 miles because the car is titled to the left and misaligned. After six attempts, two different dealers can't get the defects fixed.
The water pump went and while replaced the rack and pinion is leeking.....seems early for problems with these cars and maybe a major safety issue!
Transmission
5 complaints · 7%After my previous complaint of experiencing transmission shudders, the car became progressively worse. I had it taken to the local dealer, where they informed me that the transmission had failed. This car has only 136,000 miles, which is not many for the quality usually associated with the Lexus brand. They claim to…
3.5 l engine has problems with oil cooling pipe/hose. It leaks oil every 4 to 5 years. Danger is emptying the motor oil without notice. One can easily burn the engine if gone unnoticed. And get stranded anywhere without warning.
Electrical
5 complaints · 7%Parts named most often: instrument panel.
This car is experiencing symptoms exactly as described in the inverter module recall, whereby after highway driving, the electric motor will fail randomly, tripping all dashboard failure lights, and putting the vehicle in "limp" mode, where it either slows significantly or stops, and then thus poses great safety risk…
The contact owns a 2008 Lexus rx350. The contact stated that while driving at 40 MPH, she saw smoke coming from the front passenger seat. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact pulled into a parking lot and parked the vehicle until the smoke vanished. The dealer was notified of the failure and advised…
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 RX recalls
NHTSA lists no recalls for this model year.
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 RX
- What are the most common problems with the 2008 Lexus RX?
- By NHTSA owner complaints: engine (16 complaints, typically around 114,000 miles); brakes (16 complaints, typically around 138,000 miles); other or unspecified (13 complaints, typically around 10,500 miles).
- How many recalls does the 2008 Lexus RX have?
- NHTSA lists no recalls for the 2008 Lexus RX. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls in case one is issued later.
- Is the 2008 a bad year for the Lexus RX?
- It is the 2nd most complained-about RX model year since 2000, with 70 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.