KnownCarProblems2008 Lexus RX350 Problems and Recalls
Owners filed 126 complaints with NHTSA about the 2008 Lexus RX350, most often about the body and structure (19% of complaints, typically around 68,000 miles). It is the 2nd most complained-about RX350 model year since 2000.
Complaints126
Recalls0
Crashes reported11
Fires reported4
Injuries reported10
Most common 2008 Lexus RX350 problems
Body and structure
24 complaints · 19%Half of these problems showed up before 68,000 miles. Parts named most often: body.
Today, as I was cleaning my SUV, a Lexus 2008 RX350, I 1st noticed that the covering plastic booth, at the opening hatch/latch, was melting. Since that was not expected, I went online and searched for that same issue, to find out there has been other similar reports. I'm concern that an electric overheating may have…
Just wish to report melted rear door latch... Been getting gooey for months and finally came off - seems to be an ongoing problem with several Lexus and toyota vehicles. Wasn't sure if this is heat related or electrical.
Other or unspecified
20 complaints · 16%Half of these problems showed up before 60,000 miles.
The rubber cover of the liftgate sensor melted. I am concerned about it catching fire and the door does not open when this is touched as it is supposed to. I have read multiple complaints online from owners with the same issue. The black rubber melts and sticks to fingers and is hard to remove. I have grandchildren…
The rubber on the back door opener has gotten more melted and sticky over the past year. It is now unusable due to the tar like substance that cannot be removed very easily. If this melt down is electrical, it could be a safety issue.
Steering
18 complaints · 14%Half of these problems showed up before 78,500 miles.
When I brought my car at the dealer for service, I was told the power steering fluid was leaking and therefore the rack and pinion steering assembly would need to be replaced at a cost of $1602.44. My car has low mileage and so for a luxury vehicle, I thought this type of replacement this soon was ridiculous. I have…
I have been driving my vehicle around and noticed my steering wheel has become "loose". The power steering fluid was leaking, but I wasn't able to pinpoint the problem. I filled it back up with anti-leak power steering fluid, but a couple months later I had it checked out because the steering became noticeably looser.…
Engine
17 complaints · 14%Half of these problems showed up before 104,000 miles. Parts named most often: engine, cooling system.
While driving to work heard a funny noise and oil light begin to blink. Found out engine oil cooling tube burst and leaked all the oil out and has caused motor damage. Lexus send a warranty enhancement letter just a few weeks before describing a problem with the tube and that they would inspect and repair. Waiting on…
The contact owns a 2008 Lexus RX350. The contact smelled a burning odor and stated that the oil coolant coil contained a hole, which caused oil to leak. The dealer indicated that the vehicle was included in a manufacturer recall; however, the contact did not receive a recall notification. The vehicle was towed to the…
Electrical
17 complaints · 14%Half of these problems showed up before 73,000 miles.
The trunk hatch handle has melted, leaving black rubbery goo on fingers if opening using the handle. Residue is hard to wash off. Concerned that it melted due to electrical problem. I've read all complaints and have found numerous other owners experienced the same problem.
Just wish to report melted rear door latch... Been getting gooey for months and finally came off - seems to be an ongoing problem with several Lexus and toyota vehicles. Wasn't sure if this is heat related or electrical.
Speed control
15 complaints · 12%Half of these problems showed up before 34,500 miles. Parts named most often: accelerator pedal.
Tl contact owns a 2008 Lexus RX350. Upon placing the vehicle in reverse, it immediately bolted in reverse out of the driveway. At speeds of 40-45 MPH. The brakes were applied, but with no effect. In an attempt to shift to shift into neutral , the vehicle was shifted into drive and the vehicle began to involuntarily…
RX350 Lexus, I experienced a sudden surge in rpms while traveling downhill. Rpms surged 1000 in seconds and dropped back down. Has happened twice in past 4 weeks. Scary, please look into this people all over internet are reporting same problem. Lexus service could not replicate and said nothing is wrong!
Lights
10 complaints · 8%Half of these problems showed up before 78,000 miles. Parts named most often: headlights, back up lights.
The drivers side headlight, has consistently filled up with water, via washing the car, raining, etc., causing it to fog up. This is ridiculous, and to go get it fixed, they want an arm and a let, the car is in beautiful condition, why not honor this by fixing it, you've had other complaints! My daughter just…
My headlights kept going of and on at certain points, now at night I have no low beam, it appears to have moisture inside the lens and the lens on all of the headlights are very foggy looking. They look like they are 20 years old. When taken to the dealer ira Lexus in bedord nh, they said it is not under warranty even…
Brakes
9 complaints · 7%Half of these problems showed up before 68,000 miles.
I was driving a Lexus RX350 that we purchased used in 2011. I was pulling into a parking space in front of a local business. When I put my foot on the brake nothing happened and the vehicle sped up and ran into an office in the building where a lady was sitting at a desk. My car came to rest against her desk. I lost…
Upon entering a parking lot and turning slowly into a vacant spot the car accelerated really fast and wouldn't stop when brake pressed as the speed came to halt when crashing very hard into a brick wall. Both air bags on driver side deployed and were smoking really bad. The impact to my knees and face caused temporary…
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 RX350 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 RX350
- What are the most common problems with the 2008 Lexus RX350?
- By NHTSA owner complaints: body and structure (24 complaints, typically around 68,000 miles); other or unspecified (20 complaints, typically around 60,000 miles); steering (18 complaints, typically around 78,500 miles).
- How many recalls does the 2008 Lexus RX350 have?
- NHTSA lists no recalls for the 2008 Lexus RX350. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls in case one is issued later.
- Is the 2008 a bad year for the Lexus RX350?
- It is the 2nd most complained-about RX350 model year since 2000, with 126 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.