2008 Lexus RX recalls & problems
The 2008 Lexus RX has no safety recalls on file with NHTSA, and 70 owner complaints. The most-reported problem area is engine (15 complaints).
Recalls0safety recalls
Complaints70filed by owners
Crashes · fires5 · 2reported in complaints
Injuries · deaths1 · 0reported in complaints
Safety recalls
No safety recalls have been filed for the 2008 Lexus RX.
Recall repairs are free at any authorised dealer. A recall listed here may already have been fixed on a particular car: enter its 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls.
Fuel economy
RX 400h 2WD Hybrid
25mpg combined
| City / highway | 27 / 24 mpg |
|---|---|
| Fuel | Premium Gasoline |
3.3 L · 6 cyl · Automatic (variable gear ratios) · Front-Wheel Drive · about $3,300/year to fuel
RX 400h 4WD Hybrid
25mpg combined
| City / highway | 26 / 24 mpg |
|---|---|
| Fuel | Premium Gasoline |
3.3 L · 6 cyl · Automatic (variable gear ratios) · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive · about $3,300/year to fuel
EPA estimates from fueleconomy.gov for each engine and transmission sold. Annual cost is the EPA's estimate for 15,000 miles a year at its current fuel and electricity price assumptions. Your results will vary.
What owners report
| Problem area | Complaints | Typical mileage* |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 15 | 114,366 mi |
| Service brakes | 15 | 135,900 mi |
| Unknown or other | 13 | 10,500 mi |
| Structure Body; Interior panels › Dashboard | 7 | 35,500 mi |
| Air bags | 6 | — |
| Steering | 5 | 71,226 mi |
| Power train | 5 | 140,000 mi |
| Electrical system Instrument panel › Speedometer/odometer | 5 | 220,500 mi |
| Vehicle speed control | 4 | — |
| Exterior lighting | 3 | — |
| Visibility/wiper | 3 | — |
| Seat belts | 2 | — |
*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.
Recent owner complaints
- Jun 18, 2026Exterior lighting
1. Ignition System: While driving the key in the ignition lock came out loose! Exremely frightened and managed to pull the car over to a driveway. But, the car could NOT be stoped using the key fob. Key will not work to stop the engine. Very unusual and unexpected incidence. 2. Lighting system switch: Suddenly the knob of the light switch came out loose with a plastic shaft and will not turn on the light. Very unsafe while driving and it became dark due to storm and rain, and I wanted to turn the headlights for safety. I beleive it is a manufaturing defect and causes severe safety issue. - Jun 13, 2026Vehicle speed control
Dear Sir or Madam. My name is [XXX], [XXX], [XXX] living in [XXX]. I bought my 2008 Lexus RX400h car, used, in 2014 at a non-Lexus dealership in the [XXX] where I used to live. My Lexus VIN is: [XXX]. I've been satisfied with the car..until today. The car had been running smoothly forever, and this morning while I was driving I came to a stop (red light) and the car suddenly shut down completely, including the loss of lights, and the whole dashboard went dark. Other cars behind me were honking their horns. I could not even turn on the hazard lights. After 1-2 minutes, all of the lights/warnings started coming on one after the other. I started the car again and run around three different… - Feb 4, 2026Service brakes
While trying to leave my driveway my brakes went out almost causing me to go through a pasture fence. On the dash board popped up ABS and VSC warning. Now the module and regulator is making a horrible sound. And clicks - Jul 31, 2025 · 278,000 milesElectrical system › Instrument panel › Speedometer/odometer
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2008 Lexus RX 350. The contact discovered a mileage discrepancy after the purchase. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 114,000. It was later discovered that the mileage on the Ownerâs Title was 265,000 based on a Carfax Report. After speaking to the son of the former owner, the contact was informed that the last known mileage was 278,000. - Jul 9, 2025 · crashVisibility/wiper
While driving my 2008 Lexus RX 350 on a hot day, the gum-like material from the interior door trim began to peel and smear across the inside of the driverâs side window as the window was rolled down. This completely obscured my view of the side mirror and rear surroundings, causing a sudden and dangerous loss of visibility. As a result, I was unable to see a nearby vehicle and collided with it while changing lanes. This appears to be a design flaw in the materials used in the door trim, which degrade and become sticky with heat and age, creating a serious safety hazard. This is not a cosmetic issueâit directly compromises driver visibility and safety. - Jun 19, 2025 · 211,000 milesElectrical system › Instrument panel › Speedometer/odometer
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2008 Lexus RX350. The contact stated that while obtaining a Carfax report, it was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 124,000. The contact stated that after obtaining the Carfax report, it was discovered that the mileage was 211,000. - Apr 28, 2025Service brakes
The dealer is aware this vehicle has a brake actuator problem,and when I contacted them to see if it had a recall for this specific problem,I was told to call Lexus Corporate to get them to honor the repairs at their cost.They told me they would not repair the car at their cost because the Extended Warranty support program ended 4-28-2018.This is a very unsafe problem and they should honor the repair free of cost to the consumer - Jan 12, 2025Engine
Vvt-I oil line failure. Limited service campaign ended in Dec 2021. No notice sent, no repairs suggested at the dealership within the eligible period. Vvt-I failed and engine lost all oil in minutes while driving, coating the front passenger brake caliper and rendering the breaking dangerously difficult on the passenger side on the highway.
Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.