2008 Lexus ES Owner Complaints

Vehicle: 2008 Lexus ES 350 Issue Description: The dashboard in my vehicle is melting and becoming sticky, causing a reflective glare on the windshield during daylight driving. This significantly impacts visibility and creates a potential safety hazard. The condition worsens with heat and sun exposure. The glare can be severe enough to interfere with safe driving, especially during morning and afternoon sunlight conditions. This issue has been widely reported among Lexus ES models from this generation. Lexus previously acknowledged the defect and offered a limited-time repair program, which has since expired. However, many vehicles are still experiencing the issue. Because this defect affects driver visibility, it should be considered a safety concern rather than a cosmetic issue. I am requesting that this issue be investigated and that appropriate action be taken to require the manufacturer to address the defect. Resulting Safety Concern: Reduced driver visibility due to dashboard glare

NHTSA ID

11735115

Incident

May 1, 2007

Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2008 Lexus ES 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 153,000. However, a subsequent Carfax report revealed that the actual mileage was 245,000.

NHTSA ID

11697165

Incident

Nov 3, 2025

Mileage

245,000 mi

The front control arms, their bushings and ball joints are failing. My car only has 125k miles on it, but it drifts and bounces around as if there is no struts at all. It is very scary to drive, it feels like something terrible is about to happen like a wheel snapping off and causing accident. I took it to several mechanics. They say it will cost $1,700k to replace ONE control arm! $3,400k for both. The rubber bushings are completely deteriorated due to the rubber being bad. (My dashboard is also melting, and the rubber weather stripping on all of the doors/windows)

NHTSA ID

11685192

Incident

Apr 1, 2025

The contact owned a 2008 Lexus ES350. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30 - 40 MPH, the air bags suddenly deployed independently. The contact stated that his view was obstructed due to the air bag deployment, and he briefly lost control the vehicle and the vehicle came to a complete stop after crashing into a light pole. The remaining air bags did deploy. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a tow yard and was deemed a total loss by the Insurance provider. A Police report was filed, and injuries were reported. The contact was transported by air to an area shock trauma center and treated for a broken neck, a broken right shoulder, loss of four teeth, a laceration requiring 40 stitches, and later required reconstructive surgery on both his right leg and right foot. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ID

11652052

Incident

May 15, 2022

The dashboard of the vehicle has deteriorated causing an extreme shiny surface all over. This can be seen at even given time of inspection. A recall was released to do this issue but when the LEXUS Newport News, VA dealership was contacted, the response was this vehicle was not included. During this time the vehicle was already in the need of the dashbpard being replaced due to the reasons stated in the recall letter. The vehicle was later taken to the same dealership whom denied the recall action, for a different service. The representative that was spoken with for the recall was present and seen the condition of the dashboad. the representative then stated that there was a recall for this issue. I reminded them of the call and the rep replied, if we would have known it was this bad, then we would have added your vehicle to the list for repair. I was told since the original recall date had expired for that repair issue that they were not going to honor the repair, even after acknowledging the damage and agreeing that it should have been included. The representative proceeded to suggest me to pay them as the dealer for a dashboard replacement. I asked to speak with another asociate which in turn advised the same information. The suggested service and charge, was declined. This dashboard has caused a mirror like glare in the windshield. It obtructs the view of objects while driving. Eye apparrel has been applied along with, seat position adjustments, and a towel placed to cover the dashboard while operating the vehicle. This is unsafe and as time goes on this issue continues to get worse. I have not had an auto insurance representative inspect the issue. I was unaware that this maybe an option.

NHTSA ID

11599300

Incident

Jul 5, 2019

I purchased and had installed 4 - Nokian Tyres One 215/55/17 on [XXX]. I brought my car to my Lexus dealer on [XXX] for routine car maintenance. When inspected, all four tires had a circumferential crack on the interior side wall. They were deep and went virtually around the entire tire. I was told not to drive the car and replace the tires immediately. At that point, we had put 30,000 miles on the tires and there was still plenty of tread. We returned to our tire dealer, and when he contacted Nokian, they said that this had been a problem with this group of tires, and although there wasn't a recall, they were replacing the tires for free on an "as-needed" basis. Our dealer replaced the tires, although I must say I am leery of this brand. In any event, there should be a formal recall on these tires. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11593399

Incident

May 6, 2024

VVTI oil line ruptured This was part of a Limited Service Campaign by Lexus and I believe my vehicle's VIN was incorrectly excluded.

NHTSA ID

11571420

Incident

Feb 11, 2024

I am not writing about my car. I am writing about many other cars coming toward me at night with VERY BRIGHT headlights. There ought to be a law against multiple headlights, very bright headlights, headlights that shine directly into the eyes of oncoming vehicles. What is being done about this? I would like a reply to my concern. I live on an island with one two lane road north to south. There is no way to avoid oncoming traffic. [XXX] , [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11560957

Incident

Dec 13, 2023

Dash board is melting needs to be recalled

NHTSA ID

11541702

Incident

Feb 21, 2021

URGENT: MY DASH HAS MELTED ON MY-2008 LEXUS ES 350- I CANNOT SEE TO DRIVE, MY VISIBILTY IT TOTALLY OBSTRUCTED w MY 2008 LEXUS ES 350 WITH ACTUAL 35, 000 MILES, THAT I CANNOT DRIVE ((EVER)) IT SITS IN THE GARAGE. BECAUSE TOO DANGEROUS TO DRIVE MELTING DASH IT TOTALLY BLOCKS MY VIEW OF ANY ROAD, DUE TO SHINING REFLECTION OF MELTING DASH IS ALL YOU CAN SEE IN MY WINDSHIELD WHEN YOU GET IN THE CAR TO DRIVE-SO INSTEAD OF AN ACCIDENT FOR ME OR OTHERS ON ROAD UNTIL THIS DASH IS REPLACED IT CANNOT BE DRIVEN. BECAUSE THE SHINY-MELTING-STICKY DASH (((REFLECTS ONTO MY WINDSHIELD; OF THE 2008 LEXUS ES 350AND MAKES IT TOO DANGEROUS & IMPOSSIBLE TO SEE, TO DRIVE ANYWHERE & IMPOSSIBLE TO SEE ANYTHING WHEN DRIVING MY VIEW IS OBSTRUCTED ALL I CAN SEE IS (((A REFLECTION IN WINDSHIELD ONLY))) OF (((MY : SHINY MELTING DASH -2008 LEXUS ES 350-I CANNOT DRIVE W 35, 000 MILES THE DASH NEEDS REPLACED ASAP BEFORE AN ACCIDENT DID or ALMOST DID OCCUR. NO, I HAVE NEVER RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE ON THIS CAR MELTING DASH -NEVER. THIS ISSUE IS ALL OVER THE INTERNET WITH OTHER TOYOTA AND LEXUS OWNERS HAVING THIS VERY SAME ISSUE. This car was built in Georgetown KY and was purchased BRAND NEW at Lexus of Louisville, KY. “I have never purchased another Lexus after this.” Thank you, original and only 1 OWNER of this Lexus ES-350

NHTSA ID

11524285

Incident

May 29, 2023

The dealership Northtown Lexus, in Amherst New York, repaired the door actuators on my 2008 Lexus ES350 without my authorization. They claimed the door actuators were a factory defect however, they repaired two out of the four door actuators. The dealership Northtown Lexus completed this repair without my written or verbal authorization. The two driver's side door locks continues to malfunction. The dealership refuses to repair the problem.

NHTSA ID

11493307

Incident

Oct 18, 2019

My 2008 Lexus ES350 has been repaired at Northtown Lexus since 10/18/2019. The dealer and manufacturer indicated the door lock actuators are defective as original equipment. The dealer replaced only two door locks and referred me to Lexus Customer Service. Since 10/18/2019, I have NOT been able to obtain any relief from Northtown Lexus or Lexus Customer Service for these defective, factory original, door locks.

NHTSA ID

11486417

Incident

Oct 18, 2019

car was recalled for faulty air bags.i have tried numerous times to speak with someone,always with the same result-i am transferred 2 or 3 times and then i am promised a call back.i have not received a call back as of 6/20/2022.i think the first time i called was over a year ago.i am sure i called at least 4 times and spent many hours on hold being transferred.i have other things to do than sit on hold.i would like the problem fixed.

NHTSA ID

11470060

Incident

Jun 1, 2021

My vehicle dashboard is melting and i have tried to contact the dealer and they have told me that the recall has been expired on my vehicles and for me it is becoming a safety issue because whenever sun reflects on the dashboard and because its melting it makes a glare on my windshield and it effects on my visibility while driving the car.

NHTSA ID

11460060

Incident

Jan 1, 2021

Dear Sir/Madam, Our Lexus ES350 2008 has front panel melting and cracking. The melting plastic could emit hazardous fumes with health risk to driver and passengers. This melting panel looks awful, it dramatically decreases value of the car. We found this ZLZ program online below. But unfortunately it expired. We never received the ZLZ notice even though Lexus had our contact info (This is based on the fact that they sent us numerous letters on the air bag recalls.) https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2018/MC-10145764-9999.pdf We called Lexus, they admit it was due to defective material but unwilling to do anything for us. Apparently they treat recalls very seriously but try to do minimum for this defective plastic panel issue. Many people have similar complaints here below https://www.carcomplaints.com/news/2017/toyota-lexus-melting-dashboard-lawsuit.shtml We sincerely request NHTSA to review this Lexus front panel melting and cracking issue again. All Lexus owners with this defective material issue should get full repair by manufacturer without limitation. If necessary, please consider a full recall for this issue so Lexus can treat this more seriously. Thanks for your attention. Regards!

NHTSA ID

11427248

Incident

May 1, 2016

DRIVING TO WORK (I'M A REGISTERED NURSE), THE CAR (ON THE HIGHWAY) JUST STARTED TO SLOW DOWN. IT WAS A BLESSING THAT I WAS COMING UP ON A REST STOP. BY THE TIME I WAS ABLE TO GET OVER TO THE EXIT LANE, THE STEERING WHEEL FROZE AND THE BRAKES STOPPED WORKING. PRESSING AS HARD AS I POSSIBLY COULD, I WAS ABLE TO PULL TO THE SIDE WHEN SMOKE STARTED COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. THERE WAS NO WARNING AT ALL THAT THERE WAS TROUBLE WITH THE ENGINE PRIOR TO THIS HAPPENING. THAT SAME WEEK, MY MECHANIC HAD 3 OTHER LEXUS WITH BLOWN ENGINES AND NO PRE-WARNING. *TR

NHTSA ID

11328538

Incident

May 29, 2020

Mileage

180,000 mi

QUALITY OF SEAT LEATHER IS POOR. I LOOKED SAME YEAR MODEL WITH ANOTHER BRAND, THAT CAR SEATS ARE LOOKS GOOD AND BETTER THAN LEXUS ES350. I LOOKED AND COMPARED WIRH ANOTHER ES350 2009 ALSO SEATS WAS CRACKED.

NHTSA ID

11287805

Incident

Dec 1, 2019

Mileage

122,444 mi

WHEN DRIVING AT 60MPH, AFTER REMOVING FOOT FROM GAS PEDAL, VEHICLE WILL CONTINUE TO MAINTAIN A SPEED OF 40MPH. HAVE TO APPLY BRAKES TO SLOW CAR DOWN.

NHTSA ID

11269515

Incident

Oct 10, 2019

Mileage

35,000 mi

VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN FRONT END COLLISION. AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. INJURY CAUSED.

NHTSA ID

11256648

Incident

Sep 4, 2019

Mileage

115,000 mi

TAKARA RECALL AIRBAGS DASHBOARD

NHTSA ID

11156875

Incident

Jul 15, 2017

DASHBOARD IS BURNED PLASTIC,

NHTSA ID

11141665

Incident

Oct 3, 2016

Mileage

145,000 mi

TAKATA RECALL: I WAS NOTIFIED NEARLY A YEAR AGO OF THE SAFETY RECALL REQUIRED ON MY LEXUS. I HAVE CALLED 4-5 TIMES OVER THE PAST 12 MONTHS BUT HAVE YET TO BE CONTACTED BY MY DEALERSHIP REGARDING REPLACING THE AIRBAG. WHAT IS THE RECOURSE FOR HAVING THIS WORK DONE? IS THE DEALER MY ONLY RECOURSE? I HAVE LITTLE DOUBT THAT THEY ARE RESPONDING TO THOSE CUSTOMERS WHO PURCHASED THEIR VEHICLES FROM THE DEALERSHIP (A FRIEND OF MINE HAD THE RECALL WORK DONE SEVERAL MONTHS AGO). THIS IS AN EXTREME INCONVENIENCE AS I AM UNABLE TO USE THE PASSENGER SEAT OF MY VEHICLE, FOR NEARLY A YEAR. WHAT CAN I DO?

NHTSA ID

11089081

Incident

Jun 1, 2017

MELTING DASH BOARD RECALL. LEXUS OF MOBILE IS STATING I NEVER FILED A CLAIM TO HAVE MY MELTING DASH BOARD RECALL CORRECTED. THIS IS FALSE. I WAS THERE AND HAD PHOTO'S TAKEN. I CALLED BI-MONTHLY TO FIND OUT WHEN THE NEW DASH BOARDS WOULD BE IN. NEVER WAS I TOLD THEY LOST MY PHOTO'S OR DID NOT HAVE A CLAIM ON FILE. IN ADDITION I WAS THERE A FEW MONTHS AGO TO HAVE THE AIR BAGS FIXED. AT WHICH TIME THEY SAW THE STATE OF THE DASH BOARD. THEY EVEN CREATED MORE DAMAGE TO IT BUT WAS TOLD NOT TO WORRY AS IT WOULD BE TAKEN CARE OF WHEN THE NEW DASH BOARD WAS INSTALLED. THE GLARE FOR THE DASHBOARD IS A SAFETY HAZARD AND MUST BE CORRECTED AND SHOULD BE AT NO COST TO ME. SINCE THIS IS A MANUFACTURING DEFECT.

NHTSA ID

11064146

Incident

May 1, 2017

TAKATA RECALL.. MY AIRBAGS HAVE NOT BEEN REPLACED NOR HAVE THE MANUFACTURE ATTEMPTED TO REPLACE THEM

NHTSA ID

11047181

Incident

Nov 18, 2017

IN AN ACCIDENT IN 2012, A CAR IMPACTED THIS LEXUS FROM RIGHT SIDE AND THE LEXUS SHIFTED OVER THE CURB AND HIT THE ROAD SIDE LIGHT POST. THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE AIRBAG EXPLODED BUT INSTEAD OF PROTECTING PEOPLE FROM INJURY, IT DAMAGED MY WIFE'S RIGHT KNEE BADLY. THE KNEE BONE WAS FRACTURED AND SHE HAD THREE SURGERIES IN HOSPITAL. SHE HAD BEEN ON BED FOR HALF YEAR BEFORE RECOVERY. NOW SHE STILL CAN'T WALK NORMALLY AND FEEL PAIN FROM HER KNEE.

NHTSA ID

11045821

Incident

Aug 12, 2012

Mileage

30,000 mi