RoadVitals

2008 Lexus ES Problems

Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
68
Latest May 1, 2026
Components namedHow many of our component categories appear on at least one report for this model year. One report can name several.
14
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
7

What this page shows

Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2008 Lexus ES, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

Reports by component

Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category

  • Airbags3755.2%
  • Body & structure69.0%
  • Visibility46.0%
  • Electrical46.0%
  • Engine46.0%
  • Interior & seats23.0%
  • Driver assistance23.0%
  • Brakes23.0%
  • Powertrain (other)11.5%
  • Steering11.5%
  • Suspension11.5%
  • Tires & wheels11.5%
  • Fuel system11.5%
  • Exterior lighting11.5%

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Each component in detail

What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words

Airbags

Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.

37
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Apr 1, 2025

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 · filed Jun 20, 2022
All 37 reports naming airbags

Body & structure

Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.

6
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

TAKARA RECALL AIRBAGS DASHBOARD

NHTSA ID 11156875 · filed Dec 7, 2018

THE DASHBOARD GETS EXTREMELY STICKY AND I HAVE NOTICE A SMALL HOLE WHICH HAS NOW TURNED INTO A CRACK ON THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE CAR. I THINK THIS HAPPEN AS A RESULT OF THE HEAT. I DON'T ALWAYS KEEP MY CAR PARKED UNDER A GARAGE.

NHTSA ID 10936196 · filed Dec 19, 2016

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Visibility

Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.

4
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed May 1, 2026

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 · filed May 29, 2023

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Electrical

Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.

4
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Nov 3, 2025

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 · filed Nov 12, 2022

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Engine

Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.

4
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Feb 12, 2024

I WAS IN STOP AND GO TRAFFIC. BUMPER TO BUMPER. THE CAR IN FRONT MOVED FORWARD AND I PRESSED THE GAS PEDAL 2 SECONDS AND WENT BACK TO THE BRAKE. THE ENGINE STARTED TO REV UP OUT OF CONTROL. I PRESSED ON THE BRAKE AS HARD AS POSSIBLE AND MANAGED TO SLOW THE CAR BUT NOT STOP IT. I PUT IT IN PARK BUT THE ENGINE CONTINUED TO ROAR. IT FINALLY WENT BACK TO NORMAL. LEXUS CHECKED THE CAR BUT SAID THEY FOUND NOTHING WRONG. THIS MODEL HAD BEEN RECALLED FOR THE SAME PROBLEM. CLEARLY THE CAR MAY BE DANGEROUS. LEXUS DENIES ALL RESPONSIBILITY. THE INSPECTOR LEFT A THUMB DRIVE IN THE CAR BUT I CAN'T READ IT. I WOULD BE GLAD TO SEND IT TO YOU. *TR

NHTSA ID 10712255 · filed Apr 22, 2015

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Interior & seats

Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed May 29, 2023

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 · filed Dec 8, 2019

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Driver assistance

Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Oct 19, 2019

WHILE DRIVING, I PUSHED GAS PEDAL DOWN TO ACCELERATE QUICKLY. ENGINE REVVED TO HIGH RPM AND CAR ACCELERATED AND RPM STAYED HIGH IN SPITE OF LETTING OFF OF GAS PEDAL. INITIALLY I PUT CAR IN NEUTRAL AND ENGINE CONTINUED AT HIGH RPM. I TAPPED HARD ON GAS PEDAL AND PEDAL RELEASED. THIS RECURRED AGAIN WHEN I PUSHED DOWN ON PEDAL. APPEARED TO BE DUE TO LEXUS FLOOR MAT CATCHING ON BOTTOM OF GAS PEDAL. I CALLED LEXUS DEALER AND WAS TOLD THIS HAD NEVER BEEN REPORTED. (I HAD ALREADY HAD THE RECALLED PEDAL REPLACEMENT DONE). I PULLED THE FLOOR MAT BACK TO PREVENT THE EDGE CATCHING ON THE PEDAL. APPROXIMATELY ONE MONTH LATER THE PROBLEM RECURRED--PRESUMABLY BECAUSE THE MAT HAS SLOWLY PUSHED FORWARD OVER THE LAST MONTH. *TR

NHTSA ID 10442624 · filed Jan 6, 2012

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Brakes

Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

I WAS IN STOP AND GO TRAFFIC. BUMPER TO BUMPER. THE CAR IN FRONT MOVED FORWARD AND I PRESSED THE GAS PEDAL 2 SECONDS AND WENT BACK TO THE BRAKE. THE ENGINE STARTED TO REV UP OUT OF CONTROL. I PRESSED ON THE BRAKE AS HARD AS POSSIBLE AND MANAGED TO SLOW THE CAR BUT NOT STOP IT. I PUT IT IN PARK BUT THE ENGINE CONTINUED TO ROAR. IT FINALLY WENT BACK TO NORMAL. LEXUS CHECKED THE CAR BUT SAID THEY FOUND NOTHING WRONG. THIS MODEL HAD BEEN RECALLED FOR THE SAME PROBLEM. CLEARLY THE CAR MAY BE DANGEROUS. LEXUS DENIES ALL RESPONSIBILITY. THE INSPECTOR LEFT A THUMB DRIVE IN THE CAR BUT I CAN'T READ IT. I WOULD BE GLAD TO SEND IT TO YOU. *TR

NHTSA ID 10712255 · filed Apr 22, 2015

HAD TO MAKE A HARD STOP AND THE BRAKE PEDAL FADED BADLY. PEDAL HAS BECOME SOFTER OVER TIME. ALREADY HAD TO PAY TO REPLACE FAULTY DESIGNED REAR PADS AND FRONT DISCS. LEXUS HAS A TSB ON THE SQUEAKY REAR PADS BUT NEVER LET US KNOW. IT WAS A REPLACE ONLY IF OWNER COMPLAINED. 1 PAD WAS BADLY WORN, BUT THE VEHICLE WAS OUT OF WARRANTY AND LEXUS WOULD NOT DO ANYTHING. WITH ALL THE TOYOTA MASTER CYLINDER ISSUES UNDER RECALL, I FIND IT HARD TO BELIEVE OUR ES350 IS NOT EXPERIENCING THE SAME THING. EXPENSIVE FIX THAT WE CANNOT DELAY FOR SAFETY SAKE. ENGINE IS BECOMING NOISY. TICKING SOUNDS AT TIMES. *TR

NHTSA ID 10499474 · filed Feb 20, 2013

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Powertrain (other)

Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

BEGINNING ON OR AROUND JANUARY 13TH, 2010, THE TRANSMISSION ON THE ABOVE NAMED VEHICLE BEGAN TO JERK WHEN PLACED IN REVERSE. THIS PROBLEM PERSISTED UP UNTIL MARCH 15TH, 2014, WHEN THE TRANSMISSION ULTIMATELY FAILED. DESPITE BRINGING THE VEHICLE IN FOR DIAGNOSIS AT TREASURE COAST LEXUS ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS FROM 2010 TO 2014, THE DEALERSHIP AND ITS TECHNICIANS NEVER IDENTIFIED THE PROBLEM. THIS ULTIMATELY PLACED THE DRIVER AND OTHERS AT RISK AND RESULTED IN THE REPLACEMENT OF THE TRANSMISSION AT OUR EXPENSE. *TR

NHTSA ID 10588487 · filed May 15, 2014

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Steering

Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Sep 5, 2025

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Suspension

Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Sep 5, 2025

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Tires & wheels

Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Jun 10, 2024

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Fuel system

Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

WHILE DRIVING, I PUSHED GAS PEDAL DOWN TO ACCELERATE QUICKLY. ENGINE REVVED TO HIGH RPM AND CAR ACCELERATED AND RPM STAYED HIGH IN SPITE OF LETTING OFF OF GAS PEDAL. INITIALLY I PUT CAR IN NEUTRAL AND ENGINE CONTINUED AT HIGH RPM. I TAPPED HARD ON GAS PEDAL AND PEDAL RELEASED. THIS RECURRED AGAIN WHEN I PUSHED DOWN ON PEDAL. APPEARED TO BE DUE TO LEXUS FLOOR MAT CATCHING ON BOTTOM OF GAS PEDAL. I CALLED LEXUS DEALER AND WAS TOLD THIS HAD NEVER BEEN REPORTED. (I HAD ALREADY HAD THE RECALLED PEDAL REPLACEMENT DONE). I PULLED THE FLOOR MAT BACK TO PREVENT THE EDGE CATCHING ON THE PEDAL. APPROXIMATELY ONE MONTH LATER THE PROBLEM RECURRED--PRESUMABLY BECAUSE THE MAT HAS SLOWLY PUSHED FORWARD OVER THE LAST MONTH. *TR

NHTSA ID 10442624 · filed Jan 6, 2012

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Exterior lighting

Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

THE "BLUE-TINGED" HIGH INTENSITY LIGHTS ON NEWER, EXPENSIVE CARS ARE A HUGE PROBLEM. I HAVE TO LOOK AWAY WHEN ONE IS COMING AT ME. THE BEAMS ARE EXTREMELY BOTHERSOME. OTHER DRIVERS I HAVE TALKED TO FEEL THE SAME WAY. WHY DO YOU ALLOW THEM ON THE ROAD? *TR

NHTSA ID 10257647 · filed Feb 5, 2009

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.

Elsewhere on this vehicle

Data sources

Data on this page last refreshed .