2008 Lexus IS Owner Complaints

Vehicle: 2008 Lexus IS350 Issue: Excessive oil consumption and fuel/exhaust odor I am experiencing what I believe is excessive oil consumption with my 2008 Lexus IS350. I’ve had to regularly add oil between scheduled oil changes, and I’ve noticed that the oil level is frequently low with no external leaks visible. I’m concerned that this may indicate a known issue with piston rings or internal engine components. In addition to the oil issue, I have recently started smelling strong gas or exhaust fumes while the engine is running, especially at idle or when the car is warm. I am worried that this may be related to catalytic converter damage caused by prolonged oil burning. I believe this may pose both a safety risk and an environmental concern, especially if the catalytic converter is compromised. I have not yet received any recall notices or service bulletins related to this issue, but I am aware that similar Toyota and Lexus models have had oil consumption problems tied to engine design.

NHTSA ID

11655160

Incident

Jun 22, 2023

The dashboard is melting and makes a glare on the windshield making it hard to see the dashboard is melting and sticky also on the door panels I almost crashed when I couldn’t see due to the glare of the melting dashboard reflecting on the windshield

NHTSA ID

11594599

Incident

Jun 11, 2024

I was driving approx. 60 entering on ramp of freeway when car suddenly loses power to accelerator not entire car, i almost was hit by other drivers i couldnt accelerate or anything. I panicked then started pumping accelerator then it finally catches and sped up. I immediately got off freeway. Then next day CEL, Check VSC light and skid light all came on. This car is very dangerous. WHATCAN I DO??? I refuse to use the freeway until this problem is resolved.

NHTSA ID

11579738

Incident

Mar 27, 2024

From my past research I’ve noticed there were recalls about the headlight ballast flashing, and getting replaced my car has this problem but never had a recall. The rear view mirror is fading and turning black making me not able to see. And all of my interior is becoming shiny and brittle making it hard to see out of my vehicle at anytime of day or night

NHTSA ID

11564080

Incident

Aug 1, 2023

The problem I am experiencing pertains to the dash of my Lexus IS 250. The dash cover has melted, most likely due to exposure to heat during sunny days. This melting dash has created a dangerous situation, as it causes a glaring reflection on the windshield, impairing my vision while driving. This glare poses a significant safety risk to both my and other road users, especially during sunny days when the reflection becomes more pronounced. My primary concern is that despite being aware of this safety issue and having conducted a recall, Lexus has chosen to put a deadline on addressing this problem. This approach contradicts the fundamental principle of ensuring the safety and well-being of Lexus vehicle owners and other road users. The melting dash issue is a manufacturing fault, and it should be addressed regardless of when it manifests itself.

NHTSA ID

11554896

Incident

May 10, 2023

The contact owns a 2008 Lexus IS250. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the dashboard and the door panels melted causing the vehicle to become sticky. The vehicle was diagnosed and confirmed that there was a recall on melting dashboards, but the recall was no longer active. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and confirmed that the vehicle was not included in a recall. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.

NHTSA ID

11540388

Incident

Nov 22, 2022

Mileage

70,000 mi

The contact owns a 2008 Lexus IS250. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormally strong fuel odor coming from the vehicle. The failure persisted and the fuel light frequently illuminated on the instrument panel after refueling. The contact inspected the vehicle and discovered fuel residue in the fuel pressure sensor located by the intake manifold. Upon investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V432000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) which he linked to the failure. The manufacturer and the dealer were notified of the failure; however, the contact was informed that the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 102,000.

NHTSA ID

11537744

Incident

Aug 1, 2023

Mileage

102,000 mi

UPON STARTING VEHICLE, ENGINE LOUDLY RATTLES FOR APROX. ONE SECOND AS IF SOMETHING IS LOOSE. THIS INSTANCE IS DIRECTLY IN LINE WITH LEXUS TSB "L-SB-0155-08" (Engine - Brief Engine Knock/Rattle On Cold Start Up). FURTHER INVESTIGATION SHOWS THIS IS A MAJOR CONCERN AS THIS INVOLVES A FAULTY CAMSHAFT ASSEMBLY.

NHTSA ID

11481405

Incident

Sep 1, 2015

- The door panel and dashboard is melting under normal to warm weather conditions. Yes. - The rubber is degrading and coming off in pieces . I am concerned that inhalation or contact with this rubber material is a chemical hazard and/or carcinogenic. Also, the shiny sticky dash impedes my driving visibility with a constant glare. - Yes, Lexus offered a limited recall for 2-3 years only. I was never informed of the issue despite going to a Lexus dealership for another safety recall in 2017. - It has been inspected by Toyota but not Lexus. - The rubber began to noticeably degrade in 2019, however, it’s likely it began earlier. It has progressively worsened over time. The recall expired in 2018. I informed Lexus, who greedily stated that they could not help me despite them knowingly installing faulty, failing parts in the car, which may be carcinogenic, and as well as, negatively diminishes my visibility with a reflective glare. Plastic and rubber should not melt at normal temperatures and I have never encountered this issue with any car I’ve ever owned.

NHTSA ID

11480665

Incident

Aug 22, 2022

Dashboard and door panels are melting to the point that (short) nails get stuck every time we drive. Car is parked under a roof and it’s still melting. Poor visibility due to shine.

NHTSA ID

11464299

Incident

May 1, 2019

front dashboard is sticky, cracked, and peeling off as well as the front and back door panels.

NHTSA ID

11447276

Incident

Jan 13, 2022

The contact owned a 2008 Lexus IS350. The contact stated while driving approximately 15 mph, the steering wheel began to turn to the left independently and crashed into a parked vehicle. The contact’s vehicle rolled over and landed on its roof before stopping. None of the air bags deploy upon impact. A bystander assisted the contact to exit the vehicle by breaking the front passenger side window with his foot. The contact was transported to the hospital by ambulance. The contact sustained bruising on her face and body. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to the insurance company lot and deemed totaled by the insurance company. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. Prior to the failure, the vehicle was serviced for the air bags recall however, the dealer only replaced the passenger’s side air bag inflator and used masking tape for the engine hoses. The failure mileage was approximately 95,000. Seat belt held the consumer upside down like a hammock. The black box did not say seat belt was in use. Prior to accident consumer was driving by construction site and heard loud screeching scraping under car. Car steering or linkage went out and car went to left. Consumer did not intentionally steer car left. Consumer was blamed for accident when car malfunctioned.

NHTSA ID

11445082

Incident

Oct 1, 2021

Mileage

95,000 mi

The dash is melting and is extremely sticky. On sunny days, the sunlight reflects off of the dash and onto the windshield obstructing the driver's view. In addition, anything that gets on the dash sticks and cannot be removed. This debris also reflects on the windshield causing issues with visibility. I have contacted Lexus directly and have been told they will not repair or replace the dash because this was only a TSB and my car is now beyond the term for the TSB. This is something that should be a recall because it prevents the driver from being able to see what is happening in front of the vehicle and could cause an accident.

NHTSA ID

11444960

Incident

Oct 31, 2019

Electrical Issues started at approximately 30,000 miles. Random times of power windows not rolling down or back up. Random times of Radio controls not working. After recall of airbags was completed, the Navigation system started having Random issues with the touchscreen. Sometimes it would work and sometimes it didn't. Eventually the touchscreen on the Navigation quit working at all. When the door panels were replaced, the windows started working more consistently. The Air Conditioner stopped working one day. The next day after driving it back into the driveway, over the driveway bump, it started working. The entire electrical system seems like there are wires that make a connection, then maybe come loose just barely enough to no longer make a connection. And just a mechanic's hand brushing against something during a normal maintenance check up fixes it temporarily. Or hitting a bump in the road. Every issue is ELECTRICAL related. There are many other IS250 owners with the same issues all over public forums online. Many too that their Navigation no longer worked after few miles on the car. Could these electrical issues cause a fire? How do we know it can't? It's always a worry when I drive my car.

NHTSA ID

11437006

Incident

Oct 16, 2012

Airbag light keeps going on and off. Looked up on google. A lot of people are having this issue. I filed for a complaint before and got no response.

NHTSA ID

11426061

Incident

Mar 4, 2021

Melted dash board

NHTSA ID

11424978

Incident

Jan 1, 2020

Extremely terrible material used on the dash and door panels. Sticky black material sticking to my children and their clothes.

NHTSA ID

11422156

Incident

Feb 25, 2021

The wiring harness for the front passenger airbag was recalled by lexus because it is too short and frequently becomes disconnected which disables the front passenger airbag and cause the air bag light to turn on on the instrument panel. Lexus sent a letter informing me of the recall, but it was sent to my parents house and I did not receive it in time. After finding the recall letter, the pandemic also prevented me from making it to the dealership in time. The letter they sent me also had no markings to indicate it was a recall or that the information inside was important in any way so the letter was easily ignored. I spoke with a lexus dealership and lexus corporate and they both refused to perform the safety repair because I was about 2 to 3 months past their deadline (June 2020?). As a result, my front passenger air bag is inoperable and any front riding passenger in my vehicle is at a greatly increased safety risk in the event of a serious crash. Lexus admitted the problem with their wiring harness and instituted a recall, so I don't think it is fair for them to potentially sacrifice the lives and the safety of my front riding passengers because of a superficial deadline. I would appreciate any help you could provide in convincing lexus to honor their safety recall for my vehicle. Thank you.

NHTSA ID

11420881

Incident

Apr 1, 2019

THIS VEHICLE HAS AN OIL CONSUMPTION PROBLEM THE SAME AS OTHER TOYOTA VEHICLES IN THE CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT RELATING TO OWNERS HAVING TO CONSTANTLY SPEND MONEY ON OIL DUE TO A DEFECT IN THE ENGINE. THIS TOYOTA/LEXUS ENGINE DEFECT CONSUMES OIL AND THIS PROBLEM GROWS WORST AS THE VEHICLES GET OLDER. TOYOTA KNEW OF THIS ISSUE BUT DID NOT INFORM CUSTOMERS, AND WILL NOT HELP IN THE REPAIR OR DO A RECALL. THIS PROBLEM CAN CAUSE THE ENGINE TO FAIL AND CAUSE A HOST OF OTHER ISSUES.

NHTSA ID

11406655

Incident

Jan 1, 2015

MY ISSUE PERTAINS TO THE STICKY DASH AND THE SAME MATERIALS USED ON PARTS OF THE DOOR NEAR THE HANDLES. WHEN THE TEMPERATURE GETS OVER 80 DEGREES THE MATERIAL STARTS TO MELT AND BECOMES EXTREME HOT AND STICKY. WHEN I TRIED TO GRAB PAPERS I LEFT ON THE DASH I HAD TO TEAR THEM OFF AND IT LEFT A STICKY SUBSTANCE. IT ALSO CAN BECOME EXTREMELY HOT AND WHEN I HIT ANY PART OF THE DASH WHEN HEATED IT BURNS AND STICKS TO ME. I ATTEMPTED TO CONTACT LEXUS AND THEY DECLINED MY CLAIM BECAUSE IT IS NOT A 'SAFETY ISSUE TO THEM OR THE NHTSA'

NHTSA ID

11403928

Incident

Mar 10, 2021

Mileage

102,120 mi

THE REAR VIEW MIRROR HAS BECOME UNUSABLE- MIRROR HAS BLACK SCRATCHES ALL OVER ON THE INSIDE & KEEPS GETTING WORSE. DO A GOOGLE SEARCH & YOU'LL FIND 100S OF COMPLAINTS ON FORUMS & CHATS. IT'S 1500 BUX TO GET THIS REPLACED & IT'S NOT A USERS FAULT! LEXUS HAS FULLY AWARE OF THIS FOR YEARS & NEVER DID A RECALL. I CAN'T SEE FROM THIS MIRROR AT ALL & DEF. NOT AT NIGHT. IF I GET IN A WRECK, IT WILL BE 100% ON LEXUS!

NHTSA ID

11398214

Incident

Feb 21, 2021

FUEL PRESSURE SENSOR SHORTED OUT INSIDE

NHTSA ID

11397984

Incident

Feb 21, 2021

Mileage

151,037 mi

I RECEIVED A LETTER ABOUT A RECALL AFTER BEING TOLD I WILL RECEIVE A CALL BACK. AFTER A FEW WEEKS I CONTACTED LEXUS SET A DATE OF SERVICE WAS GIVEN A RENT A CAR BY LEXUS WAS TOLD FOR FREE BUT I PAID A DEPOSIT. LEXUS HAS REFUNDED ME MY MONEY AFTER I PICK UP MY CAR A LOUD NOISE WAS COMING FROM THE DASH I CONTACTED LEXUS VIA EMAIL AND SCHEDULED A DATE WAS TOLD THAT THEY FORGOT TO CLOSE A LID AND THAT WHAT WAS MAKING THE NOISE THAT TIME THEY GAVE ME A LEXUS LOANER NOT A RENT A CAR. BUT IT'S STILL MAKING THAT NOISE MY CAR NEVER MADE THAT NOISE I GO IN FOR A RECALL SERVICE AND IT FEELS LIKE I SHOULD HAVE NEVER GONE NOW I'M SCARED TO DRIVE TO NOT BREAK ANYTHING THE NOISE HAPPENS WHEN I TURN THE AC ON ETHER PARKED OR DRIVE I HAVE VIDEO OF THE NOISE

NHTSA ID

11396547

Incident

Jan 22, 2021

Mileage

190,000 mi

GOT A AIRBAG LIGHT ON WHEN I STARTED MY CAR THIS MORNING. EVERYTHING IS INTACT. WAS READING FORUMS ABOUT IT. SAYS THIS PROBLEM IS VERY COMMON. PLEASE LET ME KNOW I DID NOT TAKE A PICTURE. BUT IF NEEDED I CAN TAKE A PICTURE AND SEND IT TO YOU.

NHTSA ID

11396356

Incident

Feb 15, 2021

Mileage

62,846 mi

DOOR PANELS MELTING

NHTSA ID

11365557

Incident

Oct 20, 2017