2008 Lexus RX Owner Complaints

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.

NHTSA ID

11754996

Incident

Jun 18, 2026

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 errands without having further issues. I checked online to see if other owners had experienced a similar situation, which is the case. One person said that there had been two recalls in 2011 and 2013, both related to the inverter module inside the hybrid system. Although, I called today a Lexus dealership, [XXX], located in [XXX], and I was told there are no recalls for the VIN number that I provided. Another owner said she/he went to a Lexus dealer in [XXX] and she was told it was a defect in the gutter drainage design and that water gets into the hybrid system. This is a dangerous and potentially catastrophic situation if the vehicle suddenly shuts down on a freeway/highway putting passengers in risk of harm, injury, or death. This is a horrific defect which Lexus should correct immediately with a recall before one of us ends up at the cementery. I am glad to know that organizations such as the NHTSA exist, and I will appreciate very much that immediate action is taken on this matter. Sincerely, [XXX]. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11743901

Incident

Jun 13, 2026

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

NHTSA ID

11731465

Incident

Feb 4, 2026

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 Owner’s 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.

NHTSA ID

11682165

Incident

Jul 31, 2025

Mileage

278,000 mi

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 driver’s 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 issue—it directly compromises driver visibility and safety.

NHTSA ID

11674509

Incident

Jul 9, 2025

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.

NHTSA ID

11671076

Incident

Jun 19, 2025

Mileage

211,000 mi

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

NHTSA ID

11659670

Incident

Apr 28, 2025

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.

NHTSA ID

11635792

Incident

Jan 12, 2025

The contact owns a 2008 Lexus RX350. The contact stated while operating the vehicle, the passenger’s side air bag warning light remained illuminated, indicating that the passenger’s side air bag was deactivated. The contact stated that the air bag warning light remained illuminated with and without a front seat passenger seated in the vehicle. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were not yet contacted. The failure mileage was 215,000.

NHTSA ID

11619251

Incident

Aug 1, 2024

Mileage

215,000 mi

* Our 2008 Lexus RX 350 dashboard is cracking: areas of safety concern are the cracks around the ignition switch, the air bags, and the instrument panel. * There are cracks all around the ignition switch which places it in jeopardy of malfunctioning to include releasing dangerous fumes and dangerous fragments (scrapnel), and/or falling out. * The air bags are a grave concern as they may not deploy due to the cracks in the dashboard. * The instrument panel has a backup camera that may also be negatively impacted. There was a safety recall on these dashboards, and Lexus claimed that they were waiting on parts and that we would be contacted. We were never contacted by Lexus, and when we contacted them on several occasions, Lexus told us that they were not going to replace the dashboard. The cracks in my dashboard are extremely serious concerns for my family's safety, which is why this vehicle is only used if there's an in an emergency due to the safety concerns. We live in south Georgia, and the dashboard began cracking / melting as a result of heat and humidity. Lexus has refused to honor the agreement that it made in accordance with its "Warranty Enhancement Program." Our last case number with Lexus is [XXX] on [XXX], and we have not heard back from Lexus' vehicle protection. The numbers that we contacted were 800-448-1505 and 800-255-3987. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11609990

Incident

Aug 1, 2016

See attached document for complaint

NHTSA ID

11577272

Incident

Jan 10, 2024

I put my 2008 Lexus in reverse and had my foot on the brakes the entire time as I was on an incline. Suddenly , without provocation, the car propelled backwards and as much as I pumped the brakes, the car continued to hurl backwards full speed. I crashed into another car in my driveway, and finally got the car to stop after suffering a lot of damage. Thank you.

NHTSA ID

11576347

Incident

Feb 26, 2024

1-wiper were replaced 2-tire wearing out replaced

NHTSA ID

11556041

Incident

Feb 2, 2023

The contact owns a 2008 Lexus RX400H. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40 MPH and depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle failed to respond and made an abnormal pumping and grinding sound. Additionally, an unknown beeping and buzzing alarm sounded. The contact stated that he depressed the brake pedal with both feet. The ABS, traction control, and the stabili-trak warning lights were illuminated. The local dealer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that the ABS module needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 138,000.

NHTSA ID

11540496

Incident

Aug 22, 2023

Mileage

138,000 mi

Complaint Details I had a recently cracked dashboard in my 2008 Lexus RX350. It was cracked over the entire dashboard. I knew of the warranty extension recall of this as to my letter I recieved in 2016. I took it in for service for this and of course at the time my dashboard was looked at had a tiny crack. And they pretty much said owell.. Of course now in 2023 it has been cracking for almost 2 years. I tolerated until I was told it's a safety issue if I were in a accident that the airbags deployed it could shatter all over in a million pieces. I'm disabled and elderly and don't need anymore problems. So I took it in to have it replaced and 2622.08 later to have it replaced. That's with a discount from the dealership. Are you kidding me Lexus??? I had it immediately replaced when I found out it was a big safety concern. Shame on Lexus saying it's a cosmetic problem and not covered. I spoke to Corporate and they told me they won't do anything for me and there's no higher ups and they won't refund my money. Shame on you. I'm demanding a full refund. This needs to be corrected for the cars out there that are still experiencing this problem. My dealership told me they had more cars coming in for the same repair. Sounds alot like Lexus is getting richer on an 800 dollar part. Don't even tell me it's labor intensified. My car was done is 2 hours. I will if I have to get a class action lawsuit if I don't get my refund. Just terrible to play around with people's safety!!! I have attached my letter and another attachment about safety. I also have my warranty paper they sent but can't upload it.

NHTSA ID

11528586

Incident

Jun 23, 2023

Sun roof exploded while driving. Safety is at risk as shards of glass come crashing down while driving. The only warning was a loud noise like a gun shot

NHTSA ID

11505705

Incident

Feb 5, 2023

My daughter was driving on the Freeway and the vehicle just went dead. She lost all power nothing would work. She was on a outside land and was able to get it off the road. She said it was really hard to do that and scared her very much. She said if she had been in the middle lane she would have not been able to get it off the road. We took it to our mechanic and he told us to take it to a dealer as they had the proper equipment to test the hybrid system. We dont have a lexus dealer in our town but we have a Toyota. We took it there and they told us it would be 170.00 to find the problem. They called us and had a list of things they recommended. My husband asked did you check the hybird system and they said yes they could find no problems. I called and talked to the gentelman and he said the tests they ran they could not find the problem. I asked him what we could do and he said they cant find the problem. I looked on the internet and many many people have the same problem. How could they not know what the problem was. This makes no sense to me. If your drining down the freeway and lose power this is a safety problem. Lots and Lots of the remarks were to report them to NHSTA so thats what I am doing. Thank You

NHTSA ID

11496348

Incident

Nov 19, 2022

The contact owned a 2008 Lexus RX 350. The contact stated while driving approximately 20 MPH, the contact was crashed into by another vehicle on the driver's side door. The contact stated that the driver's side air bags did not deploy. The driver's side door and the driver's side front wheel and axle were broken. The front fender was also crushed by the impact. The contact suffered a 7-inch laceration on the left side back of his scalp near his left ear and going across the back of his head. The contact's right leg was bruised around his kneecap. The contact was transported by ambulance to the emergency room. The contact stated that police were on the scene and filed a report. The contact stated that the vehicle was towed to an impound lot. The contact stated that the vehicle was declared a total loss. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 232,000.

NHTSA ID

11486398

Incident

Sep 22, 2022

Mileage

232,000 mi

While driving in local conditions (traveling 20 mph) the brakes stopped working partially (about 90% of braking power was lost) and a message on the dash board show check vsc, after pulling aside it turning off the engine. I inspected the brakes in the engine and at the wheels for leaks. no leaks. upon restarting the car all was normal again.

NHTSA ID

11486004

Incident

Sep 23, 2022

UNKNOWN - The dashboard plastic is cracking and pieces have broken off. While it may be deemed to be a cosmetic issue, the front passenger side airbag sits underneath the dashboard where the cracking has occurred. The concern here is that when the airbag deploys, the dashboard will fragment, ejecting plastic shrapnel towards the vehicle occupants, exacerbating any potential injuries.

NHTSA ID

11479713

Incident

Aug 10, 2022

Vehicle brakes are inconsistent. The ABS system also locks up periodically, and fail to engage at other times. Extremely dangerous to drive. They are also very noisy. I contacted both the local Lexus dealership and national number, but they refused to fix them under warranty. Lexus DID offer an extended warranty in 2016 or so, but since I was the second owner of the vehicle, I never received notification of the extended warranty that went through Dec. 31 2017. In September, 2020, I could no longer deal with the brakes, so I bought a new ABS actuator from the Lexus dealership and installed it myself. It was straight forward and took less than an hour to install and bleed the brake lines per Lexus instructions. Less than 16 months later, the ABS system is failing again. Lexus told me that the part warranty is only one year, and refused to cover the expense to fix.

NHTSA ID

11478987

Incident

Jun 1, 2022

JULY 2021 at 69568 miles on 2008 Lexus RX350 Brake Booster was changed by Lexus of Orange Park, Florida, for $1652.97. Situation/Discrepancy: After normal stop, Brake Light would illuminate and brakes would mysteriously release and vehicle would start rolling forward! After several brake pumping actions vehicle would stop. Brake Booster was leaking internally! Corrective Action: Replace Power Brakes Booster.

NHTSA ID

11477403

Incident

Jul 2, 2021

UNKNOWN suspect brake actuator failure. Brake noise when stepping on pedal at a stop.

NHTSA ID

11452629

Incident

Feb 17, 2022

2020 Had to replace transmission at 90,000 miles. In Sept. 2021 - Window seals are melting all over the windows. Will have to get them all replaced as a driving hazzard to even see out the windows. Now the tinting is coming off from the windows sticking.

NHTSA ID

11448602

Incident

Dec 4, 2020

The contact owns a 2008 Lexus RX350. The contact stated that while driving at 40 MPH, she saw smoke coming from the front passenger seat. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact pulled into a parking lot and parked the vehicle until the smoke vanished. The dealer was notified of the failure and advised the contact that they could not assist. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and advised the contact that an agent of the Federal Department of Agriculture would inspect the vehicle and would send them a report. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the same dealer and was inspected on February 10, 2021 by a Federal Department of Agriculture agent who also disconnected the heating system of the front passenger seat. The contact stated that the manufacturer had not followed up with her since then. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 160,691.

NHTSA ID

11446883

Incident

Jan 21, 2021

Mileage

160,691 mi