2008 Lexus IS

Routine

Owners filed 102 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the unknown or other. It has been recalled 3 times.

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k

60 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 60,00075,000 miles; the median is 83,000 miles.

What fails
ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Engine22
000
Air Bags20
201
Unknown or Other15
002
Structure10
000
Visibility/Wiper9
000
Structure › Body6
000
Electrical System3
000
Steering2
000
Power Train2
100
Fuel/Propulsion System2
000

3 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery11V029000
Filed Jan 26, 2011244,779 vehiclesToyota Motor North America, Inc.

Defect. TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2006-2009 LEXUS IS AND MODEL YEAR 2006-2007 LEXUS GS VEHICLES. DUE TO INSUFFICIENT TIGHTENING OF THE FUEL PRESSURE SENSOR CONNECTED TO AN ENGINE FUEL DELIVERY PIPE WITH NICKEL PHOSPHORUS PLATING, THERE IS A POSSIBILITY THAT, OVER TIME, THE PRESSURE SENSOR COULD LOOSEN. IF LOOSENING OCCURS, FUEL COULD LEAK PAST A GASKET USED IN THE CONNECTION BETWEEN THE SENSOR AND THE PIPE AND THROUGH THE THREADED PORTION OF THE SENSOR.

Risk. FUEL LEAKAGE, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL INSPECT FOR FUEL LEAKAGE FROM THE THREADED PORTION OF THE FUEL PRESSURE SENSOR AND IF A FUEL LEAK IS NOT CONFIRMED, DEALERS WILL FURTHER TIGHTEN THE FUEL PRESSURE SENSOR WITH THE PROPER TORQUE. IF A FUEL LEAK IS CONFIRMED, THE GASKET BETWEEN THE SENSOR AND THE FUEL DELIVER PIPE WILL BE REPLACED WITH A NEW ONE, AND THE SENSOR WILL BE TIGHTENED WITH THE PROPER TORQUE. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 7, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331.

Vehicle Speed Control › Accelerator Pedal09V388000
Filed Oct 5, 20094,445,056 vehiclesToyota Motor North America, Inc.

Defect. TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2004-2010 PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL CAN GET STUCK IN THE WIDE OPEN POSITION DUE TO ITS BEING TRAPPED BY AN UNSECURED OR INCOMPATIBLE DRIVER'S FLOOR MAT.

Risk. A STUCK OPEN ACCELERATOR PEDAL MAY RESULT IN VERY HIGH VEHICLE SPEEDS AND MAKE IT DIFFICULT TO STOP THE VEHICLE, WHICH COULD CAUSE A CRASH, SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.

Remedy. TOYOTA FILED AN AMENDED DEFECT REPORT ON NOVEMBER 25, 2009, STATING THAT DEALERS WILL MODIFY THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL AND, ON CERTAIN VEHICLES, ALTER THE SHAPE OF THE FLOOR SURFACE UNDER THE PEDAL. THESE CHANGES ADDRESS THE RISK OF PEDAL ENTRAPMENT DUE TO INTERFERENCE WITH THE FLOOR MAT. REDESIGNED ACCELERATOR PEDALS WILL BECOME AVAILABLE BEGINNING IN APRIL 2010 AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE ANY MODIFIED PEDAL WITH THE NEW PEDAL IF DESIRED. ALSO, DEALERS WILL REPLACE ANY GENUINE TOYOTA OR LEXUS ALL-WEATHER FLOOR MATS WITH REDESIGNED ALL-WEATHER MATS, OR REPURCHASE THE PREVIOUS MATS FROM OWNERS WHO DO NOT WANT THE NEW ONES. ADDITIONALLY, SOFTWARE MODIFICATIONS WILL BE INSTALLED ON CAMRY, AVALON AND LEXUS ES 350, IS 350 AND IS 250 MODELS THAT WILL ENSURE THAT THE BRAKE OVERRIDES THE ACCELERATOR IN THE EVENT BOTH BRAKE AND ACCELERATOR PEDALS ARE APPLIED. TOYOTA WILL BEGIN MAILING LETTERS TO OWNERS ON DECEMBER 31, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331, LEXUS AT 1-800-255-3987.

Engine and Engine Cooling09V020000
Filed Jan 16, 2009214,570 vehiclesToyota Motor North America, Inc.

Defect. TOYOTA IS RECALLING 214,570 MY 2006-2008 LEXUS IS, MY 2006-2007 GS AND MY 2007-2008 LS PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH ALUMINUM FUEL DELIVERY PIPES (FUEL RAILS). ETHANOL FUELS WITH A LOW MOISTURE CONTENT WILL CORRODE THE INTERNAL SURFACE OF THE FUEL RAILS. AS THIS CONDITION PROGRESSES, THE ENGINE MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LIGHT MAY ILLUMINATE.

Risk. OVER TIME, THE CORROSION MAY CREATE A PINHOLE RESULTING IN FUEL LEAKAGE. FUEL LEAKAGE, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE THE FUEL DELIVERY PIPES FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING FEBRUARY 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA/LEXUS AT 1-800-255-3987.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Engine
Filed Apr 17, 2025NC

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.

Structure › Body
Filed Jun 15, 2024OH

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

Engine
Filed Mar 27, 2024CA

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.

Exterior Lighting
Filed Jan 8, 2024AL

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

Visibility/Wiper
Filed Nov 13, 2023MD

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.

Structure › Interior Panels › Dashboard
Filed Aug 23, 202370,000 milesOH

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.

Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Aug 10, 2023102,000 milesWA

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.

Engine
Filed Aug 26, 2022CA

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.

Unknown or Other
Filed Aug 22, 2022NM

- 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.

Structure › Body
Filed May 11, 2022GA

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.

Unknown or Other
Filed Jan 13, 2022MA

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

Air BagsCrash1 injured
Filed Dec 27, 202195,000 milesCA

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.

Unknown or Other
Filed Dec 26, 2021AL

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.

Electrical System
Filed Oct 16, 2021FL

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.

Air Bags
Filed Jul 22, 2021NY

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.

Visibility/Wiper
Filed Jul 15, 2021CA

Melted dash board

Unknown or Other
Filed Jun 24, 2021TX

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

Air Bags
Filed Jun 14, 2021CA

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.

Engine
Filed Apr 6, 2021IL

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.

Unknown or Other2 injured
Filed Mar 19, 2021102,120 milesTX

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'

20 of 102 complaints, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2006
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
20261000Routine
20251000Routine
20241000Routine
20235000Routine
20224100Routine
20212000Routine
20206000Routine
20192000Routine
20183000Routine
201710000Routine
20162000Routine
20159000Routine
201412000Routine
20139000Routine
201218000Routine
201115000Routine
201040100Routine
200940200Routine
2008 — this page102300Routine
2007122301Fatalities reported
2006143750Routine
200512100Routine
200410100Routine
200312100Routine
200212100Routine
20011100Routine
20000100Routine
19991100Routine
19980100Routine

Compare every IS year →

Reading this record

No unusual pattern of severe incidents in the complaint record.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: Jan 26, 2011. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.