2008 Lexus RX

Routine

Owners filed 70 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the brakes. No safety recall has been issued.

Avoid One of the Lexus RX years to avoid: 2.0× the complaints of a typical RX year. Which Lexus RX years to avoid →

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k
114,366 milesMedian miles at failure

38 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 120,000–150,000 miles.

Most common 2008 Lexus RX problems

15 of the 70 complaints (21%) are about the brakes.

ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Service Brakes · brakes14
000
Engine13
010
Unknown or Other8
000
Air Bags · airbags6
101
Vehicle Speed Control · throttle and acceleration4
300
Steering4
000
Visibility/Wiper · wipers3
100
Structure › Body · body and frame3
000
Power Train · transmission3
000
Structure › Interior Panels › Dashboard · body and frame2
000

What owners reported

Newest filings
Exterior Lighting
Filed Aug 5, 2026AL

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.

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Jun 13, 2026FL

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

Service Brakes
Filed Apr 15, 2026VA

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

Electrical System › Instrument Panel › Speedometer/Odometer
Filed Aug 21, 2025278,000 milesNY

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.

Visibility/WiperCrash
Filed Jul 18, 2025NC

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.

Electrical System › Instrument Panel › Speedometer/Odometer
Filed Jul 3, 2025211,000 milesNJ

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.

Service Brakes
Filed May 8, 2025GA

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

Engine
Filed Jan 14, 2025NY

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.

Air Bags
Filed Oct 11, 2024215,000 milesLA

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.

Air Bags
Filed Aug 21, 2024GA

* 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)

Structure › Interior Panels › Dashboard
Filed Mar 14, 2024NY

See attached document for complaint

Vehicle Speed ControlCrash
Filed Mar 9, 2024RI

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.

Visibility/Wiper
Filed Nov 20, 2023VA

1-wiper were replaced 2-tire wearing out replaced

Service Brakes, Air › Antilock › Abs Warning Light
Filed Aug 24, 2023138,000 milesTX

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.

Air Bags
Filed Jun 23, 2023FL

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 atta

Unknown or Other
Filed Feb 5, 2023WA

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

Unknown or Other
Filed Dec 7, 2022FL

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

Air BagsCrash1 injured
Filed Sep 26, 2022232,000 milesMO

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.

Service Brakes
Filed Sep 23, 2022IL

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.

Air Bags
Filed Aug 17, 2022NJ

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.

Service Brakes
Filed Aug 12, 2022FL

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.

Service Brakes
Filed Aug 3, 2022FL

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.

Service Brakes
Filed Feb 17, 2022MA

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

Power Train
Filed Jan 24, 2022FL

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.

Electrical SystemFire
Filed Jan 10, 2022160,691 milesFL

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.

Service Brakes
Filed Dec 6, 2021RI

2008 Lexus RX 400H Faulty ABS Actuator yes my car is available for inspection upon request . This is a known problem on this vehicle there is 100s of complaints on same issue with the same cars Lexus is neglecting responsibility for this faulty and very dangerous hazard , this part has been faulty for years with out my knowledge and now it’s gotten worse all the lights related to my brake system is on and the brakes seem to have a mind of there own they break real hard at times and times I have to slam on them to break . yes I have had the car checked and the dealer told me that there was a extended warranty issued on this part but that it’s expired. they also gave me a quote $2,100 just for the part no labor that’s crazy, this is not a extended warranty matter this should be recalled there is thousands of people driving this cars with out knowing that there breaks could give out anytime . I hope that Lexus considers the seriousness of this matter and not wait on till lives are lost do to neglecting. they took effort years ago in extending the warranty on the part but there is thousands of owners like my self that were not aware or notified of this extension , also this is a malfunction that is not noticeable and can happen at anytime especially while you driving .

Unknown or Other
Filed Aug 28, 2021TN

In 2020 entire dash sticky to touch, and cracking of dash 2021. VSC light on/off.

Structure › Interior Panels › Dashboard
Filed Aug 25, 2021OH

Complete DASH board is cracked spanning from Drivers side to Passengers Side including Cracks on the AIRBAGS on both sides

Engine
Filed Jul 2, 2021KY

2008 LEXUS 350 RX. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO A OIL LINE DEFECT. THE CONSUMER STATED THE DEALER WOULD NOT REPAIR THE VEHICLE UNTIL IT EXHIBITED A FAILURE. THE OWNER SUSPECTED THE VEHICLE WOULD FAIL IN THE FUTURE. THE DEALER ADVISED THE CONSUMER TO PAY FOR THE REPAIRS.THE CONSUMER DECLINED.

Service Brakes
Filed Apr 21, 2021100,000 milesTX

HAD FILED A COMPLAINT OVER MY LEXUS BRAKES BUT PUT IN THE INCORRECT VIN. MY COMPLAINT CODE IS 11413142 AND WAS ACCIDENTLY PUT UNDER MY TOYOTA HIGHLANDERS VIN

Service Brakes
Filed Mar 30, 2021FL

I CALLED THE LOCAL DEALER WAS TOLD THEY CAN NOT HELP ME. I CALL THE LEXUS BRAND ENGAGEMENT CENTER LINE AND WAS CALLED BACK WITH AN EXPLANATION WHY MY VEHICLE IS NOT ELIGIBLE. EVEN THOUGH IT IA EXHIBITING THE MALFUNCTION. THE DEADLINE WAS DECEMBER 31,2020. THIS LAST REFUSAL TO DEAL WITH A PART THAT THEY ARE WELL AWARE IS MALFUNCTIONING DUE TO THEIR FAILURE TO BUILD A RELIABLE PRODUCT, AS THEY HAVE OFFERED THEIR OWN VERSION OF SATISFACTION FOR THOSE LUCKY ENOUGH TO HAVE THE FAILURE OCCUR TIMELY. MINE DID NOT KNOW IF THE TIMELY REQUIREMENTS AND OPTED TO MALFUNCTION LESS THAN A YEAR AFTER THE ESTABLISHED DEADLINE. HOWEVER, THE LETTER THEY SENT WENT TO THE PREVIOUS REGISTERED OWNER. AS A REGISTERED OWNER IN THE STATE OF FLORIDA, IT IS MY OPINION THAT LEXIS COULD HAVE EASILY LOCATED ME THROUGH THE HELP OF THE STATE OF FLORIDA REGISTRATION OFFICE. WHICH IS WHAT THEIR SITE STATES IS DONE. I PURCHASED THIS CAR JUNE 2020. LEXUS/TOYOTA SHOULD HAVE TO FIX BECAUSE IT IS A KNOWN ISSUE THAT THEY SENT OUT CUSTOMER SUPPORT WARRANTY EXTENSIONS FOR PREVIOUSLY. AS OF THIS WEEK MY VEHICLES BRAKING ABILITY HAS ONLY 10% OF WHAT IT HAD A MONTH AGO AND IS NO LONGER SAFE TO DRIVE! I HAVENT OWNED FOR A YEAR AS YET SMH! IT IS NOW PARKED IN MY GARAGE.

EngineFire
Filed Mar 7, 2021103,000 milesCA

2008 LEXUS RX350 WAS PARKED IN GARAGE WITH ENGINE HOT. ONE MINUTE AFTER THE ENGINE STOPPED, IT CAUGHT ON FIRE AND REQUIRED THE FIRE DEPARTMENT TO FINALLY PUT IT OUT. ENGINE COMPARTMENT SO COMPLETELY DESTROYED THAT THE IMMEDIATE CAUSE OF THE FIRE NOT DETECTABLE. CAR IS TOTAL LOSS, GARAGE DAMAGED BUT NOT DESTROYED.MOST RECENT SERVICING WAS BY THE LEXUS DEALER THREE MONTHS PREVIOUS.

Service Brakes
Filed Jan 30, 2021198,000 milesNC

WHEN DRIVING I WOULD HAVE ALL THE LIGHTS ON MY DASH COME ON WITH A DINGING SOUND AND WHEN I GO TO PRESS ON MY BRAKES VEHICLE WILL NOT STOP UNLESS I PRESS DOWN HARD ON THE BRAKE THIS IS REALLY DANGEROUS WILL CAUSE A DEADLY CRASH AND TO REPLACE THIS WILL COST 3000 DOLLARS THAT I DO NOT HAVE I REALL BELIEVE RX 400H HAVE A DEFEAT WITH THERE BRAKING SYSTEM.

Unknown or Other
Filed Nov 30, 2020124,000 milesWI

I PURCHASED A VEHICLE FROM A DEALERSHIP IN ILLINOIS. DRIVING THE VEHICLE HOME TO MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN THE HYBRID SYSTEM, TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM, AND ALL WHEEL DRIVE SYSTEM ERROR LIGHTS WENT OFF AT ONCE. THE VEHICLE WENT INTO LIMP MODE IN THE MIDDLE OF THE LANE. I STRUGGLED TO MERGE OVER ONTO THE EMERGENCY LANE. I INFORMED THE DEALERSHIP OF THE ISSUE, AND TOWED THE VEHICLE TO A LOCAL TOYOTA DEALERSHIP. THE LOCAL DEALERSHIP INFORMED US THAT NO CODES WERE SHOWING UP, AND TO PICK UP THE VEHICLE. WE PICKED THE VEHICLE UP, AND ON THE WAY HOME THE SAME WARNING SYSTEMS SHOWED AGAIN. I INFORMED THE DEALERSHIP I WANTED A REFUND, AND NOW THEY'RE PLAYING GAMES. WHEN GETTING HOME, AND CHECKING THE VIN TO MAYBE SEE IF THERE WAS ANY SAFETY RECALLS ON THE VEHICLE. IT'S SHOWING AS A SALVAGED VEHICLE.

Unknown or Other
Filed Oct 25, 2020MD

DASHBOARD IS CRACKING AND EXPOSING FOAM UNDERNEATH. CONCERN THAT PIECES WILL CONTINUE TO FALL OFF AND TAPING OR COVERING THE DASHBOARD MAY INTERFERE WITH AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT.

Visibility/Wiper
Filed Sep 7, 2020105,000 milesTX

DASHBOARD IS DETERIORATING OMITTING GASES, AND CAUSING GLARE ON INTERIOR WINDSHIELD. EXTREMELY UNSAFE TO DRIVE ESPECIALLY IF RAINING.

Engine
Filed Aug 29, 2020OH

DASHBOARD CHECK ENGINE, CAR SKID LINES WONT SHUT OFF. ENGINE STALLS WHILE DRIVING WHEN CAR IS STOPPED TRIED TO TURN OFF LIGHTS. WOULD NOT GO OUT. NOT FLASHING LIGHTSS ON DASHBOARD. STABLE LIGHT NOT GOING OUT.

Steering
Filed Jul 5, 2020CA

I RECENTLY TOOK MY NEWLY BAUGHT 2008 LEXUS RX 350 IN AT A LEXUS DEALERSHIP FOR ROUTINE MAINTENANCE. I DIDN'T NOTICE AND STEERING ISSUES OR LEAKS BUT WAS TOLD I NEEDED A NEW RACK AND PINION. SINCE ITS LEXUS DEALERSHIP I RESPECT THEIR INSPECTION AND RECOMMENDATION...BUT LIKE MANY OTHERS...IT TURNS OUT THE RACK AND PINION ON THE RX 350 IS COMMON ( TOO COMMON ) AND I HAVE READ MANY PEOPLE WRITING A COMPLAINT TO NHTSA. I DON'T SEE ANY RESOLUTION OR EXPLANATION TO THE " SAME " COMPLAINTS. I ALSO HAVE TO PAY $1,800 + AND AM SUPPOSED TO PICK UP MY RX350 JULY 7 OR 8TH, 2020. THE RACK AND PINION IS OBVIOUSLY A HUGE SAFETY ISSUE... SO I ECHO EVERYONE ELSE. WHY IS THE MANUFACTURER/ DEALERSHIP NOT GIVING US ANSWERS AS TO WHY THIS IS AN ONGOING ISSUE. I FOUND THIS OUT BY RESEARCHING ONLINE. THEY SURE ARE QUICK TO TAKE THE $1800+. GOOD MONEY MAKER DON'T YOU THINK. ALL I'M SAYING IS, IF IT NEEDS REPLACED THEN YES OF COURSE I'LL REPLACE IT AND I'LL TRY TO SOMEHOW FIND THE MONEY TO DO SO... BUT IF THIS HAS BEEN ONGOING FOR YEARS ON THE RX350... WHY AM I AND MANY OTHERS COUGHING UP MONEY THAT I HONESTLY DONT HAVE !! TO REPLACE THE RACK AND PINION ? I JUST CAME IN FOR AN OIL CHANGE AND 100,000 MILE OVERALL ROUTINE INSPECTION. STEERING FELT GOOD. NO LEAKS NOTED IN MY GARAGE FLOOR...OTHER THEN AC RESIDUAL FLUID WHICH OF COURSE IS NORMAL.

Engine
Filed Jun 20, 2020114,366 milesNC

ON JUNE 3RD, 2020 I GOT MY 2008 LEXUS RX 350 SERVICED FOR 115,000 MILE SERVICE AT JOHNSON LEXUS OF RALEIGH. I HAVE HAD MY CAR SERVICED RELIGIOUSLY AT THE SAME DEALER SINCE I BOUGHT IT BRAND NEW IN 2008. IT COST ABOUT $250, ON JUNE 13TH I NOTICED LARGE AMOUNT OF ENGINE OIL UNDER THE CAR. THE CAR HAD NOT BEEN DRIVEN MORE THAN 50 MILES AFTER SERVICE. THE ENGINE HAD A STRANGE SOUND. I CHECKED THE OIL LEVEL IN THE ENGINE AND THERE WAS NO OIL AT ALL.THERE WERE NO WARNING LIGHTS ON THE DASH. I HAD THE CAR TOWED TO THE DEALER AT MY OWN EXPENSE. THE SERVICE ADVISOR AT THE LEXUS DEALER INFORMED ME THAT THE "ENGINE OIL COOLER PIPE" HAD BURST AND IT WOULD COST AROUND $500 FOR REPAIRS. HE EMPHASIZED THAT THE DEFECT WAS NOT RELATED TO THE SERVICE. ON FURTHER RESEARCH ON THE INTERNET, I FOUND THE "SB-10056509-3341" SERVICE BULLETIN WHICH ACKNOWLEDGED THE DEFECT IN THE PART AND PROVIDED ENHANCED WARRANTY. UNFORTUNATELY IT DID NOT APPLY TO ME SINCE THE CAR HAD BEEN PURCHASED MORE THAN 10 YEARS AGO EVEN THOUGH IT WAS WELL WITHIN THE 150,000 MILE LIMIT. IF THE OIL HAD LEAKED ON THE HIGHWAY, THE VEHICLE WOULD HAVE STALLED ON THE HIGHWAY RISKING A SERIOUS ACCIDENT. *TR

Service Brakes
Filed Jun 16, 2020131,800 milesMD

I WAS DRIVING MY VEHICLE AND PUSHED ON BRAKE PEDAL TO STOP AT RED LIGHT. WHAT I NOTICED THAT BRAKE, ABS, TRACTION, CHECK ENGINE AND MORE WARNING LIGHTS CAME ON IN THE DASHBOARD AND I ALMOST REAR ENDED CAR IN FRONT OF ME DUE TO NO BRAKES. PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR, SLOWLY I DROVE MY CAR TO BP WORKSHOP ON LIBERTY ROAD RANDLESTOWN MD, 21133 FIRST. LATER I DROVE TO A&B AUTOBODY 901 DUNDALK AVE BALTIMORE MD 21224. FOR THE REPAIR. AFTER 2DAYS, TECH CALLED AND TOLD ME THAT MY CAR NEEDS BRAKE ACTUATOR WHICH IS ALMOST $2000.00 PARTS AND LABOR. RIDICULOUS. TECH TOLD ME ITS COMMON PROBLEM WITH THESE VEHICLES. I CALLED LEXUS OF TOWSON AND THEY TOLD ME THAT WE WOULD'VE GOT IT DONE FOR FREE OF CHARGE IF THE VEHICLE WAS SOLD AT OUR DEALERSHIP. I GUESS DEALERS DO RECALLS ONLY ON THOSE CARS THAT ARE SOLD THRU THEM BUT I'VE BOUGHT IT USED. I DON'T HAVE THIS MUCH MONEY TO FIX MY [XXX] TRUCK. PLEASE HELP ME TO GET MY CAR BACK ON THE ROAD. THANKS *TR PARTS OF THIS DOCUMENT HAVE BEEN REDACTED TO PROTECT PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

Engine
Filed May 21, 2020149,000 milesWI

I WAS TOLD BY AN OIL CHANGE SERVICE THAT I HAD AN OIL LEAK. I DID NOT DRIVE MY VEHICLE AND HAD TO WAIT OVER THE WEEKEND TO GET IT INTO A SHOP. THE SHOP TOLD ME THAT MY RUBBER OIL COOLER PIPE WAS LEAKING AND IT WAS A BAD LEAK. I CANNOT DRIVE IT. I HAD IT TOWED TO TOYOTA TO LOOK AT IT SINCE THE CLOSETS LEXUS DEALER IS 2 HOURS AWAY. THE TOYOTA DEALER INFORMS ME THAT THE OIL COOLER PIPE IS LEAKING AND NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. THROUGH RESEARCH AND A TIP FROM THE FIRST AUTO SHOP THAT THERE IS A LIMITED-SERVICE CAMPAIGN FOR THIS DEFECTIVE PART AND LEXUS EVEN EXTENDED THE CAMPAIGN THROUGH DECEMBER 2021. I AM RELIEVED THAT IT WILL BE COVERED JUST AS IT SHOULD BY LEXUS. I GET A CALL FROM LEXUS THEY ARE NOT COVERING IT, BECAUSE MY VIN IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE EXTENSION OF THE CAMPAIGN, EVEN THOUGH, MY CAR HAS THE DEFECTIVE PART. MY CAR IS PART OF THAT MANUFACTURING LINE THAT HAD THE DEFECTIVE PART PUT IN. PLEASE HAVE LEXUS EXPAND THEIR VEHICLES TO INCLUDE ALL 07-08 LEXUS RX 350'S FOR THE LIMITED-SERVICE CAMPAIGN AS IT IS STILL A PROBLEM IN THOSE VEHICLES REGARDLESS OF THE VIN. THAT IS WHY THEY GAVE THE EXTENSION OF THE LIMITED-SERVICE-CAMPAIGN BECAUSE LEXUS AND TOYOTA KNOW IT IS STILL A PROBLEM FOR LEXUS AND TOYOTA OWNERS. IF THE RUBBER HOSE IS NOT REPLACED IT COULD CAUSE THE HOSE TO BREAK AND CAUSE ENGINE FAILURE AND DAMAGE OR CAUSE THE ENGINE TO CEASE AND CAUSE A MAJOR ACCIDENT. THIS NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED IMMEDIATELY BY LEXUS. THUS, I AM REQUESTING THAT LEXUS AND TOYOTA NEED TO REPLACE ANY

Service Brakes
Filed Apr 30, 2020140,000 milesTX

THE BRAKE ACTUATOR HAS MALFUNCTIONED. LEXUS HAS VERIFIED THIS HAS HAPPENED TO MY VEHICLE THIS WEEK. THEY HAVE DECLINED ANY ASSISTANCE, INCLUDING REPLACEMENT OF THE PART AND LABOR, PROVIDING ME THE PART TO REPLACE MYSELF (AT NO COST FOR THE PART), AND EVEN REFUSE TO SELL ME THE PART AT THEIR MANUFACTURED COST BASIS. THIS LAST REFUSAL TO DEAL WITH A PART THAT THEY ARE WELL AWARE IS MALFUNCTIONING DUE TO THEIR FAILURE TO BUILD A RELIABLE PRODUCT, AS THEY HAVE OFFERED THEIR OWN VERSION OF SATISFACTION FOR THOSE LUCKY ENOUGH TO HAVE THE FAILURE OCCUR TIMELY. MINE DID NOT KNOW IF THE TIMELY REQUIREMENTS AND OPTED TO MALFUNCTION LESS THAN A YEAR AFTER THE ESTABLISHED DEADLINE. HOWEVER, THE LETTER THEY SENT WENT TO THE PREVIOUS REGISTERED OWNER AND LEXUS EXPLAINED TO ME THAT I SHOULD HAVE CONTACTED THEM WHEN I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE. I DO NOT AGREE. AS A REGISTERED OWNER IN THE STATE IF TEXAS, IT IS MY OPINION THAT LEXIS COULD HAVE EASILY LOCATED ME THROUGH THE HELP OF THE STATE IF TEXAS REGISTRATION REQUIREMENT. LEXUS SHOULD HAVE TO FIX ITEMS THEY BUILT WITH POOR DESIGNS OR WORKMANSHIP! AS IF THIS WEEK MY VEHICLES BRAKING ABILITY HAS ONLY 10% OF WHAT IT HAD A MONTH AGO AND IS NO LONGER SAFE TO DRIVE!

Service Brakes
Filed Jan 29, 20205 milesMD

THE BRAKE PEDAL GOES TO THE FLOOR DUE TO THE ABS ACTUATOR DEFECTS. I HAVE VIDEO OF THE SOUND AND BEHAVIORS WHEN THE PROBLEM OCCURS. I HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE AND THE DEALER WILL NOT FIX THE PROBLEM. THE BRAKES DIDN'T WORK, DIDN'T STOP THE VEHICLE UPON MY LAST USE OF THE CAR. THE VEHICLE DASHBOARD GIVES WARNING AND ERROR CODES RELATED TO THE BRAKES, EMERGENCY BRAKE, ABS, VSC, ETC. I HAVE WRITTEN LEXUS FOR ANY ASSISTANCE. I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE IN MARYLAND FROM A USED CAR DEALER WHO CLEARED THE CODES BEFORE OBTAINING THE SAFETY INSPECTION. HOWEVER IF THIS CAR WERE STARTED OR IF THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS TESTED, THE VEHICLE WOULD HAVE FAILED. AS WAS THE CASE WHEN I OBTAINED MY OWN SAFETY INSPECTION ON THE VEHICLE WHICH IT NOW FAILED

Unknown or Other
Filed Jan 23, 202030 milesCA

MY CRACKED DASHBOARD OR A MELTED DASHBOARD WITH GLAZED STICKINESS AND SHINY.I HAVE A HARD TIME SEEING THE ROAD THROUGH THE REFLECTION ON THE WINDSHIELD.

Service Brakes
Filed Dec 27, 2019199,000 milesNY

2008 LEXUS RX400H: ALL WARNING LIGHTS AND BUZZER CAME ON UNEXPECTEDLY. BRAKE LOST INTEGRITY, HAVE TO PRESS HARDER ON BRAKES FOR THEM TO WORK. DOES NOT FEEL SAFE TO DRIVE AS I DO NOT WANT TO INJURE OR KILL ANYONE. RAN DIAGNOSTIC AND ERROR CODES C1256 AND C1365 CAME UP. THESE CODES POINT TO THE BRAKE ACCUMULATOR FAILURE. REPAIR IS QUOTED AT $3200 BY TOYOTA DEALER. AFTER RESEARCHING THIS IS A VERY COMMON SAFETY ISSUES WITH TOYOTA VEHICLES. MY BROTHERS PRIUS HAS THE SAME ISSUE. I FOUND OUT THERE WAS POSSIBLE A RECALL/EXTENDED WARRANTY BUT IT HAS ENDED A FEW MONTHS AGO. I DO NOT KNOW WHY THIS IS NOT A STANDING SAFETY RECALL AS IT IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS. FROM MY RESEARCH AND REPORTS FROM PERSONAL ACQUAINTANCES IT IS VERY APPARENT THAT IS AN ONGOING ISSUE. I CAN NOT DRIVE MY VEHICLE OR JUSTIFY SPENDING $3200 FIXING A KNOW SAFETY DEFECT.

Unknown or Other
Filed Dec 18, 201910,500 milesTX

THE DASHBOARD IS BREAKING DOWN (MELTING) CAUSING IT TO BE EXTREMELY SHINY AND STICKY. AS WELL AS OMITTING A GAS WHICH HAS CAUSED A SEVERE GLARE ON THE INSIDE OF THE WINDSHIELD. THIS HAS MADE IT EXTREMELY DIFFICULT AND UNSAFE TO DRIVE AT NIGHT. LEXUS HAD MY VEHICLE IN SEPTEMBER OF 2016 TO FIX AN OIL HOSE RECALL AND PURPOSELY DID NOT MAKE ME AWARE OF THE FAULTY DASHBOARD ISSUE,( SAID THEY DIDN'T HAVE TO) THEREFORE, I MISSED THE WINDOW TO HAVE THIS REPAIRED AT THEIR EXPENSE. LEXUS REFUSES TO MAKE THIS ISSUE A RECALL WHICH HAS AFFECTED THOUSANDS OF VEHICLES.

Electrical System
Filed Nov 19, 2019230,000 milesNC

THIS CAR IS EXPERIENCING SYMPTOMS EXACTLY AS DESCRIBED IN THE INVERTER MODULE RECALL, WHEREBY AFTER HIGHWAY DRIVING, THE ELECTRIC MOTOR WILL FAIL RANDOMLY, TRIPPING ALL DASHBOARD FAILURE LIGHTS, AND PUTTING THE VEHICLE IN "LIMP" MODE, WHERE IT EITHER SLOWS SIGNIFICANTLY OR STOPS, AND THEN THUS POSES GREAT SAFETY RISK WITH SURROUNDING TRAFFIC.

Structure › Body
Filed Nov 8, 2019CA

I HAVE HAD TO CONTINUOUS ISSUES WITH MY VEHICLE SINCE I BECAME THE OWNER OF IT. #1 THE HEADLAMP GETS VERY FOGGY. EVERY 2-3 MONTHS I TAKE IT TO THE CAR WASH, THEY POP IT OUT AND CLEAN IT. I GET THIS DONE BECAUSE THE LAMP LOOKS VERY DIM WHILE I AM DRIVING IT AT NIGHT AND IT MAKES IT DIFFICULT TO SEE THE ROAD. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE. THE SECOND ISSUE IS THAT THE DASHBOARD IS HEAVILY CRACKED TO THE POINT WHERE MY SON IS ABLE TO PICK OFF PIECES AND TRIES TO PUT IT IN HIS MOUTH. I AM AFRAID OF WHAT TOXIC CHEMICALS THE CRACKED DASHBOARD IS EXPOSING ME AND MY CHILD TO. I CALLED LEXUS TO GET THESE REPAIRED UNDER THE WARRANTY ENHANCEMENT PROGRAM AND THEY TOLD ME THAT BOTH OF THESE ARE NOW 1 YEAR PAST THE WARRANTY. I HAVE BEEN THE OWNER OF THIS CAR SINCE 2017 AND I NEVER GOT NOTICE OF EITHER OF THESE WARRANTY ENHANCEMENTS. BEFORE THAT MY DAD OWNED IT AND HE ALSO NEVER RECEIVED NOTICE. I HAVE FILED A CASE # WITH LEXUS [XXX]. THEY NOW TELL ME THERE IS NOTHING THEY CAN DO AND I WILL HAVE TO PAY OUT OF POCKET FOR ISSUES THAT HAVE BEEN EXISTING FOR THE LAST 4-5 YEARS! INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

Steering
Filed Oct 13, 201971,604 milesWA

LEXUS OF BELLEVUE SERVICE DEPARTMENT (IN BELLEVUE, WA) COMPLETED A ROUTINE OIL CHANGE ON MY 2008 LEXUS RX 350 AND THEN TOLD ME THEY DISCOVERED A GASKET POWER STEERING FLUID LEAKAGE ON PASSENGER SIDE POWER STEERING RACK AND THAT THIS IS A CRITICAL SAFETY ISSUE THAT WOULD REQUIRE A COMPLETE REPLACEMENT OF POWER STEERING RACK AND GASKETS. THIS WAS COMPLETED AND COST ME $1,874.93 (AFTER APPLYING A LEXUS SERVICE CREDIT FOR $237.99) - SO IT ACTUALLY COST ME $2,112.92. AS THIS LUXURY CAR ONLY HAD 71,604 MILES ON THE ODOMETER, I WANTED TO SEE IF THIS WAS A COMMON ISSUE/DEFECT WITH THIS CAR TYPE. I FOUND NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS REGARDING THIS SAFETY DEFECT WHICH COULD POTENTIALLY CAUSE CATASTROPHIC STEERING FAILURES. SEE: [HTTP://WWW.CARPROBLEMZOO.COM/LEXUS/RX350/STEERING-RACK-AND-PINION-PROBLEMS.PHP] [HTTPS://WWW.CLUBLEXUS.COM/FORUMS/RX-2ND-GEN-2004-2009/768754-POWER-STEERING-LEAK.HTML] I ASK THE NHTSA TO CONDUCT A FORMAL INVESTIGATION OF THIS DEFECT IN LEXUS RX 350'S SO THAT A RECALL COULD BE MADE ON THIS VEHICLE, AND SO THAT THOSE WHO HAVE ALREADY PERFORMED THE REPLACEMENTS WOULD BE REIMBURSED BY LEXUS CORPORATE. THANK YOU.

Engine
Filed Oct 7, 201915 milesGA

VVT-I RUBBER OIL LINE RUPTURED LEAKING ALL 6 QUARTS OF OIL OUT OF ENGINE, CAUSING CATASTROPHIC ENGINE DAMAGE WHILE DRIVING IN 2008 LEXUS RX350 TOYOTA SHOULD HAVE NEVER PUT A RUBBER HOSE ON AN OIL LINE WITH 80PSI AND THEY SHOULD HAVE ISSUED A RECALL. THE LEXUS DEALER HAS NEVER ADVISED ME OF POTENTIAL PROBLEM. THEY SHOULD HAVE TO REPAIR MY ENGINE. FURIOUS AT TOYOTA FOR CUTTING COSTS!

Complaints 1-50 of 70, newest first, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2010
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
202612300Routine
202523400Routine
202460400Routine
202362300Routine
202229010Routine
202170100Routine
202048100Routine
201934100Routine
201826000Routine
201747000Routine
201628000Routine
201520010Routine
201412001Fatalities reported
201319010Routine
201212000Routine
201129020Routine
201077000Routine
200934000Routine
2008 — this page70020Routine
200758010Routine
200632120Routine
200527110Routine
200440110Routine
20034000Routine
200212000Routine
200119000Routine
200029000Routine
199935000Routine

Compare every RX 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.

Most recent recall on file: none. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.