2008 Lexus LS: problems, recalls and reliability
1 recall and 43 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is service brakes (47% of complaints); the 2006 model year looks more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Jan 2009
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 43 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“this vehicle stalled while driving on a highway without any sign or warning. on some occasions the vehicle will not stop. I reported this to Lexus company / Manufacturer”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Apr 2026
“I was on the exit for union turnpike on the gcp at a good 40 miles per hour when boom a whole bunch of lights popped up on the dash saying see dealer and 3 lights come on the top right. By the grace of god the car infront of me was very far and i was able to drop the car into manual mode drop gears while turning wheels slowly go into bumps and i slowed down when i came around the corner to a full stop that's when i had my tow guy grab the car and drop me and the car home”Owner report · Service Brakes · Dec 2024
“The contact owns a 2008 Lexus LS460. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH, the brake warning light illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the brake actuator. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to Warranty Enhancement Program: POL 16-01. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was 211,000.”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Dec 2023
Show 7 more owner reports
“The contact owns a 2008 Lexus LS460. The contact stated while driving at approximately 55 MPH, the braking system malfunctioned, and the brake pedal extended to the floorboard while depressed, causing the braking distance to be extended. The vehicle was towed to the local mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the ABS actuator and brake pump were faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 58,000.”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Jul 2023
“The contact owns a 2008 Lexus LS460. The contact stated that while driving out of the driveway, the brakes became inoperable. There was a loud audible sound detected. The message to replace actuator was displayed. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the brake actuator needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who replaced the actuator. The manufacturer was contacted, and opened a case, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 57,000.”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Jun 2023
“These Vehicles have a ongoing problem with the brake actuator. Lexus I'm sure Is aware of the problem I believe they should take care of it. It's a really expensive fix that we as customers shouldn't have to be responsible for. This issue makes driving the vehicle very uncomfortable.”Owner report · Service Brakes · Nov 2022
“Parking Break was stuck on and would not release. Owner removed spare tire and loosened parking break system, but light was still flashing. Dealer check for code and reset. The same thing happened again and the Dealer has started they've installed a new relay and if happens again it will be very expensive to fix. I feel this should be listed as a recall. This issue should be repaired by as the car is low mileage and has always been kept in a garage. Please review. [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).”Owner report · Service Brakes · Nov 2021
“Backing out of driveway (in motion) into a city street, car stopped abruptly and would not start again. Immediately warning lights vcs, brake and ABS showed on panel. The ABS control module was replaced 6/25/20 costing me $2,708.36 (invoice attached). In march (03/06/20) I paid $2,014.96 for tires and brake replacement (invoice attached). That's a total cost of $4,723.32. I feel scammed because I think the brake job in march created the problem for the ABS to malfunction and it should not have been my responsibility to replace it. Please reply if possible. I'm reporting issue to lexus corp also. I read on a post that the ABS module rarely needs replacing. Thank you for your help. *tr”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Jun 2020
“As I am driving the vehicle I feel vibrations then my dash illuminate with vsc, ABS, skid control, brake light as well as the triangle with exclamation. Notifications states that I should pull over immediately contact dealer brake malfunction. I have my two year old son in the car with me. Literally gave me a [xxx] heartache. Contact the dealer there's no safety recall for the brake actuator for 2008 ls460 only toyota issue cars. This is unfair for something that's clearly failing. Lexus be fair to your consumers recall this safety issue. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6). *tr”Owner report · Service Brakes · Apr 2020
“My lexus ls460 spontaneously started on fire in a public parking lot. No warning lights ,no known car problems. I had parked my car to run into a store. When I turned it off it made a loud repetitive clacking sound. I turned it back on and turned it off again. Same thing. I turned it back on and tried to back up but it stalled. Started to smell... Something was burning and smoke was coming from the engine under the hood. Became very clear that the engine was on fire. I called 911 and the fire department responded. Afterwards, I asked them if they could tell how it started ...they said no but it was electrical. I will have a report from the fire department in a week.”Owner report · Engine · Feb 2019
Recalls - 1 campaign
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.
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.
Specifications
Factory options offered for the 2008 model year, decoded from the NHTSA vPIC database. Individual vehicles have one of each.
How other years compare
Check your exact LS by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2008 Lexus LS reliable?
NHTSA has 43 owner complaints and 1 recall campaign on record for the 2008 Lexus LS. The most complained-about area is service brakes (47% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2008 Lexus LS problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 80,000 miles or less.
Does the 2008 Lexus LS have open recalls?
1 recall campaign has been issued, the latest concerning engine and engine cooling. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.