2008 Lexus LS460: problems, recalls and reliability
2 recalls and 79 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is service brakes (40% of complaints); the 2007 and 2009 and 2010 model years look more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Oct 2014
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 79 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“The contact owns a 2008 Lexus LS460. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH and depressing the brake pedal, the message "VSC Brake Malfunction. ABS Needs Services. Contact Dealer" was displayed. The contact was able to drive to the residence. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the actuator needed to be replaced. The part was replaced; however, the failure recurred. An unknown dealer was contacted and informed the contact that the vehicle was not under warranty. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and informed the contact that the extended warranty coverage for the failure had expired. The failure mileage was 69,000.”Owner report · Service Brakes · Mar 2023
“The contact owns a 2008 Lexus LS460. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, he noticed that there was a shiny glare coming from the dashboard that obstructed his visibility. The dealer was made aware of the failure but informed the contact that the manufacturer's recall for the dashboard had expired in March 2021. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 279,000.”Owner report · Visibility · Aug 2021
“The contact owns a 2008 Lexus LS460. The contact stated that a day after purchasing the vehicle, he noticed that there were cracks on the instrument panel near the radio, and between the dashboard and passenger's and driver's side doors. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic nor dealer. The dealer was not made aware of the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The approximate failure mileage was 55,000.”Owner report · Structure · Jul 2021
Show 7 more owner reports
“I put my 2 year old in the car seat, strapped her in, put my bag (with the key fob) on the backseat and after visually confirming that the drivers door is unlocked closed the back door with my child inside. In the time it took me to walk around the car to the driver's seat all four doors somehow locked down. With both the key fob and my child inside the car; in the middle of the summer in texas. Lexus is supposed to have a safe lock feature that prevents the car locking while keys are inside but this clearly failed. Luckily we were parked in a garage and my husband was able to come in 20 min with the spare key; otherwise tit would have been much worse.”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Jun 2019
“While in motion, brakes started pulsating and "clicking", then brake pedal feel got very firm and had difficulty stopping, almost resulting in accident. Toyota has released warranty enhancement program for the brake actuator assembly, but my vehicle is just beyond the 10yr/150k mile period. I feel this is a serious safety matter and NHTSA should have worked with toyota on a safety recall remedy. If brakes fail, the consumers will be seriously injured or die. Vehicle only has 60k miles and this is a known defect!”Owner report · Service Brakes · Jun 2019
“My dash panel and door handles are melting in the sun. The dash panel is especially problematic as it is extruding a shiny clear tar like substance that causes a significant glare visibility problem while driving into the sun, causing me to nearly miss another vehicle turning in front of me at an intersection.”Owner report · Structure · Mar 2019
“Defective actuator and pump.this is a common problem with models ranging between 2007 and 2013. This is a problem known to lexus and they were taking care of it as and when complaints were made.this is a safety issue and believe that lexus should make a recall and remedy .”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Feb 2019
“I purchased this car in 2018 and it had less than 75,000 miles on it. I've recently noticed that whenever I press the brake pedal, there is a clicking/popping sound. I'm unsure what it is. I know that it shouldn't be happening. I've read on this site that it maybe the brake actuator. Is there a recall for this problem since it's been brought to lexus/toyota attention?”Owner report · Service Brakes · Jan 2019
“Tl* the contact owns a 2008 lexus ls460. While the vehicle was on and in the park position, the "check vehicle system, stop vehicle in a safe place immediately", check engine, and brake system warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was taken to starks toyota (4855 us-501, myrtle beach, sc 29579, 843-236-2161) where it was diagnosed that the brake actuator needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified and stated that the vehicle was out of warranty. No assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 72,034.”Owner report · Service Brakes · Jun 2018
“Tl* the contact owns a 2008 lexus ls460. The contact stated that various warning indicators and gauges illuminated on the instrument cluster and display panel. The dealer (lexus of palm beach, 5700 okeechobee blvd, west palm beach, fl 33417, (561) 291-6004) inspected the vehicle, cleared the codes, and indicated that the brake actuator assembly needed to be replaced. The dealer and the manufacturer indicated that the vehicle had been included in a ten year warranty; however, due to a statute timeframe, the vehicle was currently excluded. The manufacturer suggested replacing the part. The approximate failure mileage was 64,000.”Owner report · Service Brakes · May 2018
When filing, owners marked a crash in 5 of these complaints and injuries in 4 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 2 campaigns
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2007-2010 Lexus LS vehicles manufactured May 9, 2006, to July 20, 2010, 2006-2011 Lexus GS vehicles manufactured January 6, 2005, to September 10, 2010, and 2006-2011 Lexus IS vehicles manufactured August 30, 2005, to September 10, 2010. Due to anti-corrosion plating remnants, fuel may leak from where the fuel pressure sensor is attached to the fuel delivery pipe.
Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will clean and reseal the fuel pressure sensor mounting area, free of charge. The recall began March 3, 2015. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331.
TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2006 THROUGH 2008 LEXUS PASSENGER CARS MANUFACTURED FROM AUGUST 26, 2005 THROUGH AUGUST 4, 2008. MICRO-FOREIGN OBJECTS IN THE MATERIAL OF THE VALVE SPRING MAY DEGRADE THE STRENGTH OF THE VALVE SPRING, POSSIBLY CAUSING THE SPRING TO BREAK.
Remedy: TOYOTA WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND DEALERS WILL REPAIR THE VEHICLES FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 2, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT LEXUS AT 1-800-255-3987.
How other years compare
Check your exact LS460 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 LS460 reliable?
NHTSA has 79 owner complaints and 2 recall campaigns on record for the 2008 Lexus LS460. The most complained-about area is service brakes (40% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2008 Lexus LS460 problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 55,000 miles or less.
Does the 2008 Lexus LS460 have open recalls?
2 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning fuel system, gasoline:delivery:hoses, lines/piping, and fittings. 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.