2008 Lexus RX: problems, recalls and reliability
0 recalls and 70 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is service brakes (23% of complaints); the 2006 and 2009 model years look more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly · 2 new complaints in the last 90 days
0
recalls
70
owner complaints
2
fire reports
120,000
typical failure mileage, mi
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
No recall campaignsProblems tend to appear late (median 120,000 mi)Weak spot: service brakes (23%)2 fire reports
Common problems
Computed from 70 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
Service Brakes (brakes)23% · 14 complaints
Engine (engine mechanics)22% · 13 complaints
Structure (body, frame, doors, rust)10% · 6 complaints
Air Bags (airbags and crash sensors)7% · 4 complaints
Steering (steering wheel, rack, power assist)7% · 4 complaints
Power Train (transmission, axles, driveline)5% · 3 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.”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Jun 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”Owner report · Service Brakes · Feb 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.”Owner report · Electrical System · Jul 2025
Show 7 more owner reports
“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.”Owner report · Visibility/Wiper · Jul 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.”Owner report · Electrical System · Jun 2025
“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”Owner report · Service Brakes · Apr 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.”Owner report · Engine · Jan 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.”Owner report · Air Bags · Aug 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.”Owner report · Vehicle Speed Control · Feb 2024
“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”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Feb 2023
When filing, owners marked a crash in 5 of these complaints and injuries in 1 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Specifications
Factory options offered for the 2008 model year, decoded from the NHTSA vPIC database. Individual vehicles have one of each.
Engines3.3L · 3.5L
Cylinders6
FuelGasoline
Drive type4WD/4-Wheel Drive/4x4 · 4x2
How other years compare
Check your exact RX 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 RX reliable?
NHTSA has 70 owner complaints and 0 recall campaigns on record for the 2008 Lexus RX. The most complained-about area is service brakes (23% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2008 Lexus RX problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 120,000 miles or less.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.