Most common 2008 Lexus ES problems
Share of the 68 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Lexus ES complaints by model year
Best ES years: 2015, 2016, 2018. Years to avoid: 2021, 2019, 2011, 2020, 2010. Compare all years →
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into a possible defect involving the 2008 Lexus ES:
Unwanted acceleration, floor mat
The driver side floor mat will not interfere with the throttle pedal if properly secured using the retaining hooks provided by Toyota.however, if the all weather mat is unsecured and moves forward from its intended position it can entrap the throttle pedal at the fully open position after it has been depressed.this can happen regardless of whether or not another mat (carpet) is underneath.when this occurs, some…
What 2008 Lexus ES owners say
Air bags all 37 →
The contact owned a 2008 Lexus ES350. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30 - 40 MPH, the air bags suddenly deployed independently. The contact stated that his view was obstructed due to the air bag deployment, and he briefly lost control the vehicle and the vehicle came to a complete stop after crashing into a light pole. The remaining air bags did deploy. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a tow yard and was deemed a total loss by the Insurance provider. A Police report was filed, and injuries were reported. The contact was transported by air to an area shock trauma center and treated for a broken neck, a broken right shoulder, loss of four teeth, a laceration requiring 40 stitches, and later required reconstructive surgery on both his right leg and right foot. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
car was recalled for faulty air bags.i have tried numerous times to speak with someone,always with the same result-i am transferred 2 or 3 times and then i am promised a call back.i have not received a call back as of 6/20/2022.i think the first time i called was over a year ago.i am sure i called at least 4 times and spent many hours on hold being transferred.i have other things to do than sit on hold.i would like the problem fixed.
Body & structure
I was in stop and go traffic. Bumper to bumper. The car in front moved forward and I pressed the gas pedal 2 seconds and went back to the brake. The engine started to rev up out of control. I pressed on the brake as hard as possible and managed to slow the car but not stop it. I put it in park but the engine continued to roar. It finally went back to normal. Lexus checked the car but said they found nothing wrong. This model had been recalled for the same problem. Clearly the car May be dangerous. Lexus denies all responsibility. The inspector left a thumb drive in the car but I can't read it. I would be glad to send it to you.
The dashboard gets extremely sticky and I have notice a small hole which has now turned into a crack on the passenger side of the car. I think this happen as a result of the heat. I don't always keep my car parked under a garage.
Windows, wipers & sunroof
Vehicle: 2008 Lexus ES 350 Issue Description: The dashboard in my vehicle is melting and becoming sticky, causing a reflective glare on the windshield during daylight driving. This significantly impacts visibility and creates a potential safety hazard. The condition worsens with heat and sun exposure. The glare can be severe enough to interfere with safe driving, especially during morning and afternoon sunlight conditions. This issue has been widely reported among Lexus ES models from this generation. Lexus previously acknowledged the defect and offered a limited-time repair program, which has since expired. However, many vehicles are still experiencing the issue. Because this defect affects driver visibility, it should be considered a safety concern rather than a cosmetic issue. …
Urgent: my dash has melted on my-2008 Lexus ES 350- I cannot see to drive, my visibilty it totally obstructed w my 2008 Lexus ES 350 with actual 35, 000 miles, that I cannot drive ((ever)) it sits in the garage. Because too dangerous to drive melting dash it totally blocks my view of any road, due to shining reflection of melting dash is all you can see in my windshield when you get in the car to drive-so instead of an accident for me or others on road until this dash is replaced it cannot be driven. Because the shiny-melting-sticky dash (((reflects onto my windshield; of the 2008 Lexus ES 350and makes it too dangerous & impossible to see, to drive anywhere & impossible to see anything when driving my view is obstructed all I can see is (((a reflection in windshield only))) of (((my : shiny melting dash -2008 Lexus ES 350-I cannot drive w 35, 000 miles the dash needs replaced asap …
2008 Lexus ES engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5L 6-cyl | 6-speed automatic | FWD | 19 / 27 / 22 |
EPA ratings. Class: Midsize car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2008 Lexus ES a good car?
Based on 68 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2008 ES rates avoid: 2.9× as many complaints as a typical year of the ES at the same age. It is one of the ES years we suggest avoiding. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2008 Lexus ES?
The air bags — 37 complaints, 54% of all complaints for this model year. Next are the body & structure (7) and windows, wipers & sunroof (4).
How many recalls does the 2008 Lexus ES have?
NHTSA lists no recalls for the 2008 Lexus ES. You can still confirm with your VIN using our VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Lexus ES?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2015, 2016 and 2018. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2021, 2019, 2011, 2020 and 2010. See the full Lexus ES years comparison.
At what mileage do 2008 Lexus ES problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 67,000 miles; 45% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.