Most common 2008 Lexus GS problems
Share of the 15 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Lexus GS complaints by model year
Best GS years: 2016, 2008, 2010. Years to avoid: 2006. Compare all years →
What 2008 Lexus GS owners say
Engine & cooling
I am writing to file a complaint against Lexus Corporation regarding a significant safety issue with my vehicle. Despite NHTSA's recall notice for defective engine valve springs installed in certain 2008 GS350 vehicles with a specified range of VIN numbers that includes my vehicle's, Lexus still persevered my car is not applicable for the recall and refused to cover the necessary repair costs after identifying the root cause of my car's engine failure to be a broken valve spring out of a total of 24, as was initially diagnosed by a local auto repair shop. Their negligence of timely contacting impacted vehicle's owner and outright refusal to cover this critical recall repair cost is truly outrageous as my own life and public safety have been in danger during these years. …
After having the camshaft timing gear replaced due to the recall, I noticed my car was burning a lot of oil but there was no leak. My car would be out of oil 1,800 mile prior to me next oil change and I would need to add 2 quarts of oil to my car. When I brought the car in to be looked at, I was told that there was oil seepage in the timing chain area which is a $3,500 repair. The more I research, the more I'm finding that people are stating this is related to the recall performed.
Fuel & propulsion system
2008 GS350 - 129k miles - 1 owner Looking for input on whether/how to proceed as this is now a multi-year problem (2019- 2021). My 2008 Lexus GS350 had the following recalls (All fuel and engine related): NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID: 18V432000; NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V647000 NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID: 09V020000; NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID: 10V309000 Before the last fuel assembly recall work was out of warranty 2019, I started experiencing an extreme fuel odor after a decline AND each time car was started (noticeable only with windows down). No warning lights, system reported no issues. Independent mechanic found a leaking fuel injector (port on that side is "clean".) (Lexus dealerships found no issues). Replaced fuel injector, no change in fuel smell, strong as ever. Neither Lexus or Independent mechanic can determine what is wrong. …
Smell of gas in the main cabin all of the sudden when driving on a city street. Upon exiting car, smell of gas coming from engine compartment.
2008 Lexus GS engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5L 6-cyl hybrid | 6-speed automatic | RWD | 22 / 25 / 23 |
| 3.5L 6-cyl | 6-speed automatic | RWD | 19 / 27 / 22 |
| 3.5L 6-cyl | 6-speed automatic | 4WD/AWD | 18 / 25 / 20 |
| 4.6L 8-cyl | 8-speed automatic | RWD | 17 / 24 / 20 |
EPA ratings. Class: Compact car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2008 Lexus GS a good car?
Based on 15 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2008 GS rates better than average: 40% fewer complaints than a typical year of the GS at the same age. It is one of the best GS years by this measure. 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 GS?
The engine & cooling — 4 complaints, 27% of all complaints for this model year. Next are the fuel & propulsion system (3) and lights (2).
How many recalls does the 2008 Lexus GS have?
NHTSA lists no recalls for the 2008 Lexus GS. You can still confirm with your VIN using our VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Lexus GS?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2016, 2008 and 2010. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2006. See the full Lexus GS years comparison.
At what mileage do 2008 Lexus GS problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 115,000 miles; 0% 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.