Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2008 Lexus IS owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Vehicle: 2008 Lexus IS350 Issue: Excessive oil consumption and fuel/exhaust odor I am experiencing what I believe is excessive oil consumption with my 2008 Lexus IS350. I've had to regularly add oil between scheduled oil changes, and I've noticed that the oil level is frequently low with no external leaks visible. I'm concerned that this may indicate a known issue with piston rings or internal engine components. In addition to the oil issue, I have recently started smelling strong gas or exhaust fumes while the engine is running, especially at idle or when the car is warm. I am worried that this may be related to catalytic converter damage caused by prolonged oil burning. I believe this may pose both a safety risk and an environmental concern, especially if the catalytic converter is compromised. …
I was driving approx. 60 entering on ramp of freeway when car suddenly loses power to accelerator not entire car, i almost was hit by other drivers i couldnt accelerate or anything. I panicked then started pumping accelerator then it finally catches and sped up. I immediately got off freeway. Then next day CEL, Check VSC light and skid light all came on. This car is very dangerous. WHATCAN I DO??? I refuse to use the freeway until this problem is resolved.
2008 Lexus IS 250 exhibits a brief rattle noise (approximately 1-3 seconds) at start-up. The issue was diagnosed by a Lexus dealership which recommended replacing the cam gear assembly associated with the variable valve timing (vvt) system. The vvt gear housing and sprocket could separate and result in the engine stopping while the vehicle IS being driven, increasing the risk of a crash. The same symptoms, diagnosis, and recommended repair were subject of the Toyota safety recall 13v-395. The recall excluded the 2008 Lexus IS 250, however included the 2006-2011 Lexus IS 350, 2010-2011 Lexus IS 350c, and the 2006-2011 gs 350 models. The same diagnosis and recommended repair was determined to be a safety issue in the models above, but IS not in the 2008 Lexus IS 250?
In August 2012 my car's engine light and vsc light came on. I took the car to the dealer and they found multiple misfires. The dealer replaced the gasket and 3 pistons and ring sets under warranty. My car engine has continued to intermittently shudder when moving and when idling at stop lights. Today (1/3/17) I was driving on the highway at normal speed and once again my engine light and vsc light are lit up. I received the 9 year extended warranty for carbon buildup, but it only covers me through 3/8/17. If I have carbon buildup again after that, it will cost me $2,000-$3,000 to fix. The engine failure in these is250s (2006-2013) IS rampant and the car model needs to recalled and replaced.
My Lexus isf has a cracked passenger side manifold which IS very audible on startup and beginning signs of a valley plate coolant leak, which will eventuallylead to engine failure. These cars were made in very low numbers, however our car enthusiast community IS experiencing these failures in a higher than acceptable numbers of this rare vehicle. Each repair IS many thousands of dollars and (valley plate 2K-5K) (manifold quoted at 22 hours labor and 1400 for the part from Lexus) taken into account the low production number and high rate of failure, this must be addressed. Lexus has failed to work with me sharing the bill.
Isfs year models 2008-2014 are affected the valley plate leak due to the fact that Toyota/Lexus utilized the improper sealant and used the improper amount, leading to the heat exchanger leaking coolant once the original, inadequate sealant begins to disentegrate. This could cause a condition where the engine could fail and someone could get hurt. Furthermore, all isfs will eventually have a cracked rh manifold on the #8 runner. This can cause a fire hazard in addition to carbon monoxide poisoning.
I took my car to the local dealer for the carbon buildup recall in the motor. They rebuilt parts of the internal motor. After they rebuilt the motor for carbon build up, my engine light started to light up for bad catalytic converter. I told them that the light never showed up before and could've went bad from all of the miles of carbon build up that damaged the catalytic converter. They couldn't repair the catalytic converter because I was out of the warranty period.
To whom it May concern. Within the IS-f(2008-2014). Members are experiencing cracked headers manifold. Members report smelling bad eggy pre-cat fumes odor. This seems to be an issue for people with mid to high mileage. The other issue every member IS experiencing are leaking valley plate seal. Pink coolant can be observed dripping in minor cases and leaking in major cases. Cases of a pool of coolant on owners driveway/garages. This can easily cause a fire.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Lexus is250/350. While driving 60 MPH the vehicle shuddered and shut off with an unknown warning light illuminated. The contact was able to restart the vehicle after several attempts. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic but was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 15,000.
Ever since I had this car, I always had the constant problem of a weird engine smell of rotten eggs, it overheats out of nowhere constantly after multiple repairs and maintenance paid out of pocket. It would shut off while driving anywhere. These are just some of the receipts.
Related recalls
Engine and engine cooling
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.
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.
Engine complaints in other IS years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2008 Lexus IS?
NHTSA has 23 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2008 Lexus IS, 23% of the model year's 102 complaints.
Is there a recall for 2008 Lexus IS engine problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 09V-020 (engine and engine cooling, Jan 16, 2009). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2008 Lexus IS engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 104,000 miles, and 15% before 25,000 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.