Most common 2008 Lexus LS460 problems
Share of the 79 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Lexus LS460 complaints by model year
Best LS460 years: 2009, 2014, 2013. Years to avoid: 2008, 2007. Compare all years →
2008 Lexus LS460 recalls (2)
Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
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.
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.
Engine and engine cooling › Engine
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.
What 2008 Lexus LS460 owners say
Brakes all 33 →
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.
While driving at highway speeds (70 MPH) I encountered illumination of brake/ABS warning lights on the dash advising me that the safety brake/ABS/traction features on my car are non operational. Upon pulling over, I read a message displayed on the dash alerting me to take my car to the nearest Lexus dealer. Upon arrival at the Lexus dealership, I was advised by the service advisor that this is a common problem on this model and more likely then not the faulty brake actuator will need to be replaced. This was confirmed the following business day when I received a call from the service advisor confirming that the brake actuator has failed. Upon questioning the advisor of the cause, he once again acknowledged that this is a common problem and that Lexus has issued an updated part as a replacement. …
Engine & cooling
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, [phone]) 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.
After a manufacture recall for the valve spring replacement, I had my first oil change. Directly after the oil change, I noticed that around 35 MPH when I needed to pass a vehicle, I would step on the gas (most of the time pushing the accelerator pedal to the floor) the car was very sluggish and unresponsive. It would take about 10 seconds for the vehicle to slowly accelerate and then the car would take off with the rpms climbing near red line until I released my foot off the accelerator. If I set the cruise control at around 35-40 MPH the cars engine surges. I can hear the automatic gear shifting going on as well. This happens much more frequently when it's hot and humid outside. This is an every day occurrence. I have taken my car to the repair facility, they have hooked up the computer to my car but it shows nothing. There are no associated engine lights with the surging. …
Electrical system
The contact owns a 2008 Lexus LS460. The contact stated that the vehicle would erroneously start without anyone being near the vehicle with the starter button not being pressed. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who replaced the starter however, the failure persisted. The contact indicated that the starter had been replaced on four separate occasions for the same failure. In addition, while driving approximately 40 MPH, a message to "Turn Off Vehicle and Contact Dealer" was displayed and the brake pedal became difficult to depress causing the braking distance to be extended. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the brake actuator was faulty and needed to be replaced. The actuator was replaced and the failure was corrected. The manufacturer was not yet notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 94,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Lexus LS460. The contact stated that while parking the vehicle, she started smelling wires burning and smoke was emitting from the hood. The fire department was contacted who threw water on the engine and disconnected the battery. The vehicle was towed to the dealer who diagnosed that the starter was defective and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was contacted who filed a complaint and stated that they would be contacting her back. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileage was 30, 000. Updated 2/8/12
2008 Lexus LS460 engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4.6L 8-cyl | 8-speed automatic | RWD | 16 / 24 / 19 |
EPA ratings. Class: Midsize car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2008 Lexus LS460 a good car?
Based on 79 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2008 LS460 rates avoid: 5.0× as many complaints as a typical year of the LS460 at the same age. It is one of the LS460 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 LS460?
The brakes — 33 complaints, 42% of all complaints for this model year. Next are the engine & cooling (9) and electrical system (7).
How many recalls does the 2008 Lexus LS460 have?
There are 2 recalls for the 2008 Lexus LS460, the most recent from October 15, 2014 (hoses, lines/piping, and fittings). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Lexus LS460?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2009, 2014 and 2013. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2008 and 2007. See the full Lexus LS460 years comparison.
At what mileage do 2008 Lexus LS460 problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 54,000 miles; 49% 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.