Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2008 Lexus LS460 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
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. …
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. …
I have 2008 Lexus ls 460 which has mileage of 36,345. I had a sudden failure of brake system and warning light said "bring the car to the dealer" they found ABS actuator failure. Lexus issued "warranty enhancement" about this problem in 2017. But they would not cover my car because the warranty enhancement expired 5 months ago in spite of my car's low mileage. I think NHTSA should recommend "recall" to Lexus because serious safety concern of this problem. Apparently many of the owners of this vehicle have had this problems but had a lot of problems with the dealership to fix it. I would appreciate very much if you would consider seriously and help consumers. Thank you ([redacted]) parts of this document have been redacted to protect personally identifiable information pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 U.S.c. 552(b)(6)
I was parked with the engine running for approximately 18 minutes when suddenly, I heard a beeping sound in the car it would not stop!!! I turned my engine off in hope to reset whatever it was but as soon as me foot touched the brake the beeping resumed. It was raining and I had not clue of what it was. At this point, all of the brake light on my dash came on . I went out of the car popped the hood and didn't immediately recognize anything. I then went back in the car and with the beeping still in my ear, decided to head home. That's when I noticed I could not stop my car !!! The brake was stiff and I literally had to force my car to stop by applying as much pressure as physically possible to my brake pedal. I took the car to my mechanic and after diagnostics he stated it's the ABS pump and brake actuator.
When driving on a highway, warning lights "check ABS" "check vsc system" "check brake system" "brake malfunction" "stop the vehicle in a safe place immediately. Contact a dealer" suddenly came on and a 5 other lights also came up. It was scary me so much. I had to pull over and stop. After checking to sure the brake still function, I slowly drive home with the emergency light on. Came home, I did a little research on the internet, and it turned out this is a known and very common problem for this car, and Lexus continue to deny the problem, and failed to recall to fix the problem. It's brake actuator that failed around 114,830 miles. I really don't know what to do now other than to take the car to the dealer this Saturday.
While braking gradually, with the brake pedal in a steady position, the car lurches/pulses, the tires makes loud skidding sound then the car comes to a hard stop as though it has slammed into something. This has happened on multiple occasions at low speeds, where it feels like im pressing the brake and letting go, and pressing again, but in reality, the brakes are being pressed at a constant pressure. This is different than the ABS feeling, as the brake pedal does not travel beneath my foot, and the release and grabbing of the brakes seem very slow. It happen the first time with about 50,000 miles, going about 25-30 MPH. Then with 86,000, going about 5-7 MPH.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Lexus LS460. While driving approximately 55 to 60 MPH. The anti-lock brake system warning indicator illuminated, indicating to "stop the vehicle and contact the dealer". The vehicle was towed to nalley Lexus smyrna in smyrna, ga (phone: [phone]) where it was diagnosed that the brake actuator failed. The brake actuator was replaced; however, the repair did not correct the failure. The contact heard a clacking noise while braking and reversing. The manufacturer was contacted and stated that the brake enhancement warranty program ended in December of 2017. The approximate failure mileage was 107,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Lexus LS460. While driving approximately 35 MPH, the brakes seized and released. All of the instrument panel indicators illuminated, including the "please stop and call the dealer immediately" warning message. The vehicle was taken to wilde Lexus sarasota [phone], located at 4883 clark rd, sarasota, fl 34233) where it was diagnosed that the brake actuator needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and stated that the extended warranty was expired. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000. The VIN was not provided. Updated 12/3/18
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Lexus LS460. The contact stated that various warning indicators and gauges illuminated on the instrument cluster and display panel. The dealer (Lexus of palm beach, 5700 okeechobee blvd, west palm beach, fl 33417, [phone]) inspected the vehicle, cleared the codes, and indicated that the brake actuator assembly needed to be replaced. The dealer and the manufacturer indicated that the vehicle had been included in a ten year warranty; however, due to a statute timeframe, the vehicle was currently excluded. The manufacturer suggested replacing the part. The approximate failure mileage was 64,000.
Brake complaints in other LS460 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 2008 Lexus LS460?
NHTSA has 33 complaints about the brakes of the 2008 Lexus LS460, 42% of the model year's 79 complaints.
Is there a recall for 2008 Lexus LS460 brake problems?
No. NHTSA lists no brakes recall for the 2008 Lexus LS460, though it has 2 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2008 Lexus LS460 brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 75,000 miles, and 10% 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.