Most common 2008 Lexus RX Hybrid problems
Share of the 57 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Lexus RX Hybrid complaints by model year
Best RX Hybrid years: 2023, 2015, 2024. Years to avoid: 2006, 2008, 2007. Compare all years →
2008 Lexus RX Hybrid recalls (1)
Hybrid propulsion system › Inverter
Toyota is recalling certain model year 2006-2010 Highlander hybrid vehicles manufactured February 16, 2005, through July 29, 2010; and model year 2006-2008 Lexus RX400h vehicles manufactured February 23, 2005, through December 2, 2008.
Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the IPM free of charge. Owners may contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331. Vehicles that had their IPM replaced under recall 11V-342 are not affected by this campaign.
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into a possible defect involving the 2008 Lexus RX Hybrid:
Pedestrian alert sounds
NHTSA received a petition on or about July 18, 2022, requesting that Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 141 be applied to all electric and hybrid vehicles operating in the United States. The petition can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI Number 11486072. FMVSS 141 establishes performance requirements for pedestrian alert sounds for motor vehicles.
What 2008 Lexus RX Hybrid owners say
Brakes all 22 →
The contact owns a 2008 Lexus RX400H. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle made an abnormal sound with the VSC message displayed and the ABS and traction control warning lights illuminated. Additionally, the vehicle made the same abnormal sound for 15 minutes after the vehicle was turned off. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the ABS accumulator pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but informed the contact that the extended warranty had expired. The failure mileage was approximately 138,140. Consumer stated extended warranty program for the defective part but that program expired in 2018. When the ABS actuator pump fails, it stops regulating and maintaining hydraulic pressure in the brake lines which can lead to brake failure. …
The contact owns a 2008 Lexus RX400H. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the ABS warning light would illuminate, and a grinding noise was present while depressing the brake pedal. On multiple occasions while driving at very slow speeds the vehicle abruptly stopped. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the ABS actuator was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was also notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 75,000.
Speed control & acceleration
While attempting to back into a parking space, accelerator stuck in down position, brakes locked up, engine accelerated to very fast rate, steering would not respond resulting in my car slamming into front end of car parked behind me at a high rate of speed. My car then accelerated forward continuing at a very high rate of speed across parking lot and hitting another car broadside which finally stopped my car. My car was a total loss as deemed by my insurance company.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Lexus rx400h. While driving at approximately 5 MPH and attempting to park, the brake pedal was depressed but the brakes failed to respond. As a result, the vehicle drove over a curb and crashed into trees and bushes. The air bags did not deploy. A police report was not filed. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 80,000.
Electrical system
Tl contact owns a 2008 Lexus rx400. While the contact was driving into a parking space the vehicle suddenly surged forward without warning causing the vehicle to crash into a wall. The vehicle was taken to the dealership where the contact was informed that the failure could not be reproduced. There were no prior warnings. The consumer stated when she exited the vehicle and walked around it, suddenly the windows and moonroof opened. Updated 04/05/10. Updated 4/30/10 updated 07/09/10.
Tl contact owns a 2008 Lexus rx400h. While driving 25 MPH and applying the brakes the lack of electricity in the battery caused the contact to apply excessive pressure to the brake pedal in order to stop the vehicle. Within minutes the brakes began to function normally since the battery recharged by pumping the brakes. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer twice for a diagnostic test and both times the dealer was unable to duplicate the failure. The contact is concerned that the failure could in the braking system could cause a crash to occur. The failure mileage was 22,000.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2008 Lexus RX Hybrid a good car?
Based on 57 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2008 RX Hybrid rates avoid: 4.5× as many complaints as a typical year of the RX Hybrid at the same age. It is one of the RX Hybrid 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 RX Hybrid?
The brakes — 22 complaints, 39% of all complaints for this model year, most often about antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip › control unit/module. Next are the speed control & acceleration (19) and electrical system (5).
How many recalls does the 2008 Lexus RX Hybrid have?
There is 1 recall for the 2008 Lexus RX Hybrid, the most recent from September 4, 2013 (inverter). 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 RX Hybrid?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2023, 2015 and 2024. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2006, 2008 and 2007. See the full Lexus RX Hybrid years comparison.
At what mileage do 2008 Lexus RX Hybrid problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 56,000 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.