Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (service brakes, ABS, rotors and pads, parking brake).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2008 Lexus RX Hybrid owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
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.
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.
My vehicle was in motion and failed to properly break which therefore ended hitting an older model BMW at approx 45mph. The airbags inflated sending some type of metal shards to my right lower abdomen that resulted in massive bleeding.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Lexus rx400h. While driving approximately 40 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed and the contact felt an abnormal vibration in the brake pedal. The contact stated that the ABS warning indicator illuminated and additional distance was needed to stop the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to rick hendrick Toyota sandy springs (located at 6475 roswell rd, atlanta, ga 30328, [phone]) where it was diagnosed that the brake actuator needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was informed that there was a warranty extension for the ABS, but it expired. The manufacturer was notified. The approximate failure mileage was 111,000.
The road was snowy and slippery, but not icy. When the vehicle about 50 feet ahead of me stopped for the traffic light, I applied the brakes, but to no effect. My vehicle did not slow, and I didn't hear the noise of the anti-lock brake system. I chose to go off the road and hit a pipe railing rather than the tanker truck that was stopped in front of me. Other vehicles at the same location had no problem stopping. Copies of my correspondence with Toyota are available. Toyota only road tested the vehicle on dry pavement.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Lexus rx400 Hybrid. While driving unknown speeds, the brake pedal was applied, but failed to fully depress. Additionally, there was an abnormal popping noise. All the warning indicators illuminated and the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was taken to a local mechanic where it was diagnosed that the brake actuator needed to be replaced. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was 239,995.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Lexus rx400h. While driving 60 MPH, the vehicle stalled and the ABS, brake system, and slip warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was taken to carmax (3100 spur 482, irving, tx 75062, [phone]) where the contact was informed to ignore the failure and to bring the vehicle back in if the failure recurred. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 78,068.
I was coming back from my first oil change from crown Lexus dealer. I was pulling into a parking space and the car would not stop even when my foot is on the brake. I tried to steer away from the concrete wall in front but the front left side still hit the wall. The car was damaged and the wall is damaged. The cost of the damaged is 9,000-10,000. Right now is being fixed by my insurance company. The model of the car is Lexus rx400h year 2008.
Brake complaints in other RX Hybrid years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 2008 Lexus RX Hybrid?
NHTSA has 22 complaints about the brakes of the 2008 Lexus RX Hybrid, 39% of the model year's 57 complaints. The component named most often is antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip › control unit/module (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2008 Lexus RX Hybrid brake problems?
No. NHTSA lists no brakes recall for the 2008 Lexus RX Hybrid, though it has 1 recall 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 RX Hybrid brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 49,000 miles, and 39% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 5 crashes, 0 fires and 2 injuries to brakes problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
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.