Most common 2008 Lexus RX problems
Share of the 70 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Lexus RX complaints by model year
Best RX years: 2012, 2013, 2014. Years to avoid: 2023, 2024, 2021, 2022, 2025. Compare all years →
What 2008 Lexus RX owners say
Engine & cooling
Vvt-I oil line failure. Limited service campaign ended in Dec 2021. No notice sent, no repairs suggested at the dealership within the eligible period. Vvt-I failed and engine lost all oil in minutes while driving, coating the front passenger brake caliper and rendering the breaking dangerously difficult on the passenger side on the highway.
2008 Lexus rx350 was parked in garage with engine hot. One minute after the engine stopped, it caught on fire and required the fire department to finally put it out. Engine compartment so completely destroyed that the immediate cause of the fire not detectable. Car is total loss, garage damaged but not destroyed.most recent servicing was by the Lexus dealer three months previous.
Brakes
The contact owns a 2008 Lexus RX400H. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40 MPH and depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle failed to respond and made an abnormal pumping and grinding sound. Additionally, an unknown beeping and buzzing alarm sounded. The contact stated that he depressed the brake pedal with both feet. The ABS, traction control, and the stabili-trak warning lights were illuminated. The local dealer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that the ABS module needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 138,000.
2008 Lexus RX 400H Faulty ABS Actuator yes my car is available for inspection upon request . This is a known problem on this vehicle there is 100s of complaints on same issue with the same cars Lexus is neglecting responsibility for this faulty and very dangerous hazard , this part has been faulty for years with out my knowledge and now it's gotten worse all the lights related to my brake system is on and the brakes seem to have a mind of there own they break real hard at times and times I have to slam on them to break . yes I have had the car checked and the dealer told me that there was a extended warranty issued on this part but that it's expired. …
Body & structure
Automatic rear door does not open in hotter weather. Vehicle is consistently garaged. Latch on rear door melts and black gooey tar rubs off on fingers and hands when opening door. Dealer said to replace this melted tar like door latch is $650. Automatic door does not open in heat. Lexus says there is no fix for this.
Complete DASH board is cracked spanning from Drivers side to Passengers Side including Cracks on the AIRBAGS on both sides
2008 Lexus RX engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.3L 6-cyl hybrid | CVT | FWD | 27 / 24 / 25 |
| 3.3L 6-cyl hybrid | CVT | 4WD/AWD | 26 / 24 / 25 |
| 3.5L 6-cyl | 5-speed automatic | FWD | 18 / 23 / 20 |
| 3.5L 6-cyl | 5-speed automatic | 4WD/AWD | 17 / 22 / 19 |
EPA ratings. Class: SUV.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2008 Lexus RX a good car?
Based on 70 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2008 RX rates average: about as many complaints as a typical year of the RX at the same age. 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?
The engine & cooling — 16 complaints, 23% of all complaints for this model year. Next are the brakes (16) and body & structure (7).
How many recalls does the 2008 Lexus RX have?
NHTSA lists no recalls for the 2008 Lexus RX. You can still confirm with your VIN using our VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Lexus RX?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2012, 2013 and 2014. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2023, 2024, 2021, 2022 and 2025. See the full Lexus RX years comparison.
At what mileage do 2008 Lexus RX problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 114,000 miles; 18% 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.