MYRModel Year Report

2008 Lexus ES

◆ Worse than typical
2008 Lexus ES
RENDERED 2026-09-17T01:40:00.738Z

This year had 30% to 100% more complaints than this model's typical year.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Lexus ES Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 2008 highlighted. 1996: 1 complaints 1996 1997: 2 complaints 1998: 1 complaints 1999: 8 complaints 2000: 6 complaints 2000 2001: 2 complaints 2002: 27 complaints 2003: 23 complaints 2004: 16 complaints 2004 2005: 58 complaints 2006: 12 complaints 2007: 125 complaints 2008: 68 complaints 2008 2009: 28 complaints 2010: 41 complaints 2011: 46 complaints 2012: 31 complaints 2012 2013: 33 complaints 2014: 4 complaints 2015: 5 complaints 2016: 9 complaints 2016 2017: 2 complaints 2018: 5 complaints 2019: 34 complaints 2020: 18 complaints 2020 2021: 28 complaints 2022: 9 complaints 2023: 10 complaints 2024: 9 complaints 2024 2025: 4 complaints 2025
2008: 68 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
19961
19972
19981
19998
20006
20012
200227
200323
200416
200558
200612
2007125
200868
200928
201041
201146
201231
201333
20144
20155
20169
20172
20185
201934
202018
202128
20229
202310
20249
20254

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.

AIR BAGS 54%

54% of complaints: air bags — 37 distinct reports on file.

CRASH INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

The contact owned a 2008 Lexus ES350. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30 - 40 MPH, the air bags suddenly deployed independently.

NHTSA ODI report, 20250401

VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN FRONT END COLLISION. AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. INJURY CAUSED.

NHTSA ODI report, 20190919

IN AN ACCIDENT IN 2012, A CAR IMPACTED THIS LEXUS FROM RIGHT SIDE AND THE LEXUS SHIFTED OVER THE CURB AND HIT THE ROAD SIDE LIGHT POST.

NHTSA ODI report, 20171113

STRUCTURE 10%

10% of complaints: structure — 7 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing body and dashboard.

CRASH
Show complaint excerpts

I WAS IN STOP AND GO TRAFFIC. BUMPER TO BUMPER. THE CAR IN FRONT MOVED FORWARD AND I PRESSED THE GAS PEDAL 2 SECONDS AND WENT BACK TO THE BRAKE. THE ENGINE STARTED TO REV UP OUT OF CONTROL.

NHTSA ODI report, 20150422

Also filed under ENGINE and SERVICE BRAKES

ENGINE 6%

6% of complaints: engine — 4 distinct reports on file.

CRASH
Show complaint excerpts

VVTI oil line ruptured This was part of a Limited Service Campaign by Lexus and I believe my vehicle's VIN was incorrectly excluded.

NHTSA ODI report, 20240212

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 6%

6% of complaints: electrical system — 4 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing speedometer/odometer.

VISIBILITY/WIPER 4%

4% of complaints: visibility/wiper — 3 distinct reports on file.

SAFETY TIMELINE

No recalls on file for this model year.

I 20070808 — EA (closed 20071011)

UNWANTED ACCELERATION, FLOOR MAT

▮ 2008 — complaint volume: 68

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

2008 Lexus ES — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for air bags issues (37 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for structure issues (7 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for engine issues (4 reports on file for this year).
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 2012 ● 2013 ● 2019

WORST YEARS

■ 2007 ◆ 2005 ● 2011

See all years ranked →

FAQ

Is the 2008 Lexus ES reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2008 Lexus ES is rated "worse than typical".

What are the most common problems with the 2008 Lexus ES?

The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 54% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2008 Lexus ES have?

No recalls are on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.