2008 Lexus ES
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.
- Complaints
- 68
- Recalls
- 0
- Investigations
- 1
- Top problem
- Air bags
None on file
Opened by NHTSA
54% of complaints
Complaints per year
2008: 68 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1996 | 1 |
| 1997 | 2 |
| 1998 | 1 |
| 1999 | 8 |
| 2000 | 6 |
| 2001 | 2 |
| 2002 | 27 |
| 2003 | 23 |
| 2004 | 16 |
| 2005 | 60 |
| 2006 | 12 |
| 2007 | 125 |
| 2008 | 68 |
| 2009 | 28 |
| 2010 | 41 |
| 2011 | 46 |
| 2012 | 31 |
| 2013 | 34 |
| 2014 | 4 |
| 2015 | 5 |
| 2016 | 9 |
| 2017 | 3 |
| 2018 | 5 |
| 2019 | 34 |
| 2020 | 18 |
| 2021 | 28 |
| 2022 | 11 |
| 2023 | 10 |
| 2024 | 9 |
| 2025 | 5 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Air bags
54% · 37 reportsShow 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, 2025-04-01
Vehicle was involved in front end collision. Airbags did not deploy. Injury caused.
NHTSA ODI report, 2019-09-19
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, 2017-11-13
Structure
10% · 7 reportsMost commonly citing body and dashboard.
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, 2015-04-22
Also filed under Engine and service brakes
Engine
6% · 4 reportsShow 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, 2024-02-12
Electrical system
6% · 4 reportsMost commonly citing speedometer/odometer.
Visibility/wiper
4% · 3 reportsSafety timeline
No recalls on file for this model year.
0 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
-
I
2007-08-08Engineering analysisClosed 2007-10-11 Unwanted acceleration, floor mat
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2008Complaint volume 68 complaints filed for this model year.
Buy-smart checklist
2008 Lexus ES — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Air bags: 37 reports on file for this year.
- Structure: 7 reports on file for this year.
- Engine: 4 reports on file for this year.
Other years of this model
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 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.