2008 Lexus IS 250
This year had more than double the complaints of 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 PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2006 | 189 |
| 2007 | 213 |
| 2008 | 125 |
| 2009 | 48 |
| 2010 | 40 |
| 2011 | 30 |
| 2012 | 17 |
| 2013 | 5 |
| 2014 | 35 |
| 2015 | 16 |
| 2016 | 1 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
30% of complaints: air bags — 38 distinct reports on file.
14% of complaints: structure — 17 distinct reports on file.
11% of complaints: engine — 14 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
AS I WAS ATTEMPTING TO ACCELERATE, THE VSC LIGHT AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON, THE CAR LOST POWER, WOULD NOT ACCELERATE, AND THE ENGINE STARTED MISFIRING. *TR
NHTSA ODI report, 20121128
10% of complaints: structure — 12 distinct reports on file.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 LEXUS IS 250. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DASHBOARD WAS MELTING AND PRODUCED A GLARE THAT IMPAIRED VISION WHILE DRIVING. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED.
NHTSA ODI report, 20180802
9% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 11 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
I WAS DRIVING MY WIFE'S LEXUS 2008 IS 250 OUT OF A PARKING LOT WHEN APPLYING MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE THE CAR ACCELERATED. I NOW SLAMMED MY FOOT ON THE BRAKES AND THE CAR CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20091105
I WAS PULLING INTO A PARKING SPACE WITH MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE, ALMOST TO A COMPLETE STOP WHEN THE CAR SUDDENLY ACCELERATED & I WENT UP OVER A CURB & HIT A TRANSFORMER. THE DISTANCE WAS ONLY ABOUT 8 FEET.
NHTSA ODI report, 20090831
AS I WAS ATTEMPTING TO ACCELERATE, THE VSC LIGHT AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON, THE CAR LOST POWER, WOULD NOT ACCELERATE, AND THE ENGINE STARTED MISFIRING. *TR
NHTSA ODI report, 20121128
SAFETY TIMELINE
Toyota is recalling certain model year 2006-2012 Lexus IS250 and IS350 vehicles manufactured August 23, 2005, through October 5, 2011; 2010-2012 Lexus IS250C and IS350C vehicles manufactured April 10,
Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and Lexus dealers will install new wiper arm nuts, free of charge. An interim letter was mailed to owners on April 4, 2013. Owners may contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331.
Campaign 13V030000 — check if this car was fixed
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2007-2010 Lexus LS vehicles manufactured May 9, 2006, to July 20, 2010, 2006-2011 Lexus GS vehicles manufactured January 6, 2005, to September 10, 2010, and 2006-2011...
Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will clean and reseal the fuel pressure sensor mounting area, free of charge. The recall began March 3, 2015. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331.
Campaign 14V647000 — check if this car was fixed
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2008-2011 Scion xB and Lexus IS F, 2009-2011 Toyota Corolla and Corolla Matrix, 2006-2011 Toyota Yaris, Lexus IS250 and Lexus IS350, 2010-2011 Toyota 4Runner, Lexus...
Remedy: Toyota will notify the Toyota and Lexus owners. General Motors will contact the Pontiac owners. Depending on the model, dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator or the air bag assembly, free of charge.
Campaign 16V340000 — check if this car was fixed
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2012 Toyota 4Runner, Corolla, Corolla Matrix, Sienna, Yaris, Scion xB, Lexus ES350, GX460, IS-F, IS250, IS350, IS250C, IS350C, and Lexus LFA vehicles originally sold, or ever...
Remedy: Toyota will notify the Toyota, Scion and Lexus owners. General Motors will contact the Pontiac owners. Depending on the model, dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator or the air bag assembly, free of charge.
Campaign 17V006000 — check if this car was fixed
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2010-2016 4Runner, 2003-2006 Tundra, 2003-2013 Corolla, 2009-2010 Corolla Matrix, 2004-2005 RAV4, 2002-2007 Sequoia, 2011-2013 Sienna, 2008-2012 Scion xB, 2008-2009 Lexus IS-F,...
Remedy: Toyota will notify owners. Depending on the vehicle model, dealers will replace the front driver inflator, front passenger airbag inflator, the airbag assembly, or the front passenger airbag sub-assembly and inflator.
Campaign 19V741000 — check if this car was fixed
Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2008 Lexus IS 250 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (38 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for structure issues (17 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine issues (14 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 13V030000 (visibility/wiper) has been completed.
- Verify recall 14V647000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
- Verify recall 16V340000 (air bags) has been completed.
- Verify recall 17V006000 (air bags) has been completed.
- Verify recall 19V741000 (air bags) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2008 Lexus IS 250 reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2008 Lexus IS 250 is rated "significantly worse".
What are the most common problems with the 2008 Lexus IS 250?
The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 30% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2008 Lexus IS 250 have?
5 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.