2008 Lexus IS
Not enough comparison years on file yet for a fair verdict.
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 |
|---|---|
| 1998 | 0 |
| 1999 | 1 |
| 2000 | 0 |
| 2001 | 1 |
| 2002 | 12 |
| 2003 | 12 |
| 2004 | 10 |
| 2005 | 12 |
| 2006 | 143 |
| 2007 | 122 |
| 2008 | 102 |
| 2009 | 40 |
| 2010 | 40 |
| 2011 | 15 |
| 2012 | 18 |
| 2013 | 9 |
| 2014 | 12 |
| 2015 | 9 |
| 2016 | 2 |
| 2017 | 10 |
| 2018 | 3 |
| 2019 | 2 |
| 2020 | 6 |
| 2021 | 2 |
| 2022 | 4 |
| 2023 | 5 |
| 2024 | 1 |
| 2025 | 1 |
| 2026 | 1 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
23% of complaints: structure — 23 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing body and door.
22% of complaints: engine — 22 distinct reports on file.
21% of complaints: air bags — 21 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing side/window.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
THE SRS AIRBAG LIGHT WENT OFF, NEEDS A NEW SENSOR WHICH IS AROUND $1700. THE AIRBAGS WON'T WORK UNLESS THE SENSOR IS REPLACED WHICH IS A HUGE SAFETY ISSUE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20160721
Also filed under ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I PURCHASED 2 BRAND NEW MICHELIN PILOT SPORT A/S PLUS 225/45/ZR17 91Y FOR MY 2008 LEXUS IS 250 INSTALLED AS FRONT TIRES AT COSTCO.
NHTSA ODI report, 20090209
11% of complaints: visibility/wiper — 11 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
The problem I am experiencing pertains to the dash of my Lexus IS 250. The dash cover has melted, most likely due to exposure to heat during sunny days.
NHTSA ODI report, 20231113
Also filed under UNKNOWN OR OTHER
6% of complaints: fuel/propulsion system — 6 distinct reports on file.
SAFETY TIMELINE
TOYOTA IS RECALLING 214,570 MY 2006-2008 LEXUS IS, MY 2006-2007 GS AND MY 2007-2008 LS PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH ALUMINUM FUEL DELIVERY PIPES (FUEL RAILS). ETHANOL FUELS WITH A LOW MOISTURE CO
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE THE FUEL DELIVERY PIPES FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING FEBRUARY 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA/LEXUS AT 1-800-255-3987.
Campaign 09V020000 — check if this car was fixed
TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2004-2010 PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL CAN GET STUCK IN THE WIDE OPEN POSITION DUE TO ITS BEING TRAPPED BY AN UNSECURED OR INCOMPATIBLE DRIVER'S FL
Remedy: TOYOTA FILED AN AMENDED DEFECT REPORT ON NOVEMBER 25, 2009, STATING THAT DEALERS WILL MODIFY THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL AND, ON CERTAIN VEHICLES, ALTER THE SHAPE OF THE FLOOR SURFACE UNDER THE PEDAL. THES
Campaign 09V388000 — check if this car was fixed
TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2006-2009 LEXUS IS AND MODEL YEAR 2006-2007 LEXUS GS VEHICLES. DUE TO INSUFFICIENT TIGHTENING OF THE FUEL PRESSURE SENSOR CONNECTED TO AN ENGINE FUEL DELIVERY P
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT FOR FUEL LEAKAGE FROM THE THREADED PORTION OF THE FUEL PRESSURE SENSOR AND IF A FUEL LEAK IS NOT CONFIRMED, DEALERS WILL FURTHER TIGHTEN THE FUEL PRESSURE SENSOR WITH THE PROPER T
Campaign 11V029000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2008 Lexus IS — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for structure issues (23 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine issues (22 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (21 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 09V020000 (engine and engine cooling) has been completed.
- Verify recall 09V388000 (vehicle speed control) has been completed.
- Verify recall 11V029000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 2008 Lexus IS reliable?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 2008 Lexus IS?
The most-reported component is structure, accounting for 23% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2008 Lexus IS have?
3 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.