2008 Lexus LS
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 |
|---|---|
| 1994 | 4 |
| 1995 | 2 |
| 1996 | 1 |
| 1997 | 1 |
| 1998 | 2 |
| 1999 | 3 |
| 2000 | 1 |
| 2001 | 3 |
| 2002 | 7 |
| 2003 | 1 |
| 2004 | 8 |
| 2005 | 5 |
| 2006 | 17 |
| 2007 | 45 |
| 2008 | 43 |
| 2009 | 13 |
| 2010 | 8 |
| 2011 | 9 |
| 2012 | 5 |
| 2013 | 5 |
| 2014 | 3 |
| 2015 | 2 |
| 2016 | 5 |
| 2018 | 13 |
| 2019 | 1 |
| 2020 | 0 |
| 2021 | 5 |
| 2023 | 1 |
| 2024 | 0 |
| 2025 | 1 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
40% of complaints: service brakes — 17 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
These Vehicles have a ongoing problem with the brake actuator. Lexus I'm sure Is aware of the problem I believe they should take care of it. It's a really expensive fix that we as customers shouldn't have to be responsible for.
NHTSA ODI report, 20240321
LEXUS ADMITS THAT THE ABS BRAKE ACCUMULATOR IS SUSPECT TO INTERNAL LEAKS WHICH CAN LEAD TO LACK OF BRAKING ABILITY. HUGE SAFETY ISSUE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20160726
LEXUS HAS A FAULTY BRAKE ACTUATOR DESIGN. IT'S MAKING CLUNKING REPETITIVE NOISES WHEN BRAKES ARE DEPRESSED. LEXUS KNOWS OF THIS FAULTY DESIGN BUT REFUSES TO REPLACE BECAUSE THEY SAY IT'S NOT A SAFETY ISSUE. THE NOISE ALONE WILL DRIVE YOU CRAZY.
NHTSA ODI report, 20140516
12% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 5 distinct reports on file.
12% of complaints: structure — 5 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
THIS PROBLEM IS A KNOWN ISSUE AND IS COMMONLY REFERRED TO "MELTING DASH" OR "STICK INTERIOR PANELS". THERE IS A TSB L-SB-0144-11. THE PROBLEM IS THAT THE INTERIOR VINYL PANELS START DISINTEGRATING OR MELTING IN HOT CLIMATES.
NHTSA ODI report, 20160722
9% of complaints: engine — 4 distinct reports on file.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
MY LEXUS LS460 SPONTANEOUSLY STARTED ON FIRE IN A PUBLIC PARKING LOT. NO WARNING LIGHTS ,NO KNOWN CAR PROBLEMS. I HAD PARKED MY CAR TO RUN INTO A STORE. WHEN I TURNED IT OFF IT MADE A LOUD REPETITIVE CLACKING SOUND.
NHTSA ODI report, 20190208
9% of complaints: electronic stability control (esc) — 4 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
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2008 Lexus LS — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for service brakes issues (17 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for vehicle speed control issues (5 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for structure issues (5 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 09V020000 (engine and engine cooling) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 2008 Lexus LS 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 LS?
The most-reported component is service brakes, accounting for 40% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2008 Lexus LS have?
1 recall on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.