2008 Lexus RX
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 PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1999 | 35 |
| 2000 | 29 |
| 2001 | 19 |
| 2002 | 12 |
| 2003 | 4 |
| 2004 | 40 |
| 2005 | 27 |
| 2006 | 31 |
| 2007 | 58 |
| 2008 | 69 |
| 2009 | 34 |
| 2010 | 75 |
| 2011 | 29 |
| 2012 | 11 |
| 2013 | 18 |
| 2014 | 11 |
| 2015 | 20 |
| 2016 | 27 |
| 2017 | 45 |
| 2018 | 24 |
| 2019 | 33 |
| 2020 | 44 |
| 2021 | 69 |
| 2022 | 26 |
| 2023 | 53 |
| 2024 | 52 |
| 2025 | 17 |
| 2026 | 1 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
22% of complaints: service brakes — 15 distinct reports on file.
22% of complaints: engine — 15 distinct reports on file.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
2008 LEXUS RX350 WAS PARKED IN GARAGE WITH ENGINE HOT. ONE MINUTE AFTER THE ENGINE STOPPED, IT CAUGHT ON FIRE AND REQUIRED THE FIRE DEPARTMENT TO FINALLY PUT IT OUT.
NHTSA ODI report, 20210307
9% of complaints: air bags — 6 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
The contact owned a 2008 Lexus RX 350. The contact stated while driving approximately 20 MPH, the contact was crashed into by another vehicle on the driver's side door. The contact stated that the driver's side air bags did not deploy.
NHTSA ODI report, 20220926
7% of complaints: steering — 5 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
THE WATER PUMP WENT AND WHILE REPLACED THE RACK AND PINION IS LEEKING.....SEEMS EARLY FOR PROBLEMS WITH THESE CARS AND MAYBE A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE! *TR
NHTSA ODI report, 20130514
6% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 4 distinct reports on file.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
I put my 2008 Lexus in reverse and had my foot on the brakes the entire time as I was on an incline. Suddenly , without provocation, the car propelled backwards and as much as I pumped the brakes, the car continued to hurl backwards full speed.
NHTSA ODI report, 20240309
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 LEXUS RX8. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE ENTERING A PARKING SPACE, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED AND CRASHED INTO A WALL. THERE WAS EXTENSIVE FRONT END DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20121016
VEHICLE WAS BEING DRIVEN BY DENICA GORDON-MANDEL (WIFE). DRIVER WAS ON TOP FLOOR OF A PARKING GARAGE ADJOINING A DEPARTMENT STORE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20071113
SAFETY TIMELINE
No recalls on file for this model year.
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2008 Lexus RX — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for service brakes issues (15 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine issues (15 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (6 reports on file for this year).
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2008 Lexus RX reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2008 Lexus RX is rated "worse than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2008 Lexus RX?
The most-reported component is service brakes, accounting for 22% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2008 Lexus RX have?
No recalls are on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.