MYRModel Year Report

2008 Lexus RX

◆ Worse than typical
2008 Lexus RX
RENDERED 2026-09-17T01:39:59.955Z

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.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Lexus RX Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 2008 highlighted. 1999: 35 complaints 1999 2000: 29 complaints 2001: 19 complaints 2002: 12 complaints 2003: 4 complaints 2003 2004: 40 complaints 2005: 27 complaints 2006: 32 complaints 2007: 58 complaints 2007 2008: 70 complaints 2008 2009: 34 complaints 2010: 76 complaints 2011: 29 complaints 2011 2012: 12 complaints 2013: 18 complaints 2014: 11 complaints 2015: 20 complaints 2015 2016: 28 complaints 2017: 47 complaints 2018: 25 complaints 2019: 34 complaints 2019 2020: 46 complaints 2021: 69 complaints 2022: 28 complaints 2023: 59 complaints 2023 2024: 55 complaints 2025: 18 complaints 2026: 6 complaints 2026
2008: 70 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
199935
200029
200119
200212
20034
200440
200527
200632
200758
200870
200934
201076
201129
201212
201318
201411
201520
201628
201747
201825
201934
202046
202169
202228
202359
202455
202518
20266

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.

SERVICE BRAKES 23%

23% of complaints: service brakes — 16 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing air.

ENGINE 21%

21% of complaints: engine — 15 distinct reports on file.

FIRE
Show 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

STRUCTURE 10%

10% of complaints: structure — 7 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing body and dashboard.

Show complaint excerpts

ALL FOUR TIRES NEEDED TO BE REPLACED IN A BRAND NEW VEHICLE AFTER ONLY 1000 MILES BECAUSE THE CAR IS TITLED TO THE LEFT AND MISALIGNED. AFTER SIX ATTEMPTS, TWO DIFFERENT DEALERS CAN'T GET THE DEFECTS FIXED. *TR

NHTSA ODI report, 20080613

Also filed under SUSPENSION

AIR BAGS 9%

9% of complaints: air bags — 6 distinct reports on file.

CRASH INJURY
Show 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

STEERING 7%

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

Also filed under ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

SAFETY TIMELINE

No recalls on file for this model year.

▮ 2008 — complaint volume: 70

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

2008 Lexus RX — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for service brakes issues (16 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for engine issues (15 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for structure issues (7 reports on file for this year).
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 2006 ▲ 2009 ▲ 1999

WORST YEARS

◆ 2010 ◆ 2021 ● 2023

See all years ranked →

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 23% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2008 Lexus RX have?

No recalls are on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.