2008 Lexus RX350
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 |
|---|---|
| 2004 | 0 |
| 2005 | 0 |
| 2006 | 0 |
| 2007 | 167 |
| 2008 | 126 |
| 2009 | 97 |
| 2010 | 94 |
| 2011 | 30 |
| 2012 | 33 |
| 2013 | 29 |
| 2014 | 15 |
| 2015 | 42 |
| 2016 | 58 |
| 2017 | 46 |
| 2018 | 18 |
| 2019 | 31 |
| 2020 | 7 |
| 2021 | 1 |
| 2022 | 10 |
| 2023 | 4 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
19% of complaints: structure — 24 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing body and hatchback/liftgate.
INJURY14% of complaints: steering — 18 distinct reports on file.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
I HAD MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE PULLING INTO A PARKING SPACE WHEN I FELT A QUICK ACCELERATION SURGING MY CAR FORWARD, LOCKING MY STEERING WHEEL CAUSING ME TO PLOW ONTO A PARKED TRUCK. I HAD TO BE TOWED TO REPAIR SHOP. STEERING BECAME DIFFICULT.
NHTSA ODI report, 20171104
Also filed under VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL and SERVICE BRAKES
13% of complaints: electrical system — 17 distinct reports on file.
12% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 15 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing accelerator pedal.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
AS A LEXUS OWNER AND INTERNATIONAL JOURNALIST (WASHINGTON, DC) I HEREBY LODGE A FORMAL COMPLAINT AGAINST LEXUS USA/TMS OFFICES IN TORRANCE, CA.
NHTSA ODI report, 20091130
10% of complaints: engine — 12 distinct reports on file.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
AT 65,000 MILES VEHICLE HAD A MAJOR BREAKDOWN. SERPENTINE BELT RUPTURED CAUSING FIRE AND SMOKE INSIDE THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT AND BOTH INSIDE THE CABIN AND OUTSIDE. GAS PEDAL BECAME INOPERATIVE AND VEHICLE HAD TO BE TOWED TO A REPAIR FACILITY.
NHTSA ODI report, 20120814
Also filed under POWER TRAIN
SAFETY TIMELINE
No recalls on file for this model year.
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2008 Lexus RX350 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for structure issues (24 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for steering issues (18 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (17 reports on file for this year).
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2008 Lexus RX350 reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2008 Lexus RX350 is rated "significantly worse".
What are the most common problems with the 2008 Lexus RX350?
The most-reported component is structure, accounting for 19% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2008 Lexus RX350 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.