2008 Lexus IS recalls and problems

The 2008 Lexus IS has 3 safety recalls and 103 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Lexus dealer.

Recalls
3
Complaints
103
Crashes / fires
4 / 0
Injuries / deaths
4 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2008 Lexus IS vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2008 Lexus IS recalls

Recall 11V-029: Fuel System, Gasoline

Reported Jan 26, 2011 · 244,779 vehicles affected · TOYOTA MOTOR NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Problem: 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 pipe with nickel phosphorus plating, there is a possibility that, over time, the pressure sensor could loosen. If loosening occurs, fuel could leak past a gasket used in the connection between the sensor and the pipe and through the threaded portion of the sensor.

Risk: Fuel leakage, in the presence of an ignition source, could result in a fire.

Fix: 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 torque. If a fuel leak is confirmed, the gasket between the sensor and the fuel deliver pipe will be replaced with a new one, and the sensor will be tightened with the proper torque. This service will be performed free of charge. The safety recall began on march 7, 2011. Owners may contact toyota at 1-800-331-4331.

Recall 09V-388: Vehicle Speed Control

Reported Oct 5, 2009 · 4,445,056 vehicles affected · TOYOTA MOTOR NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Problem: 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 floor mat.

Risk: A stuck open accelerator pedal may result in very high vehicle speeds and make it difficult to stop the vehicle, which could cause a crash, serious injury or death.

Fix: 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. These changes address the risk of pedal entrapment due to interference with the floor mat. Redesigned accelerator pedals will become available beginning in april 2010 and dealers will replace any modified pedal with the new pedal if desired. Also, dealers will replace any genuine toyota or lexus all-weather floor mats with redesigned all-weather mats, or repurchase the previous mats from owners who do not want the new ones. Additionally, software modifications will be installed on camry, avalon and lexus es 350, is 350 and is 250 models that will ensure that the brake overrides the accelerator in the event both brake and accelerator pedals are applied. Toyota will begin mailing letters to owners on december 31, 2009. Owners may contact toyota at 1-800-331-4331, lexus at 1-800-255-3987.

Recall 09V-020: Engine and Engine Cooling

Reported Jan 16, 2009 · 214,570 vehicles affected · TOYOTA MOTOR NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Problem: 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 content will corrode the internal surface of the fuel rails. As this condition progresses, the engine malfunction indicator light may illuminate.

Risk: Over time, the corrosion may create a pinhole resulting in fuel leakage. Fuel leakage, in the presence of an ignition source, could result in a fire.

Fix: 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.

2008 Lexus IS problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Unknown or Other24
Structure23
Engine23
Air Bags21
Visibility/Wiper11
Electrical System7
Fuel/Propulsion System7
Power Train5
Vehicle Speed Control4
Steering4
Exterior Lighting3
Seat Belts3

Most reported parts

  • Structure › Body — 7
  • Air Bags › Side/Window — 1
  • Structure › Body › Door — 1
  • Visibility › Power Window Devices and Controls — 1
  • Visibility › Rearview Mirrors/Devices › Interior — 1
  • Structure › Interior Panels › Dashboard — 1
  • Structure › Interior Panels › Door — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 83,000 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2008 Lexus IS complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Fuel/Propulsion System · reported Nov 11, 2026
I’ve only owned this car maybe 4-5 years and I’ve had to replace many parts including the alternator. Recently I stopped at Advance Auto and the technician hooked my car up and said the voltage to the battery was pushing over 1000 and shouldn’t be no more than 650. Battery replaced and still having problems. Could it be electrical? The catalytic converters are also reading codes and so are the 02 sensors etc. I’ve replaced them and the car still isn’t functioning correctly. I’m not sure what more to do. I’ve had technicians use scanners etc and at this point I see recalls for…
Engine · reported Apr 17, 2025
Vehicle: 2008 Lexus IS350 Issue: Excessive oil consumption and fuel/exhaust odor I am experiencing what I believe is excessive oil consumption with my 2008 Lexus IS350. I’ve had to regularly add oil between scheduled oil changes, and I’ve noticed that the oil level is frequently low with no external leaks visible. I’m concerned that this may indicate a known issue with piston rings or internal engine components. In addition to the oil issue, I have recently started smelling strong gas or exhaust fumes while the engine is running, especially at idle or when the car is warm. I am worried…
Structure · reported Jun 15, 2024
The dashboard is melting and makes a glare on the windshield making it hard to see the dashboard is melting and sticky also on the door panels I almost crashed when I couldn’t see due to the glare of the melting dashboard reflecting on the windshield
Engine · reported Mar 27, 2024
I was driving approx. 60 entering on ramp of freeway when car suddenly loses power to accelerator not entire car, i almost was hit by other drivers i couldnt accelerate or anything. I panicked then started pumping accelerator then it finally catches and sped up. I immediately got off freeway. Then next day CEL, Check VSC light and skid light all came on. This car is very dangerous. WHATCAN I DO??? I refuse to use the freeway until this problem is resolved.
Exterior Lighting · reported Jan 8, 2024
From my past research I’ve noticed there were recalls about the headlight ballast flashing, and getting replaced my car has this problem but never had a recall. The rear view mirror is fading and turning black making me not able to see. And all of my interior is becoming shiny and brittle making it hard to see out of my vehicle at anytime of day or night

Other Lexus IS years

Compare all Lexus IS years · All Lexus models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2008 Lexus IS have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2008 Lexus IS: 11V-029 (fuel system, gasoline), 09V-388 (vehicle speed control), 09V-020 (engine and engine cooling). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2008 Lexus IS?

Owners report unknown or other problems most often (24 reports), followed by structure (23). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 83,000 miles.

Are Lexus recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Lexus dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.