There are no safety recalls for the 2008 Lexus RX, but owners have filed 70 complaints with NHTSA.
2008 Lexus RX problems reported by owners
| Problem area | Reports | |
|---|
| Engine | 15 | |
| Service Brakes | 15 | |
| Unknown or Other | 13 | |
| Structure | 7 | |
| Air Bags | 6 | |
| Steering | 5 | |
| Power Train | 5 | |
| Electrical System | 5 | |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 4 | |
| Exterior Lighting | 3 | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 3 | |
| Seat Belts | 2 | |
Most reported parts
- Structure › Body — 3
- Structure › Interior Panels › Dashboard — 2
- Electrical System › Instrument Panel › Speedometer/Odometer — 2
- Forward Collision Avoidance › Automatic Emergency Braking — 1
- Service Brakes, Air › Antilock › Abs Warning Light — 1
Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 114,366 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 RX complaints
Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.
Exterior Lighting · reported Aug 5, 2026
1. Ignition System: While driving the key in the ignition lock came out loose! Exremely frightened and managed to pull the car over to a driveway. But, the car could NOT be stoped using the key fob. Key will not work to stop the engine. Very unusual and unexpected incidence. 2. Lighting system switch: Suddenly the knob of the light switch came out loose with a plastic shaft and will not turn on the light. Very unsafe while driving and it became dark due to storm and rain, and I wanted to turn the headlights for safety. I beleive it is a manufaturing defect and causes severe safety issue.
Vehicle Speed Control · reported Jun 13, 2026
Dear Sir or Madam. My name is [XXX], [XXX], [XXX] living in [XXX]. I bought my 2008 Lexus RX400h car, used, in 2014 at a non-Lexus dealership in the [XXX] where I used to live. My Lexus VIN is: [XXX]. I've been satisfied with the car..until today. The car had been running smoothly forever, and this morning while I was driving I came to a stop (red light) and the car suddenly shut down completely, including the loss of lights, and the whole dashboard went dark. Other cars behind me were honking their horns. I could not even turn on the hazard lights. After 1-2 minutes, all of the…
Service Brakes · reported Apr 15, 2026
While trying to leave my driveway my brakes went out almost causing me to go through a pasture fence. On the dash board popped up ABS and VSC warning. Now the module and regulator is making a horrible sound. And clicks
Electrical System · at 278,000 miles · reported Aug 21, 2025
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2008 Lexus RX 350. The contact discovered a mileage discrepancy after the purchase. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 114,000. It was later discovered that the mileage on the Ownerâs Title was 265,000 based on a Carfax Report. After speaking to the son of the former owner, the contact was informed that the last known mileage was 278,000.
Visibility/Wiper · reported Jul 18, 2025
While driving my 2008 Lexus RX 350 on a hot day, the gum-like material from the interior door trim began to peel and smear across the inside of the driverâs side window as the window was rolled down. This completely obscured my view of the side mirror and rear surroundings, causing a sudden and dangerous loss of visibility. As a result, I was unable to see a nearby vehicle and collided with it while changing lanes. This appears to be a design flaw in the materials used in the door trim, which degrade and become sticky with heat and age, creating a serious safety hazard. This is not a…
Frequently asked questions
Does the 2008 Lexus RX have any recalls?
No. NHTSA has no safety recalls for the 2008 Lexus RX as of this update. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls for the latest status.
What is the most common problem with the 2008 Lexus RX?
Owners report engine problems most often (15 reports), followed by service brakes (15). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 114,366 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.