VehicleVerdict

2008 Lexus LS problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 59 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 14.8 times the median LS year — the 2008 model ranks #1 of 30 LS years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

Brakes leads the complaint categories with 21 reports (36% of the total).

59

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

2

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2008 compare to other LS years?

LS NHTSA complaints by model year, 2008 highlighted59 complaints1994: 6 complaints1995: 2 complaints1996: 3 complaints1997: 1 complaints1998: 2 complaints1999: 3 complaints2000: 1 complaints2001: 3 complaints2002: 10 complaints2003: 1 complaints2004: 11 complaints2005: 6 complaints2006: 26 complaints2007: 58 complaints2008: 59 complaints2009: 23 complaints2010: 9 complaints2011: 12 complaints2012: 6 complaints2013: 8 complaints2014: 3 complaints2015: 3 complaints2016: 7 complaints2018: 19 complaints2019: 1 complaints2020: 0 complaints2021: 5 complaints2023: 1 complaints2024: 0 complaints2025: 3 complaints
LS NHTSA complaints by model year, 2008 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all LS years to avoid →

What are the most common 2008 Lexus LS problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Brakes2136%
Other1119%
Electrical System712%
Speed Control58%
Body & Structure58%
Engine47%
Visibility & Wipers23%
Fuel System23%
Suspension12%
Transmission12%

Does the 2008 Lexus LS have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

09V020000EngineJanuary 16, 2009 · 214,570 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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.

Remedy

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“WHEN PRESSING THE BRAKE PADDLE, I GET A CLICKING NOISES FROM THE BRAKES. HAPPY HE ONLY HAS 80,000 MILES. DON'T KNOW IF WAS IN THE ORIGINAL RECALL FROM LEXUS BUT FOR THE COST OF A REPAIR THAT THEY KNEW WAS GOING TO. E A PROBLEM THEY SHOULD ALL REPAIRS. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE AND I BELIEVE LEXUS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · January 10, 2018

“ I HAVE BEEN WAITING A LONG TIME TO GET THESE DEFECTIVE DOOR PANELS REPLACED ON MY LEXUS LS 460,2008 THESE PANNELS BECOME STICKY MOLTEN ,DISINTEGRATING IN SUMMER WHEN PARKED OUT DOOR”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · January 7, 2016

“MY LEXUS LS460 SPONTANEOUSLY STARTED ON FIRE IN A PUBLIC PARKING LOT. NO WARNING LIGHTS ,NO KNOWN CAR PROBLEMS. I HAD PARKED MY CAR TO RUN INTO A STORE. WHEN I TURNED IT OFF IT MADE A LOUD REPETITIVE CLACKING SOUND. I TURNED IT BACK ON AND TURNED IT OFF AGAIN. SAME THING. I TURNED IT BACK ON AND…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · February 8, 2019 · fire

“this vehicle stalled while driving on a highway without any sign or warning. on some occasions the vehicle will not stop. I reported this to Lexus company / Manufacturer”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · April 23, 2026

“I NOTICE A SMALL BUBBLE SPOT ON THE BOTTOM MIDDLE FRONT PASSAGE DOOR AND UP UNTIL THANKSGIVING 2020 A HUGE RUST SPOT. THAN ON DECEMBER 1 2020 I WAS AT A STORE SAW TWO OTHER LS460 WITH THE SAME RUST SPOT MIDDLE FRONT PASSENGER DOOR. IT'S NOT EASY TO REMOVE RUST SPOT I WOULD NEED TO GET A WHOLE NEW…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · May 12, 2018

2008 Lexus LS — common questions

Is the 2008 Lexus LS reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 59 complaints put the 2008 model at #1 of 30 LS years. It is one of the LS years to avoid.

What are the most common 2008 LS problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are brakes (21 complaints), other (11 complaints), electrical system (7 complaints).

Does the 2008 Lexus LS have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2008 Lexus LS. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Lexus LS years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the LS years to avoid are 2008, 2007. The cleanest record among LS years belongs to 2024.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.