VehicleVerdict

2008 Lexus Rx Hybrid problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 78 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 19.5 times the median Rx Hybrid year — the 2008 model ranks #2 of 21 Rx Hybrid years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Complainants reported 14 injuries in total across these filings.

Brakes leads the complaint categories with 23 reports (30% of the total).

78

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

1

Investigations

28

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

14

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2008 compare to other Rx Hybrid years?

Rx Hybrid NHTSA complaints by model year, 2008 highlighted214 complaints2004: 0 complaints2005: 3 complaints2006: 214 complaints2007: 75 complaints2008: 78 complaints2010: 13 complaints2011: 17 complaints2012: 4 complaints2013: 12 complaints2014: 3 complaints2015: 13 complaints2016: 13 complaints2017: 18 complaints2018: 4 complaints2019: 3 complaints2020: 2 complaints2021: 0 complaints2022: 0 complaints2023: 0 complaints2024: 1 complaints2025: 1 complaints
Rx Hybrid NHTSA complaints by model year, 2008 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Rx Hybrid years to avoid →

What are the most common 2008 Lexus Rx Hybrid problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Brakes2329%
Speed Control1924%
Electrical System79%
Steering56%
Fuel System45%
Airbags34%
Engine34%
Lighting34%
Body & Structure34%
Visibility & Wipers34%
Tires & Wheels23%
Other23%
Transmission11%

Does the 2008 Lexus Rx Hybrid have recalls?

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

13V396000Fuel SystemSeptember 4, 2013 · 133,081 units

Defect

Toyota is recalling certain model year 2006-2010 Highlander hybrid vehicles manufactured February 16, 2005, through July 29, 2010; and model year 2006-2008 Lexus RX400h vehicles manufactured February 23, 2005, through December 2, 2008. The Intelligent Power Module (IPM) inside the inverter module may contain transistors that have higher operating temperatures than the solder can support and the transistors may be heat damaged by the solder. If this occurs, various warning lamps, including the malfunction indicator lamp, slip indicator light, brake system warning light, and master warning light, will be illuminated on the instrument panel.

Consequence

The vehicle may enter a fail-safe/limp-home mode that limits the drivability of the vehicle. It is possible that the hybrid system will shut down while the vehicle is being driven, causing the vehicle to stall unexpectedly, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the IPM free of charge. Owners may contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331. Vehicles that had their IPM replaced under recall 11V-342 are not affected by this campaign.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 LEXUS RX400H. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH AND ATTEMPTING TO PARK, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED BUT THE BRAKES FAILED TO RESPOND. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE DROVE OVER A CURB AND CRASHED INTO TREES AND BUSHES. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · August 1, 2015 · crash

“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 LEXUS RX400H. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ON APRIL 16, 2010, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED WHEN THE DRIVER DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL AT 2 MPH. THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A CURB AND THEN A TREE. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED A HIP INJURY AND A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CURRENT AND…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · April 16, 2010 · crash

“WHILE ATTEMPTING TO BACK INTO A PARKING SPACE, ACCELERATOR STUCK IN DOWN POSITION, BRAKES LOCKED UP, ENGINE ACCELERATED TO VERY FAST RATE, STEERING WOULD NOT RESPOND RESULTING IN MY CAR SLAMMING INTO FRONT END OF CAR PARKED BEHIND ME AT A HIGH RATE OF SPEED. MY CAR THEN ACCELERATED FORWARD…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · February 3, 2016 · crash

“WHILE TURNING INTO PARKING LOT FROM ROAD BUMPED THE RIGHT FRONT TIRE INTO CURB AT APPROX 4 MPH. POWER STEERING IMMEDIATELY CEASED TO FUNCTION. TOLD BY TOYOTA MECHANIC THAT A HIGH VOLTAGE POWER SPIKE DESTROYED THE POWER STEERING COMPUTER. PAID $1050 FOR REPLACEMENT OF POWER STEERING COMPUTER. DOES…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · August 25, 2010

“A MOMENT OF TERROR IN MY LEXUS 2008 RX400H ON MAY 01 I WAS DRIVING HOME FROM WORK. ON BUSY ROUTE 111 IN NH. IN HEAVY TRAFFIC I LOST ALL POWER. ALL THE LIGHTS ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL WENT ON. IT WAS ALMOST A MULTICAR PILEUP. WITH SCREECHING TIRES AND CARS MAKING PANIC STOPS IT WAS A WONDER THAT…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · May 1, 2013

2008 Lexus Rx Hybrid — common questions

Is the 2008 Lexus Rx Hybrid reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 78 complaints put the 2008 model at #2 of 21 Rx Hybrid years. It is one of the Rx Hybrid years to avoid.

What are the most common 2008 Rx Hybrid problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are brakes (23 complaints), speed control (19 complaints), electrical system (7 complaints).

Does the 2008 Lexus Rx Hybrid have recalls?

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

Is the 2008 Lexus Rx Hybrid under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Lexus Rx Hybrid years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Rx Hybrid years to avoid are 2006, 2008, 2007. The cleanest record among Rx Hybrid years belongs to 2023.

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.