The contact owns a 2008 Lexus ES350. The contact stated that the TPMS warning light showed that the tire pressure was low. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer to be repaired. While attempting to reverse out of a parking lot, the vehicle independently accelerated forward at 60 MPH. The contact was able to maneuver the vehicle out of the parking lot to avoid a crash. The vehicle decelerated independently. The contact pulled over and turned off the vehicle. After waiting for a while, the contact drove the vehicle home at slow speeds. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 49,000. The contact deemed the vehicle unsafe to drive and decided to sell it. The vehicle was sold to Carmax instead of to the dealership because they offered more money. But the contact still suffered a significant financial loss so they are requesting a reimbursement for the remainder of the value at which they purchased the vehicle.
The worst 2008 Lexus ES350 problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Airbags170
- Acceleration39
- Body12
- Electrical9
- Engine7
- Visibility7
- Brakes5
- Steering4
- Driver assistance2
- Lights2
- Transmission2
- Locks1
- Seat belts1
- Suspension1
- Wheels1
Specific symptoms reported on the 2008 Lexus ES350
Recalls 4
Air bags: frontal: passenger side: inflator module
- What is wrong
- Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2010-2016 4Runner, 2003-2006 Tundra, 2003-2013 Corolla, 2009-2010 Corolla Matrix, 2004-2005 RAV4, 2002-2007 Sequoia, 2011-2013 Sienna, 2008-2012 Scion xB, 2008-2009 Lexus IS-F, 2007-2012 Yaris and Lexus ES350, 2010-2017 Lexus GX460, 2002-2010 Lexus SC430, 2006-2012 Lexus IS250 and IS350 and 2010-2015 Lexus IS250C and IS350C vehicles. These vehicles had their driver or passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior recall using inflators of the same design. The inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
- Risk
- An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- Remedy
- Toyota will notify owners. Depending on the vehicle model, dealers will replace the front driver inflator, front passenger airbag inflator, the airbag assembly, or the front passenger airbag sub-assembly and inflator. The recall began November 20, 2019. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1‑888‑270‑9371 or Lexus customer service at 1‑800‑255‑3987. Toyota's numbers for this recall are J0A, J0B, and J0C. Lexus' numbers for this recall are JLI, JLJ, and JLK.
Recall number 19V741000 · Recall details
Air bags: frontal: passenger side: inflator module
- What is wrong
- Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2012 Toyota 4Runner, Corolla, Corolla Matrix, Sienna, Yaris, Scion xB, Lexus ES350, GX460, IS-F, IS250, IS350, IS250C, IS350C, and Lexus LFA vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands, or "Zone A." Additionally, unless included in "Zone A" above, Toyota is recalling certain 2009 Toyota Corolla, Corolla Matrix, Yaris, Yaris HB, Scion xB, Pontiac Vibe, Lexus, ES350, IS250, IS350, and IS-F vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia, or "Zone B." Additionally, unless included in "Zone A" or "Zone B" above, Toyota is recalling certain 2006-2008 Lexus IS250 and IS350, 2007-2008 Lexus ES350, Toyota Yaris, Yaris HB, and 2008 Lexus IS-F and Scion xB vehicles originally sold, or ever registered in Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin and Wyoming. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
- Risk
- An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- Remedy
- Toyota will notify the Toyota, Scion and Lexus owners. General Motors will contact the Pontiac owners. Depending on the model, dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator or the air bag assembly, free of charge. The recall began on February 1, 2017. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1‑800‑331‑4331, or Pontiac customer service at 1‑800‑762‑2737. Toyota's numbers for final remedy for this campaign are G0P (Toyota Zone A), G0R (Toyota Zone B), H0A (Toyota Zone C), GLG (Lexus Zone A), GLH (Lexus Zone B) and HLA (Lexus Zone C).
Recall number 17V006000 · Recall details
Air bags: frontal: passenger side: inflator module
- What is wrong
- Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2008-2011 Scion xB and Lexus IS F, 2009-2011 Toyota Corolla and Corolla Matrix, 2006-2011 Toyota Yaris, Lexus IS250 and Lexus IS350, 2010-2011 Toyota 4Runner, Lexus IS250C, Lexus IS350C and Lexus GX460, 2011 Sienna, 2007-2011 Lexus ES350, and 2009-2010 Pontiac Vibe vehicles, originally sold, or ever registered, in Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands, or "Zone A." Additionally, unless included in "Zone A" above, Toyota is recalling certain model year 2008 Scion xB and Lexus IS F, 2007-2008 Toyota Yaris, 2006-2008 Lexus IS250 and Lexus IS350 and 2007-2008 Lexus ES350 vehicles, originally sold, or ever registered, in Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia, or "Zone B." Vehicles of these model years and models that were not originally sold or ever registered in either Zones A or B are not subject to this safety recall. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the front air bags, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
- Risk
- An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- Remedy
- Toyota will notify the Toyota and Lexus owners. General Motors will contact the Pontiac owners. Depending on the model, dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator or the air bag assembly, free of charge. The recall began on December 6, 2016. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1‑800‑331‑4331. Toyota's numbers for interim notification for this campaign are G1P (Toyota Zone A), G1R (Toyota Zone B), G2G (Lexus Zone A), and G2H (Lexus Zone B). Toyota's numbers for final remedy for this campaign are G0P (Toyota Zone A), G0R (Toyota Zone B), GLG (Lexus Zone A), and GLH (Lexus Zone B).
Recall number 16V340000 · Recall details
Vehicle speed control: accelerator pedal
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Remedy
- 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 number 09V388000 · Recall details
See all 4 recalls for the 2008 Lexus ES350
Defect investigations
Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture
From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at all frontal inflators using propellant 2004 that do not contain a "desiccant" (a substance that traps and holds moisture) in US vehicles are under recall. These "non-desiccated" inflators either have been or are required to be replaced.In some cases, the remedy part for these recalled inflators was, or will be, an inflator using either propellant 2004 or 2004L that does contain a desiccant. None of these "desiccated" remedy parts (which were installed in older model year vehicles) are currently under recall for a degradation concern. Certain subsets of desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004 for use as original equipment, however, have been recalled for a degradation concern. All Takata inflators produced with propellant 2004L contain desiccant, and none of these desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L are under recall for a degradation concern. There have been no reported field ruptures in any non-recalled desiccated PSAN inflators.It is understood that desiccants fully saturate at some threshold, at which point any additional moisture will not be captured. This means the degradation process observed in non-desiccated inflators using propellant 2004 may also occur in non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004, assuming additional moisture enters the inflator and high temperature cycling occurs. Based on available information, desiccant saturation can occur within the first five years in the worst environments, and the time required for full saturation is affected by multiple factors. While no present safety risk has been identified, further work is needed to evaluate the future risk of non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004.Three entities -- Takata (now known as TK Global), the Independent Testing Coalition, and Exponent -- have been studying the long-term behavior of Takata desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004L (as well as 2004) in the presence of moisture and temperature cycling. The research efforts, which include development of predictive modeling techniques and field sample analysis, are ongoing. To date, none of the researchers have identified field evidence showing that propellant 2004L is undergoing a degradation process that leads to aggressive deployment and potential rupture. However, the time in service of such inflators remains short compared to that of the inflators using propellant 2004. Further study is needed to assess the long-term safety of desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L.The Office of Defects Investigation is opening this investigation to examine whether a safety defect related to propellant degradation exists in non-recalled desiccated PSAN frontal inflators manufactured by Takata. This investigation will require extensive information on Takata production processes and surveys of inflators in the field. Lists of recall actions that may have used desiccated PSAN inflators as remedy parts, as well as the makes and models originally manufactured with them, is available with the downloadable version of this document (see -- note this information is subject to change/revision as the investigation proceeds). This investigation does not supersede EA15-001, which remains open.
EA21002
Unwanted acceleration, floor mat
The driver side floor mat will not interfere with the throttle pedal if properly secured using the retaining hooks provided by toyota.however, if the all weather mat is unsecured and moves forward from its intended position it can entrap the throttle pedal at the fully open position after it has been depressed.this can happen regardless of whether or not another mat (carpet) is underneath.when this occurs, some operators react by applying the brake pedal multiple times, depleting the braking system's (vacuum based) power assist.stopping the vehicle with unassisted braking while the throttle is fully open requires significant pedal force, which some operators did not, or were unable to, apply for the required duration.continued driving in this condition results in overheated brakes, which further diminishes the braking effectiveness.some operators attempted to turn the vehicle off by depressing the engine control button, however they were unaware the button had to be depressed for three seconds to stop the engine when the vehicle is in motion; this functionality was not explained adequately in the owner's manual.in odi interviews, owner's reported they were unaware the all weather mat had the potential to interfere with the throttle pedal, advising that this was never properly explained given the significant hazard it represented.owners reported several explanations for why the mat was unsecured, including that the vehicle was delivered in this condition (most common reason), or that they had (unwittingly) installed the mat themselves, or that another party, such as a car wash attendant, had disturbed the mat without the owner's knowledge.one consumer reported that their vehicle was delivered without the retaining devices installed.in a september 26, 2007 letter to the federal safety agency, toyota indicated that they would conduct a safety recall to replace the all weather mat with a redesigned mat.according to toyota, the new mat design will reduce the potential for mat interference with the throttle pedal.the population noted above represents the number of subject matsthat have been sold in the united states.since toyota cannot identify which vehicles may have the subject mats, they will send a letter to all registered owners of the subject vehicles (estimated 750k) advising them of the concern and remedy.a copy of that letter will be posted to the federal safety agency's web site under recall 07e-082; it contains a description of the condition and the actions an operator should take in the event throttle entrapment occurs while driving.the fatality incident noted above occurred in july 2007 and was investigated by the federal safety agency's special crash investigations office.it has not been reported on a vehicle owner questionnaire.the operator reportedly travelled at speeds in excess of 100 MPH for an estimated eight miles on an interstate in california before it struck two other vehicles.one of the struck vehicles and the subject vehicle caught fire.the occupant of the struck vehicle did not evaculate and died at the scene.the subject vehicle driver suffered a broken bone.the california highway patrol is investigating the incident also.odi did not issue an information request letter during this investigation.the toyota reports noted above were reported during preliminary evaluation pe07-016 and are current through april 2007 for my 2007 lexus es350 only.odi does not have field experience data from toyota for camry vehicles.throttle entrapment due to improperly installed floor mats could be a concern in all vehicles.therefore, drivers should always ensure their floor mats are properly and safely installed.this incl
EA07010
Technical service bulletins for the 2008 Lexus ES350 174
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- CSP: On July 30, 2018, a settlement of claims for Economic Loss related to Takata airbag inflators was...
- CSP: Takata CSP Coverage Job Aid
- Lexus Safety Recall and Service Campaign
- This Service Bulletin includes procedures to replace damaged or loose front carpet floor retainer(s)...
- Some 2005 ? 2022 model year Lexus vehicles that have undergone water intrusion may exhibit a condition in...
- POL: This consolidated Tire Warranty Guide contains the complete warranty terms for all brands of ground...
- For proper calibration of the millimeter wave radar sensor, the vehicle and radar target must be on a...
- Some 2007 ? 2022 model year Lexus vehicles in particular geographic areas may exhibit a condition where...
- Obsolete notice
- Lexus Safety Recall and Service Campaign
2008 Lexus ES350 fuel economy
Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.
| Engine | Drive | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5L 6‑cyl | FWD | 19 | 27 | 22 |
What 2008 Lexus ES350 owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 lexus es350. The contact stated that the dashboard was melted and there was a glare on the front windshield. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact called hennessy lexus of gwinnett (3383 satellite blvd, duluth, ga 30096 (770) 680-1000) but was not diagnosed nor repaired. The contact was informed the warranty policy expired. The manufacturer was contacted but no further assistance was provided. The failure mileage was unknown.*dt
I recently just found out that my dashboard melt, and sticky. If I'm driving in the sun , the reflection of the sun caused the blindspot that I could not see. Also, the stickiness is causing the smell and it's not healthy.
The dashboard was melting, I called the lexus corp today and found out that the warranty has expired since last year but I just discovered the problem last sunday.
Trunk release button that allows trunk to be opened melted. Not sure what caused the rubber button to melt and render the release of the trunk inoperable. Car was never subjected to chemicals or undue heat. Something caused the button to melt after a period of time. Possible fire hazard if not replaced? The car is kept year round in new jersey and is subject to seasonal changes but not in a year round hot climate such as the southern states. The service manager refused to help with the replacement cost. The mechanic there who looked at it said he sees it all the time.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 lexus es350. The contact stated that the dashboard was fractured and melted. The fracture began from the passenger side to the ignition area. The dashboard was broken into pieces and exposed the ignition, which caused the key to be loose. The contact spoke with sterling mccall lexus (10025 southwest freeway, houston, tx 77074, (713) 995-2600) and was informed that the vehicle's warranty had expired. The manufacturer was contacted and advised the contact that the dashboard replacement program had expired for the 2008 lexus es350. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was 118,000.
Battery failed to discharge in numerous occasions (stationary-parked at my residence-28,012 ml on this 2008 es 350), required triple aaa charge. Lexus service center stated "I needed a new battery & alternator." I had the alternator & battery replaced on 12/15/2018 (not cheap). Then on 02/17/2019, I had the exact same problem, battery not discharging. Fyi, this is my 2nd lexus. 1st lexus owned was a 1991 es 250, never had problems with that car until it reached 117,000 miles. This is too stressful. What is happening with lexus (toyota). They once were the best cars on the road???????
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 lexus es350. Due to the glare of the sun, the dashboard melted and become very sticky. The vehicle was taken to chatham parkway lexus (located at 1120 chatham pkwy, savannah, ga 31405, (912) 213-0005) for a routine oil service and the contact informed them of the dashboard. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 120,000. The VIN was not available.
Dashboard melting
I keep getting mail about the recall and have spoke to lexus several times in the past 2 years about the takata airbags each times someone tells me something different but there is no lexus dealer in my city and the closest is over 100 miles away in which I don't have money to take a trip. I'm worried about this situation because now they say don't even ride no one in the passenger seat that's a inconvenient I use this car to transport my kids to school,my job and lexus isn't helping and it's really they fault that I'm in this situation. If I could take the car to a shop in my city where I'm purchasing the car I would take the car to the shop but over 100 miles out and a 100 miles back home I can't afford that.
Compare the 2008 Lexus ES350
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Other model years
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Questions about the 2008 Lexus ES350
Is the 2008 Lexus ES350 reliable?
Owners have filed 255 complaints about the 2008 Lexus ES350, 11.6 times a typical ES350 model year. It is one of the years we flag to avoid.
What is the 2008 Lexus ES350 year score?
The 2008 Lexus ES350 scores 5 out of 100 (poor). The score compares it with the other model years of the Lexus ES350: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.
What is the most common problem with the 2008 Lexus ES350?
Airbags, with 170 complaints, typically around 64,000 miles. Next is acceleration (39).
How many recalls does the 2008 Lexus ES350 have?
4 recalls, covering air bags and vehicle speed control.
Was there a recall on the 2008 Lexus ES350 airbags?
Yes, 3 recalls: 19V741000, 17V006000, 16V340000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.
What year does the Lexus ES350 have bad airbags?
The Lexus ES350 model years with the most airbags complaints are 2007 (253 complaints), 2008 (170 complaints) and 2011 (145 complaints).
What gas mileage does the 2008 Lexus ES350 get?
Official estimates for the 2008 Lexus ES350 range from 22 mpg combined. The most efficient version (3.5L 6-cyl, FWD) gets 19 city and 27 highway.
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