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 that this may be related to catalytic converter damage caused by prolonged oil burning. I believe this may pose both a safety risk and an environmental concern, especially if the catalytic converter is compromised. I have not yet received any recall notices or service bulletins related to this issue, but I am aware that similar Toyota and Lexus models have had oil consumption problems tied to engine design.
The worst 2008 Lexus IS 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.
- Engine23
- Body22
- Airbags21
- Visibility13
- Fuel system7
- Electrical6
- Transmission5
- Acceleration4
- Steering4
- Lights3
- Seat belts3
- Brakes2
- Seats2
- Suspension1
Specific symptoms reported on the 2008 Lexus IS
Recalls 3
Fuel system, gasoline: delivery
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Remedy
- 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 number 11V029000 · 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
Engine and engine cooling
- What is wrong
- 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.
- 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.
Recall number 09V020000 · Recall details
Technical service bulletins for the 2008 Lexus IS 37
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- Some 2005 – 2026 Lexus vehicles that have undergone water intrusion may exhibit a condition in which a...
- Some 2016 – 2020 model year GS F, 2008 – 2014 model year IS F, 2022 – 2025 model year IS 500, 2018 – 2025...
- Some 2005 – 2024 Lexus vehicles that have undergone water intrusion may exhibit a condition in which a...
- Some 2005 – 2024 Lexus vehicles that have undergone water intrusion may exhibit a condition in which a...
- Vehicles may occasionally be subjected to contamination by airborne iron particles shed from railroad...
- Lexus vehicles are currently protected with RapgardTM protective film designed to protect the horizontal...
- Acid rain results from rainwater or other airborne moisture that become acidic due to industrial chemical...
- The condition known as acid rain is caused by airborne chemicals or particles in the atmosphere, which mix...
- To prevent brake rotor rust from forming during transportation and storage, wheel film will be used...
- CSP: On July 30, 2018, a settlement of claims for Economic Loss related to Takata airbag inflators was...
2008 Lexus IS 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5L 6‑cyl | 4WD | 20 | 26 | 22 |
What 2008 Lexus IS owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
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
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.
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
The problem I am experiencing pertains to the dash of my Lexus IS 250. The dash cover has melted, most likely due to exposure to heat during sunny days. This melting dash has created a dangerous situation, as it causes a glaring reflection on the windshield, impairing my vision while driving. This glare poses a significant safety risk to both my and other road users, especially during sunny days when the reflection becomes more pronounced. My primary concern is that despite being aware of this safety issue and having conducted a recall, Lexus has chosen to put a deadline on addressing this problem. This approach contradicts the fundamental principle of ensuring the safety and well-being of Lexus vehicle owners and other road users. The melting dash issue is a manufacturing fault, and it should be addressed regardless of when it manifests itself.
The contact owns a 2008 Lexus IS250. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the dashboard and the door panels melted causing the vehicle to become sticky. The vehicle was diagnosed and confirmed that there was a recall on melting dashboards, but the recall was no longer active. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and confirmed that the vehicle was not included in a recall. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.
The contact owns a 2008 Lexus IS250. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormally strong fuel odor coming from the vehicle. The failure persisted and the fuel light frequently illuminated on the instrument panel after refueling. The contact inspected the vehicle and discovered fuel residue in the fuel pressure sensor located by the intake manifold. Upon investigation, the contact discovered the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 18V432000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) which he linked to the failure. The manufacturer and the dealer were notified of the failure; however, the contact was informed that the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 102,000.
Upon starting vehicle, engine loudly rattles for aprox. One second as if something is loose. This instance is directly in line with lexus tsb "l-sb-0155-08" (engine - brief engine knock/rattle on cold start up). Further investigation shows this is a major concern as this involves a faulty camshaft assembly.
- The door panel and dashboard is melting under normal to warm weather conditions. Yes. - The rubber is degrading and coming off in pieces . I am concerned that inhalation or contact with this rubber material is a chemical hazard and/or carcinogenic. Also, the shiny sticky dash impedes my driving visibility with a constant glare. - Yes, Lexus offered a limited recall for 2-3 years only. I was never informed of the issue despite going to a Lexus dealership for another safety recall in 2017. - It has been inspected by Toyota but not Lexus. - The rubber began to noticeably degrade in 2019, however, it’s likely it began earlier. It has progressively worsened over time. The recall expired in 2018. I informed Lexus, who greedily stated that they could not help me despite them knowingly installing faulty, failing parts in the car, which may be carcinogenic, and as well as, negatively diminishes my visibility with a reflective glare. Plastic and rubber should not melt at normal temperatures and I have never encountered this issue with any car I’ve ever owned.
Dashboard and door panels are melting to the point that (short) nails get stuck every time we drive. Car is parked under a roof and it’s still melting. Poor visibility due to shine.
Compare the 2008 Lexus IS
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Questions about the 2008 Lexus IS
Is the 2008 Lexus IS reliable?
Owners have filed 102 complaints about the 2008 Lexus IS, 9.3 times a typical IS model year. It is one of the years we flag to avoid.
What is the 2008 Lexus IS year score?
The 2008 Lexus IS scores 5 out of 100 (poor). The score compares it with the other model years of the Lexus IS: 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 IS?
Engine and cooling, with 23 complaints, typically around 104,000 miles. Next is body (22).
How many recalls does the 2008 Lexus IS have?
3 recalls, covering fuel system, gasoline, vehicle speed control and engine and engine cooling.
What gas mileage does the 2008 Lexus IS get?
Official estimates for the 2008 Lexus IS range from 22 mpg combined. The most efficient version (2.5L 6-cyl, 4WD) gets 20 city and 26 highway.
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