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.
2008 Lexus IS engine problems
23 complaints (23% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 104,000.
- owner complaints
- 23
- of this car's complaints
- 23%
- typical mileage
- 104,000
- crashes
- 0
- recalls
- 1
Which part fails
Owners did not name a specific part.
At what mileage
Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.
Lexus IS engine problems in other years
Related recalls
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
What 2008 Lexus IS owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
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.
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.
This vehicle has an oil consumption problem the same as other toyota vehicles in the class action lawsuit relating to owners having to constantly spend money on oil due to a defect in the engine. This toyota/lexus engine defect consumes oil and this problem grows worst as the vehicles get older. Toyota knew of this issue but did not inform customers, and will not help in the repair or do a recall. This problem can cause the engine to fail and cause a host of other issues.
The car has extremely high oil consumption. The cylinder walls have apparently prematurely worn down despite timely oil changes and maintenance. I am having to put 2 quarts of oil for every 1,000 miles at this point.
2008 lexus is 250 exhibits a brief rattle noise (approximately 1-3 seconds) at start-up. The issue was diagnosed by a lexus dealership which recommended replacing the cam gear assembly associated with the variable valve timing (vvt) system. The vvt gear housing and sprocket could separate and result in the engine stopping while the vehicle is being driven, increasing the risk of a crash. The same symptoms, diagnosis, and recommended repair were subject of the toyota safety recall 13v‑395. The recall excluded the 2008 lexus is 250, however included the 2006-2011 lexus is 350, 2010-2011 lexus is 350c, and the 2006-2011 gs 350 models. The same diagnosis and recommended repair was determined to be a safety issue in the models above, but is not in the 2008 lexus is 250?
Car shakes when stopped, hesitation when pressing gas pedal
Ever since I had this car, I always had the constant problem of a weird engine smell of rotten eggs, it overheats out of nowhere constantly after multiple repairs and maintenance paid out of pocket. It would shut off while driving anywhere. These are just some of the receipts.
Constant engine repairs out of pocket within a short period of time. I have more receipts other than the ones shown
Valley plate leak
Questions about the 2008 Lexus IS engine
Does the 2008 Lexus IS have engine problems?
Owners have filed 23 complaints about the engine of the 2008 Lexus IS, 23% of all its complaints, more than any other problem.
At what mileage do 2008 Lexus IS engine problems start?
The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 104,000 miles.
Is there a recall for the 2008 Lexus IS engine?
Yes, 1 recall: 09V020000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.
Other 2008 Lexus IS problems
Body 22Airbags 21Visibility 13Fuel system 7Electrical 6Transmission 5Acceleration 4Steering 4Lights 3Seat belts 3Brakes 2Seats 2Suspension 1
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