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2008 Lexus LS problems

The most common problem on the 2008 Lexus LS is brakes, typically around 124,000 miles. It has 7.2 times the complaints of a typical LS model year.

Typical year7.2x the typical complaints
Owner complaints
43
Recalls
1
Service bulletins
62
Worst area
Brakes
Fuel economy
19-21mpg

The worst 2008 Lexus LS 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.

  • Brakes
    21
  • Acceleration
    5
  • Body
    5
  • Driver assistance
    4
  • Engine
    4
  • Electrical
    3
  • Fuel system
    2
  • Visibility
    2
  • Suspension
    1
  • Transmission
    1

Specific symptoms reported on the 2008 Lexus LS

ABS 9Stalling 5

Recalls 1

Engine and engine coolingReported January 16, 2009 · 214,570 vehicles affected
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

See all 1 recalls for the 2008 Lexus LS

Technical service bulletins for the 2008 Lexus LS 62

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

See all 62 bulletins for the 2008 Lexus LS

2008 Lexus LS fuel economy

Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.

EngineDriveCityHighwayCombined
5.0L 8‑cyl Hybrid4WD202221
4.6L 8‑cylRWD162419

What 2008 Lexus LS owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed May 5, 2026 · Acceleration, Engine · MD

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

Filed Jan 14, 2026 · TX

Purchased a used 2008 Lexus LS460 and within about two hours the vehicle abruptly and completely shut down while driving in traffic, with no warning and no practical ability to predict the failure or safely pull off the road. Near collisions were narrowly avoided only because other drivers swerved or slammed on brakes. At the time of purchase there were no warning lights illuminated, but immediately after the shutdown multiple warning lights illuminated (including brake/ABS/stability-related warnings as documented by an independent service center). The vehicle was inspected the next day by an independent service center, which documented multiple diagnostic trouble codes across major systems and stated that repairs would be in the thousands and not recommended. The inspection also noted indications consistent with diagnostic codes having been cleared prior to purchase, and the battery at inspection could not hold a charge aiding the clearing of codes. The vehicle had no functional exhaust system (mufflers cut off), creating a carbon monoxide exposure risk that was only mitigated because the driver had the windows down unknowingly to the leak. The service center also reported tires beyond safe wear limits that were not readily visible without lifting the vehicle. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request and has not yet been inspected by the manufacturer, police, or insurance.

Filed Apr 11, 2025 · Brakes · CA

I am speaking on behalf of my [XXX] mother who owns the car. Summarily, we took the car to two Lexus Service Repair shops (i.e. one in Glendale and one in Longo, El Monte). On [XXX], we the brake and tire sensor lights came on. We first took it to Lexus of Glendale. The diagnosis and estimate was to cover these items: tire sensors, brake sensor, brake pads, air filters, oil change, and nav system to fix the defrost buttons, the DVD software for the nav system, and anything that would cause the brake/ABS emergency light and tire pressure lights to come on. Prior to that, we replaced all 4 tires, upper and lower suspension arms, air filters, fuses, alignment, etc. Both lights (tire sensors and brake lights in the dashboard came on the last week of January 2025. The total cost was $4200.00. Then the same day my mom rolled over a speed bump, and the tire sensor lights came on. She went back and they did not replace the tire sensor lights and we opened up a case on this issue. Then a day later, the brake light and ABS light came on. After a couple of days of that, the brakes would lock up before she turned on the ignition. We filed a complaint with Department of Consumer Affairs, BAR. We scheduled an appointment with Lexus of Longo. Mr. Lam said it could be the actuator and it would cost $4200.00 because we missed this 2017 warranty. I told him we never received any letter from Lexus's CSP warranty program on the brake actuator. And instead, we only received leather interiors or glove compartment interiors. I asked if I could take a photo of this warranty. He allowed me to. Today, after the diagnosis, he said he would charge us $3000.00 for the actuator. I am wondering if you could intervene and have Lexus cover this warranty for my senior mother. She does not have money to buy a new car right now, nor can she learn the new technology on the new cars. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Dec 19, 2024 · Brakes, Electrical · NY

I was on the exit for union turnpike on the gcp at a good 40 miles per hour when boom a whole bunch of lights popped up on the dash saying see dealer and 3 lights come on the top right. By the grace of god the car infront of me was very far and i was able to drop the car into manual mode drop gears while turning wheels slowly go into bumps and i slowed down when i came around the corner to a full stop that’s when i had my tow guy grab the car and drop me and the car home

Filed Nov 28, 2024 · Brakes, Electrical · MD

I am writing to formally lodge a complaint regarding the negligence and lack of accountability demonstrated by Lexus Manufacturer in addressing a serious and persistent brake issue in my vehicle, which directly threatens my safety and that of others on the road. Despite repeated attempts to resolve this matter, Lexus has failed to provide a lasting solution or accept responsibility for this critical defect. I have taken my vehicle to multiple authorized dealers, all of whom confirmed the issue and recommended contacting the manufacturer. Following this advice, I reached out to Lexus Manufacturer directly, only to be met with evasive responses, deflection, and an utter lack of action. Issue Description The brakes on my vehicle have consistently failed to function as expected, even after repairs performed by Lexus-certified dealers. This suggests either a fundamental defect in the braking system or inadequate repair protocols by the manufacturer’s representatives. Such a failure in an essential safety system puts me, my passengers, and others on the road in imminent danger. Legal and Ethical Responsibilities Under the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act (49 U.S.C. Chapter 301), manufacturers are legally obligated to ensure that their vehicles meet safety standards and to address any defects that pose a risk to public safety. Lexus's failure to rectify this issue or initiate a recall contravenes these obligations. Furthermore, the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) outlines specific performance requirements for braking systems (FMVSS No. 105 and FMVSS No. 135 for hydraulic and electric brakes, respectively). Lexus's apparent inability or unwillingness to ensure compliance with these standards raises serious questions about its commitment to safety. Evidence: Enclosed with this complaint are: Correspondence with Lexus Manufacturer, documenting my attempts to seek resolution.

Filed Jun 20, 2024 · Brakes, Driver assistance · 126,000 miles · CA

The contact owns a 2008 Lexus LS460. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle and depressing the brake pedal, there was a knocking and ticking sound coming from the brakes. Additionally, the brake light, traction control light, and check engine warning lights were illuminated. The ABS, Brakes, and VSC messages were displayed. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic who diagnosed that the brake actuator was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the vehicle was no longer under Extended Warranty Coverage for the failure. The local dealer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 126,000.

Filed May 2, 2024 · Brakes · 58,000 miles · FL

The contact owns a 2008 Lexus LS460. The contact stated while driving at approximately 55 MPH, the braking system malfunctioned, and the brake pedal extended to the floorboard while depressed, causing the braking distance to be extended. The vehicle was towed to the local mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the ABS actuator and brake pump were faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 58,000.

Filed Apr 9, 2024 · TX

the interior is malting and give a bad smell ( strong preform ), which effect breathing

Filed Mar 21, 2024 · Brakes · MD

These Vehicles have a ongoing problem with the brake actuator. Lexus I'm sure Is aware of the problem I believe they should take care of it. It's a really expensive fix that we as customers shouldn't have to be responsible for. This issue makes driving the vehicle very uncomfortable.

Filed Feb 14, 2024 · Brakes · 57,000 miles · FL

The contact owns a 2008 Lexus LS460. The contact stated that while driving out of the driveway, the brakes became inoperable. There was a loud audible sound detected. The message to replace actuator was displayed. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the brake actuator needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who replaced the actuator. The manufacturer was contacted, and opened a case, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 57,000.

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Questions about the 2008 Lexus LS

Is the 2008 Lexus LS reliable?

Owners have filed 43 complaints about the 2008 Lexus LS, 7.2 times a typical LS model year.

What is the most common problem with the 2008 Lexus LS?

Brakes, with 21 complaints, typically around 124,000 miles. Next is acceleration (5).

How many recalls does the 2008 Lexus LS have?

1 recall, covering engine and engine cooling.

What gas mileage does the 2008 Lexus LS get?

Official estimates for the 2008 Lexus LS range from 19 to 21 mpg combined. The most efficient version (5.0L 8-cyl hybrid, 4WD) gets 20 city and 22 highway.

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