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)
2008 Lexus LS brakes problems
21 complaints (49% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 124,000.
- owner complaints
- 21
- of this car's complaints
- 49%
- typical mileage
- 124,000
- crashes
- 0
- recalls
- 0
Which part fails
- Power assist: electric: solenoid/actuator1
- Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip: ABS warning light1
At what mileage
Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.
Lexus LS brakes problems in other years
Specific symptoms reported on the 2008 Lexus LS brakes
Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.
Related recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
What 2008 Lexus LS owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The contact owns a 2008 Lexus LS460. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH, the brake warning light illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the brake actuator. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to Warranty Enhancement Program: POL 16-01. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was 211,000.
The contact owns a 2008 Lexus LS460. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed but failed to stop the vehicle. The contact drove the vehicle off the roadway onto a grassy shoulder to slow the vehicle to prevent a crash. The contact then called the dealer and was advised to enter a code in the vehicle and drive slowly to the dealer. After arriving at the dealer and having the vehicle diagnosed, the contact was informed that the brake actuator and assembly needed to be replaced; however, the repair would be an out of pocket expense. The manufacturer was contacted and provided her with a loaner vehicle however, it was stated that she still had to pay for the vehicle to be repaired. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 90,000.
Parking Break was stuck on and would not release. Owner removed spare tire and loosened parking break system, but light was still flashing. Dealer check for code and reset. The same thing happened again and the Dealer has started they’ve installed a new relay and if happens again it will be very expensive to fix. I feel this should be listed as a recall. This issue should be repaired by as the car is low mileage and has always been kept in a garage. Please review. [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Questions about the 2008 Lexus LS brakes
Does the 2008 Lexus LS have brakes problems?
Owners have filed 21 complaints about the brakes of the 2008 Lexus LS, 49% of all its complaints, more than any other problem.
At what mileage do 2008 Lexus LS brakes problems start?
The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 124,000 miles.
Was there a recall on the 2008 Lexus LS brakes?
There is no recall for this problem on this model year.
What year does the Lexus LS have bad brakes?
The Lexus LS model years with the most brakes complaints are 2008 (21 complaints) and 2007 (19 complaints).
Other 2008 Lexus LS problems
Acceleration 5Body 5Driver assistance 4Engine 4Electrical 3Fuel system 2Visibility 2Suspension 1Transmission 1
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