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.
2008 Lexus LS: ABS light or ABS activating
9 of the 43 complaints about the 2008 Lexus LS describe ABS light or ABS activating.
- owner complaints
- 9
- of this car's complaints
- 21%
- typical mileage
- 126,000
- recalls
- 0
ABS light or ABS activating by model year
- 20151
- 20141
- 20133
- 20114
- 20102
- 20091
- 20089
- 20077
What owners say
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)
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.
Backing out of driveway (in motion) into a city street, car stopped abruptly and would not start again. Immediately warning lights vcs, brake and ABS showed on panel. The ABS control module was replaced 6/25/20 costing me $2,708.36 (invoice attached). In march (03/06/20) I paid $2,014.96 for tires and brake replacement (invoice attached). That's a total cost of $4,723.32. I feel scammed because I think the brake job in march created the problem for the ABS to malfunction and it should not have been my responsibility to replace it. Please reply if possible. I'm reporting issue to lexus corp also. I read on a post that the ABS module rarely needs replacing. Thank you for your help.
As I am driving the vehicle I feel vibrations then my dash illuminate with vsc, ABS, skid control, brake light as well as the triangle with exclamation. Notifications states that I should pull over immediately contact dealer brake malfunction. I have my two year old son in the car with me. Literally gave me a [xxx] heartache. Contact the dealer there's no safety recall for the brake actuator for 2008 ls460 only toyota issue cars. This is unfair for something that's clearly failing. Lexus be fair to your consumers recall this safety issue. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).
Abs actuator is malfunctioning/ dysfunctional. I spoke with the dealer and they stated the part was recalled.
While driving the car, car warnings on my instrument panel began flashing stating "check ABS", "check vsc", "check brake system", and "stop the vehicle in a safe place immediately. Contact a dealer".
Lexus admits that the ABS brake accumulator is suspect to internal leaks which can lead to lack of braking ability. Huge safety issue.
Service bulletins that may apply
Related recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
Questions about the 2008 Lexus LS abs
Is ABS light or ABS activating a common problem on the 2008 Lexus LS?
9 of 43 owner complaints about the 2008 Lexus LS (21%) mention ABS light or ABS activating. The model year with the most reports is 2008.
Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 2008 Lexus LS?
There are 0 recalls and 2 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.
Other symptoms on the 2008 Lexus LS
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