The contact owns a 2008 Lexus RX400H. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle made an abnormal sound with the VSC message displayed and the ABS and traction control warning lights illuminated. Additionally, the vehicle made the same abnormal sound for 15 minutes after the vehicle was turned off. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the ABS accumulator pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but informed the contact that the extended warranty had expired. The failure mileage was approximately 138,140. Consumer stated extended warranty program for the defective part but that program expired in 2018. When the ABS actuator pump fails, it stops regulating and maintaining hydraulic pressure in the brake lines which can lead to brake failure. No recall was ever issued despite the fact that a failure of the braking system.
2008 Lexus RX Hybrid brakes problems
22 complaints (39% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 49,246. 5 crashes reported.
- owner complaints
- 22
- of this car's complaints
- 39%
- typical mileage
- 49,246
- crashes
- 5
- recalls
- 0
Which part fails
- Antilock: ABS warning light1
- Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip: control unit/module1
At what mileage
Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.
Lexus RX Hybrid brakes problems in other years
Specific symptoms reported on the 2008 Lexus RX Hybrid 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 RX Hybrid owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
The contact owns a 2008 Lexus RX400H. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the ABS warning light would illuminate, and a grinding noise was present while depressing the brake pedal. On multiple occasions while driving at very slow speeds the vehicle abruptly stopped. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the ABS actuator was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was also notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 75,000.
Started noticing "burping" noise when I pressed on brakes from engine bay, then later I noticed continuous clicking sound coming from front passenger engine bay after I would turn off engine completely. As later time went by the clicking sound would get longer and consistent. I also experienced that the vehicle would "lunge" forward when I would start the engine and initially shift the vehicle into drive position and have to pump the brake pedal to completely stop. Thats when upon further research online I found a "warranty enhancement" from toyota regarding brake actuator being replaced. But toyota put a 10-year expiration on the warranty so my vehicle didn't qualify by 6 months! Toyota never made aware or reached out to their registered clients of this dangerous recall that is $3,000.00 to replace. I was informed that when the brake actuator completely goes bad that stopping the car will be almost impossible to stop for the average driver as the brake actuator applies needed brake fluid pressure to all four brake calipers to slow the vehicle down.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 lexus rx400h. While driving approximately 40 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed and the contact felt an abnormal vibration in the brake pedal. The contact stated that the ABS warning indicator illuminated and additional distance was needed to stop the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to rick hendrick toyota sandy springs (located at 6475 roswell rd, atlanta, ga 30328, (404) 476-3921) where it was diagnosed that the brake actuator needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was informed that there was a warranty extension for the ABS, but it expired. The manufacturer was notified. The approximate failure mileage was 111,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 lexus rx400h. While driving 60 MPH, the vehicle stalled and the ABS, brake system, and slip warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was taken to carmax (3100 spur 482, irving, tx 75062, (972) 721-0500) where the contact was informed to ignore the failure and to bring the vehicle back in if the failure recurred. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 78,068.
My vehicle was in motion and failed to properly break which therefore ended hitting an older model bmw at approx 45mph. The airbags inflated sending some type of metal shards to my right lower abdomen that resulted in massive bleeding. *tt
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 lexus rx400 hybrid. While driving unknown speeds, the brake pedal was applied, but failed to fully depress. Additionally, there was an abnormal popping noise. All the warning indicators illuminated and the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was taken to a local mechanic where it was diagnosed that the brake actuator needed to be replaced. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was 239,995.
While attempting to back into a parking space, accelerator stuck in down position, brakes locked up, engine accelerated to very fast rate, steering would not respond resulting in my car slamming into front end of car parked behind me at a high rate of speed. My car then accelerated forward continuing at a very high rate of speed across parking lot and hitting another car broadside which finally stopped my car. My car was a total loss as deemed by my insurance company.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 lexus rx400h. While driving at approximately 5 MPH and attempting to park, the brake pedal was depressed but the brakes failed to respond. As a result, the vehicle drove over a curb and crashed into trees and bushes. The air bags did not deploy. A police report was not filed. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 80,000.
I recently purchased (07/17/12) a 2008 used rx400h, I quickly noticed that while braking if the road has any bumps or unevenness the vehicle surges forward during the braking process and then resumes braking after the surge. This happens consistently when there are any bumps in the pavement. This is very frightening as it could easily cause an accident since the braking is interrupted and the car actually accelerates when it should be slowing down! I haven't driven it in the winter yet but I am already concerned and upset that this car that I purchased because of the high safety ratings on the federal safety agency site now turns out to be potentially very unsafe.
Questions about the 2008 Lexus RX Hybrid brakes
Does the 2008 Lexus RX Hybrid have brakes problems?
Owners have filed 22 complaints about the brakes of the 2008 Lexus RX Hybrid, 39% of all its complaints, more than any other problem.
At what mileage do 2008 Lexus RX Hybrid brakes problems start?
The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 49,246 miles.
Was there a recall on the 2008 Lexus RX Hybrid brakes?
There is no recall for this problem on this model year.
What year does the Lexus RX Hybrid have bad brakes?
The Lexus RX Hybrid model years with the most brakes complaints are 2006 (48 complaints), 2008 (22 complaints) and 2007 (19 complaints).
Other 2008 Lexus RX Hybrid problems
Acceleration 19Electrical 5Steering 5Fuel system 4Airbags 3Body 3Engine 3Lights 3Visibility 3Driver assistance 2Wheels 2Transmission 1
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