2008 Lexus IS Problems, Complaints & Recalls
- Compared with other IS years
- Far more complaints than other years 3rd of 27 for complaints
- Safety recalls
- 3 recalls: check your VIN
- NHTSA crash rating
- Not rated
Owners have filed 102 complaints with NHTSA about the 2008 Lexus IS. That ranks 3rd out of 27 IS model years for complaints. The most reported problem area is unknown or other (24 complaints, 24%), typically at around 70,000 miles. Complaints mention 4 crashes, 4 injuries. There are 3 safety recalls covering this model year.
- 102owner complaints
- 3safety recalls
- 0NHTSA investigations
- 4complaints mentioning a crash
Complaints are unverified owner reports and are not adjusted for sales volume.
Most common 2008 Lexus IS problems
Complaints grouped by the part of the car owners reported, with the median mileage when the problem happened.
| Problem area | Complaints | Share | Median miles | Owners mention most | Typical repair cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unknown or Other | 24 | 24% | 70,000 | — | — |
| Engine | 22 | 22% | 104,000 | — | — |
| Structure | 22 | 22% | 59,000 | — | — |
| Air Bags | 21 | 21% | 101,500 | — | — |
| Visibility/wiper | 11 | 11% | 54,928 | — | — |
| Electrical System | 6 | 6% | 110,000 | — | — |
| Fuel/propulsion System | 6 | 6% | 150,000 | — | — |
| Power Train | 5 | 5% | 123,000 | — | — |
| Steering | 4 | 4% | 78,923 | — | — |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 4 | 4% | 104,000 | — | — |
| Exterior Lighting | 3 | 3% | 69,000 | — | — |
| Seat Belts | 3 | 3% | 60,000 | — | — |
| Equipment Adaptive/mobility | 2 | 2% | 84,000 | — | — |
| Seats | 2 | 2% | — | — | — |
| Visibility | 2 | 2% | 60,500 | — | — |
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 1 | 1% | 18,000 | — | — |
| Fuel System, Gasoline | 1 | 1% | 102,000 | — | — |
| Service Brakes | 1 | 1% | 200 | — | — |
| Service Brakes, Electric | 1 | 1% | 7,200 | — | — |
| Suspension | 1 | 1% | 69,000 | — | — |
One complaint can list several problem areas, so shares can add up to more than 100%.
Complaints by year received
2008 Lexus IS recalls (3)
Tap a recall to see the problem, the risk and the fix.
Fuel system, gasoline:delivery
Problem: Toyota is recalling certain model year 2006-2009 lexus is and model year 2006-2007 lexus gs vehicles. Due to insufficient tightening of the fuel pressure sensor connected to an engine fuel delivery pipe with nickel phosphorus plating, there is a possibility that, over time, the pressure sensor could loosen. If loosening occurs, fuel could leak past a gasket used in the connection between the sensor and the pipe and through the threaded portion of the sensor.
Risk: Fuel leakage, in the presence of an ignition source, could result in a fire.
Fix: Dealers will inspect for fuel leakage from the threaded portion of the fuel pressure sensor and if a fuel leak is not confirmed, dealers will further tighten the fuel pressure sensor with the proper torque. If a fuel leak is confirmed, the gasket between the sensor and the fuel deliver pipe will be replaced with a new one, and the sensor will be tightened with the proper torque. This service will be performed free of charge. The safety recall began on march 7, 2011. Owners may contact toyota at 1-800-331-4331.
Vehicle speed control:accelerator pedal
Problem: Toyota is recalling certain model year 2004-2010 passenger vehicles. The accelerator pedal can get stuck in the wide open position due to its being trapped by an unsecured or incompatible driver's floor mat.
Risk: A stuck open accelerator pedal may result in very high vehicle speeds and make it difficult to stop the vehicle, which could cause a crash, serious injury or death.
Fix: Toyota filed an amended defect report on november 25, 2009, stating that dealers will modify the accelerator pedal and, on certain vehicles, alter the shape of the floor surface under the pedal. These changes address the risk of pedal entrapment due to interference with the floor mat. Redesigned accelerator pedals will become available beginning in april 2010 and dealers will replace any modified pedal with the new pedal if desired. Also, dealers will replace any genuine toyota or lexus all-weather floor mats with redesigned all-weather mats, or repurchase the previous mats from owners who do not want the new ones. Additionally, software modifications will be installed on camry, avalon and lexus es 350, is 350 and is 250 models that will ensure that the brake overrides the accelerator in the event both brake and accelerator pedals are applied. Toyota will begin mailing letters to owners on december 31, 2009. Owners may contact toyota at 1-800-331-4331, lexus at 1-800-255-3987.
Engine and engine cooling
Problem: 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.
Fix: 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.
To see whether a specific car still has an open recall, enter its VIN on NHTSA's official recall lookup. You can also decode a VIN here.
Recent owner reports
Short excerpts of the latest complaints filed with NHTSA, with personal details removed. Full reports can be searched on NHTSA.gov.
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. Iâve had to regularly add oil between scheduled oil changes, and Iâve noticed that the oil level is frequently low with no…
The dashboard is melting and makes a glare on the windshield making it hard to see the dashboard is melting and sticky also on the door panels I almost crashed when I couldnât see due to the glare of the melting dashboard reflecting on the windshield
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…
From my past research Iâve noticed there were recalls about the headlight ballast flashing, and getting replaced my car has this problem but never had a recall. The rear view mirror is fading and turning black making me not able to see. And all of my interior is becoming shiny and brittle making…
The problem I am experiencing pertains to the dash of my Lexus IS 250. The dash cover has melted, most likely due to exposure to heat during sunny days. This melting dash has created a dangerous situation, as it causes a glaring reflection on the windshield, impairing my vision while driving. This…
Other Lexus IS years
| Year | Complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 IS | 1 | 0 |
| 2025 IS | 1 | 0 |
| 2024 IS | 1 | 0 |
| 2023 IS | 5 | 0 |
| 2022 IS | 4 | 1 |
| 2021 IS | 2 | 0 |
| 2020 IS | 6 | 0 |
| 2019 IS | 2 | 0 |
| 2018 IS | 3 | 0 |
| 2017 IS | 11 | 0 |
| 2016 IS | 2 | 0 |
| 2015 IS | 9 | 0 |
| 2014 IS | 12 | 0 |
| 2013 IS | 9 | 0 |
| 2012 IS | 18 | 0 |
| 2011 IS | 15 | 0 |
| 2010 IS | 40 | 1 |
| 2009 IS | 40 | 2 |
| 2008 | 102 | 3 |
| 2007 IS | 122 | 3 |
| 2006 IS | 143 | 7 |
| 2005 IS | 12 | 0 |
| 2004 IS | 10 | 0 |
| 2003 IS | 12 | 0 |
| 2002 IS | 12 | 0 |
| 2001 IS | 1 | 0 |
| 1999 IS | 1 | 0 |
See all Lexus IS problems by year, every Lexus model, or the Lexus VIN decoder.
Similar Lexus models
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Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2008 Lexus IS?
Owners most often report unknown or other, engine, structure problems. The top one, unknown or other, accounts for 24 complaints.
Was there a recall on the 2008 Lexus IS?
Yes, 3 safety recalls. Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check whether the repairs were done on your car.
Was the 2008 Lexus IS a good year?
Complaint data can't fully answer that, because counts aren't adjusted for sales. Compared with other IS model years, the 2008 has far more complaints than most years. Always get a pre-purchase inspection and check the VIN for open recalls.