2008 Lexus GS Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Caution The 2008 Lexus GS carries a Complaint Index of 73, ranking 5th worst out of 16 model years, with a Caution verdict. NHTSA logged 15 complaints for this year, with Engine issues the top problem area at 27% of complaints.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 73/100
- #5 of 16 GS years
- Verdict
- Caution
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 15
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 0
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 0
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 0
- Top issue
- Engine
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 21.5
- 19.5 city / 24.5 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 0 / 0
Top 2008 Lexus GS problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Engine4 (27%)
- Other4 (27%)
- Fuel System3 (20%)
- Electrical System2 (13%)
- Brakes1 (7%)
- Steering1 (7%)
- Visibility & Wipers1 (7%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Owners report excessive oil consumption with no visible leak, sometimes needing a quart added weekly.
- Some describe oil seepage in the timing chain area after having the camshaft timing gear replaced under recall.
- Steering rack failure was reported at 90,000 miles, caught before it caused a crash.
- A gas smell was reported in the cabin and engine compartment while driving.
- Owners describe headlights that shut off a few minutes into a drive and daytime running lights with no matching rear illumination, reducing visibility to other drivers.
- One owner noted a rearview mirror that lost its reflective coating over time.
2008 Lexus GS recalls
No safety recalls on record for this model year.
2008 Lexus GS fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 19.5 MPG
- Highway
- 24.5 MPG
- Combined
- 21.5 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $3,725
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Premium
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2008 compared with other GS years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2008 Lexus GS reliable?
- NHTSA data gives the 2008 GS a Complaint Index of 73 and a Caution verdict, ranking 5th worst among 16 model years for this model, with Engine problems the most common complaint area.
- What is the biggest problem with the 2008 Lexus GS?
- Engine issues make up 27% of complaints, including reports of excessive oil consumption, and Fuel System issues account for another 20%, both with a median failure mileage around 146,000 to 152,000 miles.
- Does the 2008 Lexus GS have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists 0 recalls specifically logged for the 2008 GS in this data, though owner complaints reference camshaft timing gear and fuel assembly recall work performed on their vehicles.
- How does the 2008 GS compare to other years?
- The 2008 GS's Complaint Index of 73 is lower than the 2006 (100), 2007 (80), 2010 (87), and 2013 (93) model years, which are rated Avoid, but higher than most other years.