YearToAvoid

2008 Lexus IS Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls

Avoid The 2008 Lexus IS ranks 3rd worst of 21 model years with a complaint index of 90 and 102 complaints, earning an Avoid verdict. Top problem areas are engine (25 complaints, median 104,000 miles), structure & body (24), and airbags (21), plus 3 recalls covering fuel system and accelerator pedal issues.

Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology

YearToAvoid Scorecard

Complaint Index
90/100
#3 of 21 IS years
Verdict
Avoid
vs. other years of this model
Complaints
102
unique NHTSA reports
Recalls
3
distinct NHTSA campaigns
Crashes
4
reported in complaints
Fires
0
Injuries
4
Top issue
Engine
Best nearby year
2015
rated Good
NHTSA overall rating
Not rated
EPA combined MPG
18
16 city / 23 hwy
Injuries / deaths
4 / 0

Top 2008 Lexus IS problems

Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.

  1. Other26 (25%)
  2. Engine25 (25%)
  3. Structure & Body24 (24%)
  4. Airbags21 (21%)
  5. Visibility & Wipers13 (13%)
  6. Electrical System9 (9%)
  7. Fuel System7 (7%)
  8. Transmission & Powertrain5 (5%)
  9. Steering4 (4%)
  10. Seat Belts3 (3%)

A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.

What owners report

  • Some owners report the steering wheel suddenly turning on its own at low speed, leading to loss of control and rollover.
  • Airbag warning lights come on due to a failed sensor, disabling airbag deployment until replaced.
  • Drivers describe hard shaking or shuddering when coming to a stop, sometimes requiring a shift to neutral to stop the vibration.
  • HID headlights fail intermittently, starting on one side and then spreading to the other.
  • Owners report the dashboard becoming soft, shiny, and sticky in heat, creating a glare that obstructs the windshield view.
  • Some describe the steering feeling like it catches or sticks during normal correction, momentarily causing loss of control.
2008 Lexus IS complaints: complaints filed per quarter102008 Q42014 Q12015 Q22016 Q42018 Q42020 Q22021 Q32023 Q3
102 complaints filed with NHTSA from 2008 Q4 to 2025 Q2; peak 2014 Q3 (10).

2008 Lexus IS recalls

3 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.

  1. NHTSA 11V029000Jan 26, 2011Fuel System244,779 vehicles

    Fuel system, gasoline:delivery

    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.

    Remedy: 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.

  2. NHTSA 09V388000Oct 5, 2009Engine4,445,056 vehicles

    Vehicle speed control:accelerator pedal

    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.

    Remedy: 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.

  3. NHTSA 09V020000Jan 16, 2009Engine214,570 vehicles

    Engine and engine cooling

    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.

    Remedy: 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.

2008 Lexus IS fuel economy and fuel cost

City
16 MPG
Highway
23 MPG
Combined
18 MPG
Annual fuel cost (EPA)
$4,450
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 IS years

Complaint Index by model year (0 = fewest issues, 100 = most)0255075100’05’06’07’08’09’10’11’12’13’14’15’16’17’18’19’20’21’22’23’24’25
Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best
YearVerdictIndexComplaintsRecallsMPG
2006Avoid1001437—
2007Avoid951223—
2008Avoid90102318
2009Avoid8540218
2010Avoid8040120.5

All Lexus IS years: best and worst →

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2008 Lexus IS reliable?
Compared to other IS model years, the 2008 ranks 3rd worst out of 21 years tracked, with a complaint index of 90 and an Avoid verdict based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2008 Lexus IS?
NHTSA data shows the top problem areas are engine (25 complaints, median mileage 104,000), structure & body (24 complaints), and airbags (21 complaints).
Does the 2008 Lexus IS have any recalls?
Yes, NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2008 Lexus IS, covering fuel pressure sensor leaks, corrosion-prone fuel delivery pipes, and accelerator pedals that could get trapped by floor mats.
What year Lexus IS should I avoid?
The 2006 model year has the highest complaint index at 100, followed by the 2007 at 95 and the 2008 at 90; all three carry an Avoid verdict.
How many complaints does NHTSA have on file for the 2008 Lexus IS?
NHTSA lists 102 complaints for the 2008 Lexus IS, including 4 crashes and 4 injuries, with no reported fires or deaths.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.