2008 Lexus LS Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Avoid The 2008 Lexus LS ranks 2nd worst out of 19 model years, with a complaint index of 94 and 43 NHTSA complaints, mostly brake-related. It carries an Avoid verdict, driven largely by brake system issues reported at a median of 107,000 miles.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 94/100
- #2 of 19 LS years
- Verdict
- Avoid
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 43
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 1
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 0
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 1
- Injuries
- 0
- Top issue
- Brakes
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 21
- 20 city / 22 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 0 / 0
Top 2008 Lexus LS problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Brakes23 (53%)
- Other11 (26%)
- Engine8 (19%)
- Structure & Body5 (12%)
- Electrical System3 (7%)
- Fuel System2 (5%)
- Visibility & Wipers2 (5%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires1 (2%)
- Transmission & Powertrain1 (2%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Brake actuator or ABS accumulator makes repetitive clunking noises when the pedal is depressed.
- ABS accumulator can develop internal leaks that owners say reduce braking ability.
- Dashboard warning lights for ABS, VSC, and brake system illuminate together, sometimes telling the driver to stop immediately.
- Interior dash, door panels, and glove compartment surfaces turn sticky and start melting in hot climates.
- Side mirrors fail to lock in place and shift while driving, cutting into visibility.
- One vehicle caught fire in a parking lot with no prior warning lights, accompanied by a loud clacking sound before ignition.
2008 Lexus LS recalls
1 NHTSA recall campaign list this model year.
- 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 LS fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 20 MPG
- Highway
- 22 MPG
- Combined
- 21 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $3,800
- 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 LS years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2008 Lexus LS reliable?
- Compared with other LS model years, 2008 ranks poorly: it has a complaint index of 94, the second-highest among 19 model years, and carries an Avoid verdict. Brakes account for 53% of its 43 NHTSA complaints.
- What is the main problem with the 2008 Lexus LS?
- Brakes are the top problem area, with 23 complaints (53% of the total) and a median failure mileage of 107,000 miles. Owners describe clunking noises and warnings related to the ABS and brake system.
- Does the 2008 Lexus LS have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists one recall for the 2008 LS, covering aluminum fuel delivery pipes that can corrode with low-moisture ethanol fuels. It is not a do-not-drive recall.
- Which Lexus LS model years should I avoid?
- NHTSA complaint data flags 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, and 2016 as Avoid years for the LS. The 2007 model year has the highest complaint index at 100, just above 2008's 94.
- Are there better Lexus LS model years than 2008?
- Yes. The 2005 and 2013 model years earn a Good verdict, with much lower complaint indexes of 44 and 39 respectively, compared to the 2008 model's 94.