2008 Lexus RX Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Caution The 2008 Lexus RX has a complaint index of 55, ranking 10th among 21 model years, earning a Caution verdict. Engine complaints (27% of all complaints) and unintended acceleration reports stand out, though no recalls have been issued for this year.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 55/100
- #10 of 21 RX years
- Verdict
- Caution
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 70
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 0
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 5
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 2
- Injuries
- 1
- Top issue
- Engine
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 25
- 26.5 city / 24 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 1 / 0
Top 2008 Lexus RX problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Engine19 (27%)
- Brakes16 (23%)
- Other13 (19%)
- Electrical System8 (11%)
- Structure & Body7 (10%)
- Airbags6 (9%)
- Steering5 (7%)
- Transmission & Powertrain5 (7%)
- Visibility & Wipers3 (4%)
- Seat Belts2 (3%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Owners describe sudden unintended acceleration or lurching when shifting into a parking space or reverse, sometimes leading to a crash into a wall or another vehicle.
- Some report the engine catching fire while parked in a garage after being driven, in one case destroying the engine compartment and the garage.
- Electrical smoke was reported coming from the front passenger area while driving at 40 MPH, with no warning lights illuminated beforehand.
- Owners report driver's side airbags failing to deploy during a side-impact collision at low speed.
- A few describe gum-like interior door trim material peeling and smearing across the driver's side window, obscuring visibility while driving.
- Steering rack boot leaks were noted during routine dealer service visits, raising concern about long-term steering system integrity.
2008 Lexus RX recalls
No safety recalls on record for this model year.
2008 Lexus RX fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 26.5 MPG
- Highway
- 24 MPG
- Combined
- 25 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $3,200
- 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 RX years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2008 Lexus RX reliable?
- NHTSA data gives the 2008 RX a complaint index of 55 and a Caution verdict, ranking 10th worst out of 21 model years. Engine problems account for 27% of its 70 complaints, more than any other category.
- Does the 2008 Lexus RX have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists zero recalls for the 2008 Lexus RX.
- What is the biggest problem with the 2008 Lexus RX?
- Engine issues are the top complaint area, making up 27% of the 70 complaints, with a median mileage at failure of 114,000 miles. Brakes are the second most common issue at 23% of complaints.
- How does the 2008 RX compare to other RX model years?
- The 2008 RX has a complaint index of 55, worse than 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, and 2018, but better than 2010, 2017, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025.