2008 Lexus IS problems, complaints & recalls

Updated from NHTSA data · How we count

Owners have filed 40 complaints with NHTSA about the 2008 Lexus IS, most often about engine. There is 1 recall for this model year.

Complaints
40
Recalls
1
Crashes
1
Fires
0
Injuries
3
Median mileage
102,060 mi
at time of problem

Key facts

  • Engine is the most-reported problem area, named in 16 of 40 complaints (40%).
  • Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion (6) and airbags (6) follow.
  • Half of the complaints that list mileage happened before 102,060 mi.
  • Owners reported 1 crash, 0 fires and 3 injuries.
  • The 2008 Lexus IS has 1 recall on file.
  • It ranks 3rd of 22 Lexus IS model years by our severity-weighted complaint score (1st = worst).
  • That is 14% more complaints than the 2007 model year (35).

2008 Lexus IS problems by category

  • Engine
    16 complaints
  • Other / Unknown
    14 complaints
  • Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
    6 complaints
  • Airbags · 1 crash
    6 complaints
  • Visibility & Wipers
    5 complaints
  • Body & Structure
    5 complaints
  • Steering · 1 crash
    2 complaints
  • Transmission & Drivetrain
    2 complaints
  • Lighting
    1 complaints
  • Acceleration & Cruise Control
    1 complaints
  • Electrical System
    1 complaints

A complaint can mention more than one problem area, so categories add up to more than the total.

Most-reported components

Component (as filed with NHTSA)Complaints
Engine16
Unknown or other14
Air bags6
Visibility/wiper5
Fuel/propulsion system5
Structure:body3
Steering2
Power train2

When problems happen (mileage)

Under 10k110k–30k130k–60k560k–100k8100k–150k3150k+
Mileage at the time of the problem, for 2008 Lexus IS complaints that list mileage.

2008 Lexus IS recalls (1)

  • Recall 11V029000Jan 26, 2011244,779 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.

Recent 2008 Lexus IS complaints

Excerpts of the newest owner complaints, lightly cleaned of personal details. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

  1. Filed Apr 17, 2025NCEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
    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. I’ve had to regularly add oil between scheduled oil changes, and I’ve noticed that the oil level is frequently low with no external leaks visible. I’m concerned that this may indicate a known issue with piston rings or internal engine components. In addition to the oil issue, I have recently started smelling…
    NHTSA complaint #11655160 · source
  2. Filed Jun 15, 2024OHBody & StructureOther / Unknown
    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 couldn’t see due to the glare of the melting dashboard reflecting on the windshield
    NHTSA complaint #11594599 · source
  3. Filed Mar 27, 2024CAEngineOther / UnknownAcceleration & Cruise Control
    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 next day CEL, Check VSC light and skid light all came on. This car is very dangerous. WHATCAN I DO??? I refuse to use the freeway until this problem is resolved.
    NHTSA complaint #11579738 · source
  4. Filed Jan 8, 2024ALLightingOther / Unknown
    From my past research I’ve 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 it hard to see out of my vehicle at anytime of day or night
    NHTSA complaint #11564080 · source
  5. Filed Nov 13, 2023MDOther / UnknownVisibility & Wipers
    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 glare poses a significant safety risk to both my and other road users, especially during sunny days when the reflection becomes more pronounced. My primary concern is that despite…
    NHTSA complaint #11554896 · source
  6. Filed Aug 23, 202370,000 miOHBody & Structure
    The contact owns a 2008 Lexus IS250. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the dashboard and the door panels melted causing the vehicle to become sticky. The vehicle was diagnosed and confirmed that there was a recall on melting dashboards, but the recall was no longer active. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and confirmed that the vehicle was not included in a recall. The failure mileage was approximately…
    NHTSA complaint #11540388 · source
  7. Filed Aug 10, 2023102,000 miWAFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
    The contact owns a 2008 Lexus IS250. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormally strong fuel odor coming from the vehicle. The failure persisted and the fuel light frequently illuminated on the instrument panel after refueling. The contact inspected the vehicle and discovered fuel residue in the fuel pressure sensor located by the intake manifold. Upon investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA Campaign Number:…
    NHTSA complaint #11537744 · source
  8. Filed Aug 26, 2022CAEngine
    Upon starting vehicle, engine loudly rattles for aprox. One second as if something is loose. This instance is directly in line with lexus tsb "l-sb-0155-08" (engine - brief engine knock/rattle on cold start up). Further investigation shows this is a major concern as this involves a faulty camshaft assembly.
    NHTSA complaint #11481405 · source

Compare the 2008 Lexus IS with another vehicle →

Other 2008 Lexus models

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data, as of Oct 10, 2026. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology