2008 Lexus LS problems, complaints & recalls

Updated from NHTSA data · How we count

Owners have filed 26 complaints with NHTSA about the 2008 Lexus LS, most often about brakes. There are 0 recalls for this model year.

Complaints
26
Recalls
0
Crashes
0
Fires
0
Injuries
0
Median mileage
90,000 mi
at time of problem

Key facts

  • Brakes is the most-reported problem area, named in 15 of 26 complaints (58%).
  • Driver Assistance & Safety Tech (4) and acceleration & cruise control (4) follow.
  • Half of the complaints that list mileage happened before 90,000 mi.
  • It ranks 2nd of 17 Lexus LS model years by our severity-weighted complaint score (1st = worst).
  • That is 7% fewer complaints than the 2007 model year (28).

2008 Lexus LS problems by category

  • Brakes
    15 complaints
  • Other / Unknown
    6 complaints
  • Driver Assistance & Safety Tech
    4 complaints
  • Acceleration & Cruise Control
    4 complaints
  • Engine
    3 complaints
  • Body & Structure
    2 complaints
  • Electrical System
    2 complaints
  • Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
    2 complaints
  • Suspension
    1 complaints
  • Transmission & Drivetrain
    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
Service brakes11
Unknown or other6
Electronic stability control (esc)4
Vehicle speed control4
Engine3
Service brakes, hydraulic2
Fuel/propulsion system2
Electrical system2

When problems happen (mileage)

Under 10k110k–30k330k–60k260k–100k2100k–150k3150k+
Mileage at the time of the problem, for 2008 Lexus LS complaints that list mileage.

2008 Lexus LS recalls (0)

No recalls on file.

Recent 2008 Lexus LS complaints

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

  1. Filed May 5, 2026MDEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionAcceleration & Cruise Control
    this vehicle stalled while driving on a highway without any sign or warning. on some occasions the vehicle will not stop. I reported this to Lexus company / Manufacturer
    NHTSA complaint #11735714 · source
  2. Filed Jan 14, 2026TXOther / Unknown
    Purchased a used 2008 Lexus LS460 and within about two hours the vehicle abruptly and completely shut down while driving in traffic, with no warning and no practical ability to predict the failure or safely pull off the road. Near collisions were narrowly avoided only because other drivers swerved or slammed on brakes. At the time of purchase there were no warning lights illuminated, but immediately after the shutdown multiple warning lights illuminated (including…
    NHTSA complaint #11710943 · source
  3. Filed Apr 11, 2025CABrakes
    I am speaking on behalf of my [XXX] mother who owns the car. Summarily, we took the car to two Lexus Service Repair shops (i.e. one in Glendale and one in Longo, El Monte). On [XXX], we the brake and tire sensor lights came on. We first took it to Lexus of Glendale. The diagnosis and estimate was to cover these items: tire sensors, brake sensor, brake pads, air filters, oil change, and nav system to fix the defrost buttons, the DVD software for the nav system, and anything…
    NHTSA complaint #11654219 · source
  4. Filed Dec 19, 2024NYBrakesElectrical System
    I was on the exit for union turnpike on the gcp at a good 40 miles per hour when boom a whole bunch of lights popped up on the dash saying see dealer and 3 lights come on the top right. By the grace of god the car infront of me was very far and i was able to drop the car into manual mode drop gears while turning wheels slowly go into bumps and i slowed down when i came around the corner to a full stop that’s when i had my tow guy grab the car and drop me and the car home
    NHTSA complaint #11631686 · source
  5. Filed Nov 28, 2024MDBrakesElectrical System
    I am writing to formally lodge a complaint regarding the negligence and lack of accountability demonstrated by Lexus Manufacturer in addressing a serious and persistent brake issue in my vehicle, which directly threatens my safety and that of others on the road. Despite repeated attempts to resolve this matter, Lexus has failed to provide a lasting solution or accept responsibility for this critical defect. I have taken my vehicle to multiple authorized dealers, all of whom…
    NHTSA complaint #11627870 · source
  6. Filed Jun 20, 2024126,000 miCABrakesDriver Assistance & Safety TechEngine
    The contact owns a 2008 Lexus LS460. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle and depressing the brake pedal, there was a knocking and ticking sound coming from the brakes. Additionally, the brake light, traction control light, and check engine warning lights were illuminated. The ABS, Brakes, and VSC messages were displayed. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic who diagnosed that the brake actuator was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not…
    NHTSA complaint #11595461 · source
  7. Filed May 2, 202458,000 miFLTowedBrakes
    The contact owns a 2008 Lexus LS460. The contact stated while driving at approximately 55 MPH, the braking system malfunctioned, and the brake pedal extended to the floorboard while depressed, causing the braking distance to be extended. The vehicle was towed to the local mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the ABS actuator and brake pump were faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the…
    NHTSA complaint #11586492 · source
  8. Filed Mar 21, 2024MDBrakes
    These Vehicles have a ongoing problem with the brake actuator. Lexus I'm sure Is aware of the problem I believe they should take care of it. It's a really expensive fix that we as customers shouldn't have to be responsible for. This issue makes driving the vehicle very uncomfortable.
    NHTSA complaint #11578748 · source

Compare the 2008 Lexus LS 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