The 2008 Lexus IS has 370 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 5 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are air bags and structure. Owners most often flag carbon buildup on intake valves (is 250 with 4gr-fse engine): causes loss of power, rough idle, poor fuel economy, requires periodic cleaning. frequency: very frequent.
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2008 Lexus IS vehicles (US, public record).
Across the 13 IS model years we track, complaint volume runs from 1 (1999) to 426 (2006). With 370 complaints, the 2008 IS sits abovethe model's median of 32.
These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.
air bags:frontal:passenger side:inflator module
Campaign 19V741000Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2010-2016 4Runner, 2003-2006 Tundra, 2003-2013 Corolla, 2009-2010 Corolla Matrix, 2004-2005 RAV4, 2002-2007 Sequoia, 2011-2013 Sienna, 2008-2012 Scio…
air bags:frontal:passenger side:inflator module
Campaign 17V006000Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2012 Toyota 4Runner, Corolla, Corolla Matrix, Sienna, Yaris, Scion xB, Lexus ES350, GX460, IS-F, IS250, IS350, IS250C, IS350C, and Lexus LFA vehicles…
air bags:frontal:passenger side:inflator module
Campaign 16V340000Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2008-2011 Scion xB and Lexus IS F, 2009-2011 Toyota Corolla and Corolla Matrix, 2006-2011 Toyota Yaris, Lexus IS250 and Lexus IS350, 2010-…
fuel system, gasoline:delivery:hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Campaign 14V647000Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2007-2010 Lexus LS vehicles manufactured May 9, 2006, to July 20, 2010, 2006-2011 Lexus GS vehicles manufactured January 6, 2005, to Septe…
Mixed sentiment heavily dependent on generation and powertrain. The IS is widely recognized for its strong long-term reliability, comfortable ride, and luxury feel, particularly when compared to German competitors.
Owner insights cover all generations of the IS. See the full IS owner picture and every model year.
Used IS listings typically run $48,233–$55,018 across 2025 to 2026 model years.
Compare every IS year side by side to see how 2008 ranks against the rest.