2008 Lexus RX: common problems and reliability
One of the weaker RX years.
323 owner complaints, most about service brakes. 1 recall.
Should I buy a 2008 RX?The 2008 Lexus RX has 323 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 1 recall on record. The most-reported areas are service brakes and engine.
Safety record for the 2008 model year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2008 Lexus RX vehicles (US, public record).
The Year Score compares this year with other RX years only. How we score it
Is 2008 a good year for the RX?
Across the 29 RX model years we track, complaint volume runs from 6 (1998) to 347 (2007). With 323 complaints, the 2008 RX sits above the model's median of 125.
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.
Where owners report problems
Recalls affecting the 2008 RX
hybrid propulsion system: inverter
Campaign 13V396000Toyota is recalling certain model year 2006-2010 Highlander hybrid vehicles manufactured February 16, 2005, through July 29, 2010; and model year 2006-2008 Lexus RX400h vehicles manufactured February 23, 2005, through December 2, 2008. The Intelligent Power Module (IPM) inside the inverter module may contain transistors that have higher operating temperatures than the solder can support and the transistors may be heat damaged by the solder. If this occurs, various warning lamps, including the malfunction indicator lamp, slip indicator light, brake system warning light, and master warning light, will be illuminated on the instrument panel.
What owners say across generations
Overwhelmingly positive sentiment centered on exceptional long-term reliability, comfort, and low ownership costs. The RX is consistently described as a "bombproof," comfortable, and quiet vehicle built to last well over 150,000 miles with minimal issues.
Owner insights cover all generations of the RX. See the full RX owner picture and every model year.
Typical used price
Used RX listings typically run $48,889–$55,751.
Other RX model years
Compare every RX year side by side to see how 2008 ranks against the rest.
Compare the RX against its rivals
Looking at a specific car?
We're building a full check by VIN: the exact trim and engine, its known problems and recalls, what to inspect, a fair price, and how it compares with its rivals. Get an email when it's ready.
One email when it launches. Unsubscribe any time. Privacy