Safety ratings
2008 Lexus RX400h 4-DR w/SAB
- Lane departure warningNo
- Forward collision warningNo
- Electronic stability controlStandard
Crash test videos & photos
No public crash-test footage is available for this vehicle.
Recalls (1)
- HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM: INVERTERCampaign 13V396000 · 04/09/2013
Toyota 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.
Risk: The vehicle may enter a fail-safe/limp-home mode that limits the drivability of the vehicle. It is possible that the hybrid system will shut down while the vehicle is being driven, causing the vehicle to stall unexpectedly, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the IPM free of charge. Owners may contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331. Vehicles that had their IPM replaced under recall 11V-342 are not affected by this campaign.
Owner complaints
Most-reported areas
- SERVICE BRAKES38
- VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL23
- ENGINE17
- UNKNOWN OR OTHER15
- STEERING10
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM10
- STRUCTURE10
- HYDRAULIC10
Read individual complaints (50 most recent)
These are unverified consumer reports filed with NHTSA, shown as submitted.
- 12/29/2014· VEHICLE SPEED CONTROLCrash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 LEXUS RX400H. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE ATTEMPTING TO PARK, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY EXPERIENCED AN UNINTENDED ACCELERATION AND CRASHED INTO A TREE. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE DRIVER WAS DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL WHEN THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED UP TO 16 MPH. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED A BACK INJURY THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000. UPDATED 04/14/15*LJ UPDATED 6/29/2015 *JS
- 12/27/2019· SERVICE BRAKES
2008 LEXUS RX400H: ALL WARNING LIGHTS AND BUZZER CAME ON UNEXPECTEDLY. BRAKE LOST INTEGRITY, HAVE TO PRESS HARDER ON BRAKES FOR THEM TO WORK. DOES NOT FEEL SAFE TO DRIVE AS I DO NOT WANT TO INJURE OR KILL ANYONE. RAN DIAGNOSTIC AND ERROR CODES C1256 AND C1365 CAME UP. THESE CODES POINT TO THE BRAKE ACCUMULATOR FAILURE. REPAIR IS QUOTED AT $3200 BY TOYOTA DEALER. AFTER RESEARCHING THIS IS A VERY COMMON SAFETY ISSUES WITH TOYOTA VEHICLES. MY BROTHERS PRIUS HAS THE SAME ISSUE. I FOUND OUT THERE WAS POSSIBLE A RECALL/EXTENDED WARRANTY BUT IT HAS ENDED A FEW MONTHS AGO. I DO NOT KNOW WHY THIS IS NOT A STANDING SAFETY RECALL AS IT IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS. FROM MY RESEARCH AND REPORTS FROM PERSONAL ACQUAINTANCES IT IS VERY APPARENT THAT IS AN ONGOING ISSUE. I CAN NOT DRIVE MY VEHICLE OR JUSTIFY SPENDING $3200 FIXING A KNOW SAFETY DEFECT.
- 12/18/2019· UNKNOWN OR OTHER
THE DASHBOARD IS BREAKING DOWN (MELTING) CAUSING IT TO BE EXTREMELY SHINY AND STICKY. AS WELL AS OMITTING A GAS WHICH HAS CAUSED A SEVERE GLARE ON THE INSIDE OF THE WINDSHIELD. THIS HAS MADE IT EXTREMELY DIFFICULT AND UNSAFE TO DRIVE AT NIGHT. LEXUS HAD MY VEHICLE IN SEPTEMBER OF 2016 TO FIX AN OIL HOSE RECALL AND PURPOSELY DID NOT MAKE ME AWARE OF THE FAULTY DASHBOARD ISSUE,( SAID THEY DIDN'T HAVE TO) THEREFORE, I MISSED THE WINDOW TO HAVE THIS REPAIRED AT THEIR EXPENSE. LEXUS REFUSES TO MAKE THIS ISSUE A RECALL WHICH HAS AFFECTED THOUSANDS OF VEHICLES.
- 12/18/2014· STEERING,WHEELS
WHILE DRIVING BACK HOME FROM A ROAD TRIP I NOTICED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL STARTED TO SHAKE AND I HEARD A KNOCKING NOISE. I WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50-60MPH. I SLOWED DOWN AND TRIED TO PULL OVER BUT BEFORE I COULD DO SO, MY FRONT PASSENGER WHEEL (THE ENTIRE RIM AND TIRE) BROKE OFF OF THE CAR. LUCKILY I HAD ENOUGH MOMENTUM AND WAS ABLE TO PULL THE CAR OVER SAFELY TO THE GRASSY SHOULDER. I PURCHASED MY CAR USED BACK IN 2012 AND IT ONLY HAD 28,000 MILES ON IT. THIS VEHICLE HAS ALWAYS BEEN SERVICED AT A LEXUS DEALERSHIP (BY THE PREVIOUS OWNERS AND BY MYSELF SINCE I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE). I DO NOT UNDERSTAND HOW ANYTHING LIKE THIS COULD HAVE HAPPENED. LUCKILY NO ONE IN MY VEHICLE WAS INJURED AND THAT THE OTHER DRIVERS ON THE ROAD WERE ABLE TO MANEUVER AROUND MY CAR AND THE TIRE THAT FLEW ACROSS THREE LANES OF TRAFFIC ON THE HIGHWAY I WAS DRIVING ON. THE REPAIRS TO THE VEHICLE WAS APPROXIMATELY $4,000. *TR
- 12/07/2022· UNKNOWN OR OTHER
My daughter was driving on the Freeway and the vehicle just went dead. She lost all power nothing would work. She was on a outside land and was able to get it off the road. She said it was really hard to do that and scared her very much. She said if she had been in the middle lane she would have not been able to get it off the road. We took it to our mechanic and he told us to take it to a dealer as they had the proper equipment to test the hybrid system. We dont have a lexus dealer in our town but we have a Toyota. We took it there and they told us it would be 170.00 to find the problem. They called us and had a list of things they recommended. My husband asked did you check the hybird system and they said yes they could find no problems. I called and talked to the gentelman and he said the tests they ran they could not find the problem. I asked him what we could do and he said they cant find the problem. I looked on the internet and many many people have the same problem. How could they not know what the problem was. This makes no sense to me. If your drining down the freeway and lose power this is a safety problem. Lots and Lots of the remarks were to report them to NHSTA so thats what I am doing. Thank You
- 12/06/2021· SERVICE BRAKES,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
2008 Lexus RX 400H Faulty ABS Actuator yes my car is available for inspection upon request . This is a known problem on this vehicle there is 100s of complaints on same issue with the same cars Lexus is neglecting responsibility for this faulty and very dangerous hazard , this part has been faulty for years with out my knowledge and now it’s gotten worse all the lights related to my brake system is on and the brakes seem to have a mind of there own they break real hard at times and times I have to slam on them to break . yes I have had the car checked and the dealer told me that there was a extended warranty issued on this part but that it’s expired. they also gave me a quote $2,100 just for the part no labor that’s crazy, this is not a extended warranty matter this should be recalled there is thousands of people driving this cars with out knowing that there breaks could give out anytime . I hope that Lexus considers the seriousness of this matter and not wait on till lives are lost do to neglecting. they took effort years ago in extending the warranty on the part but there is thousands of owners like my self that were not aware or notified of this extension , also this is a malfunction that is not noticeable and can happen at anytime especially while you driving .
- 12/02/2015· STEERING
WHILE DRIVING ON A CITY STREET, I LOST POWER STEERING COMPLETELY. P/S AND BRAKE DASH LIGHTS CAME ON ALONG WITH "SERVICE HYBRID SYSTEM" AND "SERVICE AWD SYSTEM". AFTER A FEW MORE MILES THE VEHICLE LOST COMPLETE PROPULSION POWER AND I WAS FORCED TO PULL OUT OF TRAFFIC. I TURNED OFF THE VEHICLE AND IT STARTED FINE WITH NO POWER STEERING. I MADE THE NEXT MILE TO THE DEALERSHIP. THEY REPLACED THE ECU THAT HAD SHORTED OUT DUE TO A BAD STEERING RACK. I AM NOT SURE WHY THE ELECTRONIC STEERING MECHANISM WOULD CAUSE COMPLETE LOSS OF POWER FROM THE ENGINE/HYBRID SYSTEM?
- 11/30/2020· UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I PURCHASED A VEHICLE FROM A DEALERSHIP IN ILLINOIS. DRIVING THE VEHICLE HOME TO MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN THE HYBRID SYSTEM, TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM, AND ALL WHEEL DRIVE SYSTEM ERROR LIGHTS WENT OFF AT ONCE. THE VEHICLE WENT INTO LIMP MODE IN THE MIDDLE OF THE LANE. I STRUGGLED TO MERGE OVER ONTO THE EMERGENCY LANE. I INFORMED THE DEALERSHIP OF THE ISSUE, AND TOWED THE VEHICLE TO A LOCAL TOYOTA DEALERSHIP. THE LOCAL DEALERSHIP INFORMED US THAT NO CODES WERE SHOWING UP, AND TO PICK UP THE VEHICLE. WE PICKED THE VEHICLE UP, AND ON THE WAY HOME THE SAME WARNING SYSTEMS SHOWED AGAIN. I INFORMED THE DEALERSHIP I WANTED A REFUND, AND NOW THEY'RE PLAYING GAMES. WHEN GETTING HOME, AND CHECKING THE VIN TO MAYBE SEE IF THERE WAS ANY SAFETY RECALLS ON THE VEHICLE. IT'S SHOWING AS A SALVAGED VEHICLE.
- 11/29/2009· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I WAS DRIVING AT 70 MPH ON US290. WITHOUT WARNING, THE ENGINE SUDDENLY SHUT DOWN AND THE DASHBOARD DISPLAY WENT BLANK (EXCEPT FOR THE NAVIGATION SYSTEM). I WAS UNABLE TO RESTART THE CAR. THERE WAS A MESSAGE TO CHECK THE ACV SYSTEM. I TIGHTENED THE GAS TANK CAP AND WAS ABLE TO RESTART. A COMPLETE SHUTDOWN WITHOUT WARNING IS VERY DANGEROUS. *TR
- 11/26/2014· AIR BAGS,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROLCrash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 LEXUS RX400H. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE PULLING INTO A PARKING SPACE, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED INDEPENDENTLY CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO CRASH INTO A ROCK WALL. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND NO INJURIES WERE SUSTAINED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BUT THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 65,000.
- 11/26/2013· EXTERIOR LIGHTING
HEAD LIGHT GATHER WATER WHICH CAUSES DIM HEAD LIGHTING . COILED GO OUT AT ANYTIME WHILE DRIVING. LOTS OF CONDENSATION ON THE HID HEADLIGHTS. *TR
- 11/24/2014· VEHICLE SPEED CONTROLCrash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 LEXUS RX400H. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TRAVELING APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH ATTEMPTING TO MAKE A RIGHT TURN, THE VEHICLE JERKED FORWARD AND ACCELERATED WITHOUT ANY WARNING. THE CONTACT HAD TO ENGAGE THE BRAKES IN ORDER TO SLOW THE VEHICLE DOWN. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INSPECTED OR DIAGNOSED. THE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED OF THE INTERMITTENT FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 79,000. UPDATED 01/20/15*LJ THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A FENCE. DAMAGING THE FENCE AND THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. UPDATED 06/9/2015 *JS
- 11/20/2023· VISIBILITY/WIPER
1-wiper were replaced 2-tire wearing out replaced
- 11/19/2019· POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
THIS CAR IS EXPERIENCING SYMPTOMS EXACTLY AS DESCRIBED IN THE INVERTER MODULE RECALL, WHEREBY AFTER HIGHWAY DRIVING, THE ELECTRIC MOTOR WILL FAIL RANDOMLY, TRIPPING ALL DASHBOARD FAILURE LIGHTS, AND PUTTING THE VEHICLE IN "LIMP" MODE, WHERE IT EITHER SLOWS SIGNIFICANTLY OR STOPS, AND THEN THUS POSES GREAT SAFETY RISK WITH SURROUNDING TRAFFIC.
- 11/18/2018· UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE
MY OIL LINE BURST ON MY LEXUS RX 350 SUV AND CAUSED SEVERE ENGINE DAMAGE AS A RESULT. THIS IS A VERY LARGE LEAK WHICH COVERS THE GROUND, ENGINE, AND UNDERCARRIAGE. IF THE OIL LINE RUPTURES WHILE DRIVING, THE LOW ENGINE OIL MESSAGE AND ENGINE OIL PRESSURE WARNINGS WILL ILLUMINATE (WHICH IT DID NOT, NO WARNING, NO ILLUMINATION OF LIGHTS) AND WILL RESULT IN COMPLETE ENGINE FAILURE DUE TO OIL STARVATION.THERE WAS NO WARNING LIGHTS AHEAD OF TIME AND THEN ALL THE WARNING LIGHTS WENT OFF AT THE SAME TIME WHEN I CAME OUT OF THE STORE TO START THE CAR, AND IT WAS TOWED IMMEDIATELY TO A SERVICE CENTER AND WAS NOT DRIVEN WHEN THE PANEL LITE UP (THE WHOLE PANEL ILLUMINATED WITH WARNINGS IN EVERY CATEGORY WITH NO WARNING TO INCLUDE TIRE PRESSURE, OIL LIGHT, ENGINE LIGHT, BATTERY LIGHT, AIR BAG, SRS, MASTER LIGHT, BRAKE LIGHT, POWER STEERING LIGHT, ELECTRIC CHARGING SYSTEM LIGHT). THE CAR HAS NO DAMAGE TO THE UNDERCARRIAGE INDICATING THIS COULD NOT BE THE CAUSE. THE MECHANIC REPORTS A DEFECT IN THE OIL LINE/PUMP, IT CRACKED AND SHOULD NOT HAVE. THEY ARE REPORTING A VERY LARGE LEAK THAT WOULD HAVE OCCURRED THUS DAMAGING THE ENTIRE ENGINE VERY QUICKLY. WITH A RUPTURE OF THIS MAGNITUDE NO OIL TO THE ENGINE, THE ENGINE WILL BE IRREPARABLY DAMAGED, YOU CANNOT JUST REPLACE . YOU CANNOT REPAIR SUCH A MASSIVE OIL LEAK WITHOUT WARNING BECAUSE THE DAMAGE CAN BE DONE IMMEDIATELY WITH SUCH A SEVERE LOSS SO SUDDENLY. I NEVER RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE REGARDING THIS ISSUE. THE ONLY WAY TO FIX IT IS TO REPLACE THE ENGINE. THIS IS A CATASTROPHE ON A CAR THAT IS IN PERFECT CONDITION, WELL MAINTAINED FOR ALL SERVICES WITH ONLY 77,000 MILES ON IT. VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY
- 11/13/2007· VEHICLE SPEED CONTROLCrash
VEHICLE WAS BEING DRIVEN BY DENICA GORDON-MANDEL (WIFE). DRIVER WAS ON TOP FLOOR OF A PARKING GARAGE ADJOINING A DEPARTMENT STORE. DRIVER APPLIED GAS TO PULL INTO PARKING SPACE, THEN DRIVER APPLIED BRAKE TO SLOW DOWN, THEN DRIVER TOOK FOOT OFF BRAKE. CAR LURCHED FORWARD AND SLAMMED INTO WALL OF PARKING STRUCTURE. *TR
- 11/08/2019· EXTERIOR LIGHTING,STRUCTURE
I HAVE HAD TO CONTINUOUS ISSUES WITH MY VEHICLE SINCE I BECAME THE OWNER OF IT. #1 THE HEADLAMP GETS VERY FOGGY. EVERY 2-3 MONTHS I TAKE IT TO THE CAR WASH, THEY POP IT OUT AND CLEAN IT. I GET THIS DONE BECAUSE THE LAMP LOOKS VERY DIM WHILE I AM DRIVING IT AT NIGHT AND IT MAKES IT DIFFICULT TO SEE THE ROAD. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE. THE SECOND ISSUE IS THAT THE DASHBOARD IS HEAVILY CRACKED TO THE POINT WHERE MY SON IS ABLE TO PICK OFF PIECES AND TRIES TO PUT IT IN HIS MOUTH. I AM AFRAID OF WHAT TOXIC CHEMICALS THE CRACKED DASHBOARD IS EXPOSING ME AND MY CHILD TO. I CALLED LEXUS TO GET THESE REPAIRED UNDER THE WARRANTY ENHANCEMENT PROGRAM AND THEY TOLD ME THAT BOTH OF THESE ARE NOW 1 YEAR PAST THE WARRANTY. I HAVE BEEN THE OWNER OF THIS CAR SINCE 2017 AND I NEVER GOT NOTICE OF EITHER OF THESE WARRANTY ENHANCEMENTS. BEFORE THAT MY DAD OWNED IT AND HE ALSO NEVER RECEIVED NOTICE. I HAVE FILED A CASE # WITH LEXUS [XXX]. THEY NOW TELL ME THERE IS NOTHING THEY CAN DO AND I WILL HAVE TO PAY OUT OF POCKET FOR ISSUES THAT HAVE BEEN EXISTING FOR THE LAST 4-5 YEARS! INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
- 11/06/2015· WHEELS
THE SPARE TIRE CAME LOOSE, DRAGGED AND ULTIMATELY DISENGAGED FROM THE UNDER CARRIAGE OF MY CAR WHILE DRIVING ON A FOUR-LANE HWY. THANKFULLY, IT DID NOT KILL ANYONE. ALSO, THANK GOODNESS IT DIDN'T GET CAUGHT UNDER MY REAR TIRE CAUSING ME TO HAVE AN ACCIDENT.
- 11/03/2015· VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
I HAVE NOTICED THIS ISSUE A COUPLE OF TIMES OVER THE 7 YEARS I HAVE HAD THE CAR (SINCE IT WAS NEW), MOST RECENTLY YESTERDAY: WHEN I AM TRAVELING AT MEDIUM SPEEDS, SAY 30-45 MPH, AND I HIT A BUMP IT FEELS LIKE I GET A LITTLE "PUSH IN THE BUTT". SORT OF LIKE A FORWARD SKID. SO THEN I APPLY THE BRAKES A BIT. DON'T KNOW HOW ELSE TO DESCRIBE THIS. MY HUSBAND SAYS THAT HE CAN'T FEEL IT WHEN HE IS A PASSENGER.
- 11/02/2021· SERVICE BRAKES, AIR
The contact owns a 2008 Lexus RX400H. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the ABS warning light would illuminate, and a grinding noise was present while depressing the brake pedal. On multiple occasions while driving at very slow speeds the vehicle abruptly stopped. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the ABS actuator was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was also notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 75,000.
- 10/25/2020· UNKNOWN OR OTHER
DASHBOARD IS CRACKING AND EXPOSING FOAM UNDERNEATH. CONCERN THAT PIECES WILL CONTINUE TO FALL OFF AND TAPING OR COVERING THE DASHBOARD MAY INTERFERE WITH AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT.
- 10/16/2012· VEHICLE SPEED CONTROLCrash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 LEXUS RX8. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE ENTERING A PARKING SPACE, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED AND CRASHED INTO A WALL. THERE WAS EXTENSIVE FRONT END DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE. NO ONE WAS INJURED AND THE POLICE WERE NOT NOTIFIED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN AUTO BODY SHOP FOR REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED WHO ADVISED THAT THE INVESTIGATION OF THE FAILURE WOULD TAKE THIRTY DAYS TO COMPLETE. THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE WAS GIVEN BACK TO HER AFTER THE BODY DAMAGE WAS REPAIRED BUT THE MEMORY CARD THAT WAS RETRIEVED WAS NOT INSPECTED TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE ACCELERATION FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,000.
- 10/13/2019· STEERING
LEXUS OF BELLEVUE SERVICE DEPARTMENT (IN BELLEVUE, WA) COMPLETED A ROUTINE OIL CHANGE ON MY 2008 LEXUS RX 350 AND THEN TOLD ME THEY DISCOVERED A GASKET POWER STEERING FLUID LEAKAGE ON PASSENGER SIDE POWER STEERING RACK AND THAT THIS IS A CRITICAL SAFETY ISSUE THAT WOULD REQUIRE A COMPLETE REPLACEMENT OF POWER STEERING RACK AND GASKETS. THIS WAS COMPLETED AND COST ME $1,874.93 (AFTER APPLYING A LEXUS SERVICE CREDIT FOR $237.99) - SO IT ACTUALLY COST ME $2,112.92. AS THIS LUXURY CAR ONLY HAD 71,604 MILES ON THE ODOMETER, I WANTED TO SEE IF THIS WAS A COMMON ISSUE/DEFECT WITH THIS CAR TYPE. I FOUND NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS REGARDING THIS SAFETY DEFECT WHICH COULD POTENTIALLY CAUSE CATASTROPHIC STEERING FAILURES. SEE: [HTTP://WWW.CARPROBLEMZOO.COM/LEXUS/RX350/STEERING-RACK-AND-PINION-PROBLEMS.PHP] [HTTPS://WWW.CLUBLEXUS.COM/FORUMS/RX-2ND-GEN-2004-2009/768754-POWER-STEERING-LEAK.HTML] I ASK THE NHTSA TO CONDUCT A FORMAL INVESTIGATION OF THIS DEFECT IN LEXUS RX 350'S SO THAT A RECALL COULD BE MADE ON THIS VEHICLE, AND SO THAT THOSE WHO HAVE ALREADY PERFORMED THE REPLACEMENTS WOULD BE REIMBURSED BY LEXUS CORPORATE. THANK YOU.
- 10/11/2024· AIR BAGS
The contact owns a 2008 Lexus RX350. The contact stated while operating the vehicle, the passenger’s side air bag warning light remained illuminated, indicating that the passenger’s side air bag was deactivated. The contact stated that the air bag warning light remained illuminated with and without a front seat passenger seated in the vehicle. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were not yet contacted. The failure mileage was 215,000.
- 10/10/2017· ENGINE
THE OIL COOLER LINE DEVELOPED A PIN HOLE LEAK IN IT IN WHICH IN A MATTER OF MINUTES THE CAR WAS COMPLETELY OUT OF OIL IN WHICH THE ENGINE STARTED MAKING GRINDING NOISES UNTIL I STOPPED THE CAR. THIS HAPPENED ON MY 2008 LEXUS AND LOOKING INTO THE ISSUE, LEXUS CHANGED THE DESIGN OF THE PART IN 2011 AFTER CONCERNS OF FAILURE OF THIS PART. THERE WAS A SECTION OF THE PART THAT WAS A RUBBER HOSE IN BETWEEN TWO METAL LINES. LEXUS CHANGED THIS PART TO MAKE IT ONE WHOLE METAL LINE IN 2011. FOR SOME REASON FROM 2007 TO 2011 THIS PART WAS NOT RECALLED AND STILL HAS THE RUBBER HOSE OIL LINE ON IT. IT COSTED ME SEVERAL HUNDRED DOLLARS TO REPLACE THIS PART AND COULD OF DESTROYED MY ENGINE AS WELL OR AT LEAST LIMITED THE ENGINE LIFE SINCE IT WAS WITHOUT OIL FOR A COUPLE MILES. I'M CONCERNED THAT IT HAPPENED WHILE I WAS DRIVING AND LEAKED OIL ON THE ROAD TO THE POINT OF MY VEHICLE BEING EMPTY AND COULD OF SEIZED UP MY ENGINE AS WELL WHICH BOTH ARE SAFETY CONCERNS AND ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES. LEXUS OBVIOUSLY KNEW OF THE PART ISSUE TO CHANGE IT'S DESIGN IN 2012 BUT STILL DOESN'T HAVE A RECALL ON IT. NOT SURE IF I'M BUYING ANOTHER LEXUS BECAUSE OF THIS.
- 10/10/2011· VISIBILITY
FOR NO KNOWN REASON, FRONT WINDSHIELD CRACKED. NO VISIBLE MARKS THAT GLASS COULD HAVE BEEN HIT BY ROCK OR ANY HARD PARTICLE. CRACK STARTS FROM WHERE THE REAR VIEW MIRROR IS PLACED GOING DOWN AND UP TO THE TOP EDGE OF THE WINDSHIELD. MANUFACTURER DENIED CLAIM FOR REPLACEMENT STATING IT IS NOT A MANUFACTURER'S DEFECT. *KB
- 10/07/2019· UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE
VVT-I RUBBER OIL LINE RUPTURED LEAKING ALL 6 QUARTS OF OIL OUT OF ENGINE, CAUSING CATASTROPHIC ENGINE DAMAGE WHILE DRIVING IN 2008 LEXUS RX350 TOYOTA SHOULD HAVE NEVER PUT A RUBBER HOSE ON AN OIL LINE WITH 80PSI AND THEY SHOULD HAVE ISSUED A RECALL. THE LEXUS DEALER HAS NEVER ADVISED ME OF POTENTIAL PROBLEM. THEY SHOULD HAVE TO REPAIR MY ENGINE. FURIOUS AT TOYOTA FOR CUTTING COSTS!
- 10/03/2018· POWER TRAIN,SERVICE BRAKES
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 LEXUS RX400H. WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND THE ABS, BRAKE SYSTEM, AND SLIP WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO CARMAX (3100 SPUR 482, IRVING, TX 75062, (972) 721-0500) WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED TO IGNORE THE FAILURE AND TO BRING THE VEHICLE BACK IN IF THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 78,068.
- 10/03/2014· STRUCTURE,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROLCrash
CAR WAS BEING PULLED INTO SPACE IN RESTAURANT PARKING LOT -- SPACE WAS ON GRASS UP A SLIGHT INCLINE (APPROXIMATELY 12 INCHES) -- AS CAR WAS MOVING UP THE INCLINE A SMALL BUMP WAS FELT UNDER THE CAR AND THE CAR SUDDENLY ACCELERATED AND CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE -- BRAKES WERE APPLIED IMMEDIATELY BUT WERE UNABLE TO STOP THE CAR -- THE CAR SWERVED AND HIT A TREE APPROXIMATELY 20 FEET FROM THE PARKING SPOT -- BELIEVE THE "BUMP" FELT UNDER THE CAR CAUSED THE SUDDEN ACCELERATION -- ABOVE ACCOUNT CAN BE VERIFIED BY THE OTHER PERSON IN THE CAR WHO HAD THE SAME DESCRIPTION OF EVENTS. *TR
- 10/01/2017· STRUCTURE
AUTOMATIC REAR DOOR DOES NOT OPEN IN HOTTER WEATHER. VEHICLE IS CONSISTENTLY GARAGED. LATCH ON REAR DOOR MELTS AND BLACK GOOEY TAR RUBS OFF ON FINGERS AND HANDS WHEN OPENING DOOR. DEALER SAID TO REPLACE THIS MELTED TAR LIKE DOOR LATCH IS $650. AUTOMATIC DOOR DOES NOT OPEN IN HEAT. LEXUS SAYS THERE IS NO FIX FOR THIS.
- 09/30/2016· STRUCTURE
RUBBER COVER ON REAR DOOR LATCH HAS DISINTEGRATED/MELTED.
- 09/30/2013· STEERING
AS OF THIS DATE, THERE HAS NOT BEEN AN ACCIDENT OR FAILURE TO THE STEERING RACK ON THIS CAR. HOWEVER, WHEN THE CAR WAS IN THE LEXUS DEALERSHIP FOR A ROUTINE OIL CHANGE, I WAS TOLD BY A REPRESENTATIVE OF THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT THERE IS A LEAKAGE OF FLUID FROM THE STEERING RACK BOOT AND IF LEFT UN-REPAIRED IT WOULD BE A SIGNIFICANT PROBLEM. WHAT CAUGHT MY ATTENTION MORE WAS THEIR STATEMENT THAT THIS SHOULD BE/HAVE BEEN A RECALL AS IT IS A PROBLEM ON THE LEXUS RX350 SPANNING SEVERAL MODEL YEARS. I DON'T KNOW IF BY "RECALL" THEY MEANT A VOLUNTARY RECALL OR A NHTSA RECALL. ONE DOES NOT HAVE TO LET ONE'S IMAGINATION WANDER TOO FAR TO CONTEMPLATE THE SERIOUSNESS OF A FAILURE WHILE ON THE HIGHWAY. *TR
- 09/26/2022· AIR BAGSCrash
The contact owned a 2008 Lexus RX 350. The contact stated while driving approximately 20 MPH, the contact was crashed into by another vehicle on the driver's side door. The contact stated that the driver's side air bags did not deploy. The driver's side door and the driver's side front wheel and axle were broken. The front fender was also crushed by the impact. The contact suffered a 7-inch laceration on the left side back of his scalp near his left ear and going across the back of his head. The contact's right leg was bruised around his kneecap. The contact was transported by ambulance to the emergency room. The contact stated that police were on the scene and filed a report. The contact stated that the vehicle was towed to an impound lot. The contact stated that the vehicle was declared a total loss. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 232,000.
- 09/26/2008· VEHICLE SPEED CONTROLCrash
UNPROVOKED VEHICLE ACCELERATION WHILE PARKING, CAUSING VEHICLE TO JUMP A CURB, HIT A TREE AND LAND ON THE HOOD OF A VEHICLE PARKED ACROSS FROM THE SUBJECT PARKING SPACE. *TR
- 09/23/2022· SERVICE BRAKES
While driving in local conditions (traveling 20 mph) the brakes stopped working partially (about 90% of braking power was lost) and a message on the dash board show check vsc, after pulling aside it turning off the engine. I inspected the brakes in the engine and at the wheels for leaks. no leaks. upon restarting the car all was normal again.
- 09/22/2015· FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
ONE OF THE 2 HYBRID MODULES FAILED. I BELIEVE THIS IS THE SAME ONE RECALLED IN 2013. THE VEHICLE STOPPED AND ENGINE WOULD NOT TURN OVER. ALL DASHBOARD WARNING LIGHTS CAME ON ALONG WITH CHECK HYBRID ENGINE AND CHECK VCS ( I THINK WERE THE INITIALS, FOR VEHICLE CONTROL SYSTEM). HAD THE CAR BEEN TRAVELLING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS I BELIEVE A FATAL CRASH WOULD HAVE OCCURRED. AS IT WAS, LUCKILY, WE WERE IN STOP AND GO TRAFFIC. HAD CAR TOWED OFF HIGHWAY BUT TOW TRUCK DRIVER TOLD ME HE DROVE IT UP ON THE FLATBED. I HAD TRIED STARTING IT SEVERAL TIMES WITHOUT ANY SUCCESS. ONCE OFF ROAD, I CALLED THE DEALERSHIP, WHO IS OPEN SATURDAYS UNTIL 3 PM AND IT WAS APPROXIMATELY 2:30 PM. I WAS TOLD THAT IF ALL THE LIGHTS WENT OFF AND THE CAR STARTED THAT I COULD DRIVE IT HOME. THAT IS WHAT HAPPENED. I MADE AN APPOINTMENT FOR THAT MONDAY WHILE ON THE PHONE WITH THE DEALER SO THAT THE PROBLEM COULD BE CHECKED OUT. IT TURNS OUT THAT THIS MODULE, WHEN HEATED UP TO HIGH TEMPERATURE, CAN FAIL BY THE SOLDERING CONTACTS OPENING AND THE POWER THEREBY FAILING. THIS IS THE PROBLEM THAT THE 2013 RECALL WAS SUPPOSED TO CORRECT. HOW DO I KNOW THAT THIS NEW MODULE WILL NOT FAIL AGAIN WITHOUT WARNING? LEXUS ABSORBED THE LABOR ON THE MODULE REPLACEMENT BUT CLAIMED THE PART (WHICH WAS THE RECALL PART INSTALLED TO CURE THE RECALL PROBLEM IN 2013) WAS NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY AND WOULD NOT ABSORB THE ENTIRE REPAIR COST. I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW IF THIS IS THE FIRST TIME THIS HAS OCCURRED WITH THIS MODULE SINCE THE 2013 RECALL OR IF OTHERS HAVE EXPERIENCED THIS AND MAYBE THERE SHOULD BE ANOTHER RECALL. I WOULD ALSO LIKE THE FULL COST REIMBURSED AND TO HAVE SOME SOLID REASSURANCE THIS WILL NOT HAPPEN AGAIN.
- 09/07/2020· VISIBILITY/WIPER
DASHBOARD IS DETERIORATING OMITTING GASES, AND CAUSING GLARE ON INTERIOR WINDSHIELD. EXTREMELY UNSAFE TO DRIVE ESPECIALLY IF RAINING.
- 09/02/2010· STEERING
WHILE TURNING INTO PARKING LOT FROM ROAD BUMPED THE RIGHT FRONT TIRE INTO CURB AT APPROX 4 MPH. POWER STEERING IMMEDIATELY CEASED TO FUNCTION. TOLD BY TOYOTA MECHANIC THAT A HIGH VOLTAGE POWER SPIKE DESTROYED THE POWER STEERING COMPUTER. PAID $1050 FOR REPLACEMENT OF POWER STEERING COMPUTER. DOES THIS MEAN A POTHOLE CAN ALSO FRY THE P/S COMPUTER. *TR
- 08/29/2020· ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
DASHBOARD CHECK ENGINE, CAR SKID LINES WONT SHUT OFF. ENGINE STALLS WHILE DRIVING WHEN CAR IS STOPPED TRIED TO TURN OFF LIGHTS. WOULD NOT GO OUT. NOT FLASHING LIGHTSS ON DASHBOARD. STABLE LIGHT NOT GOING OUT.
- 08/28/2021· UNKNOWN OR OTHER,SERVICE BRAKES
In 2020 entire dash sticky to touch, and cracking of dash 2021. VSC light on/off.
- 08/25/2021· STRUCTURE
Complete DASH board is cracked spanning from Drivers side to Passengers Side including Cracks on the AIRBAGS on both sides
- 08/25/2015· STEERINGCrash
POWER STEERING CAN HARDLY MOVE
- 08/24/2023· SERVICE BRAKES, AIR,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
The contact owns a 2008 Lexus RX400H. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40 MPH and depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle failed to respond and made an abnormal pumping and grinding sound. Additionally, an unknown beeping and buzzing alarm sounded. The contact stated that he depressed the brake pedal with both feet. The ABS, traction control, and the stabili-trak warning lights were illuminated. The local dealer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that the ABS module needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 138,000.
- 08/23/2021· HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2008 Lexus RX400H. The contact stated that while reversing out a parking space at a low rate of speed, the vehicle stalled as the hybrid system warning message illuminated on the instrument panel. The contact was able to walk to an automotive parts store and purchased a new battery which he replaced in his vehicle. The contact was able to drive to a gas station and soon after leaving the gas station, the vehicle stalled again as the same warning light illuminated on the instrument panel. The contact was unable to restart the vehicle after multiple attempts and had the vehicle towed to an independent mechanic. The mechanic linked the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V396000 (Hybrid Propulsion System) and referred him to a local dealer. The contact called a dealer and was informed that his vehicle was not included in the recall. The manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 268,000
- 08/21/2025· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2008 Lexus RX 350. The contact discovered a mileage discrepancy after the purchase. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 114,000. It was later discovered that the mileage on the Owner’s Title was 265,000 based on a Carfax Report. After speaking to the son of the former owner, the contact was informed that the last known mileage was 278,000.
- 08/21/2024· AIR BAGS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
* Our 2008 Lexus RX 350 dashboard is cracking: areas of safety concern are the cracks around the ignition switch, the air bags, and the instrument panel. * There are cracks all around the ignition switch which places it in jeopardy of malfunctioning to include releasing dangerous fumes and dangerous fragments (scrapnel), and/or falling out. * The air bags are a grave concern as they may not deploy due to the cracks in the dashboard. * The instrument panel has a backup camera that may also be negatively impacted. There was a safety recall on these dashboards, and Lexus claimed that they were waiting on parts and that we would be contacted. We were never contacted by Lexus, and when we contacted them on several occasions, Lexus told us that they were not going to replace the dashboard. The cracks in my dashboard are extremely serious concerns for my family's safety, which is why this vehicle is only used if there's an in an emergency due to the safety concerns. We live in south Georgia, and the dashboard began cracking / melting as a result of heat and humidity. Lexus has refused to honor the agreement that it made in accordance with its "Warranty Enhancement Program." Our last case number with Lexus is [XXX] on [XXX], and we have not heard back from Lexus' vehicle protection. The numbers that we contacted were 800-448-1505 and 800-255-3987. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
- 08/19/2015· AIR BAGS,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKESCrash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 LEXUS RX400H. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH AND ATTEMPTING TO PARK, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED BUT THE BRAKES FAILED TO RESPOND. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE DROVE OVER A CURB AND CRASHED INTO TREES AND BUSHES. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000.
- 08/18/2012· SERVICE BRAKES
I RECENTLY PURCHASED (07/17/12) A 2008 USED RX400H, I QUICKLY NOTICED THAT WHILE BRAKING IF THE ROAD HAS ANY BUMPS OR UNEVENNESS THE VEHICLE SURGES FORWARD DURING THE BRAKING PROCESS AND THEN RESUMES BRAKING AFTER THE SURGE. THIS HAPPENS CONSISTENTLY WHEN THERE ARE ANY BUMPS IN THE PAVEMENT. THIS IS VERY FRIGHTENING AS IT COULD EASILY CAUSE AN ACCIDENT SINCE THE BRAKING IS INTERRUPTED AND THE CAR ACTUALLY ACCELERATES WHEN IT SHOULD BE SLOWING DOWN! I HAVEN'T DRIVEN IT IN THE WINTER YET BUT I AM ALREADY CONCERNED AND UPSET THAT THIS CAR THAT I PURCHASED BECAUSE OF THE HIGH SAFETY RATINGS ON THE NHTSA SITE NOW TURNS OUT TO BE POTENTIALLY VERY UNSAFE. *TR
- 08/17/2022· AIR BAGS
UNKNOWN - The dashboard plastic is cracking and pieces have broken off. While it may be deemed to be a cosmetic issue, the front passenger side airbag sits underneath the dashboard where the cracking has occurred. The concern here is that when the airbag deploys, the dashboard will fragment, ejecting plastic shrapnel towards the vehicle occupants, exacerbating any potential injuries.
- 08/12/2022· SERVICE BRAKES
Vehicle brakes are inconsistent. The ABS system also locks up periodically, and fail to engage at other times. Extremely dangerous to drive. They are also very noisy. I contacted both the local Lexus dealership and national number, but they refused to fix them under warranty. Lexus DID offer an extended warranty in 2016 or so, but since I was the second owner of the vehicle, I never received notification of the extended warranty that went through Dec. 31 2017. In September, 2020, I could no longer deal with the brakes, so I bought a new ABS actuator from the Lexus dealership and installed it myself. It was straight forward and took less than an hour to install and bleed the brake lines per Lexus instructions. Less than 16 months later, the ABS system is failing again. Lexus told me that the part warranty is only one year, and refused to cover the expense to fix.