Lexus · IS · 2008
3
Recalls
102
Complaints
-
Not Rated
The 2008 Lexus IS has 3 recalls and 102 owner-reported complaints on file with NHTSA. Most reported issue: engine (22 reports).
Source: NHTSA Public Records · Updated Apr 22, 2026
This page combines three types of NHTSA data: recall campaigns (official manufacturer or government actions), owner complaints (unverified consumer reports), and crash test ratings (where available). A vehicle with many complaints is not necessarily less reliable — complaint volume correlates with sales volume and vehicle age. Recalls indicate identified defects, not overall quality. To compare this model year with others, use the year navigation in the sidebar or return to the model overview page.
TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2004-2010 PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL CAN GET STUCK IN THE WIDE OPEN POSITION DUE TO ITS BEING TRAPPED BY AN UNSECURED OR INCOMPATIBLE DRIVER'S FLOOR MAT.
Remedy Status
TOYOTA FILED AN AMENDED DEFECT REPORT ON NOVEMBER 25, 2009, STATING THAT DEALERS WILL MODIFY THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL AND, ON CERTAIN VEHICLES, ALTER THE SHAPE OF THE FLOOR SURFACE UNDER THE PEDAL. THESE CHANGES ADDRESS THE RISK OF PEDAL ENTRAPMENT DUE TO INTERFERENCE WITH THE FLOOR MAT. REDESIGNED ACCELERATOR PEDALS WILL BECOME AVAILABLE BEGINNING IN APRIL 2010 AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE ANY MODIFIED PEDAL WITH THE NEW PEDAL IF DESIRED. ALSO, DEALERS WILL REPLACE ANY GENUINE TOYOTA OR LEXUS ALL-WEATHER FLOOR MATS WITH REDESIGNED ALL-WEATHER MATS, OR REPURCHASE THE PREVIOUS MATS FROM OWNERS WHO DO NOT WANT THE NEW ONES. ADDITIONALLY, SOFTWARE MODIFICATIONS WILL BE INSTALLED ON CAMRY, AVALON AND LEXUS ES 350, IS 350 AND IS 250 MODELS THAT WILL ENSURE THAT THE BRAKE OVERRIDES THE ACCELERATOR IN THE EVENT BOTH BRAKE AND ACCELERATOR PEDALS ARE APPLIED. TOYOTA WILL BEGIN MAILING LETTERS TO OWNERS ON DECEMBER 31, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331, LEXUS AT 1-800-255-3987.
TOYOTA IS RECALLING 214,570 MY 2006-2008 LEXUS IS, MY 2006-2007 GS AND MY 2007-2008 LS PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH ALUMINUM FUEL DELIVERY PIPES (FUEL RAILS). ETHANOL FUELS WITH A LOW MOISTURE CONTENT WILL CORRODE THE INTERNAL SURFACE OF THE FUEL RAILS. AS THIS CONDITION PROGRESSES, THE ENGINE MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LIGHT MAY ILLUMINATE.
Remedy Status
DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE THE FUEL DELIVERY PIPES FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING FEBRUARY 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA/LEXUS AT 1-800-255-3987.
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.
Remedy Status
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.
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
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.
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
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: 18V432000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) which he linked to the failure. The manufacturer and the dealer were notified of the failure; however, the contact was informed that the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 102,000.
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 strong gas or exhaust fumes while the engine is running, especially at idle or when the car is warm. I am worried that this may be related to catalytic converter damage caused by prolonged oil burning. I believe this may pose both a safety risk and an environmental concern, especially if the catalytic converter is compromised. I have not yet received any recall notices or service bulletins related to this issue, but I am aware that similar Toyota and Lexus models have had oil consumption problems tied to engine design.
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 being aware of this safety issue and having conducted a recall, Lexus has chosen to put a deadline on addressing this problem. This approach contradicts the fundamental principle of ensuring the safety and well-being of Lexus vehicle owners and other road users. The melting dash issue is a manufacturing fault, and it should be addressed regardless of when it manifests itself.
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 70,000.
- The door panel and dashboard is melting under normal to warm weather conditions. Yes. - The rubber is degrading and coming off in pieces . I am concerned that inhalation or contact with this rubber material is a chemical hazard and/or carcinogenic. Also, the shiny sticky dash impedes my driving visibility with a constant glare. - Yes, Lexus offered a limited recall for 2-3 years only. I was never informed of the issue despite going to a Lexus dealership for another safety recall in 2017. - It has been inspected by Toyota but not Lexus. - The rubber began to noticeably degrade in 2019, however, it’s likely it began earlier. It has progressively worsened over time. The recall expired in 2018. I informed Lexus, who greedily stated that they could not help me despite them knowingly installing faulty, failing parts in the car, which may be carcinogenic, and as well as, negatively diminishes my visibility with a reflective glare. Plastic and rubber should not melt at normal temperatures and I have never encountered this issue with any car I’ve ever owned.
front dashboard is sticky, cracked, and peeling off as well as the front and back door panels.
The contact owned a 2008 Lexus IS350. The contact stated while driving approximately 15 mph, the steering wheel began to turn to the left independently and crashed into a parked vehicle. The contact’s vehicle rolled over and landed on its roof before stopping. None of the air bags deploy upon impact. A bystander assisted the contact to exit the vehicle by breaking the front passenger side window with his foot. The contact was transported to the hospital by ambulance. The contact sustained bruising on her face and body. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to the insurance company lot and deemed totaled by the insurance company. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. Prior to the failure, the vehicle was serviced for the air bags recall however, the dealer only replaced the passenger’s side air bag inflator and used masking tape for the engine hoses. The failure mileage was approximately 95,000. Seat belt held the consumer upside down like a hammock. The black box did not say seat belt was in use. Prior to accident consumer was driving by construction site and heard loud screeching scraping under car. Car steering or linkage went out and car went to left. Consumer did not intentionally steer car left. Consumer was blamed for accident when car malfunctioned.
MY ISSUE PERTAINS TO THE STICKY DASH AND THE SAME MATERIALS USED ON PARTS OF THE DOOR NEAR THE HANDLES. WHEN THE TEMPERATURE GETS OVER 80 DEGREES THE MATERIAL STARTS TO MELT AND BECOMES EXTREME HOT AND STICKY. WHEN I TRIED TO GRAB PAPERS I LEFT ON THE DASH I HAD TO TEAR THEM OFF AND IT LEFT A STICKY SUBSTANCE. IT ALSO CAN BECOME EXTREMELY HOT AND WHEN I HIT ANY PART OF THE DASH WHEN HEATED IT BURNS AND STICKS TO ME. I ATTEMPTED TO CONTACT LEXUS AND THEY DECLINED MY CLAIM BECAUSE IT IS NOT A 'SAFETY ISSUE TO THEM OR THE NHTSA'
Airbag light keeps going on and off. Looked up on google. A lot of people are having this issue. I filed for a complaint before and got no response.
Extremely terrible material used on the dash and door panels. Sticky black material sticking to my children and their clothes.
FUEL PRESSURE SENSOR SHORTED OUT INSIDE
THE REAR VIEW MIRROR HAS BECOME UNUSABLE- MIRROR HAS BLACK SCRATCHES ALL OVER ON THE INSIDE & KEEPS GETTING WORSE. DO A GOOGLE SEARCH & YOU'LL FIND 100S OF COMPLAINTS ON FORUMS & CHATS. IT'S 1500 BUX TO GET THIS REPLACED & IT'S NOT A USERS FAULT! LEXUS HAS FULLY AWARE OF THIS FOR YEARS & NEVER DID A RECALL. I CAN'T SEE FROM THIS MIRROR AT ALL & DEF. NOT AT NIGHT. IF I GET IN A WRECK, IT WILL BE 100% ON LEXUS!
GOT A AIRBAG LIGHT ON WHEN I STARTED MY CAR THIS MORNING. EVERYTHING IS INTACT. WAS READING FORUMS ABOUT IT. SAYS THIS PROBLEM IS VERY COMMON. PLEASE LET ME KNOW I DID NOT TAKE A PICTURE. BUT IF NEEDED I CAN TAKE A PICTURE AND SEND IT TO YOU.
I RECEIVED A LETTER ABOUT A RECALL AFTER BEING TOLD I WILL RECEIVE A CALL BACK. AFTER A FEW WEEKS I CONTACTED LEXUS SET A DATE OF SERVICE WAS GIVEN A RENT A CAR BY LEXUS WAS TOLD FOR FREE BUT I PAID A DEPOSIT. LEXUS HAS REFUNDED ME MY MONEY AFTER I PICK UP MY CAR A LOUD NOISE WAS COMING FROM THE DASH I CONTACTED LEXUS VIA EMAIL AND SCHEDULED A DATE WAS TOLD THAT THEY FORGOT TO CLOSE A LID AND THAT WHAT WAS MAKING THE NOISE THAT TIME THEY GAVE ME A LEXUS LOANER NOT A RENT A CAR. BUT IT'S STILL MAKING THAT NOISE MY CAR NEVER MADE THAT NOISE I GO IN FOR A RECALL SERVICE AND IT FEELS LIKE I SHOULD HAVE NEVER GONE NOW I'M SCARED TO DRIVE TO NOT BREAK ANYTHING THE NOISE HAPPENS WHEN I TURN THE AC ON ETHER PARKED OR DRIVE I HAVE VIDEO OF THE NOISE
TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN. WITHIN THE IS-F(2008-2014). MEMBERS ARE EXPERIENCING CRACKED HEADERS MANIFOLD. MEMBERS REPORT SMELLING BAD EGGY PRE-CAT FUMES ODOR. THIS SEEMS TO BE AN ISSUE FOR PEOPLE WITH MID TO HIGH MILEAGE. THE OTHER ISSUE EVERY MEMBER IS EXPERIENCING ARE LEAKING VALLEY PLATE SEAL. PINK COOLANT CAN BE OBSERVED DRIPPING IN MINOR CASES AND LEAKING IN MAJOR CASES. CASES OF A POOL OF COOLANT ON OWNERS DRIVEWAY/GARAGES. THIS CAN EASILY CAUSE A FIRE.
VALLEY PLATE LEAK
ISFS YEAR MODELS 2008-2014 ARE AFFECTED THE VALLEY PLATE LEAK DUE TO THE FACT THAT TOYOTA/LEXUS UTILIZED THE IMPROPER SEALANT AND USED THE IMPROPER AMOUNT, LEADING TO THE HEAT EXCHANGER LEAKING COOLANT ONCE THE ORIGINAL, INADEQUATE SEALANT BEGINS TO DISENTEGRATE. THIS COULD CAUSE A CONDITION WHERE THE ENGINE COULD FAIL AND SOMEONE COULD GET HURT. FURTHERMORE, ALL ISFS WILL EVENTUALLY HAVE A CRACKED RH MANIFOLD ON THE #8 RUNNER. THIS CAN CAUSE A FIRE HAZARD IN ADDITION TO CARBON MONOXIDE POISONING.
Showing 1–20 of 25 complaints
The 2008 Lexus IS has 3 recalls recorded by NHTSA.
NHTSA has received 102 owner-reported complaints for the 2008 Lexus IS.
NHTSA has not published a safety rating for the 2008 Lexus IS.
The most commonly reported complaint categories for the 2008 Lexus IS are engine (22 reports), air bags (20 reports), unknown or other (15 reports).
Yes. NHTSA has 3 recalls on record for the 2008 Lexus IS. Scroll up to review the published recall summaries, consequences, and remedies. To check for unrepaired recalls on your specific vehicle, use your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Look up recalls and complaints for any year, make, and model.
This page summarizes publicly available data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaint counts reflect reports submitted to NHTSA by vehicle owners and do not by themselves prove defect severity or vehicle safety. Safety ratings may not be available for all vehicle-years. This site is not affiliated with NHTSA or any vehicle manufacturer. For official information, visit the official NHTSA page for this vehicle.