The Lemon Index2008 Lexus RX.
The 2008 Lexus RX is better than average by owner complaints: 51 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 61, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about speed control, it has 0 recalls, and it gets 19 to 25 mpg combined. The best Lexus RX year is 2014.
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 253 owner complaints, owners reported:
Older model year: fewer owners filed complaints back then, so treat the score as rough.
Every Lexus RX year. 2008 is highlighted. Lower is better.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 35K to 108K miles on the car (188 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
- speed control complaints mostly came at 15K–69K miles
- body structure complaints mostly came at 49K–82K miles
- engine complaints mostly came at 82K–149K miles
Recalls 0
No safety recalls on record.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Problems Lexus told dealers about
Lexus sent dealers 211 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- Tire pressure sensing transmitter activation & installation
- Floor mat installation during (pds) pre-delivery service
- Power back door will make a popping or creaking noise from the power back door drive unit
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Government investigations
- ClosedPedestrian alert sounds2023
NHTSA looks into a problem when enough owners report it. Many end in a recall.
Safety
Crash stars (older test): front ★★★★★ · side ★★★★★ · rollover ★★★★☆
Fuel cost and engines
About $3200–4200 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 3.3L 6-cyl, 3.5L 6-cyl.
In owners' words
Brakes. Loss of braking capability while traveling over an uneven road surface.
2008 Lexus RX owner · NHTSA complaint 10306314
More owner reports
2008 Lexus rx400h. Consumer states unintended acceleration
NHTSA complaint 10400355
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.
NHTSA complaint 10243508
Quick answers
Is the 2008 Lexus RX reliable?
Yes, better than average by government complaints. It drew 1.6× fewer complaints than average filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 61; 100 is average, lower is better). The best Lexus RX year by this measure is 2014.
What are the most common 2008 Lexus RX problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are speed control (39%), brakes (24%) and brakes (electric) (12%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2008 Lexus RX have?
None: NHTSA has no safety recalls on record for it.
What gas mileage does the 2008 Lexus RX get?
19 to 25 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
At what mileage do 2008 Lexus RX problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 35,000 and 108,800 miles. The middle report was at 72,200 miles, from 188 complaints.
Does the 2008 Lexus RX have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues aren't among its top 5 complaint areas.
How much does the 2008 Lexus RX cost in fuel a year?
About $3200 to $4200 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2008 Lexus RX have?
3.3L 6-cyl, 3.5L 6-cyl.
What Lexus RX year is better than the 2008?
By owner complaints per car sold, the best recent years are 2014, 2011 and 2012.
Lemon Index = safety complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model year. 100 is average; lower is better. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works