Total Complaints
143 filings
LEXUS IS · model year
143 NHTSA complaints, 7 crash reports, and 3 active recalls for this specific cohort.
NHTSA overall rating
Not crash-tested
New Car Assessment Program
The 2008LEXUSIS carries 143 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 7 crashes, 0 fires, 5 injuries, and 0 fatalities. No NCAP 5-star crash-test rating is available for this model year in the federal database.
Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 2008 IS is unknown or other with 24 filings, followed by engine (22) and air bags (20). Concentration in one or two component groups is the classic signature of a systemic defect; a flat distribution usually reflects normal aging, warranty complaints, or isolated build-plant variability. This model year has 3 active recall campaigns, which means the manufacturer is obligated to remedy the covered defect at no charge for the life of the vehicle — the full NHTSA campaign numbers are listed below.
NHTSA currently has 3 investigation files overlapping the 2008 IS. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should pair the counters above with the complaint-by-year trend on the parent model page — a spike in a single year often tracks to a platform refresh, a new transmission supplier, or an updated ECU calibration. Use the related-complaint feed below to read raw owner narratives before deciding whether any pattern here affects your specific use case.
Total Complaints
143 filings
Crashes Reported
7 reports
Source
NHTSA ODI
Federal complaints database
At or below the fleet median complaint volume.
| Component | Count |
|---|---|
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 24 |
| ENGINE | 22 |
| AIR BAGS | 20 |
| STRUCTURE | 13 |
| VISIBILITY/WIPER | 11 |
| STRUCTURE:BODY | 7 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 6 |
| FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | 6 |
| POWER TRAIN | 5 |
| VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL | 4 |
| STEERING | 4 |
| EXTERIOR LIGHTING | 3 |
| SEAT BELTS | 3 |
| EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY | 2 |
| SEATS | 2 |
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY
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 COUL
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
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
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL
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.
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. Iâve had to regularly add oil between scheduled oil changes, and Iâve noticed that the oil level is frequently low with no external leaks visible. Iâm 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 en
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. Iâve had to regularly add oil between scheduled oil changes, and Iâve noticed that the oil level is frequently low with no external leaks visible. Iâm 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 en
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 couldnât see due to the glare of the melting dashboard reflecting on the windshield
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 couldnât 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.
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.
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 Iâve 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
From my past research Iâve 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 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 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.
Mileage: 70,000
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.
Mileage: 70,000
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.
Mileage: 102,000
UPON STARTING VEHICLE, ENGINE LOUDLY RATTLES FOR APROX. ONE SECOND AS IF SOMETHING IS LOOSE. THIS INSTANCE IS DIRECTLY IN LINE WITH LEXUS TSB "L-SB-0155-08" (Engine - Brief Engine Knock/Rattle On Cold Start Up). FURTHER INVESTIGATION SHOWS THIS IS A MAJOR CONCERN AS THIS INVOLVES A FAULTY CAMSHAFT ASSEMBLY.
- 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, itâs 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 temperatu
- 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, itâs 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 temperatu
Dashboard and door panels are melting to the point that (short) nails get stuck every time we drive. Car is parked under a roof and itâs still melting. Poor visibility due to shine.
Dashboard and door panels are melting to the point that (short) nails get stuck every time we drive. Car is parked under a roof and itâs still melting. Poor visibility due to shine.
Dashboard and door panels are melting to the point that (short) nails get stuck every time we drive. Car is parked under a roof and itâs still melting. Poor visibility due to shine.
Data as of 2025. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.
Read our methodology — how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.