Owners have filed 16 complaints
about the 2008 Lexus GS with NHTSA between 2011 and 2024.
The largest single group is the engine & cooling.
Across this model's run it ranks 5 of 5 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 28
Against the median year of the Lexus GS. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 0
0% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 0
0% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade:
A
B
C
D
F
ungraded
What breaks on a 2008 Lexus GS
Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.
Other & Unspecified
425.0%
Median failure at 96,000 miles
Engine & Cooling
425.0%
Median failure at 146,000 miles
Fuel & Propulsion
318.8%
Median failure at 152,000 miles
Lights
212.5%
Median failure at 70,000 miles
Windows, Mirrors & Wipers
16.3%
Median failure at 115,000 miles
Brakes
16.3%
Median failure at 80,000 miles
Steering
16.3%
Median failure at 90,000 miles
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
50,000 – 74,999 miles
111.1%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
333.3%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
333.3%
150,000+ miles
222.2%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Jan 2011peak 2Dec 2024
Recalls on the 2008 Lexus GS
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 20183464,915 units in Canada
Fuel System
On certain vehicles equipped with a 3.5L V6 engine, the fuel pulsation dampers located in the fuel delivery pipe could develop a leak over time. A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source could increase the risk of fire causing injury and/or damage to property. Correction: Dealers will replace the fuel delivery pipe with an updated part.
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 115,000 milesReidsville, GA
VISIBILITY
The contact owns a 2008 Lexus GS 350. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, he became aware that the rearview mirror's reflective surface was fading, reducing rear-view visibility. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 115,000.
NHTSA complaint #11632658 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
San Jose, CA
ENGINE
I am writing to file a complaint against Lexus Corporation regarding a significant safety issue with my vehicle. Despite NHTSA’s recall notice for defective engine valve springs installed in certain 2008 GS350 vehicles with a specified range of VIN numbers that includes my vehicle’s, Lexus still persevered my car is not applicable for the recall and refused to cover the necessary repair costs after identifying the root cause of my car’s engine failure to be a broken valve spring out of a total of 24, as was initially diagnosed by a local auto repair shop. Their negligence of timely contacting impacted vehicle’s owner and outright refusal to cover this critical recall repair cost is truly outrageous as my own life and public safety have been in danger during these years. My vehicle experienced a near-catastrophic sudden engine failure with violent shaking and stalling at around 7:30am on April 27 while traveling on Highway 101. Fortunately, I managed to exit the highway safely during the heavy traffic and pulled into a nearby parking lot. It was towed to a local auto repair shop for initial diagnosis and a few days later transported to the Stevens Creek Lexus repair facility as instructed by them. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued a recall (document link: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2010/RCMN-10V309-1264.pdf) encompassing the range of vehicles affected by the defective valve springs, which includes my vehicle. However, despite being within the recall range, Lexus Corporate still refused to cover the repair costs. I respectfully request your intervention in conducting a thorough investigation into this matter. It is crucial that Lexus Corporate be held accountable for their actions, and appropriate measures be taken to rectify this safety issue without delay. The safety of consumers must always be a top priority, and I trust that NHTSA will take decisive action to protect the public from further harm.
NHTSA complaint #11523504 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Oxnard, CA
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
2008 GS350 - 129k miles - 1 owner Looking for input on whether/how to proceed as this is now a multi-year problem (2019- 2021). My 2008 Lexus GS350 had the following recalls (All fuel and engine related): NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID: 18V432000; NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V647000 NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID: 09V020000; NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID: 10V309000 Before the last fuel assembly recall work was out of warranty 2019, I started experiencing an extreme fuel odor after a decline AND each time car was started (noticeable only with windows down). No warning lights, system reported no issues. Independent mechanic found a leaking fuel injector (port on that side is "clean".) (Lexus dealerships found no issues). Replaced fuel injector, no change in fuel smell, strong as ever. Neither Lexus or Independent mechanic can determine what is wrong. Pandemic happened and I only drive the car once a week to the grocery store, strong fuel smell on startup still happens. (Haven't been on any incline/declines). 5/9/21, filled gas tank, started car, made 2 stops before heading home, "Check engine, Check VSC" and a myriad of lights came up on dash. (Total of 3 startups after filling tank, lights came on after 3rd start). Code comes up - P0430 - Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold Bank 2 All the fuel related symptoms & issues can't be a coincidence. 2 Fuel assembly recalls, fuel smell, leaking fuel injector, continued fuel smell, now catalytic converter issue even though car is barely used in the last year.
NHTSA complaint #11417496 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 80,000 milesBrandon, FL
SERVICE BRAKES
ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM,VEHICLE STABILITY CONTROL SYSTEM,TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM
NHTSA complaint #11415594 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 96,000 milesWinston-Salem, NC
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
ALMOST 2 MONTHS STARTED TO EXPERIENCE WET DRIVERS FLOOR. I DRIED THE WATER PUDDLE UP. IN TWO DAYS PUDDLE BACK ALONE WITH THE DRIVERS SIDE BACK FLOORS WET. I DRIED THE WATER UP AGAIN. I TOOK MY VEHICLE TO LEXUS DEALERSHIP. TECHNICIAN UNCLOGGED THE SUNROOM HOSE DRAIN AT A COST $155.15 THE NXT COUPLE OF DAYS THE PUDDLES ARE BACK. SERVICE CONSULTED STATED THEY HOPE THE PROBLEM IS FIXED. IN 2014 LEXUS REPAIRED HVAC EVAPORATORS DRAIN HOSE ON 2007-2017 LEXUS VEHICLES EXCEPT THE LEXUS GS. I HAVE WIPE WET WINDOWS EVEN WHEN THE HVAC IS OFF. I CALLED LEXUS CLAIM WAS TOLD THEY COULD NOT HELP WITH THE PROBLEM. BUT, NEVERTHELESS MY COMPLAINT WOULD BE REVIEWED AND WAS TO RECEIVE AN ANSWER WITHIN 24 HRS. I WAS TOLD BY DEALERSHIP TO BRING BACK IF PROBLEM CONTINUED. I FEEL THAT WOULD BE A DIME AND NICKEL TRANSACTIONS. ON THE LEXUS BLOG MANY INDIVIDUALS HAVE SPENT UP TO $2500 AND PROBLEM STILL EXIST. TO SOLVE THE PROBLEM THEY SOLD THE CARS VOWING NEVER TO PURCHASE A LEXUS. THANK YOU.
NHTSA complaint #11362140 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fairfield, CA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
SPEAKERS - I'VE HAD 2 "BLOW" BUT THEY WEREN'T BLOWN, THE SPEAKER GLUE HAD JUST DISSOLVED AND THE TOP OF THE SPEAKERS WERE RATTLING. I CAN'T EVEN GET TO THE REAR BLOWN SPEAKER BECAUSE THE ENTIRE BACK SEAT HAS TO BE REMOVED TO ACCESS IT. THIS IS A COMMON COMPLAINT IN ALL OF THE FORUMS I'VE VISITED THAT THESE SPEAKERS FALL APART.
NHTSA complaint #11308346 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fairfield, CA
ENGINE
THIS CAR BURNS AN INSANE AMOUNT OF OIL AND TURNS BLACK IN COLOR. I HAVE NO OIL LEAK BUT HAVE TO PUT ABOUT A QUART IN WEEKLY.
NHTSA complaint #11308344 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Dover, DE
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
REAR VIEW MIRROR CLOUDY AND SHOWING BLACK SPOTS
NHTSA complaint #11205595 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 70,000 milesBirmingham, AL
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
WHEN DRIVING AT LEAST 3 MIN THE FRONT HEAD LIGHTS GOES OUT.DONT MATTER HOW MANY TIMES YOU GET IT FIX
NHTSA complaint #11063394 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 144,000 milesChandler, AZ
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
FUEL SMELL SEEMING TO ORIGINATE FROM UNDER THE HOOD
NHTSA complaint #11033945 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 160,000 milesMaryville, TN
ENGINE
SMELL OF GAS IN THE MAIN CABIN ALL OF THE SUDDEN WHEN DRIVING ON A CITY STREET. UPON EXITING CAR, SMELL OF GAS COMING FROM ENGINE COMPARTMENT.
NHTSA complaint #11021158 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 160,000 milesMaryville, TN
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
SMELL OF GAS IN THE MAIN CABIN ALL OF THE SUDDEN WHEN DRIVING ON A CITY STREET. UPON EXITING CAR, SMELL OF GAS COMING FROM ENGINE COMPARTMENT.
NHTSA complaint #11021158 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Antelope, CA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
SAFETY ISSUE: LEXUS GS 350 2008 HAS THE ISSUE OF REAR VIEW MIRROR. THE REAR VIEW MIRROR IS LOOSING UNDER THE GLASS THE SPECIAL TEXTURE. LEXUS COMPANY SAVED MONEY AND REPLACED HIGH QUALITY OF REAR VIEW MIRROR TO CHEAP STRUCTURE. MIRROR LOOKS LIKE FROM THE LATE 19TH CENTURY. APPEARANCE OF REAR VIEW MIRROR IS SCRATCHED UP WITH RANDOM BLACK SPOTS, FOGGY TO THE POINT THAT YOU CANNOT SEE THROUGH IT DURING THE LATE DARK HOURS OF THE EVENING AND NIGHT. EVEN THOUGH THE TOP OF THE GLASS IS SMOOTH WITHOUT ANY TRACE OF NEGLECT. THIS ISSUE STARTED TO BE A LONG TIME AGO WITH A SMALL BAD APPEARANCE, BUT IT'S GRADUALLY GETTING WORSE. LEXUS OF ROSEVILLE AT 300 AUTOMALL DR, ROSEVILLE, CA 95661 ON APRIL 19, 2017, OFFERED TO BUY FOR $1235 THEN THEY GAVE ME DISCOUNT OF $882 BECAUSE OF MANY COMPLAINTS OF THE SAME ISSUE. I HAVE OLD LEXUS GS 400 1998 AND THE REAR VIEW MIRROR LOOKS PERFECT. PLEASE REVIEW THIS ISSUE. THANK YOU AND I APPRECIATE YOUR TIME.
NHTSA complaint #10979654 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 132,000 milesChicago, IL
ENGINE
AFTER HAVING THE CAMSHAFT TIMING GEAR REPLACED DUE TO THE RECALL, I NOTICED MY CAR WAS BURNING A LOT OF OIL BUT THERE WAS NO LEAK. MY CAR WOULD BE OUT OF OIL 1,800 MILE PRIOR TO ME NEXT OIL CHANGE AND I WOULD NEED TO ADD 2 QUARTS OF OIL TO MY CAR. WHEN I BROUGHT THE CAR IN TO BE LOOKED AT, I WAS TOLD THAT THERE WAS OIL SEEPAGE IN THE TIMING CHAIN AREA WHICH IS A $3,500 REPAIR. THE MORE I RESEARCH, THE MORE I'M FINDING THAT PEOPLE ARE STATING THIS IS RELATED TO THE RECALL PERFORMED.
NHTSA complaint #10789335 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 90,000 milesFitchburg, WI
STEERING
STEERING RACK FAILURE REQUIRED REPLACEMENT. PROBLEM DISCOVERED PRIOR TO ANY POTENTIAL ACCIDENT.
NHTSA complaint #10631415 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Sterling, VA
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
NEARLY CRASHED INTO THE BACK OF A LEXUS SEDAN SLOWING FOR FULL SPEED TOLL PAYMENT. EVEN THOUGH THE VEHICLE HAD DAYTIME DRIVING LIGHTS, THERE WAS NO INDICATION IN THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. HEAVY RAIN WAS AFFECTING VISIBILITY AND THE LACK OF ANY REAR LIGHT INDICATIONS NEARLY LEAD TO A MULTIPLE VEHICLE CRASH. I BELIEVE THIS CONDITION EXISTS ON MOST VEHICLES WITH DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHTS AND MAY VERY WELL HAVE LED TO NUMEROUS FATAL ACCIDENTS. NO LIGHT ON THE READ OF A VEHICLE DURING POOR VISIBILITY CONDITIONS CAN NO DOUBT LEAD TO RE-END CRASHES.
NHTSA complaint #10378435 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.