Problems · NHTSA complaints
2008 Lexus GS450H problems
Owners filed 22 complaints about the 2008 Lexus GS450H with NHTSA between Jan 2011 and Dec 2024. The most-cited component is engine (5).
Complaints
22
Filed with NHTSA
Crashes
3
Reported by owners
Fires
1
Reported by owners
Injuries
0
People reported injured
Deaths
0
Reported to NHTSA
Complaints by component
One complaint can cite several components
- Engine5
- Fuel/propulsion system4
- Power train3
- Service brakes3
- Exterior lighting2
- Visibility1
- Hybrid propulsion system1
- Steering1
- Other / unknown5
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Oct 28, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
When complaints were filed
Does it get worse with age? Complaints per calendar year filed
1
0
0
1
1
2
4
3
1
3
3
1
1
1
View as table
| Model year | Complaints filed per calendar year |
|---|---|
| 2011 | 1 |
| 2012 | 0 |
| 2013 | 0 |
| 2014 | 1 |
| 2015 | 1 |
| 2016 | 2 |
| 2017 | 4 |
| 2018 | 3 |
| 2019 | 1 |
| 2020 | 3 |
| 2021 | 3 |
| 2022 | 1 |
| 2023 | 1 |
| 2024 | 1 |
Mileage at failure isn’t a structured field in NHTSA complaint data, so we don’t chart it. Some owners mention it in their reports below.
Top problems in owners’ words
Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
Engine
5 reports
“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…”
Fuel/propulsion system
4 reports
“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…”
Power train
3 reports2 crashes1 fire
“The contact owns a 2008 Lexus GS 450 Hybrid. The contact stated that after his vehicle was rear-ended by another vehicle, the check engine light was illuminated and the vehicle was not able to start. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the failure was not related to the collision but that the hybrid transmission cooling pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired and remained at the dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 125,000.”
Service brakes
3 reports1 crash
“The contact's wife owns a 2008 Lexus GS 450H. The contact stated while attempting to park and depressing on the brake pedal but the vehicle accelerated independently and hit a lamp post. The contact stated the air bags did not deploy. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact stated no one was injured nor sought medical attention. A police report was not filed. A dealer was not contacted. The contact stated he experienced the failure for a second time on August 16, 2021. The contact stated while attempting to park and depressing the brake pedal to the floor but the vehicle accelerate independently and crashed into the wall. The contact stated the check stabilizer track and the check system warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated the air bags did not deploy. The contact stated no one was injured nor sought medical attention. A police report was not filed. The contact took the vehicle to local dealer, where it was being serviced at the moment. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000. The VIN was not available.”
Exterior lighting
2 reports
“WHEN DRIVING AT LEAST 3 MIN THE FRONT HEAD LIGHTS GOES OUT.DONT MATTER HOW MANY TIMES YOU GET IT FIX”
Visibility
1 report
“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.”
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Oct 28, 2026
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.