Research · Sport Utility Vehicle - 4WD
2008 Lexus GX470Recalls, problems, MPG & safety
NHTSA lists 0 safety recalls and 15 owner complaints for the 2008 Lexus GX470. Most complaints involve vehicle speed control (4) and service brakes, hydraulic (4). The EPA rates it 15 mpg combined.
Combined MPG
15mpg
EPA · 1 version
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
0campaigns
NHTSA
Owner complaints
15
Top: vehicle speed control
Fuel cost / yr
$5,300est.
EPA estimate, best version
Safety recalls
NHTSA campaigns for this model year
0 recalls found in NHTSA data for the 2008 Lexus GX470 as of Oct 29, 2026.
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Oct 29, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
Owner complaints by component
15 complaints filed with NHTSA · May 2008 – Nov 2025
- Vehicle speed control4
- Service brakes, hydraulic4
- Air bags2
- Service brakes, electric2
- Structure1
- Suspension1
- Power train1
- Fuel/propulsion system1
- Service brakes1
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 29, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
What owners report most
Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component
Vehicle speed control
4 reports4 crashes
“THIS IS A REPORT OF SUDDEN ACCELERATION. ON JULY 30, 2016, THE LEXUS EXITED A CONVEYOR-BELT TYPE CARWASH AT 5203 KIRBY DRIVE, HOUSTON, TEXAS 77098. MY PREGNANT WIFE WAS DRIVING THE CAR WITH TWO CHILDREN (AGES 4 AND 2) IN CAR SEATS. AFTER RECEIVING THE GREEN LIGHT FROM THE CARWASH TO PROCEED, MY WIFE SHIFTED FROM NEUTRAL TO DRIVE AND THE LEXUS TOOK OFF TOWARDS KIRBY, A VERY BUSY FOUR-LANE STREET. MY WIFE DEPRESSED THE BRAKES BUT THEY DID NOT WORK. THE LEXUS HIT A FLOWERBED ADJOINING KIRBY AND STRUCK A LARGE 3' DIAMETER DECORATIVE CONCRETE BALL WHICH SLOWED THE VEHICLE AND TURNED IT TO THE RIGHT. MY WIFE THEN TURNED OFF THE LEXUS AT THE IGNITION. THE VEHICLE SUFFERED DAMAGES REQUIRING $9,166.58 IN REPAIRS. A SURVEILLANCE CAMERA FILMED THE INCIDENT. THE COPY IS TOO BIG TO ATTACH SO IT CAN BE FOUND AT HTTPS://YOUTU.BE/AH4WR0ZOJ-A. ALSO, THE FOOTAGE WAS MAGNIFIED AND REVEALS THAT THE BRAKE LIGHTS WERE ON WHILE THE VEHICLE ROCKETED TOWARDS THE FLOWERBED AND THAT THEY THEN WENT OFF, DEMONSTRATING THAT THE DRIVER 'PUMPED' THE BRAKES IN AN EFFORT TO STOP THE CAR. THIS EDITED FOOTAGE IS AT HTTPS://YOUTU.BE/9QKMML4BI3K. THE INTERNET CONTAINS SUBSTANTIAL DISCUSSIONS OF…”
Service brakes, hydraulic
4 reports1 crash
“FOR THE THIRD TIME, THE BRAKES ON OUR 2008 LEXUS GX FAILED. THIS TIME, WHEN PUT IN REVERSE IN THE GARAGE, THE CAR IMMEDIATELY STARTED MOVING--HITTING OUR GARAGE DOOR AS IT WAS GOING UP. THE CAR THEN CONTINUED ANOTHER 40 FEET, INTO A RETAINING WALL--REPEATED PRESSING OF THE BRAKES DID NOTHING--AS IN EARLIER TIMES. *TR”
Air bags
2 reports1 crash
“TAKATA RECALL CAR RIDE WAS LIKE RIDING A WILD BRONCO”
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Oct 29, 2026
Engines, transmissions & drive
1 version rated by the EPA
- EPA class
- Sport Utility Vehicle - 4WD
- Engines
- 4.7L 8-cyl
- Transmissions
- Automatic 5-spd
- Drive
- 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Premium Gasoline
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Oct 29, 2026EPA listing
EPA fuel economy by version
City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GX 470 Auto 5-spd, 8 cyl, 4.7 L · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 14 | 18 | 15 | $5,300 | 592 |
- 15mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Oct 29, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings
1 tested variant
NHTSA has not published 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2008 Lexus GX470 as of Oct 29, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Oct 29, 2026Vehicle 2725
Maintenance basics
General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
- Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
6–12 months - Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
Every oil change - Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
1–2 years - Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
1–2 years - Brake fluid—
2–3 years - Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
5–10 years - Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
— - 12V battery—
3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
2008 GX470 questions
How many recalls does the 2008 Lexus GX470 have?
0 recalls found in NHTSA data as of Oct 29, 2026.
What are the most common 2008 Lexus GX470 problems?
Owners filed 15 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are vehicle speed control (4), service brakes, hydraulic (4), air bags (2). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
What MPG does the 2008 Lexus GX470 get?
The EPA rates the 2008 Lexus GX470 at 15 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (1 version rated).
Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Oct 29, 2026