Research · Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD
2008 Lexus RX350Recalls, problems, MPG & safety
NHTSA lists 0 safety recalls and 196 owner complaints for the 2008 Lexus RX350. Most complaints involve structure (31) and engine (27). The EPA rates it 19–20 mpg combined.
Combined MPG
19–20mpg
EPA · 4 versions
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
0campaigns
NHTSA
Owner complaints
196
Top: structure
Fuel cost / yr
$3,850est.
EPA estimate, best version
Safety recalls
NHTSA campaigns for this model year
0 recalls found in NHTSA data for the 2008 Lexus RX350 as of Nov 10, 2026.
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 10, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
Owner complaints by component
196 complaints filed with NHTSA · Aug 2007 – Aug 2026
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 Nov 10, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
What owners report most
Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component
Structure
31 reports
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 LEXUS RX350. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AUTOMATIC TRUNK DOOR CLOSED DOWN ON A FAMILY MEMBER WITHOUT WARNING. THERE WAS NO INJURY. THE FAILURE OCCURRED SEVERAL TIMES WITH THE TRUNK DOOR AUTOMATICALLY CLOSING WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT SCHEDULED A DIAGNOSTIC APPOINTMENT AT LEXUS OF RICHMOND (703 MIDLOTHIAN TURNPIKE, RICHMOND, VA 23235, (804) 323-8000). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 109,000.”
Engine
27 reports3 fires
“Dear Sir or Madam. My name is [XXX], [XXX], [XXX] living in [XXX]. I bought my 2008 Lexus RX400h car, used, in 2014 at a non-Lexus dealership in the [XXX] where I used to live. My Lexus VIN is: [XXX]. I've been satisfied with the car..until today. The car had been running smoothly forever, and this morning while I was driving I came to a stop (red light) and the car suddenly shut down completely, including the loss of lights, and the whole dashboard went dark. Other cars behind me were honking their horns. I could not even turn on the hazard lights. After 1-2 minutes, all of the lights/warnings started coming on one after the other. I started the car again and run around three different errands without having further issues. I checked online to see if other owners had experienced a similar situation, which is the case. One person said that there had been two recalls in 2011 and 2013, both related to the inverter module inside the hybrid system. Although, I called today a Lexus dealership, [XXX], located in [XXX], and I was told there are no recalls for the VIN number that I provided. Another owner said she/he went to a Lexus dealer in [XXX] and she was told it…”
Steering
23 reports2 crashes
“I RECENTLY TOOK MY NEWLY BAUGHT 2008 LEXUS RX 350 IN AT A LEXUS DEALERSHIP FOR ROUTINE MAINTENANCE. I DIDN'T NOTICE AND STEERING ISSUES OR LEAKS BUT WAS TOLD I NEEDED A NEW RACK AND PINION. SINCE ITS LEXUS DEALERSHIP I RESPECT THEIR INSPECTION AND RECOMMENDATION...BUT LIKE MANY OTHERS...IT TURNS OUT THE RACK AND PINION ON THE RX 350 IS COMMON ( TOO COMMON ) AND I HAVE READ MANY PEOPLE WRITING A COMPLAINT TO NHTSA. I DON'T SEE ANY RESOLUTION OR EXPLANATION TO THE " SAME " COMPLAINTS. I ALSO HAVE TO PAY $1,800 + AND AM SUPPOSED TO PICK UP MY RX350 JULY 7 OR 8TH, 2020. THE RACK AND PINION IS OBVIOUSLY A HUGE SAFETY ISSUE... SO I ECHO EVERYONE ELSE. WHY IS THE MANUFACTURER/ DEALERSHIP NOT GIVING US ANSWERS AS TO WHY THIS IS AN ONGOING ISSUE. I FOUND THIS OUT BY RESEARCHING ONLINE. THEY SURE ARE QUICK TO TAKE THE $1800+. GOOD MONEY MAKER DON'T YOU THINK. ALL I'M SAYING IS, IF IT NEEDS REPLACED THEN YES OF COURSE I'LL REPLACE IT AND I'LL TRY TO SOMEHOW FIND THE MONEY TO DO SO... BUT IF THIS HAS BEEN ONGOING FOR YEARS ON THE RX350... WHY AM I AND MANY OTHERS COUGHING UP MONEY THAT I HONESTLY DONT HAVE !! TO REPLACE THE RACK AND PINION ? I JUST CAME IN FOR AN OIL…”
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 10, 2026
Engines, transmissions & drive
4 versions rated by the EPA
- EPA class
- Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD, Sport Utility Vehicle - 4WD
- Engines
- 3.5L 6-cyl
- Transmissions
- Automatic (S5) · Automatic 5-spd
- Drive
- Front-Wheel 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 Nov 10, 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RX 350 2WD Auto (S5), 6 cyl, 3.5 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 18 | 23 | 20 | $3,850 | 444 |
| RX 350 2WD Auto 5-spd, 6 cyl, 3.5 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 18 | 23 | 20 | $3,850 | 444 |
| RX 350 4WD Auto (S5), 6 cyl, 3.5 L · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 17 | 22 | 19 | $4,050 | 468 |
| RX 350 4WD Auto 5-spd, 6 cyl, 3.5 L · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 17 | 22 | 19 | $4,050 | 468 |
- 20mpg comb.
- 20mpg comb.
- 19mpg comb.
- 19mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 10, 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 RX350 as of Nov 10, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 10, 2026Vehicle 2719
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 RX350 questions
How many recalls does the 2008 Lexus RX350 have?
0 recalls found in NHTSA data as of Nov 10, 2026.
What are the most common 2008 Lexus RX350 problems?
Owners filed 196 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are structure (31), engine (27), steering (23). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
What MPG does the 2008 Lexus RX350 get?
The EPA rates the 2008 Lexus RX350 at 19–20 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (4 versions rated).
Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 10, 2026