10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
3 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
64,832 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2008 Lexus RX 350 brakes problems

brakes problem

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2008 Lexus RX 350 Owner Comments

problem #19

Sep 232022

RX 350

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

While driving in local conditions (traveling 20 mph) the brakes stopped working partially (about 90% of braking power was lost) and a message on the dash board show check vsc, after pulling aside it turning off the engine. I inspected the brakes in the engine and at the wheels for leaks. no leaks. upon restarting the car all was normal again.

- Chicago, IL, USA

problem #18

Jun 012022

RX 350

  • miles
Vehicle brakes are inconsistent. The ABS system also locks up periodically, and fail to engage at other times. Extremely dangerous to drive. They are also very noisy. I contacted both the local Lexus dealership and national number, but they refused to fix them under warranty. Lexus DID offer an extended warranty in 2016 or so, but since I was the second owner of the vehicle, I never received notification of the extended warranty that went through Dec. 31 2017. In September, 2020, I could no longer deal with the brakes, so I bought a new ABS actuator from the Lexus dealership and installed it myself. It was straight forward and took less than an hour to install and bleed the brake lines per Lexus instructions. Less than 16 months later, the ABS system is failing again. Lexus told me that the part warranty is only one year, and refused to cover the expense to fix.

- Largo, FL, USA

problem #17

Jul 022021

RX 350

  • miles
JULY 2021 at 69568 miles on 2008 Lexus RX350 Brake Booster was changed by Lexus of Orange Park, Florida, for $1652.97. Situation/Discrepancy: After normal stop, Brake Light would illuminate and brakes would mysteriously release and vehicle would start rolling forward! After several brake pumping actions vehicle would stop. Brake Booster was leaking internally! Corrective Action: Replace Power Brakes Booster.

- Fleming Isl. Fl 32003-7407, FL, USA

problem #16

Feb 172022

RX 350

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

UNKNOWN suspect brake actuator failure. Brake noise when stepping on pedal at a stop.

- Woburn, MA, USA

problem #15

Nov 012021

RX 350

  • miles
2008 Lexus RX 400H Faulty ABS Actuator yes my car is available for inspection upon request. This is a known problem on this vehicle there is 100s of complaints on same issue with the same cars Lexus is neglecting responsibility for this faulty and very dangerous hazard, this part has been faulty for years with out my knowledge and now it-€™s gotten worse all the lights related to my brake system is on and the brakes seem to have a mind of there own they break real hard at times and times I have to slam on them to break. yes I have had the car checked and the dealer told me that there was a extended warranty issued on this part but that it-€™s expired. they also gave me a quote $2,100 just for the part no labor that-€™s crazy, this is not a extended warranty matter this should be recalled there is thousands of people driving this cars with out knowing that there breaks could give out anytime. I hope that Lexus considers the seriousness of this matter and not wait on till lives are lost do to neglecting. they took effort years ago in extending the warranty on the part but there is thousands of owners like my self that were not aware or notified of this extension, also this is a malfunction that is not noticeable and can happen at anytime especially while you driving.

- Providence, RI, USA

problem #14

Aug 282021

RX 350

  • miles
In 2020 entire dash sticky to touch, and cracking of dash 2021. VSC light on/off.

- Fayetteville, TN, USA

problem #13

Jan 012015

RX 350

  • 100,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Had filed a complaint over my Lexus brakes but put in the incorrect VIN. My complaint code is 11413142 and was accidently put under my Toyota highlanders VIN

- Euless, TX, USA

problem #12

Mar 222021

RX 350

  • miles
I called the local dealer was told they can not help me. I call the Lexus brand engagement center line and was called back with an explanation why my vehicle is not eligible. Even though it ia exhibiting the malfunction. The deadline was December 31,2020. This last refusal to deal with a part that they are well aware is malfunctioning due to their failure to build a reliable product, as they have offered their own version of satisfaction for those lucky enough to have the failure occur timely. Mine did not know if the timely requirements and opted to malfunction less than a year after the established deadline. However, the letter they sent went to the previous registered owner. As a registered owner in the state of Florida, it is my opinion that lexis could have easily located me through the help of the state of Florida registration office. Which is what their site states is done. I purchased this car June 2020. Lexus/Toyota should have to fix because it is a known issue that they sent out customer support warranty extensions for previously. As of this week my vehicles braking ability has only 10% of what it had a month ago and is no longer safe to drive! I havent owned for a year as yet smh! it is now parked in my garage.

- Lady Lake, FL, USA

problem #11

Jan 122021

RX 350

  • 198,000 miles
When driving I would have all the lights on my dash come on with a dinging sound and when I go to press on my brakes vehicle will not stop unless I press down hard on the brake this is really dangerous will cause a deadly crash and to replace this will cost 3000 dollars that I do not have I reall believe Rx 400H have a defeat with there braking system.

- Charlotte, NC, USA

problem #10

Jun 012020

RX 350 6-cyl

  • 131,800 miles
I was driving my vehicle and pushed on brake pedal to stop at red light. What I noticed that brake, ABS, traction, check engine and more warning lights came on in the dashboard and I almost rear ended car in front of me due to no brakes. Pedal went to the floor, slowly I drove my car to bp workshop on Liberty road randlestown md, 21133 first. Later I drove to a&B autobody 901 dundalk ave baltimore md 21224. For the repair. After 2days, tech called and told me that my car needs brake actuator which is almost $2000 parts and labor. Ridiculous. Tech told me its common problem with these vehicles. I called Lexus of towson and they told me that we would've got it done for free of charge if the vehicle was sold at our dealership. I guess dealers do recalls only on those cars that are sold thru them but I've bought it used. I don't have this much money to fix my [xxx] truck. Please help me to get my car back on the road. Thanks parts of this document have been redacted to protect personally identifiable information pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

- Reisterstown, MD, USA

problem #9

Apr 272020

RX 350

  • 140,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The brake actuator has malfunctioned. Lexus has verified this has happened to my vehicle this week. They have declined any assistance, including replacement of the part and labor, providing me the part to replace myself (at no cost for the part), and even refuse to sell me the part at their manufactured cost basis. This last refusal to deal with a part that they are well aware is malfunctioning due to their failure to build a reliable product, as they have offered their own version of satisfaction for those lucky enough to have the failure occur timely. Mine did not know if the timely requirements and opted to malfunction less than a year after the established deadline. However, the letter they sent went to the previous registered owner and Lexus explained to me that I should have contacted them when I purchased this vehicle. I do not agree. As a registered owner in the state if Texas, it is my opinion that lexis could have easily located me through the help of the state if Texas registration requirement. Lexus should have to fix items they built with poor designs or workmanship! as if this week my vehicles braking ability has only 10% of what it had a month ago and is no longer safe to drive!

- Deer Park, TX, USA

problem #8

Nov 062019

RX 350

  • 5 miles
The brake pedal goes to the floor due to the ABS actuator defects. I have video of the sound and behaviors when the problem occurs. I have not been able to drive the vehicle and the dealer will not fix the problem. The brakes didn't work, didn't stop the vehicle upon my last use of the car. The vehicle dashboard gives warning and error codes related to the brakes, emergency brake, ABS, vsc, etc. I have written Lexus for any assistance. I purchased the vehicle in Maryland from a used car dealer who cleared the codes before obtaining the safety inspection. However if this car were started or if the brake pedal was tested, the vehicle would have failed. As was the case when I obtained my own safety inspection on the vehicle which it now failed

- Silver Spring, MD, USA

problem #7

Dec 202019

RX 350

  • 199,000 miles
2008 Lexus rx400H: All warning lights and buzzer came on unexpectedly. Brake lost integrity, have to press harder on brakes for them to work. Does not feel safe to drive as I do not want to injure or kill anyone. Ran diagnostic and error codes C1256 and C1365 came up. These codes point to the brake accumulator failure. Repair is quoted at $3200 by Toyota dealer. After researching this is a very common safety issues with Toyota vehicles. My brothers prius has the same issue. I found out there was possible a recall/extended warranty but it has ended a few months ago. I do not know why this is not a standing safety recall as it is extremely dangerous. From my research and reports from personal acquaintances it is very apparent that is an ongoing issue. I can not drive my vehicle or justify spending $3200 fixing a know safety defect.

- Dobbs Ferry, NY, USA

problem #6

Sep 292019

RX 350 6-cyl

  • 103,000 miles
The contact owns a 2008 Lexus RX350. While reversing, the vehicle spontaneously accelerated and crashed into three trees. The steering wheel became uncontrollable/inoperable and the brake pedal was applied, but traveled to the floorboard. The contact turned off the ignition to stop the vehicle. There were no warning indicators illuminated. There were no injuries. The police department arrived, but a report was filed 3 days later. The air bags did not deploy. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and provided case number: [xxx]. the manufacturer inspected the vehicle and stated components were working properly and consumer made no attempt to stop or steer. The vehicle was unable to be driven. The failure mileage was 103,000. Vehicle also crashed into 1 car. Consumer's insurance company stated car was totaled. ('parts of this document have been redacted to protect personally identifiable information pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).'

- Denver, CO, USA

problem #5

Apr 022014

RX 350

  • 35,000 miles
I no longer have the car but was repeatedly replacing the brakes rotors, brake pads and brakes themselves. Lexus was telling me that I was riding the brakes too hard and ultimately I got rid of the car. I am once again seeking another car but would love to get another Lexus so I googled the issue, and discovered many, many others have experienced the same issue on this and other models and received the same reply. I am shocked to see that Lexus continues not to acknowledge and/or fix this issue. Perhaps a govt Agency investigation would inspire them to rectify it once and for all.

- Longboat Key, FL, USA

problem #4

Nov 032017

RX 350

  • 45,000 miles
I had my foot on the brake pulling into a parking space when I felt a quick acceleration surging my car forward, locking my steering wheel causing me to plow onto a parked truck. I had to be towed to repair shop. Steering became difficult.

- Las Vegas, NV, USA

problem #3

Aug 262015

RX 350

  • 130,000 miles
The contact owns a 2008 Lexus RX350. The contact stated while driving 45 mph, the tire warning light illuminated. The contact stated that when braking, the vehicle veered to the right making it difficult to maneuver the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where the failure was unable to be determined. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 130,000.

- Cedar Hill, TX, USA

problem #2

Aug 262015

RX 350

  • 68,000 miles
I was driving on a road, my vehicle began to shake until eventually dropping to the road and dragging until I could gain control of it, by applying the brakes. I noticed out of my driver's side window across the road was my tire rolling at a rapid speed. I called 911 to receive assistance to stop the traffic and to help with my disabled vehicle. Officers assisted with helping myself, my mother and my two toddlers out of the vehicle and to retrieve my tire. The tire had fallen off of my vehicle, at the rim, leaving the bolts and the middle portion of the rim still attached to the vehicle, while the remaining majority of the rim was still attached to my tire rolling down the road. The vehicle was in proper working condition prior to this incident. I did not hit a pothole nor was I in an accident. My vehicle was towed to my residence, the following day after contacting Lexus and advising them of the incident, I was instructed by Lexus to have the vehicle towed to their property for an inspection. After the vehicle arrived to their property, they contacted me and stated that the the incident was not a manufacturers defect, that had it been a manufactures defect it would have happened within the first year the vehicle was manufactured. Lexus then informed myself that I needed to make a claim with my insurance company for damages that have been incurred. Prior to this incident this vehicle was in perfect working order. All previous services were performed by auto lenders and the most recent was June 23, 2015, when a routine oil and filter change occurred, as well as, the brake pads and rotors being replaced. The safety of ourselves and our children are a great concern going forward in this vehicle and we do not feel that the manufacturer is in fact concerned with our safety and well being and if this is an issue with other Lexus vehicles, it is a safety concern for all.

- Toms River, NJ, USA

problem #1

Oct 182013

RX 350 6-cyl

  • 82,000 miles
Upon entering a parking lot and turning slowly into a vacant spot the car accelerated really fast and wouldn't stop when brake pressed as the speed came to halt when crashing very hard into a brick wall. Both air bags on driver side deployed and were smoking really bad. The impact to my knees and face caused temporary numbness for which I couldn't feel my legs or move. The police & paramedics were called. The entire front end do my car was damaged. Recently purchased used in May 2013. It has been towed to repair shop for inspection upcoming Monday. I suspect it will be totaled and judging by the numerous complaints similar in nature, this probably should have been addressed and recalled prior to being sold.

- Matteson, IL, USA

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