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2008 Lexus RX Hybrid recalls and problems

The 2008 Lexus RX Hybrid has 1 safety recall and 57 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Lexus dealer.

Recalls
1
Complaints
57
Crashes / fires
18 / 0
Injuries / deaths
10 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2008 Lexus RX Hybrid vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2008 Lexus RX Hybrid recalls

Recall 13V-396: Hybrid Propulsion System

Reported Sep 4, 2013 · 133,081 vehicles affected · Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing

Problem: Toyota is recalling certain model year 2006-2010 Highlander hybrid vehicles manufactured February 16, 2005, through July 29, 2010; and model year 2006-2008 Lexus RX400h vehicles manufactured February 23, 2005, through December 2, 2008. The Intelligent Power Module (IPM) inside the inverter module may contain transistors that have higher operating temperatures than the solder can support and the transistors may be heat damaged by the solder. If this occurs, various warning lamps, including the malfunction indicator lamp, slip indicator light, brake system warning light, and master warning light, will be illuminated on the instrument panel.

Risk: The vehicle may enter a fail-safe/limp-home mode that limits the drivability of the vehicle. It is possible that the hybrid system will shut down while the vehicle is being driven, causing the vehicle to stall unexpectedly, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the IPM free of charge. Owners may contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331. Vehicles that had their IPM replaced under recall 11V-342 are not affected by this campaign.

2008 Lexus RX Hybrid problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Vehicle Speed Control19
Service Brakes, Hydraulic11
Service Brakes8
Electrical System5
Steering5
Service Brakes, Electric3
Structure3
Exterior Lighting3
Air Bags3
Visibility2
Fuel/Propulsion System2
Engine2

Most reported parts

  • Structure › Body — 2
  • Electrical System › 12v/24v/48v Battery — 1
  • Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip › Control Unit/Module — 1
  • Visibility › Windshield — 1
  • Visibility › Defroster/Defogger/Hvac System — 1
  • Service Brakes, Air › Antilock › Abs Warning Light — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 56,000 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2008 Lexus RX Hybrid complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic · at 138,140 miles · reported Jun 13, 2022
The contact owns a 2008 Lexus RX400H. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle made an abnormal sound with the VSC message displayed and the ABS and traction control warning lights illuminated. Additionally, the vehicle made the same abnormal sound for 15 minutes after the vehicle was turned off. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the ABS accumulator pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but informed the contact that the extended warranty had expired. The…
Engine · at 89,320 miles · reported Mar 9, 2022
The contact owns a 2008 Lexus RX400H. The contact stated while driving approximately 75 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact was able to restart the vehicle and the check engine and the Hybrid system maintenance warning lights illuminated. The contact was able to continue driving to her destination. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer and where the vehicle was being serviced. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 89,320.
Service Brakes, Air · at 75,000 miles · reported Nov 2, 2021
The contact owns a 2008 Lexus RX400H. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the ABS warning light would illuminate, and a grinding noise was present while depressing the brake pedal. On multiple occasions while driving at very slow speeds the vehicle abruptly stopped. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the ABS actuator was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was also notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 75,000.
Hybrid Propulsion System · at 268,000 miles · reported Aug 23, 2021
The contact owns a 2008 Lexus RX400H. The contact stated that while reversing out a parking space at a low rate of speed, the vehicle stalled as the hybrid system warning message illuminated on the instrument panel. The contact was able to walk to an automotive parts store and purchased a new battery which he replaced in his vehicle. The contact was able to drive to a gas station and soon after leaving the gas station, the vehicle stalled again as the same warning light illuminated on the instrument panel. The contact was unable to restart the vehicle after multiple attempts and had the…
Service Brakes · reported May 21, 2019
Started noticing "burping" noise when I pressed on brakes from engine bay, then later I noticed continuous clicking sound coming from front passenger engine bay after I would turn off engine completely. As later time went by the clicking sound would get longer and consistent. I also experienced that the vehicle would "lunge" forward when I would start the engine and initially shift the vehicle into drive position and have to pump the brake pedal to completely stop. Thats when upon further research online I found a "warranty enhancement" from toyota regarding brake actuator being replaced. But…

Other Lexus RX Hybrid years

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Frequently asked questions

Does the 2008 Lexus RX Hybrid have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2008 Lexus RX Hybrid: 13V-396 (hybrid propulsion system). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2008 Lexus RX Hybrid?

Owners report vehicle speed control problems most often (19 reports), followed by service brakes, hydraulic (11). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 56,000 miles.

Are Lexus recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Lexus dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.