2008 Lexus RX350 problems
Owners have filed 160 complaints about the 2008 Lexus RX350 with NHTSA. Structure accounts for 15% of them — narrowly the most common, ahead of steering at 11.3%.
Complaints160
Crashes20
Fires5
Injuries12
Deaths0
What owners report breaking
Structure 15.0% · 24
Unknown or other 12.5% · 20
Steering 11.3% · 18
Electrical system 10.6% · 17
Vehicle speed control 9.4% · 15
Engine 7.5% · 12
Exterior lighting 6.3% · 10
Power train 4.4% · 7
Severity
Of those complaints, 20 describe a crash, 5 describe a fire and 12 report an injury.
Reading the numbers
Across the 4 model years of the Lexus RX350 in this data, 2008 ranks 2nd by complaint volume — 2007 draws the most.
Filings have fallen off, 48 in the last three years against 63 in the three before. That is normal as a generation leaves the road.
The median odometer reading at the time of complaint was 70,000 miles.
In owners' own words
The dashboard is cracking and getting sticky. While reading about some of the Lexus complaints I saw several complaining about the liftgate control on the back of the car melting. I checked and sure enough so is mine. I went to use it and my fingers went right through. Now it is totally useless. I will call Lexus but don't expect any assistance. My car is always garaged and only has about 15k miles. Structure · reported at 15,000 miles
My dashboard has a serious cracking issue. It is also sticking and is melting caused by heat. I was never notified that there was a recall and replacement on the dashboard. Once I researched the dashboard issue online I contacted Lexus on june 01, 2017. The told me that since it was not a safety issue and it was only cosmetic issue that by law they did not have to notify me. I think this is very unfair. Structure
The trunk hatch handle has melted, leaving black rubbery goo on fingers if opening using the handle. Residue is hard to wash off. Concerned that it melted due to electrical problem. I've read all complaints and have found numerous other owners experienced the same problem. Structure · reported at 76,350 miles
Verbatim from NHTSA filings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
Safety recalls
Checking NHTSA for open recalls…