2008 Lexus IS Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 5about this part
- Share
- 5%of 102 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 123,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 5 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2008 Lexus IS, 5% of the 102 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 123,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Ever since I had this car, I always had the constant problem of a weird engine smell of rotten eggs, it overheats out of nowhere constantly after multiple repairs and maintenance paid out of pocket. It would shut off while driving anywhere. These are just some of the receipts.”
NHTSA complaint #11323801, filed 2020-05, 150,000 miles“I bought 2008 Lexus is250 with 123k miles on 05/18/19. I had inspected by a mechanic prior to purchasing it. On one ocassion pror to accident, I backed out of a drive way. When I shifted the automatic transmission from reverse to drive it sudden accelerated for a brief moment, but it was clear in front of me and I remain in control. It only happened to me that one time that week and I thought nothing of it. In the morning of may 29, 2019 the car was parallel parked with a vehicle both in front behind it. My wife slowly back up the car to allow room to pull out of the parking spot. …”
NHTSA complaint #11240965, filed 2019-07, 123,000 miles“When coming to a stop or when at a stop, my car would shake very hard as if it was going to turn off. Fortunately, it never has. I would have to put the car into neutral to stop the shaking or it would stop on it's own after 10-15 seconds. During this time, no lights have ever turned on to indicate there was a problem. The first time this happened was in late july 2009/ early august 2009 and ever since then, it would happen at least 2 times a day. My car has been in the shop multiple times for this issue.”
NHTSA complaint #10446856, filed 2012-02, 18,000 miles“The contact owns a 2008 Lexus is350. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds the brakes made a grinding noise and wore out prematurely. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who replaced the front brake pads and noticed that the odometer had been tampered with. Also, the contact mentioned that the gear shifter shifted out of park several times. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who was unable to repair the problem. The failure mileage was 200 and the current mileage was 39,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10475689, filed 2012-09, 200 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10205346Oct 16, 2014Auto matic Transmission Replacement kPrecautions
- 10039124May 31, 2011Toyota: transmission or park/neutral switch installation information.
- 10037625Jan 6, 2011Lexus: information on an improved transmission fluid.
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 1 | 20% |
| 2020 | 1 | 17% |
| 2011 | 1 | 7% |
| 2010 | 5 | 12% |
| 2009 | 1 | 3% |
| 2008 | 5 | 5% |
| 2007 | 2 | 2% |
| 2006 | 7 | 5% |
| 2005 | 2 | 17% |
| 2003 | 1 | 8% |
Other parts of the 2008 Lexus IS
24 complaintsEngine
22 complaintsBody and structure
22 complaintsAir bags
21 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
13 complaintsFuel system
7 complaintsElectrical system
6 complaintsSteering
4 complaintsVehicle speed control
4 complaintsExterior lighting
3 complaintsSeat belts
3 complaintsBrakes
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2008 Lexus IS
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology