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EnginePart report

2008 Lexus LS Engine Problems

Complaints
4about this part
Share
9%of 43 total for the year
Median mileage
129,000miles
Trend
Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.

NHTSA recorded 4 complaints about the engine of the 2008 Lexus LS, 9% of the 43 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 129,000 miles. 1 a fire, 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.

“My Lexus ls460 spontaneously started on fire in a public parking lot. No warning lights ,no known car problems. I had parked my car to run into a store. When I turned it off it made a loud repetitive clacking sound. I turned it back on and turned it off again. Same thing. I turned it back on and tried to back up but it stalled. Started to smell... Something was burning and smoke was coming from the engine under the hood. Became very clear that the engine was on fire. I called 911 and the fire department responded. …”

NHTSA complaint #11175729, filed 2019-02, 132,000 miles

“Hello, For over 2 years now, I have had to get oil added to my vehicle multiple times (estimated 2-3 times after my regular interval oil change of 5,000 miles. I get the warning message from the engine stating low oil. I have taken my vehicle to a Lexus dealership, Lexus of Huntsville, AL to try and see what the problem is as this keeps happening and is an ongoing problem. I was informed no oil leak, but there is an internal problem in my opinion. I believe this is a safety defect as my engine could have major problems and possibly cause a fire, or harm to anyone in the vehicle. …”

NHTSA complaint #11447659, filed 2022-01

“The contact owns a 2008 Lexus LS460. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle and depressing the brake pedal, there was a knocking and ticking sound coming from the brakes. Additionally, the brake light, traction control light, and check engine warning lights were illuminated. The ABS, Brakes, and VSC messages were displayed. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic who diagnosed that the brake actuator was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. …”

NHTSA complaint #11595461, filed 2024-06, 126,000 miles

“this vehicle stalled while driving on a highway without any sign or warning. on some occasions the vehicle will not stop. I reported this to Lexus company / Manufacturer”

NHTSA complaint #11735714, filed 2026-05

Related service bulletins

Engine: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
2021120%
2018320%
2016120%
2013117%
2009431%
200849%
200749%
200616%
2004225%

Other parts of the 2008 Lexus LS

Brakes
21 complaints
Other or unknown
11 complaints
Body and structure
5 complaints
Vehicle speed control
5 complaints
Electronic stability control
4 complaints
Electrical system
3 complaints
Fuel system
2 complaints
Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
2 complaints
Suspension
1 complaints
Transmission and drivetrain
1 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2008 Lexus LS

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 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