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Transmission and drivetrainPart report

2008 Lexus LS460 Transmission and drivetrain Problems

Complaints
5about this part
Share
6%of 79 total for the year
Median mileage
30,700miles
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 LS460, 6% of the 79 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 30,700 miles.

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.

“We've purchased a 2008 Lexus 460 on jan 2008, within few months we started noticing a jerking reaction of the engine while the car was stopped or idling in gear most of the time. Over time we've taken the car to the dealer (at least 4 times) with no substantial improvements, they've upgraded the transmission software checked it out and could not come up with a fix.the last was in november 09 and we were told to contact the co. Fo factory rep to inspect the car. So far they have not inspected the car and we are afraid that it may cause to an accident.”

NHTSA complaint #10304543, filed 2010-02, 2,000 miles

“I have 30,000 miles Lexus 460 - vehicle does not always accelerate properly. Loses power and will not kick up for a few seconds until finally kick up. This has happened at least 5 times in 3 months. Not safe when you count on the car to speed up to get into the freeway or into a street with traffic. No accidents so far but I am afraid that when the power is needed it will not be there. Close accident in the freeway as the car failed to speed up when getting into the fast lane. Most of the times the issue has been around 20mph and needed to ramp to get into the flow of traffic. …”

NHTSA complaint #10392877, filed 2011-03, 31,000 miles

“This has happened over 5 times since owning the vehicle. After oil changes and off/on throughout owning the car it will have a hesitation on the acceleration. It will have high RPM's, but it is not going anywhere (loud engine noise). This is very dangerous if it decides to do this when passing someone on the highway and this morning it did it while pulling out into traffic and almost got hit as the vehicle did not move.”

NHTSA complaint #10610760, filed 2014-07, 43,500 miles

“Continuous acceleration with foot off accelerator pedal currently as of 3/21/10. Vehicle will not slow down with foot off accelerator maintains speeds of 20-24 MPH with foot off the accelerator. Slowing down the vehicle will lurch from 2nd to 1st gear while trying to come to complete stop followed by a clunk from transmission. Transmission will downshift while coasting then RPM's will jump giving a slight acceleration feel and continue at speeds of 20+MPH until brakes are applied. Experiencing harsh and sloppy shifting from transmission. …”

NHTSA complaint #10321462, filed 2010-03, 30,400 miles

“2008 Lexus ls400. Consumer states vehicle does not always accelerate properly and has been unable to start on two occasions after long trips. The consumer stated he received a recall notice in the mail, but was informed the parts would not be available for several weeks.”

NHTSA complaint #10371733, filed 2010-12

Related service bulletins

Transmission and drivetrain: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
2013111%
201016%
200856%
200768%

Other parts of the 2008 Lexus LS460

Brakes
33 complaintsOther or unknown
9 complaintsElectrical system
7 complaintsBody and structure
7 complaintsVehicle speed control
7 complaintsFuel system
6 complaintsEngine cooling
5 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
5 complaintsEngine
4 complaintsElectronic stability control
3 complaintsAir bags
2 complaintsWheels
2 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2008 Lexus LS460

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 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