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BrakesPart report

2008 Lexus RX Brakes Problems

Complaints
16about this part
Share
23%of 70 total for the year
Median mileage
138,000miles
Trend
FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.

NHTSA recorded 16 complaints about the brakes of the 2008 Lexus RX, 23% of the 70 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 138,000 miles.

Example complaints

Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.

“When driving I would have all the lights on my dash come on with a dinging sound and when I go to press on my brakes vehicle will not stop unless I press down hard on the brake this is really dangerous will cause a deadly crash and to replace this will cost 3000 dollars that I do not have I reall believe RX 400h have a defeat with there braking system.”

NHTSA complaint #11390804, filed 2021-01, 198,000 miles

“The brake actuator has malfunctioned. Lexus has verified this has happened to my vehicle this week. They have declined any assistance, including replacement of the part and labor, providing me the part to replace myself (at no cost for the part), and even refuse to sell me the part at their manufactured cost basis. This last refusal to deal with a part that they are well aware is malfunctioning due to their failure to build a reliable product, as they have offered their own version of satisfaction for those lucky enough to have the failure occur timely. …”

NHTSA complaint #11322809, filed 2020-04, 140,000 miles

“The brake pedal goes to the floor due to the ABS actuator defects. I have video of the sound and behaviors when the problem occurs. I have not been able to drive the vehicle and the dealer will not fix the problem. The brakes didn't work, didn't stop the vehicle upon my last use of the car. The vehicle dashboard gives warning and error codes related to the brakes, emergency brake, ABS, vsc, etc. I have written Lexus for any assistance. I purchased the vehicle in maryland from a used car dealer who cleared the codes before obtaining the safety inspection. …”

NHTSA complaint #11302915, filed 2020-01, 5 miles

“2008 Lexus rx400h: all warning lights and buzzer came on unexpectedly. Brake lost integrity, have to press harder on brakes for them to work. Does not feel safe to drive as I do not want to injure or kill anyone. Ran diagnostic and error codes c1256 and c1365 came up. These codes point to the brake accumulator failure. Repair is quoted at $3200 by toyota dealer. After researching this is a very common safety issues with toyota vehicles. My brothers prius has the same issue. I found out there was possible a recall/extended warranty but it has ended a few months ago. …”

NHTSA complaint #11291474, filed 2019-12, 199,000 miles

“While trying to leave my driveway my brakes went out almost causing me to go through a pasture fence. On the dash board popped up ABS and VSC warning. Now the module and regulator is making a horrible sound. And clicks”

NHTSA complaint #11731465, filed 2026-04

Brakes: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
202618%
2025313%
2024610%
202312%
2022517%
202146%
202012%
2019926%
2018623%
2017919%
2016414%
201515%
2014325%
2013211%
2012217%
2011414%
20101823%
200913%
20081623%
20071322%
2006722%
2005519%
200438%
200013%

Other parts of the 2008 Lexus RX

Engine
15 complaints
Other or unknown
13 complaints
Body and structure
7 complaints
Air bags
6 complaints
Electrical system
5 complaints
Steering
5 complaints
Transmission and drivetrain
5 complaints
Vehicle speed control
4 complaints
Exterior lighting
3 complaints
Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
3 complaints
Seat belts
2 complaints
Electronic stability control
1 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2008 Lexus RX

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