2008 Lexus RX Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 5about this part
- Share
- 7%of 70 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 140,000miles
- 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 RX, 7% of the 70 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 140,000 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.
“After my previous complaint of experiencing transmission shudders, the car became progressively worse. I had it taken to the local dealer, where they informed me that the transmission had failed. This car has only 136,000 miles, which is not many for the quality usually associated with the Lexus brand. They claim to have no reason for the failure, but are charging me almost $5,700 to replace it. I asked Lexus corporate to assist me with this repair, due to the known transmission issues on many RX models, but they declined. …”
NHTSA complaint #10875568, filed 2016-06, 136,000 miles“This car is experiencing symptoms exactly as described in the inverter module recall, whereby after highway driving, the electric motor will fail randomly, tripping all dashboard failure lights, and putting the vehicle in limp mode, where it either slows significantly or stops, and then thus poses great safety risk with surrounding traffic.”
NHTSA complaint #11280999, filed 2019-11, 230,000 miles“3.5 l engine has problems with oil cooling pipe/hose. It leaks oil every 4 to 5 years. Danger is emptying the motor oil without notice. One can easily burn the engine if gone unnoticed. And get stranded anywhere without warning.”
NHTSA complaint #11235202, filed 2019-07, 140,000 miles“2020 Had to replace transmission at 90,000 miles. In Sept. 2021 - Window seals are melting all over the windows. Will have to get them all replaced as a driving hazzard to even see out the windows. Now the tinting is coming off from the windows sticking.”
NHTSA complaint #11448602, filed 2022-01Related service bulletins
- 10179697Aug 5, 2020TSB: Vehicles may display evidence of a fluid leak or fluid seep from powertrain components. This bulletin explains how to determine the differences between a fluid leak versus a…
- 10179601Aug 5, 2020TSB: Vehicles may display evidence of a fluid leak or fluid seep from powertrain components. This bulletin explains how to determine the differences between a fluid leak versus a…
- 10205346Oct 16, 2014Auto matic Transmission Replacement kPrecautions
- 10037625Jan 6, 2011Lexus: information on an improved transmission fluid.
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 2 | 17% |
| 2025 | 1 | 4% |
| 2024 | 5 | 8% |
| 2023 | 13 | 21% |
| 2022 | 4 | 14% |
| 2020 | 1 | 2% |
| 2019 | 2 | 6% |
| 2017 | 1 | 2% |
| 2016 | 4 | 14% |
| 2015 | 3 | 15% |
| 2014 | 1 | 8% |
| 2013 | 1 | 5% |
| 2012 | 1 | 8% |
| 2011 | 1 | 3% |
| 2010 | 3 | 4% |
| 2009 | 1 | 3% |
| 2008 | 5 | 7% |
| 2007 | 3 | 5% |
| 2006 | 2 | 6% |
| 2005 | 3 | 11% |
| 2004 | 5 | 13% |
| 2002 | 5 | 42% |
| 2001 | 14 | 74% |
| 2000 | 25 | 86% |
| 1999 | 29 | 83% |
Other parts of the 2008 Lexus RX
16 complaintsEngine
15 complaintsOther or unknown
13 complaintsBody and structure
7 complaintsAir bags
6 complaintsElectrical system
5 complaintsSteering
5 complaintsVehicle speed control
4 complaintsExterior lighting
3 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
3 complaintsSeat belts
2 complaintsElectronic 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