2008 Lexus RX350 Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 5about this part
- Share
- 4%of 126 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 88,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 5 complaints about the engine cooling of the 2008 Lexus RX350, 4% of the 126 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 88,000 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.
“As I approach a red light, I noticed the car was smoking. I pulled into the nearest automotive facility and I notice a trail of oil was following me. I look under the my hood and I saw and oil leak. I looked under the car and there was a puddle of oil.”
NHTSA complaint #10714550, filed 2015-05, 150 miles“The contact owns a 2008 Lexus RX350. The contact stated while stopped at a traffic light, an abnormal grinding sound was heard coming from the engine and the vehicle attempted to stall. The contact took the vehicle to dealer and after performing a diagnostic test, the dealer advised that the camshaft tower caused the engine to stall and would need replacing. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the failure was a common problem with the year, make, and model. The failure mileage was 88,000. Updated 10/17/11”
NHTSA complaint #10426490, filed 2011-09, 88,000 miles“2008 Lexus RX350 motor started making loud rapping noise at 10,000 miles, after many complaints to the dealer Lexus field rep. Admitted it was an engine defect called cold engine piston slap Lexus tells most of their complaining rx owners that the noise is fuel injectors and it is normal! Lexus refuses to fix under the warranty. My car is an embarrassment to drive, it sounds louder than any diesel.”
NHTSA complaint #10336296, filed 2010-06“2008 Lexus RX350 engine noise started making noise at about 23,000 miles. The dealer said it was normal. Took it back in for the 30,000 mile check up and told them that it was getting louder. They checked it out again and said that it might be the mechanical fuel pump,but that was normal.this is starting to sound like a diesel and is getting a little embarrassing to drive around sounding this way. If this is normal, this will be my first and last Lexus....”
NHTSA complaint #10342577, filed 2010-07Related service bulletins
- 10109599Aug 7, 2014Dealer Letter: On certain vehicles equipped with a 2GR-FE (V6) engine, the rubber portion of the oil supply hose for the VVT-I actuator may degrade over time. This condition may…
- 10109593Aug 7, 2014Region Letter: On certain vehicles equipped with a 2GR-FE (V6) engine, the rubber portion of the oil supply hose for the VVT-I actuator may degrade over time. This condition may…
- 10132754Jul 31, 2014Dealer Letter: In our continuing efforts to ensure the best in customer satisfaction, Lexus is announcing a Warranty Enhancement Program to extend the warranty coverage for…
- 10132749Jul 31, 2014Region Letter: In our continuing efforts to ensure the best in customer satisfaction, Lexus is announcing a Warranty Enhancement Program to extend the warranty coverage for…
- 10057003Jul 31, 2014Lexus: some of the vehicles are experiencing oil leaks from the engine coolers.
- 10056509Jul 13, 2014Lexus: see document search button for owner letter. There is a seepage or oil leakage on some vehicles, coming from the engine oil cooler pipe that is covered by the limited…
- 10132146Oct 2, 2013If a customer states there is an unpleasant odor in the vehicle from the HVAC system, there are various factors that may be involved.
- 10057715Dec 21, 2011Lexus: 2007-2011 rx350, 2010-2011 rx 450h: information & procedures regarding a oil cooler pipe leak/ seep from the engine oil cooler pipes. Refer to the procedures for repair.
- 10042932Dec 21, 2011Lexus: bulletin with information concerning the engine oil cooler pipes, in some vehicles, may exhibit an oil seepage.
- 10041079Jun 20, 2011Toyota: malfunction light is on with diagnostic trouble codes stored.
Engine cooling: other model years
Other parts of the 2008 Lexus RX350
24 complaintsOther or unknown
20 complaintsSteering
18 complaintsElectrical system
17 complaintsVehicle speed control
15 complaintsBrakes
12 complaintsEngine
12 complaintsExterior lighting
10 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
7 complaintsAir bags
6 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
4 complaintsEquipment
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2008 Lexus RX350
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