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Lexus RX Hybrid

EPA MPG: 25 mpg

RECALL ALERT:
There is 1 recall on this vehicle. Learn More.

Reliability

Overall Reliability

The 2008 RX Hybrid has about average reliability compared to other cars from the same model year.

The 2008 Lexus RX Hybrid has been recalled 1 time by NHTSA. View Recalls
Most Common Trouble Spots
Common Trouble Spot
Common Trouble Spot

Owner Reported Trouble Spots

The Reliability score is based on our latest subscriber survey of 2008 Lexus RX Hybrid owners. The owner comments describe problems respondents experienced with this vehicle.

Climate System

AC compressor, blower (fan) motor, condenser, evaporator, heater system, automatic climate system, electrical failure, refrigerant leakage.

What Owners Say

A/C compressor

"The air blowing to the passenger side from the AC is no longer cooled"

Anonymous, CA (2008 Lexus RX Hybrid 400h 3.3-L V6 hybrid)
Evaporator

"The A/C went out totally around April. We live in Florida. It is not an option to do without it. We spent $3100 to replace the evaporator in May."

Anonymous, FL (2008 Lexus RX Hybrid 400h 3.3-L V6 hybrid)
Refrigerant leaks

"Dont drive this car much. Its parked in a heated garage all winter while we enjoy Florida sunshine. The other 7-8 months it serves as a rarely needed second car and as a 4-wheel drive launch vehicle for our 3 boats. The first time I turn on the air conditioning each summer it sometimes doesnt provide much cool air. Seems like every other year I have to have coolant added."

Anonymous A., IL (2008 Lexus RX Hybrid 400h 3.3-L V6 hybrid)

"Was making a farting noise when turning off the car. Checked the coolant and it seem to have leaked out. Flush and refilled the system."

Anonymous A., TX (2008 Lexus RX Hybrid 400h 3.3-L V6 hybrid)

Paint/Trim

Paint (fading, chalking, peeling, or cracking), loose interior or exterior trim or moldings, rust.

What Owners Say

Loose interior trim or moldings

""The dashboard material has cracked and come off, exposing the yellow foam material""

Anonymous, CA (2008 Lexus RX Hybrid 400h 3.3-L V6 hybrid)

Drive System

Driveshaft or axle, CV joint, differential, transfer case, four-wheel-drive/all-wheel-drive components, driveline vibration, electrical failure, traction control, electronic stability control.

What Owners Say

Driveshaft or axle

"The problem manifested about a year ago with a muffled rattling noise when going over minor bumps in the road. It gradually became more noticeable so I made arrangements to have it replaced at the dealership."

Anonymous, KY (2008 Lexus RX Hybrid 400h 3.3-L V6 hybrid)

EV Battery

What Owners Say

Electric/hybrid battery pack replacement

"Car stopped running completely."

Anonymous, MD (2008 Lexus RX Hybrid 400h 3.3-L V6 hybrid)

Exhaust

Muffler, pipes, catalytic converter, exhaust manifold, heat shields, leaks.

What Owners Say

Other/unsure

"New radiator and hoses installed."

Anonymous, TN (2008 Lexus RX Hybrid 400h 3.3-L V6 hybrid)

In-car Electronics

Infotainment system (audio, GPS, phone), rear entertainment system, backup or other camera/sensors, head-up display.

What Owners Say

Phone pairing (e.g., Bluetooth)

"Keeps losing its connection to phone. Really didnt use phone connection in the few first years because I didnt understand how it worked"

Anonymous, RI (2008 Lexus RX Hybrid 400h 3.3-L V6 hybrid)

Engine Cooling

Radiator, cooling fan, water pump, thermostat, antifreeze leaks, overheating.

What Owners Say

Cooling fan

"Car overheated. Had to replace both fans from Lexus. $1100"

Anonymous, CA (2008 Lexus RX Hybrid 400h 3.3-L V6 hybrid)

Electrical Accessories

Cruise control, clock, warning lights, body control module, keyless entry, wiper motor or washer, tire pressure monitor, interior or exterior lights, horn, gauges, 12V power plug, USB ports, alarm or security system, remote engine start, heated or cooled seats, heated steering wheel, headlights, automatic headlights, automatic wipers, wireless charging pad.

What Owners Say

Gauges

""Because of leak in sunroof, whole electric system shorts out""

Anonymous, CA (2008 Lexus RX Hybrid 400h 3.3-L V6 hybrid)

Suspension/Steering

Shocks or struts, ball joints, tie rods, wheel bearings, alignment, steering linkage (includes rack and pinion), power steering (pumps and hoses, leaks), wheel balance, springs or torsion bars, bushings, electronic or air suspension.

What Owners Say

Shocks or struts

"The noise started about a year ago and gradually became louder every time I drove over uneven street surfaces. The dealership fixed the problems after ordering the back ordered parts."

Anonymous, KY (2008 Lexus RX Hybrid 400h 3.3-L V6 hybrid)

Noises/Leaks

Squeaks, rattles, wind noises, seals and/or weather stripping, air and water leaks.

What Owners Say

Air or water leaks

"Drivers front side carpet gets soaked when it rains and just general sounds from wind and noise"

Anonymous, RI (2008 Lexus RX Hybrid 400h 3.3-L V6 hybrid)

Fuel System/Emissions

Sensors (O₂, or oxygen, sensor), emission-control devices (includes EGR), fuel-injection system, fuel gauge/sender, fuel pump, problems filling up the tank.

What Owners Say

Other emissions/fuel system problem

"Spark plugs and ignition coil packs needed replacing as car would not start. Battery and alternator were fine"

Anonymous A., TX (2008 Lexus RX Hybrid 400h 3.3-L V6 hybrid)

Engine Major

Engine rebuild or replacement, cylinder head, head gasket, turbocharger or supercharger, timing chain or belt.

Engine Electrical

Alternator, starter, hybrid battery replacement, hybrid battery related systems, regular battery, battery cables, engine harness, coil, ignition switch, electronic ignition, spark plugs and wires failure, auto stop/start.

Transmission Major

Transmission rebuild or replacement, torque converter, premature clutch replacement.

Transmission Minor

Gear selector and linkage, transmission computer, transmission sensor or solenoid, clutch adjustment, rough shifting, slipping transmission, leaks.

Body Hardware

Windows, locks and latches, doors or sliding doors, tailgate, trunk or hatch, mirrors, seat controls (power or manual), seat belts, sunroof, convertible top, glass defect.

Engine Minor

Accessory belts and pulleys, engine computer, engine mounts, engine knock or ping, fuel leaks, oil leaks.

Brakes

Premature pad/rotor wear, pulsation or vibration, antilock system, parking brake, master cylinder, calipers, squeaking, brake failure, regenerative braking.

2008 SUVs Reliability

No Data Available

Lexus vs. Other New Car Brands Reliability

Reliability History
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Overall Reliability Verdict
POTENTIAL TROUBLE SPOTS
Powertrain
Electric Motor
EV Battery
Engine Major
Engine Minor
Engine Cooling
Engine Electrical
Transmission Major
Transmission Minor
Drive System
Fuel System/Emissions
Exhaust
Suspension/Steering
Brakes
Climate System
Build Quality
Electrical Accessories
Body Hardware
Paint/Trim
Noises/Leaks
In-car Electronics
Reliability indicates how models have performed in the past, providing the basis for predicting how the vehicles will hold up in the year ahead. These charts provide the most comprehensive reliability information available to consumers. Based on information received from our latest subscriber survey for about 380,000 vehicles, our reliability history charts give you a rundown on how 2000 through 2025 vehicles are holding up in 20 potential trouble spots, ranging from the engine, transmission, electric motor, EV charging, and brakes, to power equipment and the electrical accessories.
Recalls
PROVIDED BY
HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM
Sep 04, 2013
The vehicle may enter a fail-safe/limp-home mode that limits the drivability of the vehicle. It is possible that the hybrid system will shut down while the vehicle is being driven, causing the vehicle to stall unexpectedly, increasing the risk of a crash.
Summary:
Toyota is recalling certain model year 2006-2010 Highlander hybrid vehicles manufactured February 16, 2005, through July 29, 2010; and model year 2006-2008 Lexus RX400h vehicles manufactured February 23, 2005, through December 2, 2008. The Intelligent Power Module (IPM) inside the inverter module may contain transistors that have higher operating temperatures than the solder can support and the transistors may be heat damaged by the solder. If this occurs, various warning lamps, including the malfunction indicator lamp, slip indicator light, brake system warning light, and master warning light, will be illuminated on the instrument panel.
What should you do:
Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the IPM free of charge. Owners may contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331. Vehicles that had their IPM replaced under recall 11V-342 are not affected by this campaign.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 13V396000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 133081
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