Model year guide

2008 Lexus rx350

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2008 Lexus rx350 is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 4 on record.

2008 Lexus rx350 — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

2008 Lexus rx350 at a glance

Owner complaints195
Combined19–20 mpg

Free: that car's specs and build sheet, model-year recall campaigns and a fair price.

2008 Lexus rx350 common problems

Owners have filed 195 complaints with NHTSA. These are the most-reported areas in a sample of the most recent — and what to check before you buy.

Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Service Brakes
Brakes should feel firm and quiet — no grinding, pulsing or pulling. Check for an ABS light and uneven pad/rotor wear.
Air Bags
Confirm the airbag light turns on then off at startup — if it stays lit there's a fault (costly, and a safety risk). Check for signs of prior deployment.
Vehicle Speed Control
Test cruise control and throttle response, and watch for any hesitation or unintended acceleration.
Engine
Listen for knocks or ticking, check for leaks and blue/white exhaust smoke, and make sure it doesn't overheat. No check-engine light should be on.
Visibility/wiper
Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.

2008 Lexus rx350 MPG & running costs

Combined19–20 mpg
City18 mpg
Highway23 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$4,225
EPA size classSport Utility Vehicle - 2WD
TransmissionAutomatic (S5) or Automatic 5-spd
5-yr fuel cost vs average new car$9,125 more

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov. The EPA lists 4 versions of this model year; combined is shown as a range and the other figures are averages.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 2008 Lexus rx350 costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$21,125
Fuel only$21,125
Per mile$0.28

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. There aren't enough comparable listings to estimate depreciation for this model, so it is left out. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

2008 Lexus rx350 trims & engines on record

Trims
350
Engines
3.5L 6-cyl 270 hp

2008 Lexus rx350 vehicles on record

2008 Lexus rx350 2008 Lexus rx350 3502T2GK31U78C054551 2008 Lexus rx350 2008 Lexus rx350 3502T2HK31U48C059193 2008 Lexus rx350 2008 Lexus rx350 3502T2HK31U18C086559 2008 Lexus rx350 2008 Lexus rx350 3502T2GK31UX8C045732

Other Lexus rx350 model years

2017 2015 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2007 2005

2008 Lexus rx350 — frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2008 Lexus rx350?

Owners have filed 195 complaints with NHTSA; in a sample of the most recent, the most-reported problem areas are electrical system, service brakes, air bags.

What gas mileage does the 2008 Lexus rx350 get?

The 2008 Lexus rx350 has U.S. EPA estimates of 19–20 mpg combined, depending on engine and trim (4 versions).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.