Model year guide

2008 Lexus rx400h

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2008 Lexus rx400h is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 2 on record.

2008 Lexus rx400h — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

2008 Lexus rx400h at a glance

Safety recallsNone
Owner complaints127
Combined25 mpg

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

2008 Lexus rx400h recalls 0

No NHTSA safety-recall campaigns are on record for the 2008 Lexus rx400h.

Source: U.S. NHTSA, checked 4 Nov 2026. A campaign covers the model year; to see whether a particular car still needs the repair, check its VIN on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer.

2008 Lexus rx400h common problems

The most-reported problem areas across all 127 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Service Brakes
Brakes should feel firm and quiet — no grinding, pulsing or pulling. Check for an ABS light and uneven pad/rotor wear.
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.
Hydraulic
Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.
Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Steering
Steering should be tight and centered — no play, clunks or wandering. Test at low and highway speed; listen for power-steering whine.

2008 Lexus rx400h MPG & running costs

Combined25 mpg
City27 mpg
Highway24 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$3,300
EPA size classSport Utility Vehicle - 2WD
TransmissionAutomatic (variable gear ratios)
Engine start-stopYes
5-yr fuel cost vs average new car$4,500 more

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov. The EPA lists 2 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 rx400h costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$16,500
Fuel only$16,500
Per mile$0.22

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.

Investigations & service bulletins

NHTSA defect investigations 1

Pedestrian alert sounds Closed

NHTSA received a petition on or about July 18, 2022, requesting that Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 141 be applied to all electric and hybrid vehicles operating in the United States. The petition can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI Number 11486072. FMVSS 141 establishes performance requirements for pedestrian alert sounds for motor vehicles. The standard applies to hybrid and electric vehicles that…

NHTSA #DP22005 · Electrical System · opened Jan 2023 · closed Aug 2023

An investigation means NHTSA is examining a possible defect — it is not a recall, and many close without one.

Manufacturer service bulletins 170

Technical notes the manufacturer sent to dealers about known issues and fixes. Useful to mention to a mechanic — they are not recalls and repairs may not be covered. Showing the 10 most recent of 170.

Some 2005 – 2026 Lexus vehicles that have undergone water intrusion may exhibit a condition in which a musty odor is present. Follow the procedures in this bulletin to remediate the odor and address this condition. The purpose of this Service Bulletin is to pr…

Bulletin L-SB-0030-24 Rev2 · Structure · Dec 2025

Some 2005 – 2024 Lexus vehicles that have undergone water intrusion may exhibit a condition in which a musty odor is present. Follow the procedures in this bulletin to remediate the odor and address this condition. The purpose of this Service Bulletin is to pr…

Bulletin L-SB-0030-24 Rev1 · Structure · Jul 2024

Some 2005 – 2024 Lexus vehicles that have undergone water intrusion may exhibit a condition in which a musty odor is present. Follow the procedures in this bulletin to remediate the odor and address this condition. The purpose of this Service Bulletin is to pr…

Bulletin L-SB-0030-24 Rev1 · Structure · Jul 2024

Some 2005 – 2024 Lexus vehicles that have undergone water intrusion may exhibit a condition in which a musty smell is present. Follow the procedures in this bulletin to remediate the odor and address this condition. The purpose of this Service Bulletin is to p…

Bulletin L-SB-0030-24 · Structure · Jun 2024

Some 2005 – 2024 Lexus vehicles that have undergone water intrusion may exhibit a condition in which a musty smell is present. Follow the procedures in this bulletin to remediate the odor and address this condition. The purpose of this Service Bulletin is to p…

Bulletin L-SB-0030-24 · Structure · Jun 2024

Vehicles may occasionally be subjected to contamination by airborne iron particles shed from railroad tracks, train wheels, exposure to heavy machinery facilities, grinding, welding, etc. This type of contamination can be identified by the presence of small, r…

Bulletin L-SB-0020-24 · Structure · Apr 2024

To prevent brake rotor rust from forming during transportation and storage, wheel film will be used instead of a cardboard type of anti-rust cover. The purpose of the wheel film is to shield the disc brake rotor from weather elements and initial rust before th…

Bulletin L-SB-0023-24 · Structure · Apr 2024

The condition known as acid rain is caused by airborne chemicals or particles in the atmosphere, which mix with rainwater, nighttime dew, or high humidity to form acidic compounds. If these contaminants settle and remain on a painted vehicle surface, especiall…

Bulletin L-SB-0024-24 · Structure · Apr 2024

Acid rain results from rainwater or other airborne moisture that become acidic due to industrial chemical impurities in the atmosphere. If these acidic compounds settle on an exposed vehicle, especially the horizontal areas such as the hood, roof, and decklid,…

Bulletin L-SB-0022-24 · Structure · Apr 2024

Lexus vehicles are currently protected with RapgardTM protective film designed to protect the horizontal painted surfaces. This material protects from acid rain, environmental fallout, and rail contamination. Follow the Removal Procedure in this bulletin to re…

Bulletin L-SB-0021-24 · Structure · Apr 2024

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, listed for the RX400H FWD/AWD. Model-year data, not specific to one car.

2008 Lexus rx400h trims & engines on record

Trims
400h
Engines
3.3L 6-cyl 208 hp

2008 Lexus rx400h vehicles on record

Other Lexus rx400h model years

2008 Lexus rx400h — frequently asked questions

Does the 2008 Lexus rx400h have any safety recalls?

NHTSA lists no safety-recall campaigns for the 2008 Lexus rx400h. Whether an individual car still needs a recall repair depends on its VIN — check it on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer. Recall repairs are done at no charge.

What are the most common problems with the 2008 Lexus rx400h?

Across all 127 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are service brakes, vehicle speed control, engine.

What gas mileage does the 2008 Lexus rx400h get?

The 2008 Lexus rx400h has a U.S. EPA estimate of 25 mpg combined (27 city / 24 highway).

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