2008 Lexus Rx Hybrid: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2008 Lexus Rx Hybrid: 1 recall, 57 owner complaints.

Recalls
1 vehicle recall from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Hybrid system Vehicle recall #13V396000 · 2013 · 133,081 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: 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.
The fix: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ipm free of charge.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 0 mention a fire, 10 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Speed control / throttle (19): the most common themes are sudden acceleration (7).
- Brakes (hydraulic) (10): the most common themes are brake failure / soft pedal (2).
- Brakes (8): the most common themes are warning light on (3), noise or vibration (3).
- Electrical (5): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
The 2008 Lexus Rx Hybrid has 57 owner complaints, ranking #3 of 21 Rx Hybrid model years for complaints (3.5× the average Rx Hybrid year). Complaints peaked in 2010 (20 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 4 years old, at a median of 56,000 miles. Neighboring years: 2007 (59 complaints, 3 recalls).
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2008 Lexus Rx Hybrid.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yrStep-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.
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FAQ
Does the 2008 Lexus Rx Hybrid have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 1 vehicle recall for the 2008 Lexus Rx Hybrid. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2008 Lexus Rx Hybrid problems?
Owners have filed 57 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are speed control / throttle (19), brakes (hydraulic) (10), brakes (8).
Where can I get a 2008 Lexus Rx Hybrid repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.