The vehicle dossier US · 2008

2008 Lexus
RX HYBRIDProblems & recalls

57 distinct owner reports in the NHTSA snapshot. Other components appears in 29 of them. Explore what was reported—and which official actions are on file.

Snapshot Sep 28, 2026Live NHTSA complaint API How this dossier is compiled

01 / Owner-reported evidence

What owners reported.

Categories attached to 57 distinct reports. A report can mention more than one component, so category totals can overlap.

Other components29 reports
Brakes22 reports
Electrical system5 reports
Steering5 reports
Visibility3 reports
Engine3 reports
Body & structure3 reports
Air bags3 reports
Fuel system2 reports
Transmission & drivetrain1 reports
See original component labels
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL19
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC10
SERVICE BRAKES8
STEERING5
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM4
SERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRIC3
EXTERIOR LIGHTING3
AIR BAGS3
ENGINE2
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM2
STRUCTURE:BODY2
WHEELS2
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)2
UNKNOWN OR OTHER2
HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM2
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY1
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE1
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD1
VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM1
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING1
STRUCTURE1
VISIBILITY/WIPER1
POWER TRAIN1
SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:ANTILOCK:ABS WARNING LIGHT1

These are reports made to NHTSA, not verified diagnoses. More reports can reflect more vehicles, more time on the road, or greater reporting activity.

The reporting timeline

When reports arrived.

Reports by year filed, not by the year a problem occurred. Showing the latest 14 years with reports.

Year filed (last two digits)Latest report: Jun 13, 2022
Mileage, where supplied

56,000 miles is the median among 49 reports with usable mileage. The middle half spans 16,900–87,160 miles.

This describes the submitted reports. It does not predict when a vehicle will fail.

02 / Official safety campaigns

1 recall campaign on file.

A campaign can cover only certain production dates or configurations. The count does not tell you whether an individual car has an open recall.

Sep 4, 2013 Safety recallHYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM: INVERTERCampaign 13V396000

Reported concern

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.

Manufacturer’s stated response

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.

Manufacturer campaign: DLF, D0M

Read campaign 13V396000 at NHTSA
Check this car’s VIN at NHTSA

03 / The manufacturer’s record

Instructions. Updates. Responses.

148 distinct communications list this model-year. Showing the latest 12. A matching model-year does not establish that every engine, trim or reported symptom is covered.

Dec 15, 2025 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsL-SB-0030-24 Rev2Some 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 …NHTSA ID 11027560

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 provide general guidelines and procedures for odor remediation. This Service Bulletin provides a guide on how to prepare and treat the interior of the vehicle for odor remediation. Refer to the applicable model and model year Repair Manuals and the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) website for the most up-to-date safety and precautionary guidelines. This Service Bulletin is to provide a general overview and direction for the odor remediation process.

Campaign / software reference: L-SB-0030-24 Rev2

Components: STRUCTURE:BODY. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 11027560 at NHTSA
Jul 29, 2024 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsL-SB-0030-24 Rev1Some 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 …NHTSA ID 11007456

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 provide general guidelines and procedures for odor remediation. This Service Bulletin provides a guide on how to prepare and treat the interior of the vehicle for odor remediation. Refer to the applicable model and model year Repair Manuals and the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) website for the most up-to-date safety and precautionary guidelines. This Service Bulletin is to provide a general overview and direction for the odor remediation process.

Campaign / software reference: L-SB-0030-24 Rev1

Components: STRUCTURE:BODY. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 11007456 at NHTSA
Jul 29, 2024 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsL-SB-0030-24 Rev1Some 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 …NHTSA ID 11006162

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 provide general guidelines and procedures for odor remediation. This Service Bulletin provides a guide on how to prepare and treat the interior of the vehicle for odor remediation. Refer to the applicable model and model year Repair Manuals and the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) website for the most up-to-date safety and precautionary guidelines. This Service Bulletin is to provide a general overview and direction for the odor remediation process.

Campaign / software reference: L-SB-0030-24 Rev1

Components: STRUCTURE:BODY. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 11006162 at NHTSA
Jun 21, 2024 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsL-SB-0030-24Some 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…NHTSA ID 11005121

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 provide general guidelines and procedures for odor remediation. This Service Bulletin provides a guide on how to prepare and treat the interior of the vehicle for odor remediation. Refer to all model and model year specific Repair Manuals and the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) website for the most up-to-date safety and precautionary guidelines. This Service Bulletin is to provide a general overview and direction for the odor remediation process.

Campaign / software reference: L-SB-0030-24

Components: STRUCTURE:BODY. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 11005121 at NHTSA
Jun 21, 2024 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsL-SB-0030-24Some 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…NHTSA ID 11005063

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 provide general guidelines and procedures for odor remediation. This Service Bulletin provides a guide on how to prepare and treat the interior of the vehicle for odor remediation. Refer to all model and model year specific Repair Manuals and the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) website for the most up-to-date safety and precautionary guidelines. This Service Bulletin is to provide a general overview and direction for the odor remediation process.

Campaign / software reference: L-SB-0030-24

Components: STRUCTURE:BODY. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 11005063 at NHTSA
Apr 19, 2024 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsL-SB-0023-24To 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 el…NHTSA ID 11003650

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 the vehicle is delivered to the customer. Consequently, the film should remain on the wheel for as long as possible.

Campaign / software reference: L-SB-0023-24

Components: STRUCTURE:BODY. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 11003650 at NHTSA
Apr 19, 2024 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsL-SB-0024-24The 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 p…NHTSA ID 11003648

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, especially the horizonal areas of the hood, roof, and decklid, significant damage can occur. This damage is the result of actual etching of the paint and appears as pitting or water spots. As acid rain droplets on the vehicle surface evaporate, the concentration strength of the acid increases, causing deeper and more rapid damage. This evaporation and corrosive action also occur more rapidly on dark colored cars as direct sun heat increases. While Lexus paint quality, durability, and resistance to environmental factors is continuously being improved, it remains the responsibility of the dealer to protect and maintain the vehicle’s paint finish from the time of arrival at the dealership until retail delivery to the customer. In areas known for high frequency and/or concentration of acid rain, frequent vehicle washing during high heat or humidity periods will minimize the potential for paint damage caused by acid rain. It is further recommended that either reverse osmosis or deionized water be used to prevent water spotting. SUPERSESSION NOTICE The information contained in this bulletin supersedes Service Bulletin No. BO029-91. •The entire bulletin has been updated. Service Bulletin No. BO029-91 is obsolete

Campaign / software reference: L-SB-0024-24

Components: STRUCTURE:BODY. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 11003648 at NHTSA
Apr 19, 2024 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsL-SB-0022-24Acid 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 suc…NHTSA ID 11003643

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, significant damage to the painted surfaces can occur. Acid rain damage can typically be identified on vehicles by the presence of stains on the paint surface that resemble hard water spots. Unlike water spots however, acid rain damage cannot be removed by regular washing procedures. Also, because acid rain can etch and soften the paint, normal buffing or polishing repair procedures should not be attempted. This can cause further damage and result in visible depressions in the paint surface. The following are the three major categories of acid rain damage: •Minor damage: requires only buffing to repair. •Moderate damage: usually requires neutralizing, color sanding, and buffing. •Severe damage: extending beyond 1/2 mil of clearcoat on a pearl, metallic, or solid color, requires neutralization, sanding, and repainting. In cases where acid rain damage is minor, neutralization and buffing with a liquid-type paint finessing product may provide an adequate repair. Only specially formulated products outlined in this bulletin should be used for that purpose. Unfortunately, other than minor damage, there is no simple method of determining the actual extent (depth) of acid penetration other than color sanding a representative affected area until there is no visible etching or depressions, followed by measuring the amount of paint removed with either a magnetic or digital-type film thickness gauge. The procedures in this bulletin are intended for use by qualified body/paint technicians and should not be attempted by inexperienced personnel. While the quality and durability of paint on Lexus vehicles is continuously being improved, it remains the dealer’s responsibility to protect and maintain the quality of the vehicle’s paint finish after receipt at the dealership prior to the first sale. Perform frequent vehicle washing, as often as daily, during high heat and humidity periods to minimize the potential for paint damage due to acid rain exposure. This is especially important in geographical areas known for high frequency and concentration of acid rain and industrial fallout.

Campaign / software reference: L-SB-0022-24

Components: STRUCTURE:BODY. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 11003643 at NHTSA
Apr 19, 2024 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsL-SB-0021-24Lexus 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…NHTSA ID 11003642

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 remove the RapgardTM protective film within 90 days from initial application. SUPERSESSION NOTICE The information contained in this bulletin supersedes Service Bulletin No. L-PG004-94. •The entire bulletin has been updated.

Campaign / software reference: L-SB-0021-24

Components: STRUCTURE:BODY. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 11003642 at NHTSA
Apr 19, 2024 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsL-SB-0020-24Vehicles 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 ident…NHTSA ID 11003641

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, red or brown particles on the paint surface. These particles are often difficult to see on dark color paints but can be easily felt when brushing a hand across horizontal body surfaces such as the hood, roof, or deck lid. Follow the Repair Procedure in this bulletin to clean vehicles that may have been subjected to contamination by airborne iron particles such as rail dust during rail transportation or extended storage near industrial areas.

Campaign / software reference: L-SB-0020-24

Components: STRUCTURE:BODY. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 11003641 at NHTSA
Apr 19, 2024 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsL-SB-0023-24To 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 el…NHTSA ID 11003595

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 the vehicle is delivered to the customer. Consequently, the film should remain on the wheel for as long as possible.

Campaign / software reference: L-SB-0023-24

Components: STRUCTURE:BODY. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 11003595 at NHTSA
Apr 19, 2024 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsL-SB-0024-24The 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 p…NHTSA ID 11003593

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, especially the horizonal areas of the hood, roof, and decklid, significant damage can occur. This damage is the result of actual etching of the paint and appears as pitting or water spots. As acid rain droplets on the vehicle surface evaporate, the concentration strength of the acid increases, causing deeper and more rapid damage. This evaporation and corrosive action also occur more rapidly on dark colored cars as direct sun heat increases. While Lexus paint quality, durability, and resistance to environmental factors is continuously being improved, it remains the responsibility of the dealer to protect and maintain the vehicle’s paint finish from the time of arrival at the dealership until retail delivery to the customer. In areas known for high frequency and/or concentration of acid rain, frequent vehicle washing during high heat or humidity periods will minimize the potential for paint damage caused by acid rain. It is further recommended that either reverse osmosis or deionized water be used to prevent water spotting. SUPERSESSION NOTICE The information contained in this bulletin supersedes Service Bulletin No. BO029-91. •The entire bulletin has been updated. Service Bulletin No. BO029-91 is obsolete

Campaign / software reference: L-SB-0024-24

Components: STRUCTURE:BODY. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 11003593 at NHTSA
Browse all manufacturer records by page

Records below contain the NHTSA bulk summary unless a document-reviewed explainer is linked. A service bulletin is not a safety recall or a promise of a free repair. Records may be revised or superseded; verify the current document with the manufacturer.

04 / Agency investigations

Official inquiries.

An investigation is an inquiry into a potential concern. Its presence does not establish a defect, and a closed case does not certify a car’s condition.

Opened Jan 27, 2023 ClosedPedestrian alert soundsDP22005

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 have a gross vehicle weight rating of 4,536 KG or less or are defined as low-speed vehicles. The standard became fully applicable to all such vehicles manufactured on or after March 1, 2021.On January 27, 2023, NHTSA opened Defect Petition (DP) 22-005 to evaluate the subject matter described in the petition. On June 24, 2023 and as supplemented on June 25, 2023, the petitioner notified NHTSA he was withdrawing his petition. The petitioner indicated that, based on his review of data, there is no justification for asserting potential benefits that could be derived from actions sought by my petition. Based on the petitioner's withdrawal, DP22-005 is closed. Closure of this DP does not represent a determination by NHTSA regarding the subject matter of the petition.

Recorded closure: Aug 7, 2023

Campaign reference in the source: 22V063000

Find investigation DP22005

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