2008 Lexus Rx400h recalls & complaints
Source: NHTSA, updated daily. Last checked 2026-10-18. Recalls apply to specific VINs — run your VIN to confirm.
1 safety recall, most serious first
1. Hybrid / EV system
What's wrong, in plain English: High-voltage battery or drive system. 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 could happen: 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. 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.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 2008 RX400H.
- Book a repair at any authorized Lexus dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 13V396000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Manufacturer hotline: 1-800-331-4331.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM: INVERTER
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.
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: 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.
Notes: 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.
Useful for owners
- OBD2 code reader — see what the car's computer is reporting
- Compact car fire extinguisher
- 2008 Lexus Rx400h owner's manual
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Brakes (38), Vehicle Speed Control (23), Engine (19), Unknown Or Other (15), Electrical system (10).
Complaints are unverified reports from owners. A pattern (many complaints about the same part) matters more than any single one.
Read recent complaints (8)
08/05/2026 · Transmission / drivetrain
1. Ignition System: While driving the key in the ignition lock came out loose! Exremely frightened and managed to pull the car over to a driveway. But, the car could NOT be stoped using the key fob. Key will not work to stop the engine. Very unusual and unexpected incidence. 2. Lighting system switch: Suddenly the knob of the light switch came out loose w…
06/13/2026 · Electrical system
Dear Sir or Madam. My name is [XXX], [XXX], [XXX] living in [XXX]. I bought my 2008 Lexus RX400h car, used, in 2014 at a non-Lexus dealership in the [XXX] where I used to live. My Lexus VIN is: [XXX]. I've been satisfied with the car..until today. The car had been running smoothly forever, and this morning while I was driving I came to a stop (red light)…
04/15/2026 · Brakes
While trying to leave my driveway my brakes went out almost causing me to go through a pasture fence. On the dash board popped up ABS and VSC warning. Now the module and regulator is making a horrible sound. And clicks
08/21/2025 · Electrical system
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2008 Lexus RX 350. The contact discovered a mileage discrepancy after the purchase. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 114,000. It was later discovered that the mileage on the Owner’s Title was 265,000 based on a Carfax Report. After speaking to the son of the former owner…
07/18/2025 · Visibility (wipers / glass) · crash
While driving my 2008 Lexus RX 350 on a hot day, the gum-like material from the interior door trim began to peel and smear across the inside of the driver’s side window as the window was rolled down. This completely obscured my view of the side mirror and rear surroundings, causing a sudden and dangerous loss of visibility. As a result, I was unable to see…
07/03/2025 · Electrical system
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2008 Lexus RX350. The contact stated that while obtaining a Carfax report, it was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 124,000. The contact stated that after obtaining the Carfax report, it was discovered that the mileage was…
05/08/2025 · Brakes
The dealer is aware this vehicle has a brake actuator problem,and when I contacted them to see if it had a recall for this specific problem,I was told to call Lexus Corporate to get them to honor the repairs at their cost.They told me they would not repair the car at their cost because the Extended Warranty support program ended 4-28-2018.This is a very uns…
01/14/2025 · Engine
Vvt-I oil line failure. Limited service campaign ended in Dec 2021. No notice sent, no repairs suggested at the dealership within the eligible period. Vvt-I failed and engine lost all oil in minutes while driving, coating the front passenger brake caliper and rendering the breaking dangerously difficult on the passenger side on the highway.