DecodedCars2008 Lexus LS
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2008 models.
- Class
- Midsize Cars
- Body styles
- 460 4dr Sedan RWD, 460 L 4dr Sedan RWD, 600h L 4dr Sedan AWD
- Engines
- 5.0L 8-cyl, 4.6L 8-cyl
- Horsepower
- 385–438 hp
- Drivetrain
- 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive, Rear-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Hybrid, Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 21 combined · 20 city / 24 hwy
- Length
- 198–202.8 in
- Curb weight
- 4,365–5,049 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 2 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid as well as gas.
- AWD / 4WD available
Watch out for
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 24 similar 2008 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2008 Lexus LS is a midsize car offered with 2 engines (5.0L 8-cyl and 4.6L 8-cyl), including a hybrid version and 4-wheel or all-wheel drive and rear-wheel drive.
It measures about 198 inches long and 74 inches wide on a 117-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,365 lb (460 4dr Sedan RWD).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 21 MPG combined (20 city / 24 highway), 0% better than the 2008 midsize car average of 21.1 MPG, for an estimated $3,900 a year in fuel.
It has 2 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 97 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the service brakes.
What changed for 2008
- New hybrid version
- Engine added: 5.0L 8-cyl
- All-wheel or four-wheel drive now available
Compared with 2007; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2007 LS →
Trims, performance & features
Trims
Built in: Tahara, Aichi
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 4 2008 LS configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 460 4dr Sedan RWD | 198 in | 74 in | 58.3 in | 116.9 in | 63.4 / 63.4 in | 4,365 lb | 52/48 |
| 460 L 4dr Sedan RWD | 202.8 in | 74 in | 58.3 in | 121.7 in | 63.4 / 63 in | 4,464 lb | 52/48 |
| 600h L 4dr Sedan AWD | 202.8 in | 74 in | 58.7 in | 121.7 in | 63.4 / 63 in | 5,049 lb | 52/48 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LS 600h L Hybrid | 5.0L 8-cyl | Automatic (S8) | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 20 / 22 / 21 | 0% | $3,900 | 423 |
| LS 460 | 4.6L 8-cyl | Automatic (S8) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 16 / 24 / 19 | -10% | $4,350 | 468 |
| LS 460 L | 4.6L 8-cyl | Automatic (S8) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 16 / 24 / 19 | -10% | $4,350 | 468 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2008 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2008 Lexus LS under the current (2011+) test program.
Similar 2008 midsize cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 Lexus LS (this car) | 21 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2008 BMW 5 Series | 21 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2008 Mercedes-Benz E-Class | 26 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2008 Audi A6 | 21 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2008 Jaguar XJ | 19 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2008 Lexus GS | 23 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2008 Lexus ES | 22 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
Recalls (2)
Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Hoses, Lines/Piping, And Fittings · Oct 15, 2014
NHTSA campaign 14V647000 · 422,509 vehicles
- Problem
- Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2007-2010 Lexus LS vehicles manufactured May 9, 2006, to July 20, 2010, 2006-2011 Lexus GS vehicles manufactured January 6, 2005, to September 10, 2010, and 2006-2011 Lexus IS vehicles manufactured August 30, 2005, to September 10, 2010. Due to anti-corrosion plating remnants, fuel may leak from where the fuel pressure sensor is attached to the fuel delivery pipe.
- Risk
- A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
- Fix
- Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will clean and reseal the fuel pressure sensor mounting area, free of charge. The recall began March 3, 2015. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331.
Engine And Engine Cooling › Engine · Jul 6, 2010
NHTSA campaign 10V309000 · 138,874 vehicles
- Problem
- TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2006 THROUGH 2008 LEXUS PASSENGER CARS MANUFACTURED FROM AUGUST 26, 2005 THROUGH AUGUST 4, 2008. MICRO-FOREIGN OBJECTS IN THE MATERIAL OF THE VALVE SPRING MAY DEGRADE THE STRENGTH OF THE VALVE SPRING, POSSIBLY CAUSING THE SPRING TO BREAK.
- Risk
- THE ENGINE COULD FAIL AND STOP SUDDENLY WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
- Fix
- TOYOTA WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND DEALERS WILL REPAIR THE VEHICLES FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 2, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT LEXUS AT 1-800-255-3987.
Not every 2008 Lexus LS is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2008 Lexus LS buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 2 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Service Brakes — 46 owner reports. Brake firmly from speed; check for pulling, pulsing pedal or ABS warning light.
- Structure › Body — 8 owner reports. Open and close every door, the hood and tailgate; look for rust or misaligned panels.
- Electrical System — 8 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 86,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Hybrid system. Check for hybrid-system warning lights and ask whether the high-voltage battery has been replaced or is still under warranty.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2008 Lexus LS. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other LS years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 LS | 21 | 206.3 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2025 LS | 25 | 206.3 in | Not rated | 3 | 3 |
| 2024 LS | 25 | 206.3 in | Not rated | 2 | 0 |
| 2023 LS | 25 | 206.3 in | Not rated | 2 | 1 |
| 2022 LS | 25 | 206.3 in | Not rated | 1 | 0 |
| 2021 LS | 28 | 206.3 in | Not rated | 2 | 6 |
| 2020 LS | 28 | 206.3 in | Not rated | 2 | 0 |
| 2019 LS | 28 | 206.3 in | Not rated | 4 | 7 |
| 2018 LS | 28 | 206.3 in | Not rated | 4 | 19 |
| 2017 LS | 19 | 200.4 in | Not rated | 0 | 2 |
| 2016 LS | 20 | 200.4 in | Not rated | 0 | 6 |
| 2015 LS | 20 | 200.4 in | Not rated | 1 | 7 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Lexus. How we calculate this →