Four problems related to power train have been reported for the 2008 Lexus IS. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2008 Lexus IS based on all problems reported for the 2008 IS.
Fuel pressure sensor shorted out inside.
Ever since I had this car, I always had the constant problem of a weird engine smell of rotten eggs, it overheats out of nowhere constantly after multiple repairs and maintenance paid out of pocket. It would shut off while driving anywhere. These are just some of the receipts.
I bought 2008 Lexus Is250 with 123k miles on 05/18/19. I had inspected by a mechanic prior to purchasing it. On one ocassion pror to accident, I backed out of a drive way. When I shifted the automatic transmission from reverse to drive it sudden accelerated for a brief moment, but it was clear in front of me and I remain in control. It only happened to me that one time that week and I thought nothing of it. In the morning of may 29, 2019 the car was parallel parked with a vehicle both in front behind it. My wife slowly back up the car to allow room to pull out of the parking spot. She turn the front wheels towards the curb so that the front of the car would slightly stick out. When she shifted the automatic transmission from reverse to drive, the car suddenly accelerated, jump over the curb and hit the concrete wall of a school. She panicked at the sudden acceleration and does not remember if she step on any pedal during that time. She only knows it accelerated as soon as she shifted to drive and then the car hit the wall. There were no injuries and no other car was involved. We moved the car off the side walk and notified the insurance and the school admin. The insurance declared it a total loss and took ownership of it. A gasoline car accelerate by opening the throttle to allow more air into the engine. The electronic throttle suddenly open due to the physical electronics and/or software controlling it when the transmission Is shift between reverse and drive. Dr. Ronald a. Belt theory seems plausible. If true you would think just changing the software to get an average of voltage samples would prevent the over compensation of the ecu throttle controller cause by low voltage spikes. . Read more...
Per the forums and used fb groups, all Isfs year models 2008-2014 are affected the valley plate leak due to the fact that Toyota/Lexus utilized the improper sealant and used the improper amount, leading to the heat exchanger leaking coolant once the original, inadequate sealant begins to disintegrate. This could cause a condition where the engine could fail and someone could get hurt. Furthermore, all Isfs will eventually have a cracked rh manifold on the #8 runner. This can cause a fire hazard in addition to carbon monoxide poisoning. I personally had this Issue on my 2008 and know at least 100 owners who have also had this Issue fixed. I am sure many more are out there.
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| Vehicle Shudder problems | |
| Noises During Shifting problems |