2008 Lamborghini Gallardo problems

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The Lamborghini Gallardo (/ɡaɪˈjɑːrdoʊ/; Spanish: ) is a sports car built by the Italian automotive manufacturer Lamborghini from 2003 to 2013. It is Lamborghini's second car released under parent company Audi, and the best-selling model at the time with 14,022 built throughout its production run. Named after a famous breed of fighting bull, the V10 powered Gallardo has been Lamborghini's sales leader and stable-mate to a succession of V12 flagship models—first to the Murciélago (4,099 built between 2001 and 2010), then to the Aventador, being the first entry-level Lamborghini in one-and-half decades. On 25 November 2013, the last Gallardo was rolled off the production line. The Gallardo was replaced by the Huracán in 2014.

Overview

After Megatech purchased Automobili Lamborghini S.P.A in 1994, Italdesign Giugiaro was hired to design concept cars to replace their existing cars. One of the concepts built by them was the Lamborghini Calà, built to replace the Lamborghini Jalpa and was displayed at the 1995 Geneva Motor Show.

After the Volkswagen AG took hold of the company in 1998, the Lamborghini Gallardo was built on the basis of the Calà and had many features absorbed from the concept car such as the exterior design and the traditional V10 engine.

The car name is taken from the 18th century Spanish bullfighting breeder Francisco Gallardo. It means "gallant".

2008 Lamborghini Gallardo

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Common 2008 Lamborghini Gallardo problems

Based on complaints from owners of the Lamborghini Gallardo 2008, several common problems have been identified:

  1. Clutch Issues: Early models of the Lamborghini Gallardo, specifically the 2008 version, were known to have clutch problems. These clutches were prone to burning out quickly, often within 5,000 to 10,000 kilometers. This issue could be frustrating for owners, leading to premature clutch failure and the need for replacement.
  2. Interior Button Wear: The interior buttons of the 2008 Lamborghini Gallardo were reported to wear out prematurely. While some controls were well-constructed and durable, others showed signs of wear relatively quickly. This wear and tear on interior buttons could detract from the overall experience of owning the car.
  3. E-Gear System Failures: Another common problem with the 2008 Lamborghini Gallardo was related to the E-Gear system. Issues with the E-Gear system could lead to sluggish shifting and potential failures in the hydraulic actuator, impacting the overall performance and driving experience of the vehicle.
  4. Carbon Buildup in LP Cars: LP models of the Lamborghini Gallardo, including the 2008 version, were susceptible to carbon buildup issues. This carbon buildup, due to design oversights, required manual decarbonization, which could be a time-consuming and costly process for owners.
  5. Engine Problems - Carbon Deposits and Spun Bearings: Engine problems related to carbon deposits and spun bearings were also reported in the 2008 Lamborghini Gallardo. These issues could affect the engine's performance, leading to potential misfires, ticking noises, and oil leaks, requiring thorough inspection and maintenance to address.

These common problems with the Lamborghini Gallardo 2008 highlight the importance of regular maintenance, prompt repairs, and awareness of potential issues to ensure the longevity and optimal performance of this high-performance vehicle. Owners should be vigilant in addressing these known problems to prevent further damage and costly repairs in the future.

2008 Lamborghini Gallardo engine

Is Lamborghini Gallardo reliable?

Owns this car

This Lamborghini is by far the most reliable and best performing Lambo I have owned. I owned a 1970 Miura, 1985 Countach and 1990 Testarossa plus all the Corvettes up to 1996. The Gallardo was so far above in performance and reliability I just giggled every time I drove it.

Why are Gallardos so cheap?

Its price was so enticing in fact, it became the best-selling car Lamborghini had produced, with over 14,000 sales. However, because of this, the Gallardo is not as rare as other Lambos. Common supply and demand rules indicate that when demand is lower, so is the price, as is the case with the Gallardo now.

What is the mileage of Lamborghini Gallardo 2008?

Fuel Economy

City10 mpg
Highway17 mpg
Combined13 mpg

Is Gallardo a good daily driver?

The Gallardo is a reliable car, comfortable and versatile. As for DD, the only downside that comes to mind is trunk space. But if you have an H2, go for it. R8 just might be the most comfortable and daily drive able super car/exotic... But cargo space is still not great.

2008 Lamborghini Gallardo car problems categorized by type of issue

After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Lamborghini Gallardo problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:

  • Electrical system problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 2008 Lamborghini Gallardo vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

2008 Lamborghini Gallardo complaints

The NHTSA has received 1 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2008 Lamborghini Gallardo.

2019-10-17

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2019-08-30
  • VIN: ZHWGU22T88L
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
  • Summary: I DROVE MY CAR THROUGH THE DRIVE-THRU AND IT WAS UNEXPECTEDLY VERY SLOW. I GOT STUCK IN THE DRIVE-THRU FOR ABOUT 7 MINUTES WHILE THE ENGINE WAS RUNNING AND THE AC WAS BROWN AT MAX. I WAS IN GEAR 1 AND WAS PULLING THE LEFT AND RIGHT PADDLE SHIFTERS TO SET TO NEUTRAL BECAUSE I PICKED UP FOOD FROM THE WINDOW AT IN-N-OUT BURGERS AND SUDDENLY THE CAR WAS JUST AUTOMATICALLY SHUT OFF COMPLETELY. SO THE SHUT-DOWN OCCURRED RIGHT AT THAT MOMENT SO I DON'T KNOW IT HAD SET TO NEUTRAL PRIOR TO THE SHUT-OFF OR NOT. IT'S IN A INDETERMINISTIC STATE. ALL ELECTRICAL POWER WAS GONE. PEOPLE HELPED PUSHING MY CAR OUT TO OF THE DRIVE-THRU TO PARK SAFELY. I CHECKED AGAIN AND FOUND THAT ONLY THE RADIO WAS WORKING. THIS CAR HAS NEVER BEEN CRASHED OR SALVAGED SO THERE IS NO REASON THAT IT BEHAVES LIKE THIS. THE SOFTWARE MUST BE FAULTY. PRIOR TO THIS INCIDENT, RADIO AND MUSIC CANNOT BE PLAYED WITHOUT INSERTING THE KEY. AFTER THE INCIDENT, RADIO AND MUSIC CAN BE PLAYED WITHOUT INSERTING A KEY. THIS IS INDICATIVE OF SOMETHING FAULTY. I VERIFIED THE BATTERY WAS GOOD AND FULLY CHARGED, AND HAD GOOD CONTACT WITH THE CHASSIS. I CHECKED ALL THE FUSES AND THEY ALL WERE GOOD. I'VE BEEN OWNING AND DRIVING MANY CARS IN MY 28 YEARS AND NEVER HAD EXPERIENCED ANY CAR SHUT-OFF IN THE MIDDLE OF THE DRIVE UNTIL THIS ONE.

2008 Lamborghini Gallardo recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 2008 Lamborghini Gallardo.

2013-09-30
  • Manufacturer: Automobili Lamborghini America LLC
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:ROTOR
  • Summary: Automobili Lamborghini America LLC (Lamborghini) is recalling certain model year 2007 through 2009 Gallardo Coupes and Spyders fitted with carbon ceramic brake discs. The stainless steel screws that secure the brake rotors may fail after being exposed to salty conditions.
  • Consequence: Failure of the securing screws may result in a reduction of braking ability, increasing the risk of a crash.
  • Remedy: Lamborghini will notify owners, and dealers will replace the screws, free of charge. The safety recall began during November 2013. Owners may contact Lamborghini at 1-866-681-6276. The manufacturer's numbers for this campaign are L71X-R.01.13 (model year 2007 and 2008 Gallardo Coupe and Spyder) and L71X-R.02.13 (model year 2009 Gallardo Coupe and Spyder).

Negative 2008 Lamborghini Gallardo car reviews

  1. Hazel Stark 2024-01-11

    The new Gallardo did not meet my expectations. Lamborghini made no changes. The shifter occasionally gets stuck, which is frustrating.

Positive 2008 Lamborghini Gallardo car reviews

  1. Eldon Tromp 2024-11-28

    Beats the Ferrari...I've owned 2--no question about it. Improved horsepower, AWD and very exotic lines--a real head turner. Frankly, more fun to drive and the e-gear is a must! Design allows it to be a daily driver if that's what you want. And lastly, the sound--there is nothing else like it and you'll have to hear it to understand.

  2. Stephen Tillman 2024-11-14

    The 2008 is the last year of the original Gallardo. Several deficiencies from earlier years were addressed and overall, it is the greatest car I have ever owned. The e-gear is great (although not quite as good as the 09 560-4 that I recently drove) and I was always a 6-speed guy. The only real issue I have is all the attention it draws....but it's a Lamborghini, so I suppose it comes with the territory. I am surprised by the one negative review, because ultimately calling a 200k car a 'good deal' seems flawed from the start...gas mileage stinks, they are largely impractical and wicked extreme in nearly every way...but it's a Lamborghini!!! and it's wonderful.

  3. Sheridan Stehr 2024-11-07

    Hey there! I recently purchased the Nera Gallardo and made some modifications to the exhaust. However, I've noticed that it can be a bit too loud for phone conversations inside. On the bright side, this car effortlessly reaches speeds over 150mph and the brakes are amazing at high speeds. The ride is also quite comfortable, even for long drives. It's definitely not an everyday car though, as it tends to attract a lot of attention and other drivers often want to race it, from sports motorcycles to trucks. It gets around 12-14 mpg, but who really cares about that? While the Corvette may be cheaper and have superior numbers, how often do you actually see one on the road?

  4. Tyrell Hudson 2024-10-05

    This is a car that you should definitely consider getting. You'll be blown away by the smooth ride!

  5. Jamison Lakin 2024-09-07

    If you're searching for excellent value for money, you've come to the right place. The AWD's stability, combined with side and head airbags, makes it a safe supercar for all seasons. While it may not be as polished as a Porsche Turbo or match the exceptional handling, sound, excitement, and outright dazzling performance of the 360 CS, it's still a highly capable machine for all four seasons.

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Additional sources

More sources of information about 2008 Lamborghini Gallardo problems:

Common Gallardo Issues and causes | Lamborghini Talk
Common Gallardo Issues and causes | Lamborghini Talk
https://www.lamborghini-talk.com/threads/common-gallardo-issues-and-causes.206065/

Apr 23, 2018 ... Here's mine LP Gallardo: Issue: Oil dripping through undertray. Cause: Oil Pipe running through bottom of rear LH wheel-well had corroded and ...

2004 Gallardo- any issues to look out for? - 6SpeedOnline - Porsche ...
2004 Gallardo- any issues to look out for? - 6SpeedOnline - Porsche ...
https://www.6speedonline.com/forums/lamborghini/209829-2004-gallardo-any-issues-look-out.html

May 4, 2010 ... The rear main seals are prone to leaking. The AC compressors are somewhat weak. The rear view mirrors can eventually leak and ruin the switch ...

Gallardo common problem | Lamborghini Talk
Gallardo common problem | Lamborghini Talk
https://www.lamborghini-talk.com/threads/gallardo-common-problem.1805/

Apr 14, 2005 ... Gallardo common problem · 1) Unstable engine rev (rev goes up and down between 800rpm to 1,100rpm). · 2) Clicking sound under the hand brake · 3) ...

Lambo Gallardo Issues? - 6SpeedOnline - Porsche Forum and ...
Lambo Gallardo Issues? - 6SpeedOnline - Porsche Forum and ...
https://www.6speedonline.com/forums/lamborghini/182276-lambo-gallardo-issues.html

Aug 16, 2009 ... Lamborghini - Lambo Gallardo Issues? - As everyone knows Ferrari have their issues, such as their timing belt problems and thus forth.

Buying My First Gallardo - What Do I Need To Know? | Lamborghini ...
Buying My First Gallardo - What Do I Need To Know? | Lamborghini ...
https://www.lamborghini-talk.com/threads/buying-my-first-gallardo-what-do-i-need-to-know.173297/

Jan 23, 2017 ... Many have chosen the cheaper car and have had lots of maintenance issues that increased over all costs over the higher priced option. 2008 ...

Other years of Lamborghini Gallardo

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Gallardo 2004
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1

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lamborghini gallardo 2006 photo
Gallardo 2006
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2

2

7

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  • 1
lamborghini gallardo 2008 photo
Gallardo 2008
Lamborghini

1

1

13

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  • 2
  • 1

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2008 Lamborghini Gallardo photo